NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 173, 12 November 1881, Page 2

NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

The greatest excitement prevailed on Thursday night, wren Mr. Simpson, one of the Palmeraton Volunteers, stepped out from the train on to the Railway platform. In justice to Mr. Simpson, it ia only fairfto state that he did not return voluntarily, but was compelled to do to, m order to give evidence m the cose m which he is a witness. Tie was perfectly beiiee^ 1 by qnrstioni as to various mrmhers of the Pa^merston Corps, and relative tn the exposition 'tself. ™ course he did not attempt to give anything like the graphic and detailed description of the arrest of the Prophet and his confreres which appeared m our supplement on Monday, bu-t he was able to give what was of far more interest to many of his , anesttoneTs— new« of hnsbmds. sons, and friends, He describesthe accommodation on board the steamer as not of the most comfortable character, straw being the material upon which the men had to lie. Upon reaching Opunake, as there is no landing place, it is necessary to drop from the steamer into the boat beneath, and much merriment was excited nmongst his audience whilst be was describing th<> difficulty there was m unshipping poor old Keys, who having something to bold on to. thonaht it brtter to bear thogeills he had, than fly to others he knew not of. and consequently it was not until his strength had given way that he dropped into the boat. The marches were long and heavy ; they were only allowed to carry one blanket and ms the tents did not arrive for a day or two, it can be seen that they were initiated into a soldier's life at the very ontwt. The provisions he described as being neither abundant nor enticing, and asr my be expected their clothes already bea-a the apoearance as if belonging to veterans. Fortunately, however, they are not the gay Timformt, a« when they arrived at Wanganm the Government rigged them ont m blue serge jumpers, and goft foraging. §»ps. The No.

1 Company— consisting V>f tb«-Wsnganui and Marton Corps — remained at Manaia ; while the No. 2 Company, consisting of the Palms reton and Feilding men, proceeded on towards Parihaka. The Armed Constabulary marched right into Parihaka, leaving an opening m front, at which the Palmerston and Feilding men; took up their position. The Maori*, although quite aware of their aprroach,. treated it with the utmost unconcern, and' the arrests were made without the least difficulty or disturbance. He describe* Te Wbiti as being rather short and s!our r and being considerable gray,, be must be somewhat advanced m years. Horiki appears to be about thirty years of age> with no hair aboHt hia f^ce. except a small moustache. While Tc Whiti and HoriM are both small m stature, Tohu is a tall r powerful fellow. .