LATEST FROM THE EAST COAST. SEVENTY PRISONERS TAKEN. WAIROA. (Hawked Bay Herald Correspondent,) April 26,1866. Kopu and Ihakahave been for the last four or five days at Opotiki, a place about twenty miles up the Wairoa, whether they went to ascertain the truth of certain rumours as to the building by the Hau-haus of a pa. News reached Wairoa on the 24th that fifty prisoners had been taken, and at about seven p.m. Major Fraser and Captain Biggs started with about twenty mounted military settlersand volunteers—thirty more all volun teering for the service, starting on the other side; and after a moonlight canter—not over heath, but over some very disagreeable gullies -arrived at about half-past ten, It was then found that some prisoners had been taken, probably about thirty in number, all able men, and remarkably well armed with double guns.
On the 25th, about twenty more were taken, but the pah was found to be a myth— or, at least, is not discovered at present. The prisoners include among their number two men of local notoriety, Nama, and Himeoma. lam sorry to say the state of the bar has not much improved. Captain Schou reports that there are about three feet six inches on the bar, channel about ten feet wide. The Hero got in to-day, but with great difficulty, tlie crew of the Huntress wading in up to their necks to assist. Finally she was towed in by the steamer.
We have at present in the river, bar bound, the Huntress, the Vivid, and the Lady Bird! The Taraipene is hauled up for repairs.
