HAWKE'S BAT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 684, 23 January 1866, Page 5

HAWKE'S BAT.

IjFBOM OUR OWN COEIIESI'ONDENT.J Napier, January 15. Unfoetuxatelt, news there is none, except, indeed from the " seat.of war," Wairoa, and even from there we hear ol nothing except that the Hauhaus had bolted, it is supposed in the direction of Waikare Lake, and that a force of natives (friendly, of course) had eet off in pursuit. Whether they succeeded in overtaking the fugitives or not remaina yet to be seen ; but it is very questionable whether they wiH or, if they do, -whether they will have the pluck to fight them. The firing for the General Government prizes has been occupying the good folk of Napier for the last week or two. On Monday, the Bth instant, Nob. 1, 2, and 3 Companies commenced the firing. The day was a very excellent one for them—not a breath of wind blowing—but, notwithstanding all these favorable circumstances, the firing was not good; the highest score obtained being 32, by Dr. Hitchings, this being tho only one qualified to compete for the Colonial Prizes. On Friday, the 12th, the company of Napier Rifle Volunteers, and No. 4 company of the Militia, took their turn, but did not succeed any better— 32 being again the highest score, obtained by Captain Buchanan, N.R.V. However, this much must bo said, that the day was very far from being a good one for Bhooting—a strong sea-breeze blowing the whole time. lam very much afraid that this Province (to all appearances) stands but a poor chance of walking off with any of the colonial prizes down at Wellington. As, however, all the country companies of railit:& liave yet to try their lucVj wo must not give up in despair—" While there's life, there's hope."