ABSTRACT OF JOURNAL.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1379, 1 March 1861, Page 3

ABSTRACT OF JOURNAL.

Saturday, Veh. 16.— The party of military and civilian* under orders for Omata, on special service, to stay away one night,left town at 1 p.m., but owing to the threatening appearance of the weather, ware telegraphed to return, and reached town at 5 p.m. The rebels on Waireka Hill, observing the approach of the force ran to their rifle-pits, and into cover, and fired several shots at the party halted at the stockade vainly endeavouring to emulate the skill of the garrison, who had wounded some of their men at that long range. 18th.— The reported death of Ropata, chief of Ngatiawa, and Netana and two others, on the 10th and 12th instant.is confirmed by a private letter from the camp. Netana, who used to boast of haviug killed Corbyn Harris and Coad, wa» shot dead—- throe, bul-

lets striking him simultaneously. Wi Bopatajis ono' of the three principal chiefs of Ngatiawa ; the names of the two others aae Hare, and lhaia to Wharepa. Tuesday, Feb. 12.— Fires were observed to-d»y in the direction of Mr. W. Baylys farm, and four rebels on Dartmoor hill, fired a volley at No. 3 Blockhouse and decamped. — Mr. W. Bayly, who was on his farm to-day, saw a strong force of the enemy como out of the bush near R*tapihipihi, who advanced in skirmishing order over the country and fired some hedges on Mr. Baylys farm. Later in the evening, Mr. Baylys farm house and outbuildings, and three cottages were fired and burnt to the ground. Wednesday, Feb. 20.— A party of military and militia, tad volunteers, 200 strong, under Major Herbert, proceeded to Mahoetahi with provisions, and returned at 1 p.m. without meeting any natives. — About 7 p.m., a large fire was burning to the left of the Grey Institution, and proved to be Mr. Baylys extensive flour mills at Blagdon, which were totally destroyed. The mills were erected at a cost of upwards of £1000, and Mr. Baylys losses, yesterday, and to-day, cannot be estimated at less than £2000 destroyed by the enemy chiefly in broad daylight and within two miles of the town, without any attempt to check the work of destruction from the town. — We are informed that the northern natives have sent a message to the southern natives to remain where they are, and "be strong." February 21.-— A party of mowers on Mr. J. T. Shaw's farm have a sentry on Dartmoor hill to prevent a surprise by the enemy. The sentry w*s fired at to-day by some natives lurking in Langman's garden, about 300 yards distant, the bullets passing close to him. The mowers, and a. few persons from town, opened a brisk fire upon the rebels who were seen running across the country towards W. Burton's and Dingle's farms. Here they halted, and some three or four natives endeavoured to drive off about fifty head of cattle which had evidently been gathered by them in the morning. The shots from the rifles, although at a distance of 1800 yards, prevented them succeeding in their object, and the cattle ran off townwards, whence the maons were afraid to follow them, and the cattle were ultimately recovered. The natives have a wholesome dread of the Enfield rifleFebruary 23.— A party of the 57th, 65th, and militia and rifle volunteers, with a howitzer, under Major Herbert, left town this morning at 8 00 for Omata with provisions for the Stockade. We have just heard (10-30) that they are engaged with the rebels at the Whalers' gate, and » reinforcement is now being sent to their assistance, under Lieut. CoL Young 65th regt. . 5 p.m.— We have delayed our publication in order to give particulars of the affair at Omata. During the morning and until 2 p.m. irregular firing of smafl arms, with occasional volleys, and the howitzer has been heard. The expedition having just returned from Omata, we learn that the party under Major Herbert on reaching the stockade, and soon after they had piled arms, received a volley torn 80 to 100 muskets from the rebels posted on the lull on Major Lloyd's farm, a distance of 750 yards, wounding one man of the 57th severely. The men immediately fell in and returned a brisk fire, the howitzer throwing a few shelh into the hill, which dislodged the rebels at once, who retreated towards the beach. The force then advanced in skirmishing order, and took possession of the hill, the site of an old fortified pa. Major Herbert then sent on a part of his force towards the Waireka gully, remaining with the howitzer and the remainder of the force in position at the hill. They continued engaged with the rebols, who were in great force in the gullies and flax bnshe* on the flats, for some time. Lieut. -Colonel Young's party now arrived, and halted at the hdl, with a much needed supply of ammunition. After a short time, Colonel Young, who now took command, resolved to proceed by the Omata road to Waireka, and capture the pas there situated, and also intercept the retreat of the natives. Accordingly the party, with the 24pounder howitzer, marched to the Omata road and advanced along it a short way, having thrown out skirmishers on each side, when they received several well-directed volleys from the hill near Ware's Inn, about 300 yards in their front. The fire was briskly returned, and the enemy were seen to make a precipitate retreat to the dense bush. Two shells were thrown with good precision from the howitzer a little boyond theciest of the hill, whence the shots had been fired. About this time an order arrived from town that the party were not to proceed to the Waireka hill, and consequently they returned to their position at Major Lloyd's hill much to the regret of all concerned. The natives have retreated beyond range the whole force by degrees returned to the Omata stockade, where they halted for an hour. The casualties were as follows :

"WOUNDED. 57th Regt.— Private Michael Hogan, severely ; Private Edward Dunnett, slightly. , Csth Regt. — Private Joseph Turner Bennett, slightly; Private John Fennback, do. ; Private John Glover, do. The native loss as usual, cannot be ascertained, but it is supposed they suffered severely, as yells of pain were clearly distinguishable from the customary yells of defiance, and'more than one was observed being carried away.