The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1868. LATEST NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 182, 4 August 1868, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1868. LATEST NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

We regret to state that telegraphic intelligence has reached Wellington from Napier to the effect that the Hauhau rebels, who lately made their escape from the Chatham Islands had made their way from their first entrenchment at Poverty Bay, to the fastnesses of the Uriwera country, with all [their baggage, booty, arms, &c, after defeating the Government force under Captains Westrupp and Wilson, 100 strong, who had been sent to intercept them, and who, it appears, had fled to the bush, leaving 80 horses and part of their provisions, clothing, and accoutrements in the hands of the rebels.

Another skirmish afterwards took place between jthem and Captain Richardson's force, in which all the friendly natives bolted as soon as the first shot was fired. The remainder of the force, however, made a stand, and one Haubau chief was taken prisoner, who had in hia ; possession the horse which belonged to Captain Wilson, who had been defeated in the previous skirmish. It is reported that a friendly chief had gone over to the Hauhaus, betraying all our plans, and giving full information of our numbers to them.

We learn from the. Wanganui Herald of Saturday that things are not wearing a very favorable aspect at Patea.

On Wednesday morning, about twelve o'clock, the escort going from Waihi to Patea, was attacked by about eighty Maoris, a mile and a-half this side of Waihi. The escort consisted of twelve of Von Tempsky's men and six mounted troopers. They were attacked near a gorge, and the men at once faced round with their hacks to the drays. One man was dangerously wounded, and another slightly. The attack was seen from Waihi, and Von Tempsky immediately marched to the assistance of the escort. Two (friendly ?) Maoris were carried away. The Hauhaus fled when reinforcements arrived. The light volunteer horse at Patea, 40 in number, and the most efficient and best disciplined men in the district, have refused to serve in consequence of having too heavy 4 work. They were compelled to be in their saddles night and day. Their resignation appears to have been received in a very unconciliatory manner by Colonel M'Donnell, who refused to see them.