TAURANGA. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) June 11, 4 p.m.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2167, 30 June 1864, Page 5

TAURANGA. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) June 11, 4 p.m.

Ihave jusb time to write a few lines before the •Jfcndfly" leaves. She was to have takonup soiiLe of the 43rd, and the 'Eslc' was to hayo taken tip some more, but it is rumoured that in conaequonce of a largo number — it is said 1,800 — of the rebels being in the vicinity, she is ordered to Auckland for fresh orders, Colonel Greer thinkingitimprudent that any man should \>e removed, xhe ' Sandfly is expeofced back here on Monday. The ' Sandfly arrived here yesterday at 2 p.m., and the 'Esk afc 8 this morning. The ' Tauranga arrived at 11 last night.

Juno 15. The arrival of the ' Alexandra' here yesterday at noon, with a detachment of about 300 of the Ist Waikato Regiment of military settlers, was a welcome sight to both military and civilian residents ; and evidenced Iho promptness with ■which the appeal for assistance in the hour of need had been attended to by the authorities in Auckland. As the men, after being disembarked, were paraded in column on the beach, there was an evident satisfaction beaming in the countenance of every older resident here, arising from the feeling that should the rebels come down in force, as threatened, three hundred more bayonets would fill up many a gap which might be unavoidably left through the forces being stationed at different positions around the encampment; and if it should be the luck of the overpowering Maori horde to sweep all into the sea, then therewould be some consolation in having the moro companions in the misfortune. Itis needless to say, however, that few could entertain the latter feeling: few could even bring their friends to the conviction that the rebels would bo foolhardy enough to make any attempt upon the two redoubts here, the Durham and Monuiouth. The positions threatened by Thompson were at first said to be the Gate pa, which it will be remembered is about three miles from Tauranga, and the camp at Judea across theWaikiriau, where also an excellent redoubt has been thrown up by the soldiers. A few hundred troops are stationed at each of these positions; \>ut little doubt can be felt that, if the rebels choose to tako an example from the course pursued on two occasions oy the Taranakis of attacking our redoubt, their repulse would be as signal and disastrous at the hands of the troops here as it proved at the hands of the 57th. Some discredit lias been attempted to be cast upon the statement that the rebels were in great force a few miles beyond the Gate pa ; but those who, from converse with the friendly natives, ought to know something of the doings of the rebels, allege that a force of 700 twice told (1,400) are mustered not many miles from there. A number of Ngatipikiaos are said to be amongst them. William Thompson is in command, and Rewi has gone to the Waikato for further reinforcements. It seems vory probable, if an attack is to be made upon Te Papa, or auy of the redoubts around, that it will bo well if it is done quickly, at least to afford the Maoris any chance whatever of holding their own for a short time. They will before this time have licard of the arrival of the reinforcements, and suspecting that others may be on the way, any further delay may be considered dangerous to their cause ; and so the lug of war, if war is to be taken up again liere, will be felt in a few days at the furthest. The friendly natives at Maungatapu and other Maori settlements bordering the harbour are known to be in a state of great trepidation and fear at the expected irruption of the enemy. The threats held out against them by the rebels, if they did not desert the Queen's side and cast in their lot with the varying fortunes of the King, are said to have been of the severest kind ; and so effective have they proved that several have already gone over to the enemy. Prom fourteen to twenty able-bodied Maoris have gone from Maungatapu, and a number from Canaan, a village lying between here and Maketu. The women and children have in both cases been left behind, as a burden upon those who continue to reside at the village. Those yet remaining faithful are, it is rumoured, about to take up their quarters nearer to camp at Ohuld — fearing the rebels will make a descent upon them should they remain at their present dwelling-places. This, however, is not to be done until the soldiers and pakehasare quietly disposed of; then the clay of retribution would not be far distant. It cannot be denied the position of the friendly natives at the present moment is anything but an enviable one. On the one side they are threatened with dire vengeance at the hands of those of their brethren who have espoused the King cause, and especially the Waikatos ; and on the other they receive no assistance from those in authority, who expect them to remain faithful. They are not allowed to reside in camp, and when they may come over to purchase provisions on the days permitted, experience an uncomfortable sensation of being watched and dogged about until again entering their canoes to return to their kaingas. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that occasionally word should be brought that the ranks of the rebels have been swelled by deserters from the loyal tribes, seeing that the rebels are now stated on all hands to have abundance of food, which has been obtained mostly from Rotorua ; and the Waikatos are said to have become possessed, by some means not stated, of a very large amount of money, of which they are in no wise sparing. The plan of attack now said to have been determined upon by the enemy is talked of as follows : — To pass the Gate pa and the camp at Judea without noticing them, and to descend upon Te Papa by three points at once ; by the beach from the direction of Maungatapu ; by Mr. Purvis's house ; and near Archdeacon Brown's. They express their determination of having another good fight in this district before finally settling down, and as they appear fully convinced that theirs will be the victory, much delay is not expected to occur before some hostile demonstration is made. . They are believed to be congregated at a new pa, which has been thrown up at the junction, of the Wairoa with the piece of swamp running on the right-hand side of ihe Gate pa towards the Tanges. Rifle pita and holes are said to have been dug in the ground, and covered with fern to prevent the country being scoured by cavalry or flying columns of infantry . The dimensions of the redoubt, and strength of the force at the Gate pa, have also been attempted to be ascertained, a spy being despatched upon this duty one day last week. His instructions were to approach the pa during the darkness of night, not to risk his life by attempting to injure any of the sentries, but to make his reconnaissance as complete as possible without apprising the soldiers of his presence. According to the native's account the task was most satisfactorily performed. The threat that the attack would be made on Te Papa on last night appears not to have been entirely disregarded by the gallant Colonel in command here. To be forewarned is to be forearmed ; so last night the.picquets were doubled and in some cases trebled at the more salient points. The night, however, passed without any signs of an attack, and so Te Papa remains in our hands for another day. The erection of the huts for -winter quarters for the troops is being vigorously Sroceeded with, and certainly too much expeition cannot be used in providing comfortable shelter for the troops during the severities of - winter weather here. The huts appear in all '^"the stages of construction— from those simply " wanting windows placing in the apertures, to those with the studs not yet raised. There is a comfortable-looking mess-whare erected for the officers, and huts are also being built for them. The sailors of the ' Esk appear scarcely to have expended the full vial of their wrath against the Neio Zealander premises for the remarks appearing in the paper reflecting on them whilst

engaged in' the attack on the Gate pa. Since llio vessel has arrived hero, some of the sailors when allowed on shore have made anxious inquiries after the writer of the article, but the gentleman having taken his departure for Auckland the search was fruitless.

June 16. I have just been informed that the schooner ' Hope' is about to leave for Auckland, and so thought it might bo interesting to let you know that Te Papa yet remains in our hands, tho Maoris not having tip to this time carried out their threatened attack. So far they have considered it prudent to remain in their pa near tho ranges, although it is said their force has been strengthened by the arrival t>f Rewi with three hundred Ngatimaniopolos. The Defence Force, under Captain Pye, V.0., approached within about a mile and a half of the pa yesterday. A number of Maoris were seeu walking about, cooking, or otherwise employed. The result of this visit lias been that an expedition of five hundred infantry and cavalry started this morning at eleven o'clock in the direction of the pa ; but frcm the lateness of tho hour at which they started, it is not considered probable that they will have much time afforded for a reconnoissance before darkness conies on.

Friday, June 17. In my letter posted yesterday I mentioned that an expedition, under command of Colonel Greer, had started to reconnoitre the country in the direction of the pa thrown up hy the natives, near the bush at the rear of the Grate pa ; I and it now becomes necessary to state what was dono. The expedition consisted of ahout seven hundred men, from the 6Sthand43rd Regiments Colonial Defence Force, Ist and 3rd Waikato Reginiefts, and one six-poundor Arnistronggun.To Papa was loft about eleven o'clock, and the Gate pa passed about twelve. The weather was all that could be wished for the occasion, so far as freedom from rain could make it ; but a cold biting wind prevailed throughout the whole of the day. The road was then pursued parallel to the swamp on the right side of the the pa, and which for some distance presented a broad even track. Afterwards, however, it became narrower, owing to the thick growth of of fern and tea tree, and the troopa to make satisfactory progress had to break off into single filo. Some excessively steep gullies were passed, and the narrow native track having to be followed along the face of gullies became a matter of sonic difficulty as well as considerable danger to those riding on horseback. One or two small patches of bush were met with along the edges and at the heads of gullies ; and this was a matter of some congratulation to those who have lived at Te Papa so long without having had the pleasure of seeing any. The ground passed over seemed of excellent quality for agricultural purposes, presenting a rich loamy appearance when turned over by the horses' hoofs ; and, what was equally satisfactory, it seemed of great depth. After a distance of about four miles had been traversed from the Ghite Pa, the infantry halted, and the six-pounder gun was also left behind. The colonel then advanced with the Colonial Defence Force for about three miles farther, and the troopers then being brought to a halt, he rode on accompanied by Adjt. Covey, Capl. Pye, and others, for about a mile and a half, in the direction of Penetaka's pa. On ascending a slight eminence further progress was stopped by the appearance of a large body of natives directly in front. They would be about three milea from their pa, and when first seen by the colonel were just within rifle-shot. They were apparently on the line of march, and were crossing a very deep gully, with precipitous sides. A great number of the Maoris, having crossed, remained standing in a group on the top of the gully, whilst a large group remained on the top of the other cliff, awaiting patiently their orders to fall in. Many of the rebels appeared habited in white blankets, and the wearers, having tightly wrapped them round their bodies to keep off the cold biting wind as much as possible, stood out in bold relief from the darker mass of beings closely huddled together beside them. The blanketted gentlemen appeared to have stationed themselves afc regular intervals down the sfceop sides of the gully, but for what object cannot easily be solved. The number of rebels estimated as being intercepted on the line of march was about 300, but it must have boon impossible to observe accurately the number, owing to the fern and titree hiding many from observation on the plain, and the raupo in the gully. By some it was believed the Maoris were on their march to Te Papa to carry out their premeditated attack, after waiting patiently so long for the soldiers to resume the aggressive, and, by thus crossing the gully, were taking the necessary measures to keep clear of the Gate Pa by travelling round to the ranges, and so descending on the camp by the beach. Others entertained the belief that they were on the march to Eewiri's pa, where the grand muster would be made, and whence the rebels could more easily descend upon Te Papa. The colonel having satisfied himself, from the position ho occupied, of the apparent strength of the rebels, then started back to the place where the infantry wore halted A frw gentlemon, however, excited by curiosity, rode up to the edge of the gully to observe whether the Maoris were in great force at the bottom, but they appeared simply to be crossing in single file. The Defence Force, having been recalled from their advanced position, were halted for some time near the infantry, whilst the colonel again took observations to discover the line of route taken by the enemy after they had crossed the gully, ultimately, however, the march homeward was resumed, and camp was regained just about dusk. The rebels in Penetaka's pa appear to have caught sight of the troops on their return march, as a large fire was lighted as a signal to their friends abroad to be on the alert, that danger was nigh. The only casualty which occurred on the expedition was one to a Colonial Defence Force trooper named Eerr, who had his leg broken by a kick from a troop horse. He was promptly attended by the doctor of the 43rd, and on arrival in camp was placed in hospital. Through the friendly natives of Ohuki and Maungatapu, who have been employed bringing firewood for the use of the soldiers, it has been ascertained that the chief Eewiri was amongst the mob of natives noticed, and was, of course, an anxious spectator of all that transpired so long as the intruders on the rebel territory remained within the range of vision. The rebels are said to have conceived the idea that the soldiers beat a hasty retreat as soon as they discovered them on the line of march, and this has afforded them an immense amount of pabulum to korero and bounce about. A friendly native from the Thames, and his two daughters, were amongst the party. They wore travelling through the country with the intent of reaching their friends near Maungatapu ; and by the father professing to-be akingite they were permitted to pass along freely. Three pas were met with on the march. The native tohunga Hakaraia, who is the great ruler of Maori doings at the present moment, and predicts what will be the course of events, is said to have had a narrow escape from falling into the hands of the soldiers composing the expedition. Ho had been deputed to pay a visit of inspection towards the Gate pa ; and having satisfactorily accomplished his mission, was returning to his Suarters when he caught sight of the troops on ; leir homeward march. Fortunately for him he was not so quickly observed by the troops, and he was thus enabled to glide through the fern and scrub into a gully and there lay pordu, in safety, until all danger was past, when he again went on his way rejoicing, and blessing the blindness of the pakena. Other spies are known to have been dispatched to make the ne cessary observations as to the weakest point of attack around the camp ; and they are said to have paid visits of inspection on every side. ,The other night, ths portion duly inspected was "the side of the camp near Archdeacon Brown's residence. From this unusual activity on the part of the enemy, it is augured by the friendlies

that the rebels may be expected at any moment to make a descent upon the camp, 'By some it is confidently, expected that the attack will take place upon Monday or Tuesday noxt; if the rebel forces from the different pas can be mustorod by that time. Mr. Smith, civil commissioner, from Malcetu, has arrived, but reports all quiet there. Some of tho friendly Arnwns are said to be upon the point of starting for Auckland, to arrange with Government about the supply of food for tho Native Contingent.

Saturday, June 18. _ To-day, about noon, a messenger arrived in camp stating that the Maoris had approached in close proximity to the Gate pa, and it was feared an attack was premeditated. The bugles briskly sounded the assembly, and a largo force of infantry and cavalry 'wore promptly on their way to Pukehinahina, to afford assistance to their companions encamped there, should circumstances render it necessary. Fortunately, however, this proved not to be the case. The infantry having been halted near the Grate pa, the Colonial Defence Force, under tho command of Captain Pye, V.0., were ordered to pi oceed in a southerly direction, to discover, if possible, tho whoreabouts of the natives who had been seen earlier in the day. After riding about four miles, a large body -of natives were discovered in a gully near the Waimapn river, which runs into the harbour. There were supposed to be between 400 and 500 natives assembled, about half of whom were engaged pikaning kits of provisions I towards tho rangoß, and tho remainder were seated at the bottom of tho gully quietly resting after their labours, and talking over their prospects. The cavalry advanced within about 900 yards of tho rebels, but no shots were exchanged, as strict orders are said to have been issued that no firing should take place until fii'st initiated by tho natives. The gully separating the Colonial Defence Force and the enemy was found impassable by Captain Pyo, who tried to ford it on horseback, but failed. Most of tho rebols were dressed in new blankets, nnd appeared not in any way desirous of concealing themselves. Shortly, after the troops had started on the expedition from canip, a mounted native orderly was observed to leave the settlement of Maungatapu, and, riding at a furious rato in tho direction of Bewiri's old pa, encountered the Maoris about the same time that tho cavalry caught sight of them. Just before reaching the rebels he came to grief by a nasty fall from his horse ; but quickly recovering himself ho was soon in the centre of his frionds, and apparently welcomed with feelings of tho greatest cordiality, so far as testified by the rubbing of noses, and his being carried along by the crowd. The supposition that tho robols had obtained their supplies of provisions from some of the friendly settlements at the lioad of the harbour has resulted in an order being issued to the storekeeper in camp not to supply any natives with provisions, unless furnished with an order.

Sunday, June 19. Expeditions now appear to be tlio order of the day, a force of 300 infantry and cavalry bavins; gone out this afternoon in the direction of Pulcehinahina. It is considered doubtful whether any Maoris will be met with, as it is expected they will be too attentively engaged in devotional services to ventuvo much abroad.

Monday, noon. Nothing further of interest. An expedition is talked cf ; time not stated The ' Harrier ' and ' Eslc,' which arc covorod with bunting, have just fired a royal salute in honour of Ivor Majesty's accession to the throno.