TARANAKI.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 201, 26 July 1860, Page 3

TARANAKI.

JOURNAL OF EVENTS TO 6th JULY

[From the Taranaki Herald .]

<r ... Saturday, June 9.- leather gloomy,; and wet. The Tasmanian Maid has not returned. Sunday , —Gale from S. E. with rain. Monday—- In consequence of the depreda-

tions committed last week in the Bell Block, we understand orders have been issued to allow no armed natives to come across the boundary. : ; Wednesday —Weather fine. The Tasmanian Maid came up this morning from Waifcara. Mr. Brown is somewhat better. A white flag has been flying to-day at the Ninia pa, and we hear that Karipa and Haeana, chiefs of that pa, who. have joined W. King from the first, wish to communicate with Mr Parris. Hone Pumipi, -,tbe chief who, with Epiha, saved, Mr. on .the coast, aiid two other Waikatos came to town yesterday, and had an interview with Mr. Parris, We hear that Hone Pumipi expi esses - his intention to return to Kawhia with his people. He has heard W. Kingi’s intentions and seen his proceedings, and has determined not to support him in any way. .Regarding the attack on Mr. R. Brown he considers it as kohuru (murder), and that W. King, although .denying participation in the act,..is, as leader of the rebels,. implicated and As we already know of Hone Pumipi’s honorable conduct in the murderous attack on Mr. Parris, and that he has not entered W. King’s pas, | but, on the contrary, has lived with his party in the fern, and has personally enquired into the merits of the present contest, and withstood every attempt made by \V. Kingi to .in-, duce him to build a pa, we may reasonably infer that Hone’s, return will materially influence the counsels of Waikato. ; We hear that the Ngatiruanuis have not arrived at Waitara, and that the recent marauding in .the -Bell district was carried on .by Hapurona and W. Kingi’s natives. The natives of the -Ninia, Kaipahopako, and Tima pas, Karipa, Tami-. liana, #c. profess to disapprove, of their conduct. “Karipa, Te Haeana, and about 1,0 others, after professions of amity, passed over to the rebels after the bombardment of the W'aitara; stockade. The. fullest explanations of the Governor’s policy had been : afforded to the natives, and these men from that time to the present .have actively, aided and abetted W. Kingi in arms against t the government. VVe trust sincerely that our attitude towards these traitors will be firm and uuwavering.

We can have no alliance with men who on

their own showing have betrayed both ourselves and W. Kingi. On the contrary, the authori-

ses cannot be too cautious in accepting any

invitation to visit them. 'lhe Tasmanian Maid returned this evening to W'aitara with another draft of the 40th.

Thursday —Weather fine. Provision carts started this, morning for Tataraiinakawith a strong escort of the 65th. Rebel natives, we hear, are in the vicinity of the camp, and have turned out Porikapa and his people from their pa, including a dying woman. fVe are told that W. Kingi’s people are erecting a pa about a quarter of a ; mile inland of the stockade on Teira’s land attacked by the troops on the 17th March. The Tasmanian Maid came up this evening with a party of the 65th. They, say the Waikatos have >not yet gone back Mr. Brown, we regret to say, is in a very low state. The Victoria left at 4 p.m. for Wellington with Ensign St. Hill and 20 men of the 65th Regt. The Tasmanian Maid also left for Waitara with another, draft of the 40th. Volleys of small arms have been heard to-day in the direction of the Bell Block. 7 p.m.— fVe have just been informed that a number of friendly Natives from the severaL pas collected together yesterday on account of the recent depredations committed ou the houses of the . Bell ; Block settlers. The friendly .natives expressed a wish to the authorities to be allowed to go in a body to the European boundary, and show their indignation at these outrages. They danced the war dance three times ; first at the Hua, next in the line of road opposite the Block House, and at the Waitara stream, where they, danced, : made speeches, and fired their guns. A portion of the 12th and Volunteer Rifles stationed at the Block House, escorted Mr, Parris and the natiyes to the boundary at Waitaha. The white flag was all this time flying at the Ninia pa, and a native shouted from the opposite side, who was communicated with by sending a Native to him. ;He wanted to know j if; he might come over and speak, to the party,' and, if allowed, requested a white flag to be hoisted, which was done, and ; be came over, and stated that there was a great deal of dissatisfaction on account of the recent conduct of W. Kingi’s natives, and there was

a. party at the Ninia who had: withdrawn altogether, and wanted to remain neutral at the Ninia pa. j They were told it, could: not be recognised as a neutral pa. He then asked if they .-could, come over, and : join the-friendly natives, ivvhich was allowed. .Fifteen natives, with . Karipa and Haeana with them,! then came - over, ; and,, on arriving at the Waitaha. the friendly natives were all requested to move on without holding any conversation, and’the.'party of.fifteen followed behind so far as the Blockhouse* when the Ninia party were halted, and they were ordered to surrender their arms. This they did, but, were allowed to take them up again aud are .now all at the Hua, in our district! .

Saturday , June 16—Tasmanian Maid in from Waitara. We are glad to hear that Mr. Brown-js better this morning, and that there is some hope now of his recovery. -The rebels are busy erecting the pa near Teira’s land. Saturdays June.lS— -The admission among us of Ihe rebels lieaded by Karipa has been, marked ;by tbesgeneral disapproval of the settlers. We know from personal 'conversation with some of the loyal natives, that they

highly disapprove of Wi Kingi’s late’ alliesbeing allowed to he at large in our ifiidst. Mahau, in particular* a staunch friend of the Europeans, is very indignant, if we are to believe.his own words. , Our, fear ; is, that a precedent has-been established which may be made use .of by many of the. insurgents, to'suit their. own ends. That, Karipa and his followers nrerebels is, we think, established by the fact that they deliberately, after, choosing which side .'they wouid serve, went over to WTKingi, and since the 20th March, have been with him ; at-Mataifcawa* and hot at the Ninia. Whether they have actively assisted King matters, not; their alliance gave strength

to the enemy, and: their coining over is no evidence of , change of sentiment. The submission of refeels is a very proper step, and is the proper atonement for misconduct ; hut. the universal rule is, to receive such as prisoners of war, and .to deprive them for the time of the liberty they might- otherwise' abuse. It is reported that the , traitor and well l known character Tamihana, (the late Eatatore’s right hand man) is also wishful now to be a ‘friendly native.’ . This man is ifitimafcely connected with W.-King, and has been open and consistent in his opposition £6 our advancement from the time he and others bounced Governor Fitzroy -out of his wits—now 17: years sinceFrom the south we hear that the rebels have destroyed a’l Pot ilea; a’s cattle, - numbers lying killed about ihe country. Snuday, Juue 17.—The same bleak and wet S.E. wind. This weather is very trying, to the piquets and patiob. .... Monday, June 18 -— We hear from - Tataraimaka that: tfidfrelefe liave erect’d; a pa within a short distanc) of the camp, and on the banks - of the Kutikara stream, and that they are .4-00 strong, and that some soldiers who were out were nearly cut oft* by an ambush of 100 natives, and; were saved by a native named‘Epiha, who discovered the ambuscade, and ran only just iu-time to give them warning. ..Epiha is. one of the friendly chief Po'rikapa’s natives, and we trust that this'substantial proof of Ills fidelity will be brought under the notice of the Governor* as services of this nature at such a.time, should not pi s unrequited. Tuesday, June 19.— A large number of friendly natives came in' town to-day, principally to get .'shell-fish from the reef, it being spring tides. ' : Wednesday, June 20.—The Tasmanian Maid erme up this morning from Waitara. Mr.. Brown lias passed two bad nigh! 8, and is in a very low state; evidently sinking. The names oi the natives at present known to have fired at Mr. Brown are Tawatahi (already named), Wi Paki, Hori (a humpback); Hare, son of Hare.a relative of W. ICn'i, Rungikopiriga, and. a native from Omairo. We are promised written particulars from Waitara by a native chief: by an early opportunity. The rebel natives are still busily employed on their pa near the Government land, described to be a very strong one, about 1700 yards from the camp, quarter of a mile inland of the Devon line, and in open country ; it is confidently expected that they will erect a pa on our land, as soon as the present one is completed. Au overland mail from: the north was brought upin. the steamer .from Waitara, bringing us Auckland papers to the. llth inst.; Frbm Waikato we he^r J; ..that Rewi is opposed; to. any movement to assist Kingi; i The . steamer shortly after .her arrival from Waitara proceeded to Tatarairaaka, to land an escort that, came up the day before : overland. Thursday, June 21.—The Tasman-an Maiil returned from Tataraimaka this morning, having accomplished her mission. No news; From the Bell Blockhouse we hear that a number of natives were seen last night on the block .with torches. ,A great many sheep have ; been killed and worried, by dogs belonging to the rebels. Weather fine. : . -

Friday, June 22 —The Tasmanian Maid, steamed .to, Waitara this morning. -We have been informed that a messenger has reached VV. Kingi from Ngatiruanui - informing* him that the; whole; tribe, mustering 800, have started to ; join the: Taranaki tribe, who will i come up.to Waireka tj fight where their rela- - tives fell. This intelligence Was brought into town by a native who! has been to Mataitawa with a coffiu for a deceased relative. We have heard that' the A r gatiruanuis have reached Warea, and it is said, if <not prevented by the troops at Tataraimaka, will march up to Eatapihipihi and? Waireka. v. ■ Saturday, June 2 3.—We; omitted to mention in last week's journal that the light company of the 65th-—Colonel Murray’s company —relieved,, on Monday last, the 40th at ffenui, removed to Waitara. The troops are

'• 'housed iuT Clarge ljut, constructed with raupo and thatched ' with toetoe, and are compare .lively comfortable. Lieutenants Urquhart an 1 . Whitbread are in charge of this detachment We -also omitted to mention that Lieutenant Chevalier, was thrown from his horse on Wed - nesday last, when riding' on the beach, and » broke his collar-bono. We are glad to bear . ■ that he iis progressing favourably. Firing < heard at Waitara during the day—-artillery and small arms. It'was also telegraphed from the Bell Blockhouse that firing was going on at Waitara. i The weather, we fear, will prevent the steamer coming up and reporting. < Sunday, June 24.—1 t blew very hard last night from the N.E. : and N.W., but lulled this morning. The Rev.: Mr. Wh’teley 1 came in to-day from Waitara, and we '■ are informed that a skirmish had taken place between the 40th and the rebels on * the Government land, .i t Monday, June 25.—TheTasmanian Maid arrived from Waitara this afternoon, and confirms the' news brought 'overland by Mr. , Whiteley. We are told that on Saturday a : party of natives were seen* from the camp coming down to a bush on the Government laud, . about ,500 yards in rear of the camp, in c]e- ; taclied parties, supposed to be coming for i ti nber for their pa at Pulcetakawere. A party (50) of the 40th, under Captain Messenger, ' aniLeight natives; including Teira and Hemi, proceeded to reconnoitre, when they were fired upon by some natives in ambush. The troops fired and retreated, hopiug to induce the rebels ~to come up nearer the camp, The natives : chased the soldiers till they got within '250 yards of them ; when a shell was fired from . the camp, which was seen to fall amongst them and disperse them in all directions. It is sup posed that some rebels were - killed by the expi.sion.: A bullet stniok a soldier’s rifle, bitiing it near the muzzle, and carrying away about an inch of the barrel. A bullet glanced off another’s shoulder, and another knocked off a breast button, Several shells were fired over where the natives were supposed to be lying. A white flag has been flying at the rebel pa since Saturday. We are informed that on Sunday Hapurona, leader of the rebels, sent a message to the camp, informing the Major that he will be ready to fight in three days. Private Flannigan, 65th regiment, was buried to-day with military honours. Tuesday,i June 26.—-The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara torday, and steamed against a north-wester. Weather looking very threatening, with thunder, and set in for rain. The steamer takes down a number of the 40th, 2 guns, and 10 bullocks. This little steamer does her duty admirably, going in and out of the Waitara without any difficulty, and, we bear, has not yet bumped on the bar. She is extremely useful, ami, indeed, her services could not be dispensed with. Rumours of an intended attack upon the rebel pa at Pukelauere at Waitara. Great secrecy has been kept regarding the intended operations. The light company of the 65th and the detachment of the 12th marched to Bell Block day, and the remainder of the 40th and 60 blue-jackets, under Captain Seymour, R.N., marched overland to Waitara. A number of loyal natives also were taken to Moliau’s pa to : act in concert with the troops. It is generally believed that an attack will be made on the : rebel pa at daybreak to-morrow by Major Nelson,,commanding the 40th detachment, Wednesday, June 27.-—Early this morning the firing of artillery was plainly heard, and smoke seen rising from Waitara. Great ex- : citement prevailed in town, and general anxiety felt for intelligence. The outlying and •inlying piquets were ordered to remain under arms, and during the morning 60 more blue jackets marched to the Bell Block. From the constant fix-ing heard, it is believed the

forces are'hotly engaged. In consequence of a j telegram from Bell Block, where Colonel < Goldand the troops in reserve are, 50 more nien of the/65:h, and two 24-pounder howitzers, were forwarded on in command of l ; Captain Barton, 65th regt. These left the town about 3, with the guns and ammunition carts, in the midst, of a heavy storm, but it < was cheering to notice how eager the men •were for service in the field. About this ‘time : the militia and volunteers were assembled under arms, and paraded on Mount Eliot, when strong outlying pickets were told off, U«d sent to their respective posts. An order was also issued that all should remain under arms during the night; During the day no intelligence came in to relieve the minds of the people, and it was dusk when rumours reached town that the forces engaged' aV Waitara had suffered a repulse. This, although it naturally left an .unpleasant impression on the minds of men, was absolutely discredited, inasmuch as it was through the same channel announced, that the. Commander of the Forces, with his powerful reinforcement, including, two 24pounder howitzers and the remainder of the Naval Brigade, was on its way to town, after having halted at Mahoetabi (Mahan's pa) at IFaiongona, the high ground of which commands the enemy’s position, just If mile distant. -.The force returned during the evening, when it was ascertained, in addition to the above, that -from Mahoetabi a white flag waa observed to be flying from the rebels’ pa, which indicated that it had not been taken. The news did not relieve the uneasiness, and much anxiety is felt for intelligence from the camp at Waitara, and as the weather is verystormy (squalls • and show r ers from S.W.) we fear we may not have the steamer up for a day or two. We must depend upon the poor ' chance of a mounted courier- from Waitara. -We are very • glad to hear that it is in, con templation to burn the rebel pas in the vicinity of the Bell Block'and Wi Kiugi’s stronghold. Serjeant Majouram’s telegraph was kept going . to-day, signalling witn - the Dell Blockhouse., la consequence of the return of the troops the

inlying and Henui militia and volunteer piquets were dismissed from duty for the night. Tint ': slay? June 28;— We are-kept-in; painful' Suspense -regarding the attack on, } the rebel pa yesterday. Rumours of all kinds are afloat,and it is generally feared' ! the attack was not successful, as it - ‘is stated that firing was seen from the pa after the attacking force suspended their fire. The weather still boisterous. The Maid may succeed, however, in getting up in the course of the day. The troops had a wearisome march yesterday through the muddy roads, and Came home fagged. - 12 noon.—News of the most painful nature just received by a mounted volunteer from ffaitara, and which exceeds the worst apprehensions entertained.' '29 killed, and 33 wounded, of the different corps engaged during yesterday’s attack, including Lieut; Brooke, 40tli regtl’i killed, Captain Seymour, R.N., wounded severely. Lieut. Bi’ooke is said to have been' entangled in a swamp and tomahawked, after having put several to tlie sword. The following notice was issued to-day.—

*« Proclamation.

“ A Skirmish imving’taken place yesterday at the Waitara with the rebel natives, the Officer commanding, the, forces directs it to be notified for general information, that the losses on the side of the British were 29 killed and j S3 wounded,' and that on the side of the enemy very great. I “ By command, !■• "James Paul, > “ Capt. 65th regt., Acting Major - v • of Brigade.” The Tasmanian Maid came up at dusk this evening, but has hot brought up the wounded as was expected. Captain Richards, 40th, who was in the engagement ,on Wednesday; !has coine up in her. Many of the wounded are in a dangerous state, and those who have since died of their wounds make the total number of killed .32, We are told that ihe dead were left on the field, but that 20 rifles were recovered. The fight is described as being of the most sanguinary nature —in many instances hand to hand, and that our forces (347 of all ranks) were outnumbered by the rebels, numbering it is said from 800 to 1000 men, %ho attacked the troops in flank and rear. It is believed that between 100 and 150 natives are killed ; the dead were lying |in heaps on the ground, and the execution by grape and canister was immense. Daring deeds of valour are recounted. One of the grenadiers of the 40th (we hope to get his name) it is said, was attacked by three natives. The brave soldier fired at one, and shot him; retired loading, turned and obot the second, and bayonetted the third. Another soldier, in face of several hundred natives, in a gully, de- ! liberately shot several before he retired. Some artillerymen were killed and wounded at their guns, several attempts having been made by the natives to take the guns. In retreating, ; the rebels in a mass followed and closed on, the troops, when Lieut. McNaughten fired a 'round of common case, which had a most destructive effect, and caused them to retire in confusion. A man, who feigned to be dead when lying on the ground wounded, arrived in camp last night in his shirt. Two sailors wounded also succeeded in crawling into camp. The natives since the attack have been going over the ground, and yesterday fired several volleys into the camp. They still hold their position, and a white flag has been flying since half-mast high. We are informed that this white flag is not an emblem of peace, but is the king’s flag, and hoisting it half-mast is to call all the rebels together. We shudder ; to think of the fate of any wounded men that may have been left behind. We are told that men who have been in the hottest fire in India and elsewhere have not been under a worse fire than that kept up by the rebels during the engagement. Officers and men fought like lions against overwhelming numbers, Captain Seymour and Major Nelson being in the thickest of the fight. It is believed that a part of the Ngatiruanui must have been in this engagement. A European was seen heading a party of natives and leading them in skirmishing order, and he was shot dead. We are glad to say that Captain Seymour’s wound is not so dangerous as was supposed. A bullet entered the calf of his leg, and has been extracted. Mr. R. Brown has been delirious for two or three days, and suffered much from excitement during the firing of the heavy guns. The Tasmanian Maid reports that Major Nelson proceeded to-day with a force of fifty men to recover his killed, but the fire of the rebels rendered it advisable to abandon the intention Ifor the time. We have been informed that the attacking force was divided into three divisions —the Ist commanded by Captain Bowdler, the 2nd by Captain Messenger, and the 3rd by Captain Richards, the whole commanded by Major Nelson. The second division under Captain Messenger were guided by Ihaia to cut off the !retreat of the rebels. The - Ist and 3rd diyijsions with the naval brigade, formed the main body, excepting a party of the Ist division, with Captain Bowdler, who were posted in the rear. After firing for an hour it was found that the guns were unable to make a breach, and Major Nelson did not think it advisable to. make an assault, and as the natives were advancing upon their rear and flank in great numbers, and had occupied a ditch and bank from which they kept up a most destructive fire; he ordered an advance upon the ditch, which was done in a most gallant and dashing manner, but they were intercepted by a deep ravine with a raupo swamp at the bottom. Capt. Messenger’s company was hard pressed in tbeir position by overwhelming numbers, and obliged to give way,'when Lieut. Brooke fell while gallantly leading his men. Captain Bowdler now came to the support of both division?, and after a hard contested fight of

four hours and r half, they made good their retreatito the entrenched camp. . rWe are sorry to be iinahle to publish a nominal return of the losses of our troops. It appears to be the practice in the army that such returns; can only - be published, through the War office'in Lonoon.' The officers were— ; Naval Brigade—Capt. Seymour (wounded), Ist Lieut. Midshipman Wadlow, Midshipman Garnett, Lieut. Aforris, Royal Marine Artillery. ' Royal Engineers—Lieut. Mould. Royal McNaughteh* j 40th- Regt.~Major Nelson, Lieui-Brooke (killed), Lieuts. Dowman, .Jackson, and Rees, Ensign T and Adjutant Whelan. . 7 Friday, June 29.r—Aii express jnstrAniyed in town that the southern' natives have attacked 5 the .'.gamp at Tataraimaka and have burnt tjie houses of the settlers, and that 1 the t&oj&'were fighting their back into town. Firing; of artillery and 1 small arms heard. Militia'kxi^^Tbiunteen'Yell'in^unilpr'arms. The light company; 65tH ‘ and the 12th marched down to render assistance, if needed, and 60 blue jackets were posted in the church with their brass 12 pounder. Great excitemgnt i u town.*. -7 * ' 7 : 7 7.

6 p.m.-—The troops from Tataraimaka and the relief arrived in-] town. Three, houses on the Tataraiiriaka were in flames, and a slight skirmish had taken place before the troops left. ;No casualties on our side. We are informed that this morning- about 70 rebels moved along a ridge in front of T. Bayly’s House; when Captain Turner in command of the detachment ordered the artillerymen to fire on them with’ shell, which drove them Hack, and the detachment suffered no molestation, and arrived in town about 7 p.m. Messrs. Thos. and Wm. Bayly’s ; and Mr. McDonald’s houses were in flames, we are told after the troops left. Two 9*pourider howitzers, -with ammunition and ten artillerymen were, left at the Omata stockade. The steamer left for JTaitara with ammunition, and some remaining soldiers of the 40th.

We hear from the Bell Block that the rebels have been seen very busy strengthening their position at Puketakauere since the fight on Wednesday, and the pa is now described to be a very strong one. It does not appear by ibis'that the rebels are dispirited at their losses. It is doubtful if we shall ever know what their loss was, and can only conjecture from the sanguinary nature of the engagement that it must have been very heavy. 7 p.m.—Mr. Whitely. came up from the camp at Waitara at dusk, after having visited the rebel pa. The rebels would not allow him to enter the pa, and told him that they had buried eight soldiers, and would search for the rest of the dead and bury them if Major NelSon would hoist a white flag. The rebels were in an excited state, and refused to give the nnihber of their loss. The following has been issued to-day “ Brigade Morning Orders. “ June 29, 1860.

“ The Officer commanding the Forces, Taranaki, has much satisfaction in thanking Major Nelson, 40th regt., Capt. Seymour, R N.. and the officers, petty officers, and seamen under him, Zieuts.Mould, R.E., McNaughtpn, R.A., for their gallantry and distinguished bearing when engaged with the rebels on the 27th insfc. They have upheld the honour of the British forces. Colonel Gold deeply deplores the loss of Lieut. Brooke, 40th regt., who fell gallantly at the head of the. troops, and the tfpblg. non-commissioned officers and privates unfortunately killed, and feels the deepest sympathy with the wounded.

“ By command, “ J. Paul, Capt. 65th regt., “ Acting Major of Brigade

Saturday, June. 30.—Weather breaking and wind going down! A report is in town that one of the Waikatos of note fell-in the fight on Wednesday. This will furnish a pretext for many of the tribe to come down. Sunday, July L—A beautiful morning, the first fine day we have had for weeks. The 7’asmanian Maid anchored at dusk from Waitara. We have received the following list of natives killed and wounded in the action pn Wednesday:— Killed—M&rtm Waeroa (Kingi's brother) ~ Hori Korupe (Kingi’s follower) Hone Kiritahanga i(Huirangi) Torua ; (a Waikato chief) , JFi Rbpata , ■■ ; 77 ' 7..'7 ; 7. ■ - ■ (chief of Huirangi) "’7 Haimo Kohua ~ r -'"/ 7J,. Nepetarima,, Tainihana te/frohi, Kaipakopakb Hakopa te Wahao TTbere are various statements made as to the number of in-the fight. A native from Wi Kingi’s arrived at Puketotara, states that they have lost five killed, and twelve wounded, and that they had found and buried 78 soldiers j’bnt the probable truth, is,, as already stated, that their total loss, in killed and wounded is upwards of 200 k This in no way clashes with the above, list, as the natives would speak only of natives of note, the rank and file or inferior men being, for obvious reasons, omitted. Another of; the r wounded: soldiers died-yesterday. We much regret to hear that the boue of Captain,., Seymour’s leg is fractured. .The Puketotara. natives report that the wounded men. left on the field were searched fofj'during Thursday, Friday, and SatUrdayr :: and dispatched , ,by. the, enemy. Thirty B’dikatbs / of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe had reached Pukekohe on their way to W. Kiiigi, and ZOO were at the Jiffhite Cliffs. Monday . July 2.—The overdue Airedale was in sight this morning, and anchored about . 11. Sho has been bar bound in the Mana-

fcau by the late weather. She bring 9 intelligence of Potatau's death from influenza and old age. Capt.. Strapp. returns in her. At Tataraimaka the Taranakis are burning the settlers* houses. The Airedale, r instead of going south, left this evening for Afandkau with despatches, and the Tasmanian -Maid is to take the English mail to Nelson. The Maid went down to. JTaitara with ammunition and two 24-pounder howitzers, #c. , Another child* the third, of Mr. R. Foreman’s died to-day. ,Mr. Foreman himself is- very ill: This afflicted family: have lost in the space of a few weehs, the mother and ;three children!

Tuesday, July 3* —Every building! of Tatairamaka, excepting the Chapel,' is burnt to the ? ground. The Tasmanian Maid came up from Waitara this morning; and brings up 25 of the wounded, who were removed to the hospital. The weather -was fortunately a dead calm, and the; sun warm and cheering. 60 Waikatos are "reported at Puketakauere. Weather fine. The Military, and Volunteers were served with clothing-; each man received ; a blanket, blue shirt, guernsey, and a pair of boots, sent down in the Airedale. The other articles of necessary, clothing will follow, not too . soon, as both militia and volunteers have, been compelled hitherto from some: unexplained, omission of' some one’s', to provide themselves. Many from this cause have gone off night duty insufficiently clad at this severe season of the year. They; have lost everything from; the war, and to purchase winter clothing was out of the question: 100 rifles were likewise received -from Auckland,' longer in the barrel than those used by the Taranaki Volunteers; The Tasmanian Maid sailed for Nelson with the English mail, and some passengers.'• --h ; -: v ''• ’ •' i

Wednesday July 4.—»Weather sqpally and wet, * The rebels at Waitara have fenced, in the two pas with strong palisading, And appear to be busily engaged in strengthening their position. : From Tataraimaka the rebels have retired to Kaihihi, to which place they have driven all the stock belonging to that district, consisting of sheep, cattle, pigs, &c. They will remain at Kaihihi till the Ngatiruanui tribes come up, and they have a grand feast. Afterwards they will come townwards. Thursday July 5.—A boat went down to Waitara thjs morning with Mr. Parris. 1 It is reported, we can vouch for its truth, that when the troops marched from the camp before daylight on Wednesday morning to attack the rebels* pa; three fires were lighted at friendly pas, supposed to he signals to the rebels, this would account for the dispositions of the enemy when Major Nelson made his attack. The Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes consider they have driven the troops from Tataraimaka, and have taken possession of the block, they say they will not make peace on any .terms; and, as . their- King’s flagstaff was cut down at Warea, they are determined to have the Queen’s at Mount Elliot. It will be remembered that during Katatore*s‘life, the Ngatiruanuis and Taranakis threatened to cut down, the same flagstaff, and were only prevented from coming up to do so by the firmness of Katatore, who threatened to oppose them. The boat returned from Waitara this evening with Mr. Parris. Mr. ft- Brown is not improving. The natives came out of the pa yesterday and danced the war dance. Major Nelson fired three shots into the pa from the camp. A native dressed in a soldier’s coat (no doubt one of the 40th) was very, conspicuous., ; We are:glad to say that the wounded. ; in the hospital are progressing. Friday, July 6.—-It will be great satisfaction to the people to hear that Colonel Gold, in company with Captain Mairis, R.E, and Major Herbert, commanding the Militia and Volunteers, has decided upon intrenching the central portion of the town. Should the enemy never carry out their threat the: work will, we are assured, be confidently undertaken by all classes, the safety of the women and children, who still crowd the town being our chief care. The Tasmanian Maid arrived from Nelson this, evening, bringing Nelson papers to the sth instant. There is no news of any particular interest.

The following account of the engagement is from the .Nelson Examiner

’ About daybreak of the 27th, a force of 200 men in all, from the 40th and iVaval brigade, set out from the camp with the big guns, and took up position on the . side of the pa next the camp. These men had with them Major Nelson, Captain Richards of the 40th, Captain Seymour and' First Lieutenant Baddiscombe of the Pelorus, and Lieutenant McNaughten of Artillery. Another party of 150 men was sent round between the pa and the river, and, leaving a detachment in the flat, came up in the- rear of the pa on, the inland side. The pa was thus surrounded, so that none coming out could escape from, one force or another. The main force in! front opened fire with artillery at 7 am., and, after some firing, effected a small breach. But the. ground was known* to be furrowed, with old intrencbments, and a gully intervened between the artillery and left wing and the pa. The natives came boldly out on the opposite side of the gully, sometimes within one hundred yards, and. a steady and busy firing went on. On the right wing, however,; which consisted of the grenadier company of the ,40th and i the Naval Brigade, aud which overlapped the head of the gully, a distressing fire. was maintained from, a broad ditch, and the order was given to fix,, bayonets and charge.; , !The natives, lying down with loaded guns, started up when the line was within a, few yards; their number was great,, their guns double barrels, and they fairly shook the-iadvancing party... They closed, however, and a , hand to; hand fight followed, in which*many .fell ;,, one big fellow of the 40th is said to have bayonetted six of

the enemy, and was then shot dotvn. Some white-skmned; scoundrel was among the enemy directing them, and 1 fear escaped hanging by getting; shot. The grenadier company lost thirty-three men, killed and wounded, chiefly in this struggle., . j -Whilst this was going on the Maories came piuring in from the: back country, dud outflanked our men; and,, after holding out as Jong as he thought fair tq the men, forcement' arriving, Major Nelson ordered a retreat: An attempt was made to follow by a perfect crowd of natives, when the artillery, which had been run off diagonally in ordCr to cover the retreat, threw in a few rounds of grape, and one discharge made, it is said, “ a lane through them,”And they gave; up the attempt to pursue. - The parties in the rear had meanwhifcbeen engaged with natives on' the ridge on which stands the pa; and had cut-off some who were endeavouring to escape on that side ; . they were part of them stationed in high fern and tutu, and the crowd from; inland: had nearly surprised them. When the bugle sounded the retreat" they were separated from the main body by swarms of natives, and were obliged to make the best of their way back by the low ground over which they had advanced: They Had been taken to their position by the celebrated chief Ihaia ; be is still suffering’from some scorbutic complaint contracted;, in the long siege of the Karaka pa; and being half lame and knocked up, had to crawl back to the camp, where he arrived at II o’clock, covered with mud, thorns, and thistle, seed. He did his duty "; and it; is fair to mention Kim, here, as he might be forgotten, and his whole fierce and energetic mind is bent on aiding ‘our "cause. ” His’ absence,’ 'however, left the rear party without' a guide, and possibly was in part the reason of-the loss by this rearward division. Lieutenant ■ Brooke . was killed in a swamp, fighting several natives with his sword, till a cut on the wrist disabled him, and he fell by the blows of their tomahawks. The rearward party ; left thirteen men on the ground; only one wounded man escaped; the whole retreat having to be hardly fought against great odds. The whole loss on our side was, as far as I can learn,-

40th regiment’ ............ 46 . Naval brigaded............. 10 , Artillery 5 ■ ; 61 Of these, twenty-nine were killed and thirtytwo wounded; one of the latter has since died. Among the killed was .Lieutenant Brooke, and among the wounded was Captain Seymour, of the Pelorus; but lam glad io say Wa wound is not likely to deprive us long of his invaluable services. ,

/ It is worth recording that the natives were observed to dispense with the ramrod in loading. their balls going easily their gnns, the butts of which -they struck two or three times on the ground. The practice has been common among French soldiers, and with double barrelled guns at close quarters, where precision is of little importance, it is very effective. '

From the spectators of this fight, and the few who joined it of their own choice, we hear but one tale. Every one fought with steady, active courageno one, skulked; officers and men alike did their duty ; under great odds, and a fire at times that astonished veterans of the Indian service. The natives, it is said, are warriors equal to the Sikhs'. I hear, the names Ferozeshah, Sdbraon, the Redan, used to describe the sort of conflicts It was no disgrace then to be repelled. We, may be proud of the 27th June at Puketakawhere. One man there was who could have made; this affair a decisive victory. It was an enlarged repetition of Waireka. 1 Succour was needed » and it was at hand,but it was withheld. Not only are the rebels unconquered, but 1 the bodies of our dead lie unburied, or are in* debted to the enemy for burial. Here was no divided responsibility* ho orders to hamper. It lay in the power of the Commander of the forces to co-operate,, to succour, or promptly to retrieve.. One after another he neglected or declined these opportunities as they passed. He did not create a diversion ; ‘he delayed when he should have hurried to relieve; and he marched his eager men back to quarters when he should have gone forward to renew the strife. It is true that all was quiet when he left Mahoetahi; but, for . aught he knew, it .might be the” quiet of death. I know, something will be said about the town. • But the town was not unprotected ; here is, roughly, the state of the force here on Wednesday, the 27th,— " ’ At Waitara.i..soo : IPith Colonel G01d..*... 300 At Bell 810 ck............ 50 t At Omata ............... 70 At Tataraimaka......... 200 In town 800 Reducing the number here stated by 100 for invalids, we have a force surely able to maintain itself and protect the barracks, in which, on an emergency, we should;:Secure the.helpless.