LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1787, 8 September 1866, Page 3

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

The correspondent of Ihe Wanganui Times writing from Camp Ilawera, on Aug. 31, states : Your readers are already aware that Cml Commissioner Parris's peace negotiations have put a stop to any active movements for the prcciit againn the rebel stronghold near Ketemarae. They can easily imagine how annoyed and dispirited the whole force is at thus been thwarted and checked at the commencement of what promised to be a short and decisive campaign, resulting in the restoration of pea'.e in this district, the punishment of the rebels, and the permanent settlement of the-men on their barily earned land. The vacillating action of the Government, and their unjust and shameful treatment of the Taranaici Military Settlers has not only damped the ardour of the force, but has given lenewed life and vigor to the tribes dwelling between ( ttapawa and Patea Itiver, who surrendered unconditionally to Major McDonnell, after their cnslhtation at Pokaikai. They were then cowed by Major M'Uonnell's vigorous measures, but now express great regret that they did hold out longer, when they would have got better terms from Parris. Indeed, the other day, they detained two transport bullocks, which had strayed from camp at Manawapou, and refused to give them up under £lO lito However, on bein;' told by Major M'D-nnell that he would come and fitch them himself, they (dianged their minds mid returned the animals. While the Civil Commissioner is d"lighting the hearts of the rebels by rushing about between Opnnaki and ffaineongora, entreating them to speak to him, which they steadily refuse to do, they 111

their turn are amusing themselves by firing, nearly every day, into the surveyors, who are working in advance of camp, towards Waingongora. I can confidently assert, on the most reliable information, that they have not the remotest intention of giving in until they are thoroughly well licked. Everyone sees this clearly except Mr. Parris. Without wishing him any harm and although it seems unkind b say it, nothing would tend more to settle this unhappy confl|ct_ than the rebels tomahawking the Civil Commissioner, and thus strikingly convincing him and the Government that they must fight it out. Major-General Dilute inspected the Imperial post at Waingongoro on the 20th hist., and at Manawapou and Kakaramea yesterday, returning the same evening at Paten, where I hear he will inspect the Koyal Irish Regiment to-day. He intends going buck ta Wwgamii on Sunday morning. The post at Kakaramea will be evacinted on Monday, on which day also, detachments of the 18th march to Wangainii and Alexander's Farm, to relieve the 14th regiment stationed there. General Chute.—This gallant officer arrived here on Wednesday mornine, by the Knngatira, from Wellington. On Thursday he proceeded overland to Patea ; on Friday inspected the Imperial post at Waingongoro ; and at Manawapm and Knkaramei on Saturday, returnins to Patea that evening, where he inspected the 18th lioyal Irish. Arrived in Wanganui on Sunday evening, inspected the military school, &c, on Monday • will inspect the Artillery at 7 a.m., the Mili ary 'I rain at 8 a,m„ the detachment of the 18th B. I, at 1130 a.m., this day, and leave for Wellington by the s s. Wanganui at 3 o'clock lin the evening. We trust that the gallant General will make such a representation to his Excellency the Governor as will put, a final stop to the wretched p.ilicy, which governs the Patea districts as represented in the letter of our corresp ndent to which we would direct particular attention.- Wanganui Times bept. 5. Military Movejjents. The steamer Ahuriri sails to-day with a portion of the 14th Regiment for Auckland, thence in a few months it will leave for Victoria. One regiment is to be permanently located in this colony—that one, we presume, in the meantime, will be the 18th. We hear it stated that the Governor entertains die idea of fixing its location at or near Taupo, because that place is about the centre of the A T orth Island, and in the midst of a native population. We can hardly think, however, that anything of this kind could be seriously thought of Chronicle, Sept. 4. Skirmish at Katemarab,—A private letthe has been received by a gentleman in town, stating that a skirmish had taken place at Katemarae, in the Ngatiruanui country. The particulars, as far as they are related, are as follows:—A small party of our force's, who were out foraging, were surprised and fired upon by a party of Em Haus, about forty strong. A sharp skirmish ensued, and after wounding four 'of our men the enemy decamped, leaving two dead bodies on the field It is said that Maj >r McDonnell was about to nttac'c the Maori position at Katemarae.— Wellington Independent, Sept. C,