Latest from the Front.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4013, 8 November 1881, Page 2

Latest from the Front.

(FBOM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) PUNGAREHU. Monday. This 'morning began with stormy weather and heavy rain, the men-in most cases were under canvas before nightfall on Sunday, but some corps were left without tents, and are now, at 2 p.m., seeking shelter where best, it may be found. , At Manaia Captain Somerville, of the | Wanganui Cavalry, has been patrolling frequently, and from what I can learn, he has performed moat efficient service. Major Atkinson left camp this morning, so doubtless the promised proclamation will Boon be published, but it is unlikely that any movement will be made in this inclement weather. ' I heard of one amusing report by the officer in charge of the Guards, who arrested the straggler to .whom I referred in my last. The report says there is nothing particular to report except that a man was found wandering on the road and brought in by the sentry, and on enquiry it was found that he was a special correspondent. I therefore made him a prisoner." I may say a policeman's life is not a happy one, but what is it to ! that of a correspondent at the front P At a meeting of gentlemen representing the Press of the Colony, it was resolved to present a respectful letter to the officer , commanding the district asking permission 1 for free access of correspondents to the camps. It is to be hoped it will be met properly. Dr Driver was despatched to Kahotu this morning on receipt of a telegram stating that an officer of the Wellington Naval Brigade had received a sunstroke. A report obtains currency that a reconnaisance party has been despatched to search for defences in the interior. Lieut. Fitzherbert left for Wellington today on leave of absence. . The Wellington Navals and Wanganui men were on the alert last night.at Bahotu but nothing occurred calling for their services.

Later.—This day. Heavy rain continues, and the position of the troops is not a comfortable one. A notice has been posted in Parihaka calling upon the natires to disperse forthwith. The Wanganui natires hare crossed} the river Waitotara, which runs through. Parihakftj to their own whares. 'I he Armstrong gun is placed on the hill overlooking the meeting place. A redoubt will be thrown up. The hill has been christened " Fort llolleston."

Both Bryee and Jiolleston are in lamp and will experience the delights of a soaking day under canvass. The volunteers are in good spirits, arid it is satisfactory to hear songs of all sorts as one passes the different tents. The sentries have a rough time of it, and the officers on picket, to enable work this wet weather. Their chain of sentries extend alonfctiie broken hills"and gullies, and the duty of Visiting these entails considerable toil. Qf course in sucli* weather tents come to grief occasionally. About noon the canteen tent collapsed, causing considerable damage, and shortly after the tent occupied by Lieiits Goring and Bluudeil (Weilingtou Guards) succumbed. As the last named had been on picket all night, and was doubtless enjoying a good sleep on a mass of wet canvas, it would act as a refresher. :

Later on, tents arrived for the Nelson Battalion, and the site of the camps was changed to a hillside on the left of Parihaka. There can be no doubt the Volunteers have been tried and found willing and enduring. It must be stated that on Friday night they were paraded at Kahotu at 8 o'clock to see that every man was complete. On Saturday morning they breakfasted at 4 o'clock, paraded at half past, and marched at 5, arriving at Fapara about 7 o'clock. They were then halted for a short time when Major Pitt advanced with the Nelson and Thames men to take up a position on, the hills overlooking Parihaka from the left, aud to arrive at the locality ordered, the men had to go through tough scrub bush, besides climb* ing the Maori fences, and,this in heavy marching order, When the advance was sounded at eleven, all closed in, but until past noon the Volunteers were in marching order —a period of nearly eight hours —and, in addition to this, that the guards and sentries had to be provided for on .Saturday night. All will admit that our Volunteers have behaved well, and proved satisfactorily that the Volunteer Service is to be relied upon in case of an emergency. I have kept from mentioning how your correspondent was enabled to report the proceedings of the arrest as an eye witness, after being refused per* mission, to be near the scene of action. It was known that some correspondents and civilians had proceeded to the bush iv | the early morning. It being absolutely i necessary that the proceedings should be reported for the satisfaction of the public, I succeeded after considerable difficulty and toil, in getting into a position such as gave me a complete . view of all the movements. This- position might have been easily conceded at first. Te Whiti, Tohu, and Hiroki are still in the Pungarebu blockhouse, and will proceed, via Opunike to Wellington by= the Hinemoa, which is expected today.' The; natives have read, the receut Proclamation, and should the tribes not separate, it is probable that their chiefs will be arrestoii. The substance of the Proclamation, which is in Maori, is that all are to return to their owu neighbourhood ; those natives who have claims on the.confiscated land must > leave the Settlement of it to the Government. . It is not likely that the Maoris will disperse,