THE NATIVE WAR.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 422, 7 December 1868, Page 2

THE NATIVE WAR.

LATEST FROM THE ERONT. MORE ENGAGEMENTS. £IOOO OFFERED FOE TITOKO WARIT. (BY ELECTRIC! TELEGRAPH.) (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) "Welt-g^oton, Sunday, 5 p.m. Further news from Napier has been received. There has been a battle between eighty of Te.Kooti's men, and a party of the Ngatipororu tribe, accompanied by twelve Europeans. Fifty of the rebels were killed.

Our loss was two Europeans and one Native wounded.

The Ngatipororu are pursuing the main body of the rebels. The Hon. Mr Richmond has gone to the Front with Colonel Whit more.

Mr Wilson (? Mrs) is out of danger. The steamer Blanche has arrived at Napier. It is now ascertained that Te Kooti has only been wounded.

Erom Auckland information has been received up to November 26. Mr Mackay reports that Wheoro will send twenty-five men to Rangariri. The rest of the tribe are ready to support them, if necessary. Peace is doubtful, and vigilance is recommended to be used.

Mr Mackay says that a party of Europeans should be stationed at Mongauharu River. A large meeting of the Ngatimanapotoi Natives has been held at Totangamutu.

By the arrival of the steamer Murray, from Wellington, via Nelson, we have also late information from Napier and Wanganui. The following are the principal items of intelligence: THE EAST COAST.

The latest telegrams from Napier state that a skirmish had taken place ou Wednesday, between an escort and a foraging party of Hau-haus. One of the rebels was killed, and 50 horses, 1000 rounds of ammunition, and 7 cases of biscuits, previously seized from us, had been retaken. There had also been an engagement with the enemy on the 25th., when our loss was four killed and twelve wounded. The enemy are said to be in position about thirty-five miels from Turanganui, encumbered with horses, sheep, women, and children. The Wairoa contingent nearly 300 strong, were expected at Reinga, and it is confidently anticipated that the position will prove one of the greatest importance for our troops Latest intelligence from the scene of action affirms that at last fight neither could bury their dead, on account of the galling fire kept up by both parties. A chief from Taupo reports all quiet at "Waikato, waiting the result of the operations on the East Coast.

The Ladybird was despatched from Wanganui on Friday evening with Colonel Whitmore and 350 Armed Constabulary under his command to Poverty Bay, where the position of the enemy in that neighbourhood is thought by the G-overnment to afford an opportunity of striking a decisive blow, and thus by effectually crushing the rebellion on the East Coast, leave the troops free to resume their operations against Tito Kowaru. The policy of this step is much questioned, it being feared that Col. Whitmore, on his arrival at Poverty Bay, may find himself involved in complications which will preclude the possibility of his return for an indefinite period. Tbe Ahuriri had also been despatched to Napier with volunteers and sixty cavalry, and an Armstrong gun, brought by her, had been taken twelve miles iuland. The Rob Roy had alsoarrived with thirty-two Armed Constabulary from Canterbury and Otago, where recruiting is actively going on. H.M. s.s. Charybdis was also to leave Sydney for the West Coast station immediately. THE WEST COAST. The Government has made a concession to popular feeling at Wanganui, which is well appreciated. The Military command at Wanganui has for some time been held by Colonel j G-orton, who appears never to havej

had the respect or confidence of the people of the district. Colonel Gorton has been appointed Military Storekeeper, under the "Military Stores Act," and the command at Wanganui is given to Captain Noakes, who has qualities which better recommend him to those over whom he is placed. In addition to the Native force under Kemp, who have undertaken to harrass Tito Kowaru, the Goverment have sanctioned the formation of Europeans, who will volunteer as Bushrangers to beat up the enemy's country, and who, in addition to the ordinary pay of the armed Constabulary, will receive a shilling a day extra, and a premium for every rebel they may capture and every weapon they bring in. A price of JBIOOO has also been set upon Tito Kowaru, and with these inducements it is hoped the service will be entered upon with spirit. The premium is £5 for every lad or man brought in ; for a Government rifle or breechloader, ; for double-barrel gun or revolver in serviceable condition, 10s ; for single-barrel gun in good condition, ss. A strange rumour comes by way of Otago that the Maori population of the Chatham Islands were to leave fo i Taranaki by the barque Collingwood.