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Star (Christchurch), Issue 283, 10 April 1869, Page 3

WANGANUI. A correspondent of the Wanganui Times writes as follows from the front : — In my last I told you that Ahitana was nearly caught napping at Ngaere, and there is some queer talk about the reason that he wasn't. The Ngaere is one of the settlements in the Tangahoi district through which the Patea river winds its way, and I only mention it now to say that in my opinion Titokowaru is in one of those settlements not far from Ngaere, and not at Ngutu o te manu. It is certain that the man Pepi that the force met near that place is Tito's fighting chief, and whenever he is seen the old miscreant is not far off. As Itana told Col. Whitmore that Tito, with only 80 followers, had gone to The Ngutn o te manu, he was anxious to follow him there, but Kemp refused to go. He was also asked if he would go to the East Coast, but he said no. There were other differences, and so the parties went to Wellington and came back again. Colonel Whitmore, shortly after reaching Patea, started in the Sturt for Oponaki, and report at once said that he was going to leave these districts until he hunts up Titoko. That's all moonshine. Wirehana has been to Wanganui, and returned to-day with Aparaniko. He says thai his people, the Taupo natives, are coming down to Aramoho to tangi over hi} brother-in-law, who waskillednear the Waitotara, and also to have tangi about the old native chief Hori who died at Putiki, so the Wanganui natives must go down to help them. I don't know what Colonel Whitmore will say to that. He has hard work to manage these fellows. I am told that the cavalry is for Wanganui at once I It is reported to-day that Colonel Whitmore is to command the guard of honour that is to receive the Duke of Edinburgh, and that Kemp is also to go to Wellington. We will know to-morrow. This may be only a ruse, but you will shortly see, as if there is a move they must move at once. I don't think that Werihana and his men will come bnck again. He says that Tauranga, where the East Coast rebels were ten days ago, is only about twelve miles from his place at Taupo, but how true this is I don't know. There is a general move from the outposts, and we expect a complete flitting in a day or two. The Patea and also the Wairoa Volunteer Rifles have hastily gone off to Wereroa; no doubt you will hear of them. It is said they go to hunt up the Waitotara rebels that have returned to that place. The Wanganui Chronicle has the following regarding the Waitotara Natives: — These rebels have been found on Wanganui territory. They are at present being harboured, or have sought refuge, in the pah of a friendly chief, near Pipiriki, They are there to the number of 60 fighting men, and are desirous of returning to their so-called and professed allegiance, and for this end are instigating friendly chiefs to act as go-betweens. It now seems clear tbat it was upon this question that Mr Woon was requested to proceed up the river last week, but with what result, it is premature to state. Meanwhile, Major Noake arid his force have been in the bush four days on tbeir trail, and have not yet emerged; very likely they are following a

blind trail, but should they now or soon hap pen : upon those Waitotaras at Pipiriki, w< hope the salutations will be warm and comprehensive.