WAIROA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 17, Issue 961, 8 March 1871, Page 2

WAIROA.

[from a corkespondent.] March 7. A very distressing occurrence took place here on Friday night last. One of the Constabulary, named Jones, started to crofts the river in a small canoe, two others leaving about the same time in a larger one. The two men reached the other side in safety, ■but poor Jones did not; or, if he did, lie must have been drowned in attempting to return, as nothing further has been seen of him. The canoe was found next morning, bottom upwards; but though a diligent search has been made for the body, it has not been found. Ropata has arrived at Te Reinga, having sent on about thirty of his men to Te Kapu to get provisions. They have been very badly off for food, and have been living on tawa berries for the last clay or two Captain Porter goes on to Napier, T believe for provisions. The Ngatiporou, I hear, are quite exhausted lrom fatigue and poor living. They presented a deplorable appearance when they arrived. They say they were within two day's march 1 of Te Kooti's camp when they were obliged to return to Wairoa for provisions. I give you this-jnews as T hear it. lam iaclined to think that -when Captain Porter returns they will continue their expedition. I am happy to say that we are at last to get rid of two more scoundrels, in addition to Renata —namely, Rewi te Mahu and Kuare, who are to accompany Rtnata to Napier. Kuare, it is reported, was one of Te Kooti's executioners, and, certainly, if one may judge by his looks, he is well qualified for that office, for a more forbiddinglooking villain you could scarcely wish to see.

"We have had a good deal of rain here the last day or two, and the river is very high. lam happy to say that the fresh will keep open the mouth of the river which was rapidly closing with the late heavy gale from the south.