LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 147, 5 December 1868, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Gallant Attack near Nukumaru. Eight Hauhaus killed.

From the Wellington Post of the 2nd inst. we learn that on the 27thult. Sub Inspector Newland marched with all his cavalry, 06 of all ranks, to Wairoa, three hours before daylight, remained 5 or 6 hours, returning at 11 a.m. with the despatches. He reports “ I reached Nukumaru at about one p. m., and in accordance with our orders remained in concealment until an opportunity presented itself to act. After waiting about an hour and a half, perceiving a considerable number of Hauhaus about Mr. Handley’s woolshed, I directed some of the men *to advance dismounted, and followed with the rest of the force on horseback. Unfortunately a carbine went off by accident, which gave the alarm, and prevented our being as completely successful as we had hoped, but as soon as possible we mounted the dismounted men and charged, killing eight with sabre, revolver, or carbine. I wish particularly to mention the extreme gallantry of Sergeant G. Maxwell, of the Kai Twi Cavalry, who sabred two and shot one of the enemy, and was conspicuous throughout the affair. Many others of all corps behaved extremely well, but i think it would be invidious to particularise further. The enemy turned out immediately and kept up a sharp fire, following us about three miles. The enemy is encamped in large force in the rear of Nukumaru, near the bush, and has six bell tents erected. I returned to camp at 6 p.m. I must acknowledge the assistance rendered to me by Captain O Hallron, P.Y.C., and Lieutenant Bryce, Commanding Kai Iwi and Wanganui Cavalry. These gentlemen were prominent in this affair, and set their men a gallant example.” The Post, of the 2nd inst, says : —We loam from a private letter from Waugauui, written on Sunday evening, that Titoko Warn has entrenched himself on the Kai Iwi. Col. Whitmore is on the opposite side, and they are firing at each other across the stream. It is thought by some that this fortification of the enemy’s is merely a ruse, and that his real intention is to attempt outflanking Whitmore, and advance by the Brunswick line. The Sturt has "made four unsuccessful attempts to get into Patea, and is now in the Wanganui river. The Carlyle Volunteers were ordered to march overland, but some of them refused to go. The remainder of the cavalry was to accompany them, but it is thought now that Col. Whitmore will retain them in anticipation of another fight with Titoko Waru.

By the last accounts from Wanganui, we learn that the Ladybird and Rangitira are both lying in the river. There are no accounts of any contemplated embarkation of any part of Col. Whitmore’s force beyond a rumour that 150 men are going to the East Coast. We presume that Titoko Waru, having defined his whereabouts by taking up a position in front of our forces, has necessitated a change in the plans of the Government.

Major Cumming has been ordered to proceed to Taranaki to raise a company of volunteers to serve in the Patea district ! That is truly like “ going to the goat’s house to look for wool.” Taranaki requires assistance, and instead of being able to supply men for the Patea Field Force, must have men from other places for the defence of New Plymouth, which is at this moment in daily apprehension of being attacked.—- Wanganui Times.