WELLINGTON.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1018, 30 January 1869, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

BY ELJSCT&IC TELEGRAPH.

PBOM OUB OWK COBBBSPONDBNT.

[The first part of the following appeared as a Hbrat-T) "Extra" on the morning of Thursday last.J

Wednesday, January 27. Private letters from Wanganui are very desponding about Colonel Whitmore being able to strike an early blow. The rebels have been employing their six weeks' leisure in completing a chain of bush posts, and, unless the rebels force an engagement, which seems improbable, it may be several weeks before Colonel Whitmore feels warranted in risking an attack.

The absence of Mr. M'Lean's powerful assistance in the organization of native forces, is much felt.

A Chronicle " Extra " of Tuesday says : — Last night Colonel Whitmore sent out a scout corps to reconnoitre, preparatory to a move forward, on the old Weraroa road. This party must have been seen by the enemy, as, at six this morning, they were ambuscaded on leaving the bush. Constables M'Kenzie and Cummiugs were killed, and F. Williamson, son of our townsman, was wounded. Colonel Whitmore, with a large force, immediately started in pursuit, and this may bring on a general engagement. The men were killed within range of the advanced position under Col. Lyon's command, north, of the Kai Iwi stream. The bodies were brought into camp. The whole affair only lasted ten minutes, and was seen by the sentries from Colonel Lyon's camp.

Fears are entertained for the safety of the steam ship Alharabra, which, with 200 passengers on board, left Melbourne for Hokitika on the 9th inst., and has not arrived up to date. It is hoped that she has broken down and put back.

Friday, January 29. The Suez mail has arrived, bringing dates to December 22.

Grants had been mads by the Government as compensation to the Abyssinian prisoners— to Rassam, £5000 ; and to Dr. Blanc and Lieutenant Prideaux, £2000 each.

The general elections had commenced in Spain.

The ship Gossamer, bound for Adelaide, has been wrecked in the channel. The captain's wife and eleven of the crew drowned. A verdict of manslaughter has been returned against the pilot.

The new Ministry having been elected, the House of Commons has adjourned to the 11th February.

England, France, and Austria decline to protect the interests of Greeks who may be expelled in a war with the Turks.

The wool sales have closed firm at opening prices, which were fully maintained throughout. 50,000 bales were purchased for exportation.

Tallow is lower — sureties unchanged.

The Duke of Buckingham has intimated to Australia that the Prince's visit there is to be considered private.

He replies to the resolutions of the New Zealand Assembly, re retention of the troops, that they must leave in the Himalaya.

The Alhambra broke her shaft when 500 miles from Melbourne, and returned to that port under canvass. The Rangitoto (arrived at Hokitika) brought on her passengers and mails.

Mr. Fitzherbert leaves England in February.

Mr. Hall goes south to-day. Mr. Stafford is the only member of the Government in Wellington.

A public service has been ordered in Adelaide by way of thanksgiving for the splendid harvest and the refreshing rains which have fallen throughout Australia.