LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Southland Times, Issue 578, 15 October 1866, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

A TROOPER SHOT AND TOMAHAWKED.

From the Correspondent of the Wanganui Times Hawera, 24th Sept. On the 2nd instant, I gave you a short account of the failure of Mr. Parris's attempt at peace making, and related how Major M'Donn ell at once commenced active operationsby auight march in the direction of Ketemarai , resultin ginth c skirmish with the Hau-haus nest morning, in which Captain Ross and others were Avounded. On the sth instant, the "Wanganui Eangers and the Native Contingent marched from Hawera to Ketemarai, and encamped outside the bush. On the 7th they moved by an old Maori pah, situated about 600 yards from the bush, and have built a redoubt there, which has been named Te Whenuku. The close proximity of this position to the bush, affords the Hau-haus a good opportunity of wasting their ammunition, of which they have not been slow to avail themselves. On the 14th ir.si-, they showed in force on the skirt of the bush, and occupying an old Maori pah, amused themselves by firing into the redoubt. The Bangers and Native Contingent turned out, and advancing in sldrmishing order, retui*ned their fire — with interest it would appear, as we were informed by the friendlies at Hawera that the Hau-haus had two of their number dangerously wounded, whilst we had no casualty. On this occasion a white man was distinctly seen in advance of the Hau-haus, firing with a long rifle, and particularly aimißgai ■, group of officers. The road from Ha y. era to Te Whenuku runs parallel to the bush, and in some parts approches to within 30;> yards of it. As may be easily imagined, ambuscades are frequently laid by the enemy to cut off solitaty travellers. Captain Newland and Cornet Kenrick had a narrow escape on the 13th, and orderlies and others have often been fired at, but up to yesterday no one had been hit. I much regret to relate that the Hau-haus were more successful yesterday. It appaars that a cart was sent frnm Hawera to Te Whenuku with stores, escorted by three troopers of the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry. When about half way they were fired into. Private Haggerty end his horse were shot dead, and also one of the cart horses. The othertroopers behaved most gallantly. They covered the escape of the other carter, and retired slowly, firing. The Hau-hans tomahawked poor Haggerty, and captured the shaft horse. A party from Te Whenuku brought in the body and the cart, which latter, strange to say, was not looted. Captain Leatham's troop of Defence Force arrived at Patea to-day ; they are a splendid looking corps, and a welcome addition to our small force.