LATEST NEWS.

Colonist, Issue 1165, 4 December 1868, Page 5

LATEST NEWS.

SKIRMISH IN POVERTY BAY.

jBY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

Napier, December 2.

A sTrivmish lias taken plaoc between an escort and the Hauliaus. One of the enemy was killed, and fifty horses, one thousand rounds of ammunition, and seven cases of biscuits were re-taken. Another massacre is apprehended. The people of Napier are dissatisfied because of Colonel Whitmore returning there from Wanganui. ■Wellington, December 3. The natives in the Waikato district are at present quiet. The Wellington papers publish the following telegrams:— Napiee, Nov. 27. There is some reasons to think Te Kooti (the leader of the vebels) was killed in the fight of the 23rd, for a voice, recognised as Te Waru's (another rebel chief) was heard to exclaim, " As you have lost your head, I will be your chief." L:ite3t intelligence from the scene of action affirm that neither could bury their dead, on account of the galling fire kept up by both parties. One rebel -was captured. Fighting at long ranges was still going on. Nov. 28. Eight kegs of gunpowder have been captured by a mounted party of the enemy from an escort, eight miles from Poverty Bay. Two of the rebels were killed. November 29. The enemy are said to ho in position about thirtyfive miles from Turanganui, encumbered with horses, sheep, women and children. Wairoa expedition, nearly 400 strong, are expected to be at Eeinga, and it is confidently anticipated that the position will prove one of the greatest importance for our troops. It is reported on good authority that it is very doubtful whether Te Kooti was killed in the recent engagement. * B Nov. 30. Communication opened ■with forces at the Front. Nhafciporenui, from Wairoa. not yet joined. Lieuts. Richardson and Wilson, of Napier Militia, have gone down. A chief from Taupoa reports all quiet at Waikato, waiting the result of operations on the East Coast. He gives the nurnoer of the enemy at Poverty Bay at 700 ; nncertain as to numbei'3 that may join from other tribas. 200 of Rewi's people he knows of as ready to join the ex-prisoners. A party of Otaki natives, overland from Waikato, report the King party as quiet. The s.s. Ahuriri left yesterday with sixteen volunteers. An Armstrong gun was taken twelve miles inland. The Ahuriri leaves Napier again to-night, with Captain Tanner and sixty Cavalry for escort service.

The Wairoa reinforcement will take up their position to-day. Great results are anticipated from the blow about to be dealt to the enemy.