EXCITING NEWS FROM TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 132, 31 March 1860, Page 1

EXCITING NEWS FROM TARANAKI.

(From the " Nelson Colonist," March 23.) On Tuesday morning last, at 12 o'clock, theLR. M. Company's steamer Airedale, Capt. Johns, was signalled, but she did not get into harbour U7itil 5 o'clock in the evening. In the interim of time between being signalled and coming inside, some doubts as to which it was of the two steamers expected here, but, as doubt rose to certainty that we were about to receive news from Taranaki, the number of passengers for the beach became extensive, and much anxiety prevailed with respect to he position of affairs in the disturbed district. She arrived here in eighteen hours from hence. 3?rom the particulars we have gained, we learn that on Saturday last, his Excellency the Governor proceeded with the troops to the Waitara, and finding a pah upon the disputed ground in the possession of the adherents of Wiremu Kingi, he gave them three hours to quit it. This request was complied with, and, according to order. Col. Gold proceeded at once to destroy it. Having accomplished this, the force were astonished to find on the following morning that not far off, another pah had been constructed in the night, still on the ground in dispute, but nearer to a forty-mile bush which lies behind it. This second construction was of a far more formidable appearance and strength, being composed of trees or timber placed in double rows in the shape of an 3J ; the interval between the two rows being filled up with earth to resist the assaults of cannon. This occupation must have occupied innumerable hands by the short time it was accomplished, and appears to possess such strength, that the artillery made but a slight impression, and that it was immediately repaired by almost invisible agency, the Maories keeping themselves closely concealed. After bombarding the place for several hours, at a distance of 800 yards, but with what success was not known, Mr. Watt, a merchant, and captain of the Taranaki Rifles, volunteered to reconnoitre, in order to ascertain whether the Maories had abandoned their position ; the project cost Mm his life, as he was shot dead upon going within reach of their rifles ; two others, 'a soldier and a sailor, went over to recover his body, the soldier was also killed, and the sailor dangerously ■wounded. The casualties on the other side were not known up to the time of the steamer leaving, but they are supposed to be numerous, as the artillery kept up an incessant fire, (so much so that we hear all the ammunition was expended,) and yet, in spite of this, the Maori standard was quickly replaced after being thrice levelled to the ground. The Airedale landed 101 soldiers and 5 officers from Wellington on Sunday morning ; but the weather getting so bad and the surf breaking two miles from shore, she was obliged to stand out to sea again. Several signals were made to her from the shore, such as "Keep near for powder," " Keep near to tow boats," " Something important ;" but she was unable to comply with them ; the bad state of the weather prevented the powder being brought off in the boats, and all she could take on board was some timber for palisades, which she brought on here with her, being so short of coals, that on coming into harbor, she had only 3 tons left ; she was thus compelled to run for Nelson for coal, as further delay on a lee shore would have jeopardised her. Otherwise, it was the intention of the Governor to have sent on board of her about 1,000 women and children for their greater safety. This subject has been taken up by the inhabitants of Nelson, and on Wednesday a meeting was held to take steps to invite them to come to Nelson for protection if necessary. We hear that the paddle steamer Tasmanian Maid belonging to this port, will be chartered by the Government, immediately on her return from the Wairau, to proceed to the scene of action, in order to bring them away ; or, if that should be ftmnd unnecessary, to hold herself in readiness for any sudden emergency that may occur ; her small size and little draught of water will enable her to accomplish much that her larger companions would be unable to perform. A passenger describes the position of the town as being most undesirable. There are 600 or 700 militiamen, who form pickets round the town ; this force is cemposed of every available man, and early youth or palsied age is no exemption from the pressing necessity every one feels there is to arm and be vigilant. An order was given that all Maories were to leave the town ; but a certain few, having tickets with V.R. upon them in token of their allegiance, are walking about ; but their principles are of dubious character, and most likely only assumed for the purpose of conveying information to their friends in the stockade. The sentries at night, in repeating their " all's well," have heard a derisive echo of " all's Jcwpai" from the lurking "aboriginal. Mr. Richmond stopped one little blue jacket "who, was lugging a huge Maori along the road, on suspicion of. his being a spy; another had been caught in the fact and bound hand and foot. There are about 500 men now under arms, in addition to the militia men. The. 'Airedale' is under the direction of the Government, and a small steamer, such as the ♦"Wonga' or 'Tasmanian Maid' is required for a hospital ship, to proceed to Waitara. The ' Niger ' was at Auckland for supplies. The natives-have seized some provisions on their •wajp to that place under escort. . The general opinion is that the other tribes will be guided in their adherence' to either side, by

whoever was the first aggressor, therefore tie number is likely to increase on the side of Wirenlu Kingi. Large numbers from Wanganui side, have proceeded towards Taranaki. Prom the rapidity with which the Maories constructed their stockades, it is imagined that they muster little less than 3000 strong.