THE WAR ON THE EAST COAST.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1063, 6 July 1869, Page 2

THE WAR ON THE EAST COAST.

o>v the evening of the 27th ult., Lieut. -^ Colonel proceeded to reconnoitre Tiki Tiki, on the Waikaremoana, Lake. When he arrived at a point about 200 yards from the shore he lay upon his oars to awata the rising of the moon. Whilst doing so 1 he heard a large war canoe passing quiteclose, and if he had not stopped when he did he would have run into it. A very short time afterwards he perceived another canoe dart out from the opposite shore ; so, being afraid of being cut otf, he returned. He intended to have proceeded the next morning, but,, owing to a heavy gale, was unable to do so. He is under the impression that the enemy are engaged, in some scheme which they do not desire shall be known by us, as, when Colonel Herrick first arrived, the canoes were seen every day continually crossing from one settlement to the other ; but now they only cross during the night. Col. Herrick is under the impression that there is a large body of the enemy still about.

Colonel St. John reports lhafc 200 Arawas have marched against Kooti ; and that the constabulary have returned to their

duty*

Captain St. George came to Pohui yesterday for provisions. He was ordered back and instructed to keep the friendly natives together. He reports that Te Kooti is still at Moerangi. Tapueharau is held by Taupo. friendly natives and 100 Arawas, with whom, Capt. St. George says, he can hold his own.

The St. Kilda steamed on Saturday for Wairoa, having on board Mr. Ormond, acting agent for the General Government, Messrs*. A'Deane, Hamlin, Worgan, Smith, and Mrs.^Bowen, as passengers. Owing to the tremendous surf on — breaking two miles off shore in nine fathoms water — they were unable to land. However, they held communication with shore by means of flags. Those on shore- were informed of Mr. Ormond's presence on board the St. Kilda, and were, in turn, told that Lieut.-. Col. Herrick had not yet arrived from Waikarcmoana, the state of the rivers having no doubt detained him. After waiting a short time, she returned to Napier, where she arrived about 12^ p.m. Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Worgan both state that during a long residence at the Wairoa they do not remember to have seen a heavier sea than that running on Saturday.

We regret to hear the Sturt was leaking slightly Tbefore she proceeded to seaj; it is i^e^6"d^a^^t"fs~lo^sißp^nartKat the injury is consequent on her lying on rocks at Matata, which work through the sandy bank on which the Sturt is obliged to ' be placed when calling at that place. If the damage is not serious, the Sturt may be expected to return by Wednesday to this port ; if the leak increases, we learn she will proceed to Auckland to repair damages.