LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XII, Issue 945, 7 November 1868, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE FRONT.

[FROM OUR SrECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wairoa, sth November, 1868. On Monday the 2nd instant Cornet Kenrick arrived overland from Wauganui with the intelligence that Tito Kowaru had crossed the Patea, and that he had taken up a position at Okotuku in rear of the Wereroa redoubt. For some days previous it had been suspected that he had abandoned Otoia, as no fires had been seen there, and although the Wanganui natives had been very indefatigable in reconoitring the enemy’s position few or no traces of them were to be seen. Owing to several causes—but principally to the great outcry raised against spies in the camp and so on,—there is very great difficulty in getting reliable information. However the problem has to be worked out, and it remains to be seen what the real loss to the country from this cause will be, in the meantime it adds to the difficulties which Col. Whitmore has to contend against. Tito Kowaru is no loser, as there is good reason for believing that he is enabled to keep himself well informed of all our movements. The advance on Okutuku is a bold step, and proves in many ways the skill with which he is carrying out a comprehensive plan for the re-occupation of confiscated land, and perhaps for retaliation. Lt will be seen in my record of events presently, that not only has he increased his adherents by his last occupation, but that he has secured a considerable increase to his force, and that if some effectual blow is not soon struck he will secure—there is too much reason to fear—the active co-operation of other natives. In about 4 hours after the arrival of Kenrick, the following detail under the immediate command of Col. Whitmore left Patea for Wairoa: No 1 division Armed Constabulary, Sub-Inspectors Richardson, Young, and Whiton, 21 strong; No 2 division : Sub-Inspector McDonnell, Acting Sub-Inspector Whithers, 18 strorfg_;. No 3 division ; Major Hunter, Sub-In-spector Newland, 11 strong; 20 of the Yeomanry Cavalry under command of Capt o‘Halloran and Kenrick ; and 20 of the Patea Rifles under Lieut Gilling. Drs Brown and Walker accompanied the force ; also Inspector Cummings as adjutant, and Lieut Foster as A.D.C. ; 21 of the Armed Constabulary under Sub-Inspector Newland, were mounted ; 300 of the Wanganui natives, accompanied by Mr Booth, R.M., left at the same time foi Wairoa. The column carrying blankets and three days’ provisions reached Wairoa in the night, or I should say the European portion, as the Kupapas turned off to Waitotara. At daylight Tito-Kowaru’s fires were seen at Okotuku on Tuesday. Colonel Whitmore, accompanied by Inspector Cummings and Lieut Foster, A.D.C., and escorted by a small body of Cavalry, went onto Iliupuku, where he found the Wanganui natives, and arranged that they should encamp there for the night. He then proceeded to Weraroa, and made arrangements to leave the redoubt there in churge of the Militia, whilst

the old garrison was at the front. Having completed these arrangements Colonel Whitmore went back to Wairoa. The enemy is about four miles from Wairoa, and Colonel Whitmore is very _ anxious to attack him, but having received intelligence last night that he may expect a reinforcement of 150 men in a day or two will probably, unless Tito-Kowaru forces the running, wait for their arrival. Most of the Perekama natives have joined the Hau-haus. At Weraroa Colonel Whitmore heard from the Ngararu natives the particulars in connection with the visit of the rebels to their villages. It appears, in those strong parties, surrounded Dapahopu, Perekama, andlhupuku, at the same time, and forced most of the natives to join them. As I find the pai’ticulars of this visit are known in Wanganui I need not further refer to them.

Wednesday, large fires in the direction of Okutuku, towards evening. The V anganui natives arrived about 300 in number, under Kemp, Mawae, Meti Kingi, Hakaraia, Haimona, Hapuaniki, Kawana, Bunia, and other leading chiefs. They are anxious to meet Tito Kowaru. The Weraroa gar rison of Armed Constabulary, about 40 stroug, under Acting Sub-Inspector Coll Macdonell also arrived.

Thursday sth November.—The Wanganui natives went out this morning and reconnoitred in the neighbourhood of the emeuiys position. He was seen to be in farce at the entrance to the track leading to Okutuku, near to Nga Mutu. I have omitted to state that Captain Gudgeon and Ensign E. McDonnell are attached to the native contingent. lam sending this short note by an escort which leaves for Patea at noon. There are several points that I should like much to have touched upon, but consider it prudent not to do so for the present. In the meantime I may as well state that the force is in excellent spirits, and there is no doubt that if they get anything like a opportunity will give a good account of Tito Kowaru.