LATEST FROM PATEA

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 138, 3 October 1868, Page 4

LATEST FROM PATEA

Patea, Sept. 17th, 1868. The correspondent of the Times writes that the p.s, Sturt leaves for Wanganui in an hour or two, so I send you the following intelligence which you may rely upon;— Tito Kowaru has taken up a position at Tiaporehenui, within a little over half-a-mile of Turn Turn Mokai redoubt on the edge of the bush, and is strengthening his position. He has been joined by our socalled friendly chiefs, Tito and Wheri Matangi, with all their fighting men, and his force has been daily augmented by our friendlies. Will you believe it—will the Parliament believe it—will the colony believe that, the enemy having placed himself in a trap, instead of taking the advantage of fighting him in the open field, Colonel Haultain has solicited, or proposed to solicit, his forbearance ! That I have every reason to believe is the case. lam told that yesterday he had a consultation with Tauroa—another friendly just on the point of following Tito and Wheri Metangi to join Tito Kowaru—and suggested to him that he should go and ask that cannibal not to cross the Tanghoi river, thus soliciting forbearance! lam told that Colonel Haultain has suggested to Colonel McDonnell to withdraw from Waihi and all other outposts, and leave all the country beyond the Tangahoi river in the hands of the enemy! It is said that McDonnell became furious, determined to make one blow, and then resign. He at once ordered Major Fraser and his men to the Front, and with them the whole cavalcade, including Colonel Haultain, Colonel Whitmore, and Major Gumming, started to-day for Waihi. We are all certain that McDonnell will order an immediate attack, and that, should Colonel Haultain insist upon preventing it, he will at once retire in disgust. Should that be the case, look at the result. Our outposts abandoned, it would require a garrison of a thousand men to hold Patea, and can the colony afford that and continue it for years to come? Mr. , who saw Colonel McDonnell today just before starting, heard him tell that he would either attack Tito Kowaru, or resign and leave Colonel Haultain to assume the responsibility. The p.s. Sturt takes down all the liquor seized in the Patea groggeries, but it is said that actions will be entered against Colonel McDonnell for closing them. Waihi, 15th September, 1868.

I have now to inform you that Tito Kowaru has crossed the Waingongoro and taken up a position at Tiaporehenui near Turu Turu Mokai. Last night he sent out an ambuscade to take post near or at Sweeney’s Hotel, on the road to Patea, to shoot down any of our people that might be passing by. The hotel was shut up, and Mr ■ Sweeney I believe atManuwapou. The: scoundrels went in and carried away all the liquor and valuables, and then set fire to the hotel, which was soon burnt to the 'ground. The dwelling-house of Captain Morrison, situated- within about 30 chains of Turu Turu Mokai they also burnt down. ■ ' Captain Morrison, who is at Patea, had a good deal of property on the premises. Some

of the men who behaved so badly on Sunday, and left the camp, have not since been heard of. I have much to say, but must close, as the messenger is about to start. OTHER PARTICULARS. The Wanganui Chronicle contains some additional items of intelligence relative to the field force at the Front. It is anticipated that the force from Hawke’s Bay under Major Frazer, being composed of steady, well-disciplined, wellbehaved men, very much superior to the raw levies, will be able to do much good service. The general character of the news is unpleasant, and it is stated the position of affairs has become so critical, through one species of mismanagement and another, that the most likely thing seems to be that the whole force will have to be concentrated on Patea. It is said that the rebels in considerable force have already shown themselves within sight of the township.