TAURANGA.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1124, 4 February 1870, Page 3

TAURANGA.

( from the correspondent of tho ' South'

Tatteanga, January 27. The Edith, Capt. Pox, surveying schooner, stills remains at Mauuganui. The rock off Motiti, which there has been so much search after, has at last been discovered, and will finally bo placed in its position on the chart. It is very surprising to the old hands that the existence of this rock should have been the subject of doubt in the minds of the credulous, inasmuch as the breaf after a blow easily denotes its existence and position ; in fact, for ages the natives have been in the habib of using it as their fishing gi'ound for hapuku. In like manner has it been said that there was only water sufficient at Katikati (one of the entrances to Tauranga harbour) for a boat.

Yesterday a final corroboration, was given to the subject by a visit of the p.s. Sturt, Captain Fairchild, who called in at Katikati, about 8. 80 a.m. ; the tide at the time had just commenced flowing, and, whether in the channel or not, they carried 17 feet of water.

I was told yesterday evening by a gentleman, a passenger by the Sturt, that in smooth weather H.M.s. Blanche could go into Katikati, and anchor, with all safety, off the township of Bowen. The allotments in this new township have all been surveyed, and streets laid out ; and, what is more, have all been taken up and sold. So soon as the Maori panic is over, people will at once go and take possession of their respective allotments.

The splendid steamer Luna, Captain Ellis, arrived at her anchorage abreast of Te Papa at' 8 p.m., on the 25th, after the quickest run on record, of 10 hours from Auckland. The citizens had not an opportunity of examining or even seeing her, except by her lights, which was a great disappointment to us all. She did not remain long, learing us again about 11 p.m. She brought us a supply of arms and ammunition, with other stores, which were much needed as a matter of course. She was chartered specially for the purpose by the Hon. the Defence Minister.

The Sturt, Captain Fairchild, arrived from Auckland, yesterday, about 12 p.m., having cailed afc Mataura to bring on Mujur Ropata, who is said to be unwell. He had, however, started the previous evening in a whale boat, for Kennedy's Bay, and will take the first vessel to Auckland, and place himself into the hands of his friend, Mr. McLean. The Sturt, as I have before stated, also called in and sounded Kalikati.

On Monday morning Mr. Commissioner H. T. Clarke, on the receipt of the special despatches sent by the Hon. Mr. M'Lean overland by Mr. Way, at once started for the Arawa district, for the purpose of enlisting the services of a portion of that body in v the coming struggle. Mr. Clarke returned on Tuesday. Shortly after the arrival of the Sturt, orders were given that the whole of the Armed Constabulary men, stationed at Te Papa, were to move inland to IRotorua via Maketu, to act in concert with 200 of the Arawas. At this intelligence our little township became quite alive, and full of bustle. At 6 p.m. the Constabulary marched down from the Monmouth liedoubfc in charge of Sub-Inspector Gascoigno, and on reaching the beach were drawn up in line in front of the Sturfc, when the men at once embarked, but did not leave harbeur until 11 p.m., so that she would be in time for the Maketu tide. Colonel Eraser, who has hitherto held command at Tauranga, proceeds with the Constabulary to Rotorua, and will assume command of that important expedition. I undi-rsioiHl lliai tenof the -Tlmmes Volunteer Corps accompanied Colonel Frascr's expedition to Eotorua.

The Sturfc is back again from Maketu, after landing Colonel Eraser's men, who were to start immediately after breakfast. Mr. Commissioner Clarke left yesterday evening for Maketu and liotorua. He was accompanied by Captain Turner and Sub-Inspector Crapp. Mr. C. may be expected back to-morrow night or Saturday morning. Just as lam going to close. I have received Maori intelligence that firing can distinctly be heard from the other side of the mountain by the Maoris (Pirukaus) at Te Whakamarama, supposed to be the echo of rifles, and there is no doubt but our gallant Colonel M'Donnell is hot into it before this. From another source I hear that Major Kornp has come in contact with Te Kooti's mob, and succeeded in taking 50 Maori prisoners. A great number were also said to be killed, but the number not ascertained. No casualties on our side.

I have just this moment heard that Hakaraia's party has been sadly cut vp — almost, it is described by the Maoris, annihilated.

In the absence of the Armed Constabulary from Camp, Captain Montgomery, of the Blanche, has kindly .permitted the same number of men from the man-of-war to take up their place.

By tbe arrival of the s.s. Tauranga, we {Southern Gross, Jan. 29), are in receipt of the latest intelligence with regard to the operations against Te Kooti from that side, and of the whereabouts of Te Kooti. Major Kemp has attacked a body of Hauhaus who have boon rendering assistance to Te Kooti, and has defeated them with considerable loss. Te Kooti has retreated towards Kotorua, across the extensive plateau immediately behind Okania, and which is densely covered with bush. A force of about 500 men, composed of Europeans and natives, lias been conveyed to Maketu, and will proceed inland in order if possible to intercept Te Kooti before he succeeds in escaping into the Urewera country, by way of liotorua.