LATEST FROM NAPIER.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 147, 5 December 1868, Page 5

LATEST FROM NAPIER.

Two More Engagements—Fighting' still going on. Eiffht kegs gunpowder taken from an Escort by the Enemy. Nov. 21. —Tareha Ihaka, and a party of friendly Maoris, about 400 strong, advanced to Patuhahi, and found a mounted party of the enemy numbering about 50. They killed two, and the rest at once retreated, pursued by our Maoris. Captain Westrupp is acting well with the Maoris, but feels the want of a European force. Panatena Potiti and 5 other chiefs were found dead. Only 37 natives came from the East Coast. The s.s. St. Kilda is in bad order, and the Government have detained the Ahuriri. — Advertiser.

23rd, 7 p.m. —Forty friendly natives came in on Saturday evening at ten o’clock, being afraid that they would be mistaken by our troops for Hauhaus. There is general alarm felt, and the troops and militia are ready for action at a few seconds’ notice. The St. Hilda arrrived yesterday from Wairoa. The 5.3. Ahuriri has arrived from Poverty Bay. Mr. M'Lean has ordered advances to be made from both places in order to get the enemy between two fires. The Poverty Bay force is now out pursuing the enemy, who is retreating, but Major Lambert, at Wairoa, refused to recognise Mr. M‘Lean’s authority, alleging that he has separate instructions, which are hence abortive. The s.s. Ahuriri has, in consequence, steamed for Wairoa, and it is supposed the native force will be called upon to act without reference to Major Lambert, otherwise disaster will impend. H.M. s.s. Rosario is at Tauranga. No enemy yet seen. Affaiis in Waikato are in a critical state. 25th, 7 p.m. —Major Lambert having been telegraphed to, to obey the orders of Mr. M‘Lean, a native force of 300 men has been organised, wlxich, accompanied by Preece, was to leave Wairoa this moi ning to effect a junction with Westrupp’s force. It is feared that a well-conceived plan has been foiled through Major Lambert’s obstructions. Nothipg later from Poieity Bay. The s.s. Ahuriri sailed to-day, and will probably return to-morrow with news. Last night the cutter Emma, on Government service, landed here second lieutenant Bussell, of H.M. s.s. Rosario, to telegraph to Wellington. She had a terribly rough passage. There are rumours here of a large gathering of natives at Taupo. 27th, 10 a.m.— Captain Westrupp reports as follows :—The success was only partial; for, after inflicting a loss on the enemy of more than twenty killed, and carrying away two rifles, our contingent retired for the night to a hill overlooking the enemy distant 1,600 yards. Our loss was four killed and twelve wounded, one dangerously. Neither party can bury their dead, on account of the galling fire kept up by both forces There is some reason to think ie Kooti’is killed, for one of the enemy cried out “As you have lost your head, I will be your chief.” The voice was recognised as Te Waru’s. Our position is admirably situated for artillery and rocket practice. Fighting at long ranges still going on. _ In another letter I see distance of position stated by Westrupp to be thirty-five miles from Turanganui. Fox has gone_ with a 12-pounder howitzer in the Ahuriri, taking all the ammunition that can be spared both from the magazine and from private persons. Twogoodhas gone to join the native contingent at Poverty Bay.. A despatch has been sent overland to urge the Ngatiporou from Wairoa to come to the assistance of the friendlies. 28th, 10 a.m. —An escort party, on their way to Poverty Bay, has been attacked by a mounted body of the enemy, who captured from them eight kegs of gunpowder. 30th 7-30 p.m.—'Tanner’s volunteers have left in the Ahuriri for the Front. They comprise 60. mounted men and are for escort duty. An Armstrong gun has taken 12 miles inland. Communication is again open overland. Fighting.is still going on, and the result is' looked forward to with confidence. The following telegrams have been received by the Government: Noy. 29th. —Despatches have been received'* stating that the enemy wer,e engaged; on the 25th. The enemy are said.to be in position about thirty-five, miles from Turanganui, encumbered' with, horses, sheep, women, and children. Wairoa expedition,' nearly 400 strong,, are expected; to,at r Beinga, and it is confidently anticipated that the position will prove one of the greatest importance for our troops % It is now reported bn good authority that it is

very doubtful whether Te Kooti was killed in the recent engagement. The loss on our side, on the 25th, was 4 killed and 12 wounded, 30th, 8 a.m. —Communication opened with forces at the Front. Ngatiporenui, from Wairoa, not yet joined. Lieutenants Richardson and Wilson, of Napier Militia, have gone down. Captain Tanner is entitled to thanks for volunteering with all his men—cavalry volunteers. Some of them have gone west to-day. A chief from Taupo reports all quiet at Waikato, waiting the result of the various operations on the East Coast- He gives the number of the enemy at Poverty Bay at 700 ; uncertain as to numbers that may join from other tribes. 200 of Rewi’s people he knows of as ready to join the ex-prisoners. A party of Otaki natives, overland from Waikato, report the King party as quiet.— Independent.