Latest Telegrams.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 180, 9 December 1868, Page 3

Latest Telegrams.

I [bt ELECTRIC TELEGRAM.] I Wellington, Dec. 8, 2.6 p.m. The allies have ceased the pursuit of Te Kooti and his force, principally it is said, through exhaustion and lack of supplies. Colonel Whitmore and Major Fraser | are at Pahtutati waiting their return. j The expedition has virtually collapsed unlesß it is renewed by Colonel Whitmore. Tanner's cavalry have returned to Napier. XThe Bakaia, it is said, will be the last homeward boat of the Panama mail service. The Panama Company's steamers Claud Hamilton and Auckland have been sold. H. A. Bruce, who arrived here by the Tararua from Melbourne, has just been arrested. It appears that he had paid £230 as passage for himself and family to America, per Eakaia. A warrant was telegraphed from Melbourne to Sydney for his apprehension. He was a member of the Victorian i Civil Service, and is charged with embezzlement. 7.20 p.m. /"vA letter was brought in by a flag of truce, on Friday, from Titokowaru. After reciting sundry texts of Scripture — that one day Q-od made heaven and earth, and on one day made man of two different races, one of which (the pakeha) lives in England, the other (Maori) in New Zealand — it goes on to state that thepakehas ought never to have crossed the sea, and that Tito's endeavours will be to exterminate them. He solemnly warns the Europeans to leave Wanganui, and ends Bomewhat as a judge does after passing sentence of death — that the Lord may have mercy upon their soulsT/ On Saturday, Woodall's redoubt and blockhouse were abandoned by the Constabulary ; the headquarters were removed to Westmere. Public indignation was aroused at this step, the more so as the militia were left unsupported at Stewart's, ten miles out of town. On Sunday a man was tired upon by some Maoris lying in ambush within five miles of Wanganui, and between the posts Westmere and Stewart's. A meeting of magistrates and inhabitants of Wanganui was held on Sunday afternoon, and a plan of defence by the Engineer of tbe 18 th Regiment was submitted. He proposed that part of the town, between the two stockades, and from either point in a line to the river, should be surrounded by a ditch, bank, and wall. Every man was pressed, and work was commenced on Monday morning. It is believed that some attempt will be made on the town of Wanganui at the expiry of the usual three days of Maori warning. Colonel McDonnell, in command of 300 Kupapas, has started to act against the rebels. On Friday, the force was seen at the extremity of the Brunswick line ; since then they have not been heard of. It is hoped a good report will soon be forthcoming. Although the Sydney Morning Herald says that the Eakaia is the last homeward boat of the Panama mail service private letters express a hope that some arrangement will be made for continuing. It is thought probable that the Tararua will take up the service for tbe present. H.M.S. Challenger will probably come on to New Zealand from Sydney. 7.55 p.m. A telegram from Mr McLean, dated Turanga, Dec. 6, says : — Our expedition ended quite satisfactorily. The Ngatiporou and Ngatikahungaru disagreed. Tareha having saved a prisoner able to carry arras, Eopata thought it a bad omen. The Ngatikahungaru returned, but the Ngatiporou made another attempt. Eopata delighted all by his courage and skill. The enemy's position is an old pah on a peak, having a cliff on three sides with bush in the front. Two long spurs and a gully are commanded by the pah. Eopata and his party climbed a cliff by the trees, and took part of the entrenchment. Night came. They held the entrenchment all night, but having run short of powder they retired. The Hau-haus were burning their tents and spare clothing ; their women and children

were heard escaping. Scouts go out directly to see whether the enemy remain. The Ngatiporou are anxious to get home, but will come again when sent for. Colonel Whitmore has been well received. He is acting considerately towards the Natives. The following, dated Dec. 8, is also from Mr McLean : — Hau-haus killed, 70 ; our side, 10 ; wounded, 20. Te Kooti, in considerable strength, is retreating, and making rifle pits as he goes. This Day, 11.7 a.m. X When Woodall's redoubt was abandoned by the Constabulary, Tito's followers derisively eried — " Hook it :" "HookitJ> -•■ " Fourteen men of the Armed Constabulary were left in the adjoining blockhouse. Part of the Armed Constabulary stationed at Westmere returned to Woodall's redoubt on Sunday, and it. X~The Wanganui Times condemns "Major Herrick for seizing the two men sent by Tito under a flag of truce. These men, says the Times, came from one commander to deliver a defiant challenge to another. They were notspies. Major Herrick ought to have sent a defiant reply, and. to h ive prepared accordingly. Meanwhile, continues the Times, Tito, fearing that the men have been shot or hanged, will seek revenge by a secret massacre. The sum ot £400 is required to complete the defence ditch round Wanganui. Subscriptions are being collected. -\