RETREAT OF COLONEL HERRICK.

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

RETREAT OF COLONEL HERRICK.

WANGANUI ENTRENCHED. Wellington", December 8. 3.13 p.m. An offer made by Captain Montgomerie, of the Blanche, to land fifty men of the Eocket Brigade at Poverty Bay has been accepted by the Government. The Challenger from Sydney is expected here. The Eakaia, which leaves to-day, is said to be the last Panama steamer. The Government is determined to reach the number of Armed Constables proposed by the Weld Ministry, viz., fifteen hundred, and Captain Stack is recruiting at Melbourne for the purpose. The Charybdis is expected to leave for Poverty Bay hourly. Hunia, chief at Wairarapa, has advised the outlying settlers to come in, as he apprehended the possibility of an attack from Tito Kowaru. A certain amount of excitement in consequence. 5.30 p.m. A messenger has just arrived from Wanganui. "Woodall's Redoubt was abandoned by Colonel Herrick, and at once taken possession of by the Hauhaus before Herrick's eyes. Herrick's force have entrenched themselves at a place about five miles from Wanganui. The greatest indignation prevails at Wanganui. The peopla of Wanganui are entrenching the town without loss of time under an expectation that an attack will be made. 6.30 p.m. The ' Evening Post ' says that on Friday last, two of Tito Kowaru's Hau-haus came to Woodall's Eedoubt with a flag of truce to warn the Militia and Armed Constabulary inside to evacuate, as it was to be attacked that night. Colonel Herrick sent them to Wan- ! eanui, when, upon being searched by the police, a watch was found on them which belonged to a man killed at JNTgutu-o-te-manu. They were brought before the Magistrate. The Wairarapa Militia is to be immediately called into active military ser- ' vice. The Government has received a telegram from Mr M'Lean, stating that 55 more Hauhaus have been killed by the Friendlies, six miles from the place of the last engagement, with only one Friendly killed and five wounded.