BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2130, 2 December 1868, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(from our own correspondent. )

Wellington, December lst.

Somo of the Volunteers who arrived here in the Rob Roy. distinguished themselves last night by getting into a row with tho police, and several of them were brought beforo tho Magistrate this morning. Mr Richm»nd sailed in the Rob Roy as a passenger to Napier. The City Militia number over 1500, but are not yet armed, tho supply of arms being short ; but tho Rangatira, which is now duo here from Auckland, is expected to bring a further supply with her.

The Governor's proclamation caHs out for active service tho Volunteers at Turakina, Patea, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Wellington, Wairarapa, Castle Point, Napier, Poverty Bay, and Opotiki, who aro directed to assemble at tlie headquarters of their respective corps at a date to bo fixed upon by tho* commanding officers of tho districts.

The Criminal Session of the Supreme Court was opened to-day by Mr Justice Johnston, who said that it would be affectationtoaffect to ignore surrounding matters. Rebellion, rapine, and murder were taking place around them in tho foulest and most hideous forms over developed by an organised fanaticism, and were ruthlessly sacrificing brave men, devoted women, andhelpless babes. Besides the administration of justice we

had to show ourselves worthy of our ancestors, and to givo our services to tho Commonwealth in its hour of need. Ihe task before us was a difficult one, a single false stop might prove fatal, and unless harmony existed between the governors and tho governed, there could bo no safe augury of success. If it was true that atrocities had been committed by portions of the aboriginal race, it was no less truo that we were deeply indebted to another portion of that race for their aid in timo of need. He himself had Been the promptitude with which the latter had come forward, aud trusted that it would not be forgotten. Tho Governor's trip to tho Middle Island is temporarily postponed. The public meeting on the war, which was appointed to tako place to-day, has been adjourned to Tuesday evening next, owing to the grand and petit jurors, itc., being obliged to attend at tho Supremo Court.

A temporary telegraph station is being erectcdjat Masterton, mainly for the purpose of communication in caso of a Maori disturbance thero.

A deputation from Manawatu waited on Colonel Haultain to-day, asking for a supply of arms. Ho replied that ho had none to givo them at present, but that they wero being collected both iv the North and South.

I saw Iho deputation, and am convinced that tho reports whicli liave alarmed tho residents in that district are old ones, and that thero is no fresh causo for alarm.

The Presbyterian Assembly havo presented the Governor with a complimentary address, to which ho mado a corresponding reply.

This morning tho Blanche's market boat, with tho day's meat and vegetables on board, was capsized ; but tho crew, consisting of 12 men, wero all picked up by boats from tho shore. 7.53 p.m. Cobb's coach haa just arrived from Wanganui. Tho following is tho latest news from tho Front: — " Head-quarters, Woodall's Redoubt, 27th November, 1808. Two spies, more or less trustworthy, have been brought in, who report that Tito Kowaru's whole force is at Papatupu. Fivo of his peoplo were nearly caught by our cavalry, who chased them tho other day, when Mr Handloy's houso was burnt ; and this has alarmed them sufficiently to compel them to keep together.

" The spies say the Hauhaus have received no word from tho King, and that they intend moving tbis way, though they havo plenty of food still at Papatupu. They havo no idea of attacking Patea.

" Mr Booth being" away, I send you this information to satisfy tho pu'lic anxiety as far aa possible. 1 trust tonight to havo further information from tho cavalry expedition to Wairoa. I should also mention that tho enemy's forco is not under BfX), without women and Bomo nominal neutrals.—l am, &c, (1. S. Whitmore."

Tito Kowaru received an attack at Moturoa, and was fully prepared for it. All his peoplo and women wore engaged. Tho spies cannot say what hia loss was.

A gallant attack was made on tbo enemy at Nukumaru, in which eight IJauhaus wore killed. The following is tho report of the officer commanding tho expedition :—

"Head-quarters, Woodall's Redoubt, 27th November, 1808. Sir—l havo tho honour to inform you that I marched this morning, with tho wholo of the cavalry, being GG of all ranks, three hours beforo daylight, to Wairoa, and remained thero fivo or sixhours, returning at 11 a.m. withdespatches. I reached Nnkumaru at about 1 p.m., and, in accordance with your orders, remained in concealment until an opportunity presented itself to act. After waiting about an hour and a half, and perceiving a considerable number of Hauhaus about Mr Handloy's woolshed, I directed somo of tho men to advance dismounted, and followed with iho rest of tho forco on horseback. Unfortunately a carbine went off by accident, which gavo tho alarm, and prevented our being as completely successful as wo had hoped; but as soon as possible we mounted tho dismounted men, and charged, killing eight with sabre, revolver, or carbine. I wish particularly to mention the extreme gallantry of Sergeant G. Maxwell of tho Kai Iwi Cavalry, who himself sabred two and shot ono of tho enemy, and was conspicuous throughout tho affair. Many others of all tho corps also behaved extremely well, but I think it would be invidious to particularise further. Tho enemy turned out immediately, and kept up a sharp fire, following us about threo miles. He is encamped in large forco in the rear of Nukumam, near the bush, and haa aix bell tents erected. I returned to tho camp at six p.m. I have, &c., J. W. j Newland, Sub-Inspector.—To Colonel Whitmore."

Colonel Whitmore writes denying tho correctness of tho report regarding the secret expedition to kill Tito Kowaru. All the main facta as stated ho says aro untrue. My previous telegram on this subject ia correct.

Major Noakes, on assuming the command of the Militia, publishes an encouraging address.