THE NATIVE WAR.

Southland Times, Issue 1073, 14 December 1868, Page 3

THE NATIVE WAR.

LATEST FROM THE NORTH. The- following telegraphic despatches appear in the ' New Zealand Sum,' : — Napieb, Dec. 5. 8.45 a.m. A combined attack was made upon Ngatiporou by the Native Contingent at "3 p.m. on Wednesday. Lieutenant G-ascqigne, with the few Europeans under his command, showed a brilliant example. The struggle was desperate but short. THe enemy evacuated their rifle pits, retreating homewards to Puketapu, leaving 30 men dead on the jield. The number of wounded is not known. The chief Nama, who is believed to have caused the Poverty Bay massacre, is amongst the dead. Henare Pata, Mkora's brother, is also killed. Our loss was 1 ■ European and 2 Natives kilied, and 1 .Native wounded. Our men captured 6000 rounds of ammunition. One prisoner was taken, and it was learnt . from him that Te Kooti was wounded in theshoulder at thejengagement at Poverty Bay on the 23rd lit., and was carried off ' the field in a litter by seven men. He returned three days before the last action at Puketapu with 250 men, women, and children. Napieb, Dec. 6th, 5.20 p.m. The Allies attacked the enemy on the afternoon of Eriday, the 4th, six miles from the scene of the former engagement. There were 55 of the enemy killed ; the number of wounded is not known, bat is supposed to be numerous. On our side, the causalties were — Killed, 1 ; wounded, 5. Our forces have completely surrounded the enemy, and it is expected hourly tnat they will rush them. Dread is felt here that Colonel Whitmore will spoil all our success. The Ngatiporous detest him. Most of the chief perpetrators of the Poverty Bay massacre have been killed. The Ahuriri sailed on Saturday even- ■ ing to bring back Tanner's troops. Wellington, Dec. 6, 11.57 a.m. , Napier, Eriday.— The enemy's position was attacked on Wednesday. After a short, sharp struggle the rebels were driven in the direction of Puketapu, leaving thirty deaS. bodies upon the field. Two thousand rounds of ammunition were taken. Te Kooti, on a litter, accompanied by two hundred and fifty men, left some days before. The Ngatiporou followed in close pursuit, and at latest dates they are said to have overtaken Te Kooti. The Ladybird and Sturt, with Whitmore on board, were off the East Coast last night. He is ordered by Mr Biehmond to land at Wairoa. Amongßt the dead are Nama and Henare, two of the most bloodthirsty . chiefs. More news soon expected. December 6. iV A petition to the Governor is being extensively signed, praying him to summon Imperial assistance. It conveys the general feeling that there are not sufficient means at command to suppress rebellion, and that the colonial troops are inadequate for the purpose. 5.15 p.m. H.M.S. Charybdis arrived last night, from Sydney. Colonel Herrick has been left in charge of the Wanganui district by Colonel Wbitmore. The appointmndt has caused great dissatisfaction, as Herrick was, but a few days ago, a lieutenant, and has been promoted over the heads of every captain at the Front. He got his various steps in the same number of the 1 Gazette." '-"JSrstockade has been erected at Mana"''witu,: capable of being manned by 500 men.

Major Edwards, commanding in that district, reports that everything is quiet. The Whaka ma a charged with the murder of the pedlar Cornerupp, was yesterday remanded for eight days. An impression prevails that there will be a difficulty in convicting him, owing to want of identification of Cornerupp's bo.lv. No inquest was held, and the Whaka man was brought to town without being confronted with the dying man. It is rumored that the prisoner confessed the murder to the apprehending constable. _ # # The " Wanganui Times " persists m its version of the -Kupapa expedition story, and states that it can prove the truth of that story. The forty-five constables who hare come up from the South appeared to be the best lot of men yet enrolled. They have arrived at Wanganui. A monster meeting of Maones was held yesterday at Tupurupuru, in the Wairarapa district. The proclamation of the Maori King, for a general rising, was read. Ngatiro and Waiwaka spoke earnestly for peace ; and a decision was ultimately arrived at, generally, that the Wairarapa should not be disturbed. News has been received, that the Chatham Island Natives, who had been landed in Taranaki, were peaceful, and were going to settle down. A large meeting of Friendly Native chiefs had been held in Taranaki, and was conducted peacefully. Mr Parris and the Superintendent of the Province were present at the meeting. The result was favorable to peace. The Chief Patara has written to the ' Taranaki Herald,' saying that peace will be maintained with the Europeans, and , that the Natives will leave their disputes to the laws. The Tyne, with wool from Wanganui, has gone ashore inside the Heads. Nelsox, Dec. 6. One hundred and fifty-one Natives arrived at Taranaki in the barque Collingwood. They are the balance of prisoners. They intend to settle down quietly and peacefully. A meeting of over twenty Friendly Native chiefs was held at Taranaki. The meeting was peaceful and quiet. Courtesy and kindness were shown to Mr Parris, the Superintendent, and other Europeans, and friendly intentions were expressed. Napier, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. The Ahuriri has arrived from Poverty Bay, with Tanner's troops on board. Mr M'Lean addressed to the men a few complimentary remarks, thanking the Volunteers for their readiness to serve the Colony. Captain Tanner replied that the confidence the people had in Mr M'Lean was the cause of the men's coming forward ; and that if the men were wanted again, the expression of Mr M'Lean's wish that they should serve, would be sufficient to secure their services at any moment. There was plenty of cheering for Mr M'Lean and for the troop.