"TE NGUTU 0 TE MANU"

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 59, 7 September 1917, Page 7

"TE NGUTU 0 TE MANU"

A STIRRING ENGAGEMENT.

Exactly forty-nine years ago to-day, one of the most important of the minor engagements in the Maori War was fought at Te Ngutu. o te Manu ("The beak of the bird"), which later resulted in the death of the gallant Major yon Tempsky—an officer who came to New Zealand three years before from South America. Colonel M'Dormell, who was in charge of the expedition—27o strong, including about 70 Maoris—decided to make a second attack on the Haiuha.ii position, at Te Ngutu o te Manu, on the night of 6th September, 1868. The little body of men inarched through, the bush on the western slope of Mount Egmont until, on the afternoon of the 7tn, the rebel village wais sighted. Chief Kepa suggested an ambush, 'but M'Donnell instead divided the white into two divisions, one of which Yon .Tenipsky commanded, and the othe^ ho took charge of himself. The Hauhaus were taken by surprise, but «oou rallied, and poured a withering volley into the attackers. Yon Tempsky was ordered to retreat, bat just as he was considering the advisableness of this a Maori bullet killed- him immediately. His body was afterwards recovered by a search paufcy under Captain Buck, who was shot dead in lifting the corpse. Other officers killed in the engagement were Captains Buck and Palmer, and Lieutenants Hunter and Hastings. It is interesting in this connection to note that Lieutenant Hastings was a member .of the early Evening Post staff.