MILITARY MATTERS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 13, Issue 674, 19 April 1869, Page 2

MILITARY MATTERS.

Siitce our last issue, Hauhau fires and one or two hostile natives have been seen between Petane and Tutere Lake ; and there is reason to suppose that there are scattered parties of rebels in that vicinity. An orderly who arrived in town yesterday reports that when he passed through Arapawamii, the river had suddenly become muddy, and a number of calabashes had floated down, from which the natives inferred that a body of mounted men were crossing the river higher up. Mr Withers reports that on passing through the Waipatiki valley, he observed, on tnrning a corner rather sharply, a smoke, as from a small fire being extinguished ; and, seeing a mo\ ement in the scrub, he looked closer and saw a native dressed in a blue smock, who darted into the SGrub as soon as observed, This was about 7 - 30 a.m. yesterday, and the native is supposed to be a Hauhau scout. On Saturday evening the Government took extra measures to prevent a surprise at Petane. Double sentries and strong patrols were posted; the inhabitants in isolated houses were recommended to congregate at a central place; the whole force at the camp was to be under -Brms at a moment's notice. A sentry v-as posted on the hill above Petane,. with blue lights to be used in ca>e of any alarm; and another at the Spit with blue lights to answer the signal. A mounted orderly was also stationed at the Spit, with instructions to be in readiness to warn Captain Kennedy, Captain Tanner, and the officer commanding at Napier. All No. 2 Company, and Captain Tanner's troop were to turn out at the sound of the bugle. Captain Wray, commanding the detachment of the 18 th Royal Irish, has kindly offered to instruct his sentries to keep strict watch to Pe tane, and to give instant alarm should any signals be observed. Sirai lar precautions were taken during last night. It is to be hoped that there will be no occasion for any night alarm, but it is only right to be prepared. Yesterday morning intelligence was received that the Ist Division of Col. Whitmore's force, consisting of 250 men, had landed at Tauranga on the 14th, accompanied by the Hon. J. C. Richmond, Native Minister. Col. Whitmore himself followed on the 16th, in the Scar of the South, The 2nd Division was. coming round in the St. Kilda and Sturt from the West Coast by the East Cape, and consisted of 220 men with arms and stores. The Lord Ashley, which brought down the Ist Division, returned to Auckland to i ring on the 2nd Division, and was xpected at Tauranga yesterday or