WELLINGTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1005, 17 August 1868, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(PBOMyOUB OWK COIffiESPONDEWT.) Eriday, August 14. Napiefj yesterday.— -Eorces marched 7 7 on 6th, without" horses, to endeavor to' overtake the enemy. Took rations for three days. They were 130 strong. Made .great efforts, and succeeded in overtaking them. They were in fully, equal . force, and strongly posted in very difficult gorges of bed and banks of Bua-ki-Ture lliver. .Although, hungry and tired, our forces begged to be allowed to proceed against the enemy when they first sighted them. Attacked them fiercely, but not strong enough to carry their position at a rush. Engaged the enemy for two hoUra, arid drove them out of their first position. Our men drew off before sunset, -«--- : they had several wounded. The enemy did not dare to follow. They had gone to camp when we approached their position, but they broke up in haste after action, and by daylight had retreated far up the gorges. Our forces would have attacked next day but for want of food. Two volunteers, Captain Carr, and Mr Canning, were killed. The constabulary behaved splendidly, f Our casualties amounted to nine. The enemy must have lost heavily, as many were shot in front at very close quarters ! when trying to charge our advanced guard. The Napier natives behaved better than any other Maories who have fought for the Government this campaign. If the Tauranga Volunteers had been with our troops, we should have utterly ; < destroyed the enemy, who are now march-. ing ori to take part in a.runanga (council), to be held at the entrance of the Tarawera Gorge. Major Eraser is stationed at "Wairoa, half-way from Napier to Tauranga, to be available in case of necessity.