TE-NGUTU-O-TE-MANU.
I have- been especially interested in the correspondence on Te-Xgutu-o-te-Manu for the reason that my father, the late Mr. C. A. M. Hirtzel, was a survivor of the engagement. Hie account of the action, quoted in a Southern newspaper at the time of his death, may throw some new light. The following account was given by Lieutenant Hirtzel of Te-Xgutu-o-te-Manu: "After Hunter and Palmer were shot McDonnell gave the order for the retreat. Whether von Tempsky ever knew of the order I cannot say, but I remained behind with Captain Buck and Hastings, some of the Wellington Rifles and Palmer's men being with us. Captain Roberts was at this time with von Tempsky further in the bush; end while Buck, Hastings and myself were consulting as to what was to be done, Roberts came up and reported von Teinpsky's death, and asked Captain Buck to send some men to bring the body out. Buck immediately started off with Roberts, but the latter returned after a while bringing poor Buck's body. We then commenced a retreat through the bush, taking with us some of the Native Contingent (von Tenip!<kyVs), Armed Constabulary and the Wellington Rifles (I do not recall how niany of each), with Captain Roberts, Hastings, Livingstone and myself. We marched through the bush for some distance, and could distinctly hear the firing and shouting of the rebels following up McDonnell's party, when, as well «is I can recollect, men composing the Xative Contingent, with the exception of two, left us. It was a little time after they had left us that our party was fired upon. It was at this time that Hastings fell, and Russell and others were wounded. . ." A halt was made until the moon rose, and the party "'. . . reached camp the next morning. I have no recollection of the exact time, but met Major Hunter, with tears in his eyes, coining out to look for his brother. I also remember the squeeze McDonnell gav my hand while remarking: 'Hirtzel, old fellow, I thought you were gone.'" I would be pleaeed to make the acquaintance of Mr. Cowan and Mr. McDonnell in regard to this •natter. H. G. HIRTZEL, 956, Dominion Road, Mount BoskilL
TE-NGUTU-O-TE-MANU.
Auckland Star, Volume LVXIII, Issue 53, 4 March 1937, Page 27
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