TARANAKI.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1379, 1 March 1861, Page 5

TARANAKI.

The news received by H.M.S. Fawn yesterday morning will be found in this day's issue. The war is slowly progressing, and, step by step, General Pratt is securing such positions as command the Waitara seaboard. This, however, has not been done without loss, and we regret to say that in the last affair, near Hapurona's Pa, a serious loss has been sustained. Our troops seem to have suffered severely from an unseen enemy, whilst it is impossible to say what the loss has been on the side of the insurgents. Capt. Stiange, of the 65th, was killed on this occasion. Known and respected as that officer was in every part of New Zealand where he has served, no comment on his death is necessaiy : he has fallen as a gallant officer in the execution of his duty, and has left many to lament him amongst us. Mr. T, . C. King, member for the Bell and Grey District, Lately elected, and Captain in the Taranaki Militia, has likewise fallen ; not in fair fight, but shot down and muidered by those who knew him, and served him in other times. One of the oldest and most respected settlers in Tarauaki, he had shown himself during the war an able, indefatigable, and gallant officer. His death will be most lamented where he himself was best known. We understand that troops aie under orders to proceed immediately hence to Taranaki. — February 19.

We had occasion some time ago to make some observations in reference to the Eev. J. A. Wilson's visit to the rebels at Taranaki, and hazarded a conjecture that it might have the effect of inducing the natives to adopt a more humane system of warfare than that which they have hitherto followed. Wehavesince ascertained that such has been the case, and have received the following memorandum of what took place in consequence of Mr. Wilson's visit. Certain terms respecting wounded men and prisoners, <le, agreed upo7i by the Wailato Tnbet, Jan. 10, 1861. Ist. That no wounded man or prisoner shall be put to death if he deliver up his arms. 2nd. That, henceforth, all wounded men and prisoners shall leceive mercy. 3rd That prisoners may b« exchanged. 4th. That after an action the dead shall remain unmoleited, till buried by their own people. sth. That all flags of truce shall be respected *s biicred.