LATEST FROM THE FRONT,

Wanganui Herald, Volume II, Issue 475, 9 December 1868, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE FRONT,

(From our Special Correspondent.)

December 9, 1868,

The "Front," at the present time, is very much like the Godwin Sands —the most mutable of earthly things. Our " front" and the J-lau-hau "front" are two very different ideaa; By the one we are to suppose a strong position for head-quarters and the main body, with numerous smaller bodies thrown out into advanced positions, and acting as feelers or reconnoitring- parties; by the other we are to suppose the headquarters the advanced position, with a number ef those tentative appendages behind, as redoubts, cavalry, &c. The former represents the H.auhau; the latter the pakeha. Tito has really made up his mind to advance. Whether this conclusion has been in consequence of a right estimation of the fighting capabilities of1 our rangatiras, or is simply the result of a dream, which took place when the slumbers of the great Tito were somewhat disturbed, it is difficult to determine. However it may be, here is the fact, that Tito has found his progress almost unimpeded, and his i foe demoralised. Since the days of Nimrod, the power of energy and a little genius never showed its absolute preponderance as it does at this moment. Tito is master of the situation ; his spies afford him complete information, his plans are arranged with the accuracy and certainty of success which are always dependent on knowledge, and he has learnt from nature where the Maori is strong, and where weak. Like a skilful general he throws out his antennre before him ; while our rangatiras, with many distortions, bring theirs,to their roar, with the object perhap vs of ieeling for a safe retreat. Everything, to an ordinary understanding, appears to be done wrong,

j and even to a military mind it canI not "be " right, since the end. is so seldom attended witis^fcTcess. The officer in command of i\&e Qolonial forres, a few days -agof^ vacated Woodall's and retreated to a position a few miles' nearer to town. The move was made by the express order of Colonel Whiiraore, .and therefore no blame attaches to the officer now in command. There was no apparent object in such a piece of strategy. The new position at Westmere is m the centre ot one of the finest pieces of country in the Colony. Level paddocks, clover to the horses' knees, nicely trimmed furze hedges, and no bush'within a couple of miles, the new redoubt commands one of the pleasantest of prospects; and. therefore, no possible fear of a JTau-hau showing his unhallowed pate, at least within rifle range. At Woodall's, -there was danger, and it was fit and proper to remove from the scene; at Westmere there is no danger, and it is a good site for head-quarters. Stewart's redoubt is in the midst of a thriving district, and is the key of the Brunswick line; Colonel Whitmore gave orders to abandon it. The writer visited " Mount Bryce" (Stewart's) redoubt on Sunday, and was much struck with the quantity of work performed by the militia in so short a time, and the hig-h spirits and jollity prevailing. Too much cannot, be said for the excellent arrangements made by Capt. Jones. He is strict, and yet is willingly obeyed; he exacts a large amount of work, and his men are enthusiastic. This cannot be said for every commander; but we go a little further, and express an opinion that we should place a large amount of reliance upon his judgment in any operations he might conduct "in the' field against the enemy. His force (100' men) has been weakened by 50 men beingmarched to Mount Finnimore ; but we trust that, if the enemy should show in that quarter, a' reinforcement will be sent out making up the original number, in which case a larger field of operations will be chosen than the area of a redoubt.