TARANAKI.

Press, Volume X, Issue 1144, 9 July 1866, Page 3

TARANAKI.

THE PiTEA. By the brig Spartan we have received advices from "Wellington to the 3rd inst. The "Independent," of that date, states:— We expect, ere long, to have some stirring news from the neighborhood of Patea. Major McDonnell, who, the other day so narrowly escaped being shot by the Hau-haus, is now in Wanganui, raising a body of 300 menNatives and Europeans—accustomed to bush fighting, with which force he will scour the country between Wanganui and Taranaki, fighting and following up the Hau-haus wherever they can be found. The gallant Major, we believe, wanted 500 men and carte blanche as to his method of proceeding, his idea being that if placed in such a position he could thrash the Hauhaus into permanent submission in a few months. Ho hasn't got the full number of men, but the Ministry did not fetter him with money instructions, so we expect to hear a good account of himself and the plucky fellows under his command. It is clear from recent intelligence, that the Hau-haus between Taranaki and Wanganui are still in an. attitude of open defence, and it is equally clear that Major McDonnell is the man of all others best fitted to bring them to submission. Apropos of this subject, there is a good story in circulation. When the gallant Major came down to Wellington, and related the narrow escape of himself and friends from the Hau-haus, some one asked "if he were certain the Natives had not fired blank cartridge?" "I don*t know," replied the Major, " I never was under fire of blank cartridge in my life."