NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1052, 28 May 1869, Page 2

NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

We are indebted to the agent ofthe General Government for the following information : COLONEL HERRICK'S EXPEDITION. On Tuesday evening despatches were received from Colonel Herrick dated Tukurangi 23rd May, 11 a.m. After a very long and annoying delay, tbe native contingent, consisting of 190 Ngatiporous and Wairoa natives, under j Ropata and Ibaka Whanga, had arrived at the camp that morning. Colonel Herrick was in full march with all his force, which numbered about 500 men, for Onepoto, at the outlet of the Lake, and expected to halt at the Kiwi, within two miles of Waikaremoana, tbat evening. The enemy's fires were distinctly visible, and ifc was expected that the advance would be opposed on Sunday. The next news will therefore be interesting. Colonel Herrick had succeeded in getting a boat up to the camp, which he was taking along with him ; and be also intended to make rafts with split stuff, as it was reported there was plenty of dry timber at the Lake. It seems the native allies have a great objection to taking part in any expedition into the Lake country, on account of an old superstitious tradition that the elements have always hitherto protected the Ureweras, and that these are their strength and stronghold, God always sending down rain and snow when any enemy invades their country. later. Later despatches were yesterday received from Colonel Herrick, dated Onepoto, Waikaremoana Lake, May 24th. The messenger left at 6 a.m., on the 25th. The forces under Colonel Herrick arrived at Onepoto about noon on the 24th, without any opposition from the enemy. The fires at their pah at Tikitiki, about two miles from the Lake on the other side, were plainly visible. The distance, however, can be considerably shortened by cutting a track round Pauekere Bluff, and so get opposite to Tikitiki. From the new and uneven appearance of the palisading round the pah, it is considered that the Hau Haus are fortifying ifc, and there is little doubt they intend making a stand tliere. Ropata and his native contingent ai*e now in good humor. Having had a dream a few days ago to which Ropata attaches great importance, they have become much more energetic and keen for work. ; The pah now building at Tikitiki ap--pv»rimo-ve sttuacea~dijrtt^spur or tongue of land running from oneVof the ranges down into the Lake, from which ifc appears to be distant some 200 yards. A line of palisading appears to run down to the water, probably to cover tbe approach to it, but the view obtained was a very distant one, an J the weather very misty. The Lake is described as a beautiful sheet of water, surrounded with high wooded ranges, into which several arms ofthe Lake run, giving it a most picturesque appearance. A heavy mist was hanging over it, which prevented its being seen to advantage, but in fine weather it must be a beautiful sight. The country about Onepoto is described as being of the most bleak and wretched description, and ifc will never be good for anything. The soil is of a light pumice nature. About a dozen horses were captured near Onepoto. The road to Maungapowbatu seems fearful — a succession of wooded ranges and ravines. The road from Tukurangi is very bad in some places, but a little work would make it practicable for a sledge. It was hoped the boat would be got up on Monday. The naval brigade were to commence sawing up timber as soon as they arrived with the boat, for the purpose of constructing a flotilla. There was plenty of timber afc Onepoto, chiefly riniu. Colonel Herrick gives great praise to Capt. Bower, who had shewn himself a most energetic officer, and was keeping the commissariat well supplied. The expedition was dependant, in a great measure, for supplies, on the canoe navigation ; and ifc is gratifying to state that the trips were being made much more rapidly than at first. The new telegraph station on the Taupo road, about 30 miles from Napier, was opened on Tuesday last-. The line, it is expected, will be extended to Haroto, about 10 miles further, within 10 days. On Tuesday a telegram was received from Capt. Sfc. George, who had just returned from seeing Te Heu Heu at Tokana. He was received by that chief in a very friendly manner, and it is untrue, as reported, that he had joined any of the upper lake Hau Haus, or gone to join Te Kooti. On Wednesday evening, at a late hour, despatches were received from Colonel St. John, dated Fort Galatea, May 22. The disposition of the forces is now ac follows: — No. 1, at Fort Galatea; No. 8, at Fort Clarke, Tauaroa ; No. 6, at Fort Alfred, Te Peko. The three divisionswere engaged in making the roads, so as to be fit for bullock drays. No 2 was at Matata, awaiting the arriva] of the Sturt, by which they intended tc proceed to Wairoa with Colonel Whitmore, No 4 was at Whakatane. Mr. H. C. Clarke, the day before, had received a report from Wi Mahi, of Ohiwha, that Opotiki had been attacked by Te Waru with 300 (?) men, but that tbe set- , tiers, having jtjeeh warned by the Sturt. were on their guard, and no harm was done. ? , Colonel Herrick was to write again on the following day ; and, as the line of communication is now thoroughly organised be- \_ tween Waikare Moana and Napier, infori mation as to the progress of the expedition will be received, every second day.