LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Press, Volume XIII, Issue 1731, 26 September 1868, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

(From the « Wanganui Chronicle.") The p.s. Sturt came into the river on Thursday night, bringing down from Patea many of the women and * children of that unfortunate district. Yesterday afternoon the p.s. Woodpecker brought down a few of Captain Page's men, who it will be remembered, were enrolled in "Wellington for three months' service, and whose time * expired on the 16th. They did not choose to re-enrol. It was agreed that these men were to be conveyed ] back to Wellington, but by some over- - 1 sight there is no order to that effect, <- and although the Sturt sailed for the capital last night, they were not allowed to go with her. A talk has been got up of cutting the bush, and the Sturt, it is said, has brought axes for the purpose. The mention of the thing seems feasable ' enough, but we believe it will be found utterly impracticable when put to the | test. Armstrong guns are also spoken of. These too will do us little good. Captain Faircbild informs us that the force from Hawke's Bay, under j Major Frazer, is composed of steady, well disciplined, well behaved men, and that in these respects they are quite a contrast to some of the others who have gone to the Front. There is therefore much to hope for in this accession to our force. [fBOM* OUK OWN COItEESPOIS"T>E"NT]. Patea, September 18. n Yesterday the rebels crossed the E Tongahoe river, and set fire to the block-house and other buildings at Mokoia. This last movement confirms tl the news we have already received that n the Pakakohi will join Tito Kowaru. £ On Tuesday last at noon, the rebels crept down towards Turu-Turu-Mokai, and fired a very heavy volley at the outlying sentry but fortunately missed him. Ensign Morrison, in the absence of Captain Spiller, who had gone to Waihi on duty, immediately ordered all hands under arms. Soon after the volley at the sentry, a settler's house was set fire to, and immediately foi- *■ lowing Mr Gilfillan's bouse also was " burnt. The rebels were clearly seen from !:the camp, and one or two volleys fired at them, which caused them to take cover rapidly in the adjoining bush. About a quarter of an hour after the destruction of Mr Gilfillan's house the rebels were It seen running towards Mr Cameron's 2 whare, in the direction of Matangara, and the force at Turu Turu Mokai & again opened fire on them, but could j not save Cameron's house. I Yesterday most of tbe families left here for Wanganui, and it is probable t , that the remainder will leave when the i Sturt returns. The position of affairs d here is indeed so critical that it is not fi desirable that women and children * should remain. Yesterday Colonel McDonnell, accompanied by Colonels Haultain aud Whitmore, left for Waihi. Major Frazer and his company have also left P for the front. The majority of the Wellington Eangers will take their discharge, and, in compliance with the terms of enlistment, will be taken back to Wellington by the Stuit. The loss of so many men at such a grave crisis will be i severely felt.