Bay of Islands.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 100, 15 March 1845, Page 2

Bay of Islands.

It is our most painful duty to record the deaths of many of our brave countrymen in resisting the lawless murderous attacks of the Natives of the Bay of Islands on the European inhabitants and their dwellings at Kororarika, and with still more poignant feelings of sorrow and of indignation do we publish this commencement of murder, robbery and outrage, of which none, however well they may imagine they know the native character, or may be misled by false philanthropy, can foresee the termination. Tho Government Brig " Victoria" arrived in this harbour yesterday afternoon, having left tho Bay of Islands .on Tuesday evening, bringing this disastrous intelligence. From the many conflicting, and perhaps exaggerated statements, and the very great excitement which such'calamitous event has produced in this settlement, it was difficult to obtain accurate, full particulars ; but, we think, the following relation will be found to be a close aproximation to the real facts. The Natives, to the number of twelve to thirteen hundred fighting men, had given notice of their intention to attack the town of Kororarika, on Tuesday last, and the European inhabitants had concerted measures, with the military and the Commander of H. M. S. "Hazard," for their defence. However, on Monday Evening, information was sent by the Rev. Mr. Williams, that he had seen the Natives, and there was no real occasion for fear, or anticipate serious proceedings. — The inhabitants were therefore lulled into false security, for, at dawn, on Tuesday morning, the Natives came down on the town of Kororarika, in various divisions, and a general attack commenced. Capt. Robertson immediately, with G marines and about 25 seamen, proceeded to a narrow pass, through which about four hundred of the Natives were advancing on the town, and most gallantly defended it for above half an hour, killing above forty of the Natives ; but this brave, gallant young officer received some serious wounds himself from

musket balls, and we fear Ms life will b9b 9 sacrificed in this bloody strife with ruthless savages. Tho marines fought nobly with the seamen, the serjeant of the former -was shot through the head, and out of the thirty seamen and marines, eight were killed. Of the military we refrain from relatin* the accounts reported, until better antherf. ticated ; but merely state, that their commander left the block-houso in charge only of three soldiers, and proceeded towards the town. As soon as the natives ascertained that the soldiers had quitted this strong hold, they attacked it, killed the three soldiers, and took it. Most of the inhabitants were driven to seek refuge on board the Government brig and H.M.S. " Hazard," and the " Victoria" has brought numbers who have lost all their property. The town of Kororarika was taken by the Natives and of course ransacked. The house of Mr. Polack was blown up by some accident, and Mr. Torre, of the " Dolphin," schooner, dangerously wounded. Such are the outlines of this most lamentable event, fraught probably with most momentous consequences. While on tho one hand, we would not unnecessarily excite alarm or fear, yet on the other, we caution the settlers not to be beguiled into false security. Although the surrounding and neighbouring tribes are at present friendly and peaceable with Europeans, yet we know well the native character, and we fearlessly and conscientiously assert that at the present day, a New Zealander, when wrought upon and excited by his own countrymen, is still the same treacherous, ungrateful, barbarous savage that he was years since. Policy and self-interest alone, dictate different conduct ; and this event is proof, for in the very abiding place of the Missionaries, their teachers, pastors and protectors, after thirty years of attempted civilization — they thus have shewn their gratitude — their fidelity in promises— their moral conduct — and their submission to law and order. — Heaven grant that there may now be an end of the mistaken, temporising pusillanimous policy of the Government towards the Native race.