TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 131, 24 March 1860, Page 1

TARANAKI.

( Wellington Independent Extra, March 12.) Considerable excitement was created in town yesterday (Sunday) morning, by the arrival of a courier from Taranaki, with an express from his Excellency the Governor to Captain Mairis, Officer commanding the Garrison at Wellington, with positive orders to get the whole of the military stationed at Wellington in readiness to embark on board the Airedale, immediately on her arrival from the south, which vessel will be despatched direct to Taranaki. In the event of the Wonga Wonga being in port, she was to have been chartered, and the troops forwarded immediately by her. A courier was also despatched to Auckland with orders for the remainder of the troops there to be forwarded to Taranaki, at the same time that the courier started for Wellington. Messrs. Standish and Broughton have obligingly furnished us with the following particulars : — Mr. Standish started from Taranaki on Thursday last, at midnight, and arrived in Wellington &t 7 o'clock on Sunday morning, thus accomplishing the distance in the short space of 55 hours. Mr. Standish rode his own horse 110 miles in one day. Mr. Standish was one of the mounted escort, which accompanied the troops to Waitara. They started from Taranaki at 2*30 a.m. on Monday morning, the sth March, and arrived at the pah about 10 p.m. When they got there, they found that the natives had retreated. The Niger started about the same time from Taranaki, and arrived off the Waitara about 2 hours before the escort. Mr. Rogan, one of the staff of interpreters, landed in the first boat. He found about 70 natives at the pah, and informed them that if they intended to interfere with the survey of the land, they had better be off, as the seamen were about to be. landed, and the troops were coming overland, and they would all be shot. The natives immediately decamped. They saw nothing of the natives during the whole of that day, but during the following night the natives returned, and erected a strong pah within \ a mile's distance from the encampment. The erection of the pah must have occupied about 700 natives, as, although bjaall, it was strongly stockaded and entrenched all round. On Monday, as six of the mounted escort, in command of Mr. Richard Brown, were bringing provisions to the troops, they were met by about 40 or 50 *armed natives, who tried all they could to stop them by barricading the road, and endeavoured by every means to excite the Europeans to fire the first shot; however the escort ultimately passed them with without a collision. When the report reached the camp, a force was sent to the above mentioned pah, consisting of some of the military and the seiirnen and marines of the Niger. As soon as the natives perceived the military leave the encampment, they retired from the pah, to their stronghold in the bush. The military took possession, burnt the woodwork, and levelled down the entrenchments. The military then returned to the encampment, after an ineffectual search for any natives that might be amongst the fern. The following morning his Excellency returned to town, accompanied by Colonel Murray, who has now command of the town. His Excellency the Governor had requested Wiremu Kingi to meet him, but that chief declined every overture, and had retired with his adherents to his stronghold in the bush. We understand that his Excellency has intimated to the natives that he will make them pay the expenses of the war. His Excellency has declined to take any further steps until the°arrival of reinforcements, unless attacked by the natives. Two of Wiremu Kingi's pahs have been destroyed by the military and blue jackets; viz., — one at the entrance to the Waitara, and the other in the rear of the encampment, the one which was erected on Monday night. There was a report that the Waikato natives were coming down in force, but this wants confirmation. The native tribes residing between Waitotara and Taranaki are in a great state of excitement and have decided upon marching to the assistance of William King directly the first shot is fired. The Maori king, (Potatau's) flag is flying'at Whenua Kura, within 30 miles of Wanganui; as also at Whareha, which is about the same distance from Taranaki. The native tribes inhabiting the lower part of the Wanganui river, are believed to be perfectly loyal. The Putiki chief offers to send 100 natives *" to assist the military at Taranaki. Considerable excitement prevails at Wanganui. A volunteer cavalry corps is in course of formation. We have no extra papers by the Overland mail from Taranaki, but from private sources we learn that on the day of the mails leaving, (Monday, sth met.) nearly the whole of the force at Taranaki had proceeded to Waitara. About 2 o'clock in the morning, the movement was commenced by an advanced guard of one hundred soldiers, then from twenty to thirty carts filled with ammunition, tents,; provisions, &c, preceded and followed by a mounted escort of twenty volunteers. Another hundred soldiers next moved on in .front o£.the,guns and ammuni-. | tion waggons, one hundred and fifty more troops

bringing up the rear, leaving only thirty in town. The Governor went on board the ' Niger ' on Sunday evening, and immediately sailed for the Waitara. She was to land a hundred marines, so that the troops will muster about 500 strong. The 4 Elk ' and ' Iris ' are said to have been applied for from Sydney, before the Governor left Auckland, and may now shortly be looked for. Troops have also been written for from Sydney, Victoria, and Hobart Town. The Taranaki Militia have, been called out and number about six hundred ; they are doing night duty already. There are also about 150 volunteers who were to meet on Monday afternoon for orders — it was expected they would be called upon to do barrack duties. All the females beyond two miles distant from the town are in or coming in, and block houses are going up in the Bell and Omata districts. Extract from a letter received by the Overland mail: — - "A detachment has started in search of Wiremu Kingi, the ringleader of this rising. The sailors from the * Niger' landed at the Waitara, and paid King's pah a visit, intending to show him a little bit of the English method of catching a Tartar. However, Mr. Kingi had quietly walked off with all his mob, whereupon Jack took possession of the fortress, and with loud huzzas, hoisted the Union Jack." Major Trafford, the officer commanding the Wellington Militia, has received instructions to take such steps as he may deem advisable for the protection of Wellington. Fortunately Major Trafford is in town, and has, we understand, taken the preliminary steps for the embodiment of two companies of Militia. The Wellington Militia District comprises the country within a radius of 20 miles from the police office. The following are the Militia Staff:— Major Trafford, Commanding Officer ; Captain Kirwan, Adjutant ; Color- Sergeant Callaghan, SergeantMajor ; Sergeant McDonough, Sergeant ; Sergeant Brakin, to be Corporal ; Hugh Curry, to be Bugler and Drummer; Major Trafford takes charge of the equipments to-day. The Militia will be ballotfced for as quickly as possible!" Wellington Voltoteee, Rifles. — The preliminary steps have been taken for the formation of a Volunteer Rifle Corps for this district. A memorial to His Excellency the Governor is in course of signature, and we understand that upwards of 80 gentlemen have already signed it. Immediately on the receipt of the despatches from Taranaki, the troops here received orders from the commanding officer to hold themselves in readiness for immediate embarkation per ' Airedale,' hourly expected. The detachment of the 65th Regiment, consists of Captain Turner, (in command,) Ensigns White and Pagon, and 100 rank and file. Captain Mairis, R.E., (commandant of the garrison), accompanies the expedition and three sappers. 60 rounds of ball cartridge have been served out to each man. (From the Independent, March 13.) The above news confirms the view we took of the native plans, in our issue of Friday. The natives appear fully determined to let the first shot come from the British, or they would not have acted as they did to the small mounted escort. On no other hypothesis can the fact of forty or fifty armed natives allowing six of their enemies to pass unhurt, after attempting to stop "them by a barricade, be accounted for. They are fully alive to the necessity for a moral support to their rebellion, as on it depends greatly the amount of assistance they hope to receive from other tribes. The mere report that the Waikatos were about to join Wiremu Kingi, whether correct or no, confirms our view of the effect of the Maori King movement being to supply a common bond between tribes who would otherwise have no affinity for each other. Before this movement took place, the idea of the Waikatos joining W. Kingi's tribe would have found no credence at Taranaki ; as it is, it is readily credited, because the principle for which the natives are now in arms is one which, has entered thoroughly into the large mass of the northern natives, and one for which, we much fear, they will be found willingly to contend. The promptitude which the Governor has displayed in concentrating the troops, and in seeking for aid from the other colonies is very commendable. His Excellency haß taken the course we last Friday expressed the hope he would do, and seems determined not to strike before he can do so effectually. We sincerely trust that he has also taken steps to secure the aid of friendly natives, as these are allies by whom most effective service can be rendered. On this point we know that many of our readers differ with us ; but we I have only to refer them to the aid which was rendered during the last war, by such chiefs as Walker Nene in the north and Epuni in the south, to show on what substantial ground our opinion is founded. At the same time it is requisite that the Governor should be on his guard to prevent treachery, like that of old Rauperaha, again taking place. His Excellency has bis hands full, but he has commenced operations in a way that demands confidence in the prudence of the line of action he will continue tojpursue. The 'Airedale' is expected in to-day, and will take Mr. M'Lean, in addition to the troops, &c, mentioned elsewhere. The knowledge which this gentlemen possesses of native character, will make him an important adjunct, and his native influence

will render him a valuable means for inducing friendly tribes to offer their support. Independent Office, Tuesday, 12 o'clock. A Provincial Government Gazette has just been issued containing the following notice, calling out the Militia, for Friday next. NOTICE. In accordance with directions received from His Excellency the Governor, I hereby give notice that the Militia of the District of Wellington will be forthwith drawn out for actual service, and all persons liable to serve are requested to attend at the Lower Mount Cook Barracks, on Friday next, the 16th day of March instant, at 12 o'clock, noon. W. Eawsoit Teaefoed, Major Commanding, Wellington Militia. Wellington, 13th March, 1860. We understand that the list of persons liable to serve, can be seen at the Resident Magistrate's Court House, and that on assembling next Friday, a ballot will be at once taken for such number of persons as may be required for actual service. The following gentlemen received their Commissions from His Excellency, on Sunday last, by the special courier : — i Major Commanding — Major Trafford, late 65th regiment. j Adjutant — Captain Kirwan, late 74th regt. j Captains — Mr. W. M. Bannatyne, Sir Charles Clifford, and Mr. James Coutts Crawford. Lieutenants — Mr. John Bethune, Mi*. R. Park, Mr. John Varnham. Ensigns — Mr. S. E. Grimstone, Mr. Halcombe, Mr. Alfred Hickson. [From the " Advertiser," March 17.] By the Overland Mail we have received papers from this province. We take the following from the " Herald" of Saturday last :— - W. King and his natives have retired before a superior force, and he is now strengthening himself at a pah seaward of Kairoa, which is about five miles from the Devon road, and at no great distance from the course of the Waiongana. The site is selected more perhaps for communication with Taranaki and Ngatiruanui than for defensive purposes, though these have been by no means overlooked. The road to Waitara is open, and may remain so until some act is committed by either side which would lead to decided hostilities. For all this, travellers cannot be too much on their guard. The Bell Block and Omata stockades are advancing towards completion, and there is a rumour — not without foundation, we believe, that similar works will be constructed around the town. Every precaution is taken by His Excellency to ensure the safety of the inhabitants who on their part evince the most laudable spirit of loyalty and determination to support Her Majesty's representative in his measures for repressing turbulence and disaffection. Sunday, 4th March. — How unlike a day of rest ! It soon become evident from the bustle in camp that W. Kingi's reply to the Governor's communication was not considered satisfactory. The troops were frequently paraded and inspected — the skirts of their great, coats, in which they were to march instead of their scarlet uniforms, were tucked vp — 25 teams of bullocks wei*e collected on the spot, knapsacks, trenching tools, stores of all kinds were in readiness for moving. Towards evening the tents were struck, and every preparation made for the troops to march at daylight. The weather continued so fine that it was decided to put the camp equipage, and most of the heavy things on board the Niger, this excellent alteration of plans dispensed with upwards of 50 teams. Monday. — At 4 a.na. the troops, preceded by some of the mounted escort, started on their silent march with the heartfelt wishes of the settlers for the success and safety of the expedition. The comparatively few who had risen at so early an hour to see them off were desired not to cheer, and little was heard at any distance but the cries of the bullock drivers. The advanced guard was followed by two field pieces, and the carts and main body followed, the whole under the command of Colonel Gold, commanding the forces. The Niger, having embarked His Excellency the Governor, steamed about this time for Waitara. During the day great anxiety was felt for news, and it was not until 6 p.m. that the mounted escort returned with the cheering intelligence that the troops had reached Waitara without obstruction. On arriving at Ikamoana' (a spot celebrated in native feuds) the force struck off the "Devon road and crossed at the junction of the Manoraka and Waiongana rivers. .When Waitara was sighted the Union Jack was flying over W. King's pah, and on arriving on the ground at 2 p.m., it was found that the Niger had landed everything and was in possession, the natives having retired precipitately at the sight of the bluejackets and marines. The appearance of the military as the body wound its way along the road, preceded by skirmishers and followed by the guns and baggage waggons is described as a very picturesque as well as. imposing sight, and we-doubt not struck terror into the hearts of the. natives who were posted on the surrounding heights. In town,

which was left with a few men and one officer of the 65th regiment to protect the barracks and magazine, preparations were made by Major Herbert commanding the Militia and Volunteers, for its defence against surprise. The latter corps furnished the first guard for the Commissariat and barracks, and guards were also continued night and day over the harbour boats. Outlying pickets of Militia were posted, and the Militia were ordered to be drilled daily and supplied with ball cartridge. During the evening intelligence was brought that W. King had requested an interview with the Governor. A favorable inference was drawn from this, and accordingly the two 24-----pounder howitzers on board the Niger were not landed, and the harbour boats were returned to town with the pilot, and the Niger was to followin the morning with the Governor. This intelligence tended to allay apprehensions of hostilities and gave hope of a speedy termination of existing difficulties. Tuesday — The provision carts started this morning for the camp in charge of a mounted escort. Intelligence was some hours afterwards received that the natives had erected a stockade during the night, and stopped the escort, and that the Niger with her steam up had been recalled by two guna fired from the river. A mounted volunteer at once undertook to proceed to Waitara, and one o the harbor boats was despatched by sea. The former returned in the evening and reported that the carts had been stopped by natives, who gave way^ however, before the'firm^attitude taken by the es-. cort ; that the seamen had landed, and, together with the military, had proceed to capture and destroy the pah, but which was found empty; and that Teira had burnt Kingi's pah at the mouth of the river. This put us all on the qtti vive, strong outlying pickets of volunteers, militia and mounted patrols were ordered out to guard the town against any possible attempt upon it. Passes, with the Royal Arms and Y.E. inscribed thereon, issued to natives, and strangers requested to leave the town. Wednesday — The Niger was at her anchorage early this morning, and His Excellency, Captain Stewart, and Mr. Eogan landed. Lieut.- Colonel Murray arrived by land, and resumed the chief command of the men. The two/*. 24-pounder howitzers were landed with the ammunition:; and taken to Marsland Hill. Rumours of the Taranaki tribes joining the enemy still rife, and Mr. Parris was sent by His Excellency to enquire into them. Strong out-lying pickets of militia posted, and the mounted patrol again ordered out during the night. Thursday — The Taranaki settlers were this day recommended to come into town. The Taranaki natives, numbering about 300, will join Kingi's party in the event of a collision with the troops. These natives are not to be depended upon, as they are the most worthless and savage tribe in New Zealand. Tamati Wiremu, of the Poutoko pah, and his party of 80 men, have signified their ivish to swear allegiance to the Queen and assist the Government, as have also the Moturoa natives under Poharama, numbering about 40. In consequence of some questionable characters having obtained passes at the Bell Block outpost, and come into town, all natives, north and south, are now prohibited from coming into town. Only such natives as live in the town district are furnished with passes. Nothing important has come in from Waitara to-day — the troops were hard at work building breast-works, and otherwise strengthening their position. Friday — Weather changed, with rain, but little or no wind. The Niger since her arrival on Thursday week has never had occasion to lift her anchor, and the weather altogether has been remarkably propitious for operations. 20 marines, 30 blue jackets, the Ist and 3rd lieutenants, a midshipman, an assistant surgeon, and a gunner, together with a 12-pounder howitzer, were landed at 1 p.m. from the Niger, and posted in commanding position to the N.E. of the town. The landing of blue jackets is a novel sight in Taranaki — it being the first time men from a man-of-war have landed in this town. They mai % ched up from the beach with their band playing, the sailors dragging the gun, and were greeted with a hearty cheer from the assembled towns-people on passing the Huatoki bridge. It is not saying too much for this arm of the service that we believe that in case of emergency they will prove a most formidable force in resisting attack. Passes, available for one day only, were sent to the Bell Block and Omata outposts to admit loyal natives residing outside the settled districts coming into town on lawful business. Nothing fresh from Waitara. 80 militia are doing picket duty to-night. From the Herald's own correspondent at Waitara, we extract the following : — On Tuesday morning the troops were occupied in strengthening their position. At 10 a.m. an escort of mounted volunteers with their sergeant left the town in charge of three carts with provisions for the tropps at Waitara, and whilst proceeding on the Devon line near the Waionga, they met Wi Tana, who advised them to return and take the beach road as William King's natives had built a pah on the direct road to the camp, and would not allow the carts to pass. It being too late to retrace their steps without occasioning unnecessary alarm for their safety, the escort continued its route to near the junction of the upper andlower Waitara roads until it was stopped by a Waitara native named Hohaia, who ordered it to return, which was declined ; he then stated, that William King's^ party would take, whab was in the carts in. payment for » their houses which the soldiers had that morning :■

•set fire to. The sergeant informed him that the natives'had fired the pah (which proved to be the case, Teira and his people having set fire to the Kuhikui, William King's place of residence, which was totally consumed!) The natives still continuing to obstruct the road, the sergeant hustled him aside with his horse, whereupon he put down his head and requested him to cut it off. Believing him to be one of the feur natives doomed to destruction so as .to enlist the sympathy of other tribes in favour of William King, it was determined not to use force, and he was asked to get up on the cart or proceed along the road before the cart, or towards Mahoetahi pah, but he persisted that he would remain where he was or cross the fern to the native stockade, which the Serjeant, fearing an ambuscade, positively refused to allow him to do, and having ordered two of the ' party to detain him, rode towards the pah and parleyed with the natives with whom he was very •well acquainted. They consisted of. a party of from 40 to 50 of William King's, Hapurona's, and Tamahana's men under the command of Hapurona, assisted by Matthew and Edward King, and Tamiana, who after a little persuasion sent word to Hohaia to allow the carts to f)ass. The escort moved on, and when abreast of the stockade Hohaia ex- ' claimed "How about payment for our houses •which the soldiers have burnt," whereupon the escort closed on the carts, and by showing a bold front got safely to the fence across the road, where they met Mr. Parris, Captain Steward, and Archdeacon Govett. Upon arriving at the Camp, the affair was reported to the Governor and Colonel Gold, who resolved upon giving the natives 20 minutes to clear out, and if they refused to vacate the pah, to fire upon them ; and the following letter to that effect was sent by Mr. Parris : — To ihe Chiee who obsteucts the Qtjeek's Road. You have presumed to. block up the Queen' 3 road, to build on the Queen's land, and to stop .th« free passage of persons going and coming. Thi» is levying war against the Queen. Destroy the places you have built ; ask my forgiveness and you Bhali receive it. If you refuse, the J)lood of your people be on your own head. . I shall fire upon you in twenty minutes from tMs time if you have not obeyed my order. (Signed) T.Goee Beowite, Camp, Waitara, 6th March, 1860. In ten minutes the pali was abandoned. Since Tuesday the troops have been occupied in improving the camp, clearing away the fern in its vicinity, and making themselves comfortable. In their present position the force can maintain its post against tfiree thousand natives, and in the open field are a match for half the number. The tigers are in clover, with murphies and pork in •galore, and woe be to the niggers that venture within reach of their claws ! Monday, March 12.- Colonel Gold has been instructed to take possession of the land at Waitara, sold to the Crown by Te Teira. Parties interfering will be dealt with as a court martial may direct. Two letters have been received by the Governor from the chiefs at Wanganui, disapproving of King's proceedings, and a party of friendly natives had met the Governor, and offered him their assistance. His Excellency will not employ them against the rebels, but will make them special • constables. Publicans allowing drunkenness in their houses will have them immediately closed. The settlers at Taranaki were perfectly satisfied with his Excellency's proceedings. The report of ■.the Taranaki tribe joining King in force, is not ■■ confirmed.