“EXPRESS” TELEGRAMS.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 149, 19 December 1868, Page 3

“EXPRESS” TELEGRAMS.

(From our Oivn Correspondent.) The Forces on the defensive still. Critical position of Wanganui. Sergeant Feed and 3 settlers murdered General Chute coming, &c. Wellington, Friday evening, December 18th, 5 p.m. It is generally considered that a dissolution was on the tapis, but has now blown over. Colonel Lyons from Auckland has arrived, and taken command at the West Coast. The Forces are still acting on the defensive only. No news yet of Titokowaru, who is said to be at Weroroa. , '*■**/'• On the East Coast, the friendlies are., dispersing. Richmond writes thus from^uranganui: desirable also that every spare man in Auckland should be concentrated at Wanganui ! Our success elsewhere depends on Titokowaru’s defeat. It will be time enough in 4 or 5 months to strike a blow on the East Coast 1 !” A few days after writing this, a party ofHauhaus made an incursion close to Whitmore's camp, Upon being pursued, a skirmish took place, and Sergeant Reed was killed. Three settlers arc missing from Turanganui, and are supposed to be murdered. Since her removal to Napier, Mrs. Wilsons has been much worse, she is now dying.

It has transpired that Major Stack’a credentials from this Government to that of Victoria, were only telegraphed from Wellington to Hokitika., consequently the Victorian Government at first refused permission to recruit for Hew Zealand. The service is not popular there. General Chute, with Commodore Lambert, are expected here in the Challenger at Christmas.

Several lots of recruits from the various Provinces have arrived. One from South who arrived yesterday, cut his own throat this morning. Mr. Fitzgerald published a powerful letter in the Independent of Thursday arguing against employing Imperial troops. He urges that England ought to supply money and arms.