The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1870. LATEST NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Issue 26, 31 January 1870, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1870. LATEST NATIVE INTELLIGENCE.

ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN TE KOOTI AND THE FORCES UNDER COL. M'DONNELL. The following telegram from Col M'Donnell to the Premier appeared in Saturday's Independent : — Camp Tapapa, Jan. 25, 1870. On the evening of the 24th, I sent Kemp and 200 Wanganui natives on to have a nearer view of the enemy's position, and arranged to attack it at daylight, Kemp remaining out all night. The rest of the force were to start early aud meet him. This morning just as we were about to start, I was attacked from a bush closß to the village, and a smart fight ensued. Of course we drove them off, but not till we had one native killed and six wounded, and one European dangerously wouuded. The enemy left three bodies behind them and must have suffered, as we were firing at each other within 30 yards. Kemp hearing the fighting, crept up to Te Kooti's position, and when close to it was fired on, but soon drove the enemy (only ; some teu men) out of it, they taking to the bush. He burned the village (it was not a pa) took and brought in 100 horses and reports having shot 20 more. This I consider a severe loss to the enemy. I have spent to-day in makiug this place defensible, and will mount as many men as we can to-morrow (about 130) at daylight, and ride to Horohoro, or iv that direction, sending a strong party through the bush, and see if I can come upon the enemy. I learn from the prisoners that Hakaraia aud Te Waru are with him.