NATIVE NEWS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 918, 25 September 1869, Page 3

NATIVE NEWS.

&BINFOBCEMENTB FOR TAUPO. The Wanganui Times correspondent from Runana, writes on the 19th September — "We have just received intelligence from Taupo to the effect that Te Kooti has had a fight with Wirehana's men ; that three of Kooti's men were killed, one of them being his head man, Tauhau. Some of the friendlies have also been killed, but we have not had full particulars. Te Kooti sent to Pehi for men to assist him, but he refused to send him assistance of any kind, He then sent to Rewi for reinforcements, but he also refused to assist him in any way. He is in the open country about Taupo, and when he fights, he comes out in European fashion. It is expected that he will again attack Wirehana, but if he does, he will meet with a defeat, as the Hawke's Bay Natives and Col. McDonnell are there. Oaptain McDonnell is with them before now. Kemp and his men have not left this yet, but are expected to start to-morrow, and they expect to reach tf aupo in two days. The reason of their long stay here was that Kemp took very ill the night before they were to start, and has been ill since nntil within the last day or two. His men are all anxious to move on, and I am told they are to state this evening or early to-morrow. A goodly number of the Waitotara natives who fought against us under Tito Kowaru have volunteered to go, and actually are going with Kemp to fight Te Kooti ! In due time we shall hear how ; they act, but they as well as Kemp's own men are all anxious to be led on. I think there should be a European officer in command of the whole, but since the time that Colonel Whitmore gave Kemp I full command he will not consent to act under any one. Since writing the above, I am told positively that they start this evening, and if so they would reach Wirihana*s camp on Wednesday or Thursday next. They ought to have been there ten days ago,