ARRIVAL OF THE WANGANUI.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 429, 15 December 1868, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE WANGANUI.

LATEE FEOM NAPIEE. THE EXPEDITION ABANDONED EEIENDLY NATIVES GOING HOME. By the arrival of the steamer Wangamii, fron Wellington and Wanganui, we have papers containing later news both from Poverty Bay and from the front at "Wanganui. At Poverty Bay matters do not seem to have progressed very satisfactorily after the arrival of Colonel Whitmore, in consequence of the disaffection of the Frieudlies. The following telegram had been received by the Government from Mr J. C. Bichmond :—" Our expedition has not ended quite satisfactorily. Nagatiporou ana Ngatikahungaru disagreed, Tareha having saved a prisoner able to carry arms; and Eopata thinking it a bad omen, Ngatikahungaru returned, but Ngatiporou made another attempt. Eopata delighted all by his courage and skill. The enemy's position is an old pa, on a peak of a cliff, three sides being protected with bush in front. Two long spurs and a gully are commanded by the pa. Eopata and party climbed the cliff by the aid of the trees, and took a part of the entrenchment, when night came on. They held the trench all night. Short of powder, retired, and came away. The Hauhaus arc burniug their tents and spare clothing. The women and children were heard escaoiug down the cliff. Scouts go out directly to see whether the enemy remain. The Ngatipor us are anx : ous to get home, but will come again when se r tfc for. Whitmore was well received, and is acting considerately towards the natives. Total loss on our side, 10 ki'led and 20 wounded—4 dangerously. Hauhaus, about 50 bodies sound, 3 prisoners; 9 hit in the trenches last fight, 4 of whom known to be dead. Te Kooli and party are sti'l in considerable strength and retreating, making rifle pits as they go towards Puketapu." A private te'egram of later date says : —" It is generally supposed that Whitmore will go per Sturt to Wairofr, as be'ng now the proper base of operations. Fraser is to go on, and hey will meet each other. The expedition is virtually collapsed, unless renewed by Whitmore. The Blanche left here last evening. Karaurea, an Ahuriri chief, died of his wounds. Tanner's cavalry returned per Ahuriri." A still later telegram contains the following unfavorable intelligence : " By the arrival of the Sturt to-day we learn that the Ngatiporou and Wairoa natives have abandoned ..the pursuit of Te Kooti and gone home. The Ahuriri natives are expected tomorrow with the body of the chief Karaurea, which will be carried in state. Colonel Whitmore is at Turanganui waiting, but for what purpose nobody knows. The expedition against the enemy is apparently abandoned. The action of the Ministry with reference to the Wanganui and Poverty Bay districts shows wretched mismanagement, The memorial to the Governor protesting against the action of the Ministry is being numerously signed."