THE NATIVE WAR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 585, 2 November 1863, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE NATIVE WAR.

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE KEBELS.

LIEUT. PERCIVAL OF THE FIRST WAIKATO REGIMENT AND TWO MEN SHOT,-AND SEVEN MEN MISSING,— SUPPOSED TO BE SHOT.

[From the Daily Southern Cross, October 24.]

There is a singular dearth of war news at present. Our correspondence from the Front does not contain much to satisfy the public, who have been looking forward with great anxiety of late to a movement of the troops. But the Waikato gun-boat is still in the Manukau, and an advance info the enemy's country is not likely to be made until the General has first obtained the entire command of the navigation of the Waikato, from Meremere to the Heads; and this, we need^scsrcely remind our readers, he has not the means of tecuring- at present. In a few days, however, the gunboat should get round to the Waikato, and then doubtless we shall be the chroniclers of stirring scenes at the head-quarters of the army. That a deadly blow will soon be struck at the Maori rebellion, we are firmly convinced, and we are content to wait patiently the course of events till thenBut although our correspondence from the Front is exceedingly tame, it is not without intereit. It seems that oa a recent visit of the Avon to the vicinity of Meremere, the enemy was discovered "at home "in his position. In fact, the Maori warriors appear to have gene into winter quarters at Meremere, and made themselves as comfortable as possible in their rifle pits. This is just the thing we should have desired of all others. It shows that they mean to defend their position against attack; and if they carry out that resolution with spirit, an opportunity •will be afforded to the troops of attacking a large tody of Maoris on nearly equal terms. What the result will be, there can be ao reason to doubt, g We are gted that steps have been taken to clear the bush from the bat.ks of the Maungata•whiri. Although no attack has been made on boats navigating that creek, there-was little to prevent a resolute foe planting an ambush on its banks, and inflicting considerable loss on our side. That the Maoris did not do so argues a want of that daring and contempt of danger which they were popularly supposed to possess. The chief point of danger is on the left bank, which is being cleared first 'Our Drury correspondent supplies us with some items ot news which may turn out to be of consequence. It seems that the Maoris have again crossed the Waikato, and made their appearance in the Mauku district. With the " flying column" in their immediate neighborhood, we cannot suppose they will be allowed to dp much mischief; but the fact of their crossing the river, below the Bluff, and their appearance in their old haunts in the bush shows the necessity for having the command of the navigation of the Waikato, before the troops attempt to penetrate into the interior. .

2 a.m. Our Dfury.correspondent has just ridden in with the following additional particulars :— DRO RY, Friday, 3rd October; Lieutenant-Colonel Havelook arrrived here yesterday atteraoon. On his entrance into the camp of the 18th, the regiment to which he belongs, he was greeted with a most hearty reception. Being a great favorite the men cheered him in fine style. Both the 18th and 70th regiments are ordered *o hold themselves iv readiness to march to the front at any moment. A lot of horses, purchased recently to be used as pack horses. I believed, arrived here yesterday. The majority of them seem quite unfitted for such work, especially if they have to travel in a rough district. But I suppose they were the best the country could furnish for the purpose. „ .. ._. . . Scouribg parti.-s have, as usual, been out at the Mauku, but have not observed any natives, nor traces of them, in their journey ings. Escorts to the front continue to go up daily; and Without molestation from the rebels. a. year or two since, a road was surveyed from the Great South Road to Waiuku, but from various reasons it was not made. This road commences in the- neighborhood of Razorbaok, and running almost parallel with the Waikato river, passes through the bush, then through NichollV and Buckland's opening at Pukekohe, then: along- between Camerontown and Pukekohe mountain to Waiuku. There is every probability that this road will be at once commenced. And as it is a well known fact that only by the making of roads through the country and the settling ot Europeans on the lands through which roads may pass, is the native difficulty to be permanently settled, so th" more the country is opened up the better for the ultimate good of the people. Fahey was interred yesterday in the same grave as his wife. The burial ground is being gradually filled, and almost entirely with those who have fallen while engaged with the rebels, or have been cruelly murdered by them. With-the present showery weather the roads are as bad as ever, and the camps are in a state of mud. A day or two of fine weather would dry them up with amaziag rapidity. The canteens in the campare for the present prohibited from being opened, as the list of drunk rds has of late swollen to an unsually large number; such a state of things would be rather critical in case any emergency might arise requiring the immediate services of the men ; and at any hour they might be needed. Two o'clock. A courier with despatches has just arrived with the intelligence that the rebels have crossed the Waikato, and are in the vicinity of the Bald Hills, at the Mauku, in large numbers. They are supposed to be the same natives who have been' lying in wait to attack the gunboat whenever she made her appearance on the river. Waata Kukutai had sent information yesterday that these rebels had crossed. They | could be distinctly seen from near the stockade, this morning; in the ranges. They were heard .firing oft their pieces, no doubt to attract attention, and draw the volunteers out, or, may be, they were firing at gome of the cattle which are still left in that locality. Colonel Chapman will send out reinforcements immediately. I dare say some of the Victorians will be sent out, and they may thu3 have the opportunity— they so much desire—of an affray with the Maoris. We Bhall be all anxiety till we have had further mews.