LATER FROM OPOTIKI

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1345, 9 March 1868, Page 3

LATER FROM OPOTIKI

The Government p.s. Sturt, Captain Fairchild, arrived in harbour early yesterday morning, from Napier, via Opotiki, Maketu, Whakatane, and Tauranga. The Hon. Colonel Haultain, Defence Minister; Mr. Trail, Mr. Hutton. and Captain Skeet, were amongst the passengers by her. No further fighting has taken place at Opotiki, and it is reported that the militia there have alrendy been struck off pay. The Sturt left Napier on the evening of the 3rd instant, and arrived at Opotiki at midnight on the sth. Landed 61 men of the Napier Mounted Constabulary Force, and the following officers : —Major Frazor, Captain Uiehardson, Captain Tooke, and Dr. Baker. Left Opotiki at daybreak on the 6th instant, and proceeded to Maketu; took on board Colonel Haultain, Mr. Clarke, and several others, and returned to Opotiki, arriving there on Friday morning. Left again the same evening with 95 Arawas, 25 Kngineers, and 70 of the Napier Constabulary force, for Whakatane, and arrived there the same evening. When about half-svay between Opotiki and Whakatane, a large bush fire was observed about three miles inland, at which the Arawas appeared delighted, and were anxious to be put ashore, supposing that the H auhaus were in tho vicinity of the fire. Tho Sturt left Whakatane at nine p.m., and arrived at Tauranga on Saturday, at daylight. Landed Mr Clarke and others, and proceeded to Auckland, arriving here at eight a.m. yesterday. Major St. John, with all the men at his disposal, has been out several times in search of the enemy, but had not encountered any of them up to the time of the Sturt leaving, and it is supposed the Hauhaus have gone further inland.