LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXV, Issue 3851, 24 December 1869, Page 3

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Welinciton, December 20. The death of Mr. Balfour, Marine Engineer, has caused great gloom here, and his loss is deeply regretted. The Flying Squadron is expected in Wellington on the 20th January, and to reach Auckland by the Ist of February. We (Independent) learn by telegrams from apier, received on December 15, that Topmi, who was supposed to be looking after Te Kooti with a view to securing him anil handing him a prisoner to the friendly natives, has sent a message of defiance to Topia on hearing that the latter had become a Government man, and declares that he will himself protect Te Kooti. This opposition of Topini has had the effect of making Topia more determined than ever to capture Te Kooti. Sixhundied friendly natives paraded under Kemp, Pehi, and Topia, on Monday last, previous to setting out from Koriuitini. Kemp and Pehi placed themselves under the direction of Topia, who thus assumes the command of the expedition. It is said that Topini was on his way to the Upper Waitara to obtain assistance for Te Kooti from Titokowaru, when he heard of Topia's declaration of his adhesion to tne Government, which caused him to change his plans. h. collision between the two bodies of natives is daily expected.

Duxedin. The Oainaiu coach upset in the Kakanui liiver on Wednesday evening last, and was smashed to pieces. Mr. Paterson, Civil fingin'eer, and a young lady, supposed to be Miss Ross, foimerly a teacher here,- were di owned. The driver, iej>t of passengers, andhoraes escaped with gieat difficulty.