LATEST NORTHERN NEWS.

Southland Times, Issue 993, 27 July 1868, Page 3

LATEST NORTHERN NEWS.

: (From the " Wellington Independent," July 18.) *EHE ESCAPEES FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS. (By Eiectbic Telegeaphl) Napieb, 5.30 p.m. Startling intelligence has been received here trom Poverty Bay. At one o'clock on Thursday a messenger arrived from "Wairoa, bringing despatches from Capts. Deighton aud Biggs. Their contents may be stated as follows : — ",. The Hau Hau prisoners at the Chatham Islands, who were guarded by only fifteen men,, suddenly made, a rising — attacked and overwhelmed the guard, and thus effected their liberty. After first taking the precaution to bind Captain Thomas and the guard, they next seized a French whaling vessel, which was lying at the Chathams, and, it is supposed, compelled the crew, by force and threats, to take them to New Zealand. At all events, the late prisoners, who are 180 in number, did land at Whareongaonga, close to Poverty Bay, on Saturday last. It is stated they were fully armed, the being that they had obtained fthe rifles and ammunition from the Grovernment store at Wharekotiri, in the •Chatham Islands. They are now intrenched in a pah near Poverty Bay. It is believed that their landing in New Zealand is part of a preconcerted scheme for a general rising on the part of the rebel N atives. : 4 Captain Biggs has 120 men-with which to proceed against them, but urgently requires reinforcement. When Mr Deighton arrived here, he at once despatched Ihaka Whanga and some Natives to his assistance. Nothing is known as to particulars, but Volunteers are being raised. Colonel Whitmore and his men proceed to the assistance of Captain Biggs to-morrow. We have been informed in Napier that the Eosario and Waipara are both coming with reinforcements to. our aid. The Telegraph is constantly "at work, and it is stated that both the Eosario and the Waipara would be employed by the Government to proceed to Napier and Poverty Bay. r There is intense excitement both in

r the towa and country districts of the j Province. [ itis Honor Donald M'Leao, Esq., the . fciio .Superintendent, is much missed. . A vessel is expected almost every : miuute.