NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 205, 7 February 1846, Page 195

NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.

[From the Sydney Australian,- January 6. By the British Sovereign, which arrived yesterday, we are put in possession of the latest news irom New Zealand, she having left the Bay of Islands on the 20th of December. The aspect of affairs was decidedly warlike, but the British forces were concentrated and prepared for action. They had proceeded by boats up a creek near Kawiti's pa, at the Bay of Islands, and had encamped at the head of it. The forces consisted of 500 of the 50th Regiment, 100 of the 99th Regiment, 80 marines, GO artillery, 50 volunteers, and 220 sailors vtho were armed and stationed as picquets. They were supplied with two 32-pounders, one long 18-pounder, two 12-pound howitzers, two brass 6pounders, seven mortars, besides ten 32pounders which were expected in the Elphinstone, which arrived at the Bay the day before the British Sovereign left, having the Governor on board. The camp was distant from Kavviti"s pa about eight miles, and a road towards it had been cut for about five miles. The rebels had been down firing on and molesting the troops, but the skirmishing was of an unimportant character. — The friendly natives were encamped with the troops. An immediate attack on Kawiti's pa was contemplated, and if the rebels await it, a desperate encounter maybe expected. The rumour in town yesterday that the British troops had been again defeated by Held and 3,000 followers, is entirely without foundation. There had however been some slight skirmishing.