PATEA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2785, 16 January 1869, Page 2

PATEA.

The Patea correspondent of the Wanganui Times writes as follows : — Small parties from camp have been out frequently', fetching in horses, cattle, &c, but have seen no sign of natives until yesterday morning, when n party of four men were out (mounted) near Ivakaramca, they discovered tracks on the main road from Wtiitotara towards Manut.ahi. They cautiously followed tho tracks about two miles, when they sighted about fifty natives, up-! parenfcly all men. Tho natives, on seeing them, called on them to come on ; but not seeing it in tho same light, they retired to camp. This morning very oarly signs of cooking operations were flsen at Otoia (Gentle Annie), but nothing more was seen during the day. Perhaps our next news

from Wenganui may throw some light on this new move of the enemy. Our fort at Patea is progressing rapidly, and will be the most complete and secure place I have seen fora long time. The size is sixty feet by fifty-six, about ten feet high, with two flunking angles about ten feet equare, the whole loopholed and bullet-proof, accommodation for sixty-eight' men in the two huts, and plenty of room in the centre for pitching tents, or other accommodation in case of need. The Patea settlers have provided all the funds required apart from drayß j and fatigue parties of Carlyle rifles and settlers have done all the labor. It is not only a safe refuge, but also aby no means unsightly fort, and will long stand as a specimen of Patea energy and determination. Dec. 26th. — No further news of the enemy. Hone Poiliama brought in a mail from New Plymouth during the week. He reports all quiet on the coa9t. We were pleased to see Colonel Lyons with a number of Maori cavalry arrive at Patea yesterday morning. To-day, notwithstanding a very unpromising appearance of rain, our rural sports came off, and were very well attended. Dec. 23. A very stormy day ; as the Maori Cnvalry return to Wanganui this afternoon I will take advantage of the opportunity of sending this down. A few cavalry went out as far as Kukaramea yesterday afternoon, the enemy were seen in possession of the redoubt built by Messrs Ginger, about 1£ miles beyond Kakaramea, no firing took place.