WANGANUI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1356, 7 February 1865, Page 5

WANGANUI.

(From the Special Correspondent of the Wellington Independent, Jan. 30.) The three remaining companies of the 18th arrived this morning from Manukau, by the C.T.S. Alexandra. Owing to this vessel's draught of water, it is not considered for her to come inside, and, therefore, the Sandfly and Gnnaagai went outside and brought the troops and baggage up the river. The colonial gunboat Sandfly, commanded by Captain Marks, has been actively employed lately in landing the troops, which have at various times been brought down from Manukau by H.M.S. Falcon, Eclipse, and the different transport ships that could not enter the river. During the short time the Sandfly has been stationed here, she has crossed the bar some twenty-five times and landed over 2000 soldiers. In fact, till the arrival here on Thursday last of the Waikato river steamer Gundagai, she was the sole means of communication with vessels outside.

As the Gundagai may be called upon to play a prominent part in the future proceedings, it may not be amiss to state that she is one of the steamers lately used by the Government on the Waikato ; she draws only 2ft. 6in. of water,is built alike at the stem and stem, and is ball broof. The steersman stands on the bridge, and is well protected from any Maori bullets by an iron house. This is not shipped at present, but of course will be as soon as there is any necessity for it. It will be the General's interest to get as far as Patea as soon as possible, as there he will be able to make a sort of depot station for commissariat purposes. There are various reports among old settlers as to the capabilities of the Patea river, but from what I can gather both the abovementioned steamers can enter safely, which will materially lighten the duties of the commissariat department by doing away, at least partially, with the present slow bullock teams. These, together with a long string of pack horses, start from town every day with stores for the Camp. The Wanganui people have heard and read of the " camp," and the "front," many of them never for a moment suspecting that they would ever get a taste of th<sm. T!>r>y will, however, soon have enough of them, for I fully believe that the Militia irlU be called out in.

a day or two, to garrison redoubts, &c., and bo increase the number of available regulars by relieving them at the Kai Iwi. Two mare dead Maoris have been found, making the total number of bodies fallen into our hands fourteen. With this exception, there is no further news from the camp. Tuesday, Jan. 31. The Sandfly started about 9.30 this morning with General Cameron and staff, for the purpose of examining the entrance of the Waitotara river. They steamed along shore, at from a quarter to half a mile distance till off the entrance, which they approached - within about four hundred yards. Captain Cadell, Superintendent of the Waikato fleet was on board, and from what I can learn, was fully satisfied as to the Gundagai being perfectly able to enter, should the latter vessel succeed in crossing the bar, it will at once be seen whether the Sandfly can follow. The General returned to Wanganui about half-past three p.m. As I anticipated yesterday, the Militia and Volunteers of No. 1 sub-district are called out, also the Cavalry. They are to parade to-morrow, when they will be told off to garrison the redoubts at Kai Iwi and Dr. Mussen's place. The No. 1 subdistrict lies on the right bank of the Wanganui, and includes the town and country as far as Kai Iwi. The calling them out will put a great stop to business. There has a great deal of building going on lately, and many shops are in an unfinished state, much to the annoyance of their owners. But in critical times like these, it behoves every mail to put his shoulders to the wheel, and I believe all the duties will be performed cheerfully. At present the Militia and Volunteers on the left bank are not called out, and unless anything very important turns up, are not likely to be. I think it is quite time that the Customs and Post Office should be constituted separate departments, for with the extraordinary increase of work, consequent on the influx of shipping, it must be impossible for the officials to get through their duties without working early and late. The Government has, without doubt, a very active and zealous servant in Mr. Woon, but I think lie ought to have more assistance than he has. In the event of the present run of shipping continuing, it will become an imperative necessity on the part of the Government to do something in the matter. ° T?nh 1

Wedneiday, Feb. 1. The Militia and Volunteers paraded, as ordered, this morning at 10 o'clock, on the Market place. The duties hare been so arranged that it portion will go out for a fortnight, at the end of which they will be relieved by those who remained at home. After all, I cannot think that General Cameron ever wished them called out, for I have repeatedly heard that he wished to confine the fighting to the soldiers. I should not be surprised at the Maoris identifying the settlers with the fighting now, and if so, we may perhaps soon have some murders, &c. VVith the war close at hand, the Militia called out, it is not very courteous on the part of Ministers to leave the General without any member of the Cabinet to assist him with regard to the settlers. Of course, the Major commanding Militia is anxious to push himself forward, especially if the report be true, that he is likely to be removed without caring about those under him. . ~ One of those many hair-breadth escapes incidental to the present war occurred yesterday at the front. Sergeant-Major Atkinson, of the civilian commissariat bullock corps, and J. Jones, private of the same, were out looking after strayed bullocks. They found one pair entangled with the chain, and dismounted to free them. They had no sooner dismounted than they were fired upon by some natives, a short distance off. Considering discretion the better part of valour they mounted at once, and rode off as hard as they could. A short space in front of them was a small swampy gully, which Jones' horse managed to clear, but Atkinson was not so lucky, as his horse stuck fast. A native with a Jung-handled tomahawk, happening to see him stuck, immediately hastened after him, and, notwithstanding that Atkinson fired off two of his revolver barrels, would have finished him had not Jones returned and fired at the native with a double-barrelled gun, killing him instantly. By this time Atkinson's horse had extricated himself, and although the natives tried to cut them off, they managed to get back to camp all safe. The General is to start for the front this afternoon, I believe ; I shall be out there to-night, and will keep you au oourant with the proceedings. Latest from Wanganui.—Our special correspondent adds the following, just as the steamer left: — The news has come down the river that seventy natives were killed the other day. Four Waikato chiefs included. Some think the natives mean they have 70 killed and wounded, but the natives tell me for certain 70 killed alone.