THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. "Vérité sans peur.” Wanganui, August 23, 1860.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 205, 23 August 1860, Page 2

THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. "Vérité sans peur.” Wanganui, August 23, 1860.

The news from Taranaki, via Nelson, reaches to the 11th inst. John Hurford’s body was found on the 6th, by a party of 58 soldiers and volunteers, that had gone out in search of it. The bullet had. entered near the shoulderblade, passed diagonally .through the body, and come out at. the lower rib of the left, side In the skirmish with the rebels on the v 4th inst. several of them were killed and wounded. On the Oth General Pratt returned from Waitara to Taranaki, and the Victoria sailed the same day with despatches for Government. On the 7th the trenches round the town, which seem now to be nearly completed, were manned, and inspected by General Pratt.. On the 11th a proclamation was issued, desiring all women and children to hold themselves in readiness to go to iVelson. On the 12th, about 100 were sent off by the Victoria, and about 400 more were to follow immediately. It is believed that on that day the troops in the Omata district were engaged with ' the rebels, as firing was heard in that direction in the morning, and before the Victoria left troops had marched from the town to assist, in answer to a signal requiring succour. It was expected that the- 15th would see the beginning of General Pratt’s operations. Mr. Brown was rather better.

Tim Southern Cross of the 7th inst. says, “ there is good authority for believing that there are already 4000 men pledged to support King; that King keeps no more than about 700 with him, to spare the provisions, recruiting his losses as they, pcpur by corresponding indrafts.' 5

There is no further account of the native meeting at Auckland. It is supposed that the cost will be about .£3OOO, and-the beneficial result not proportionate. It is proposed that the meeting shall Ibe. yearly, and ,that it be held next year at Wanganui. The intelligence from Waikato is of a mixed character. Matutaera (Potatau’s son and successor) is, like his father, peaceably, inclined, l'he interdiction of trade at Kawhia has had a good effect in the neighbourhood of Ngaruawahia, and .the Governor’s message to the chiefs at Kohimaratna has made a favourable

jin passion, -so that .two frjtbes’ hitherto holding attend the meeting. On the other hand; 700 Waikatos have gone to Taranaki to r join King, and one of their influential chiefs, Katipa, declares that his,own, head shall fall before the fidgstafffis cutpdownif