CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 970, 18 August 1868, Page 3

CHATHAM ISLANDS.

COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE HAU HAU ItEVOLT. • [FfIOJI OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Waitangi, July, 1868. Alas, for the overweening credulity of the trusting pakeha ! Alas, for the duplicity of a treacherous race ! Another melancholy episode is added to a most unfortunate chapter. It is our painful duty to record the triumphant and unopposed escape of some 166 Hau Hau prisoners, the veriest naiscrea'nts of their community, leaving their usual impress of blood behind them, and taking with them arms, ammunition, government stores,! and property of great value. For this, who, it may be asked, are blameable but those influential persons in whom are supposed to be centred the wisdom, foresight, and intelligence of a great community. From the earliest period of their arrival the conduct of the prisoners was apparently so submissive and.orderly, that the Government deemed it quite unnecessary, to retain the military guard, who, incredible as it may appear, were actually withdrawn, with the exception of four men, who were supposed to be a sufficient and effectual protection against a host of ferocious savages, recently taken red-handed in battle. That Very step indicated a most pitiable and lamentable imbecility somewhere. Upon the urgent and respectful appeal of the panic-stricken inhabitants, however, reechoed by the cry of indignant humanity throughout New Zealand, the military guard was again sent down. Upon the more recent arrival of Major Edwards— ra gentleman eminently gifted, and, to use a homely phrase, a bird too knowing to be caught with chaff— every arrangement was inspected with a keen military glance. His ears were hermetically closed to honeyed phrases or the whining cant of simulated repentance, and, at his most wise and judicious suggestion, the military guard was strengthened to double its original number. Thus it continued until the late arrival of Mr. Rolleston. Now, with every sentiment of respect for the public and private character of that gentleman, we cannot but deem his visit an unfortunate and inauspicious one. From his report, we presume, the military guard were once more withdrawn, and eleven policemen were appointed to keep order amongst the prisoners. A few of the inhabitants of Waitangi again proposed a remonstrance, bnt the previous good conduct of the prisoners, aided by our implicit confidence in the matured judgment of Mr. Rolleston, eventually quieted all apprehension. There is one problem, however, that neither he nor ourselves have yet solved ; that is, the true guage of Maori character. Unfortunately, that jpons asinorum is still to be surmounted, but a few more such lessons as the one before us will surely teach us to overcome the. difficulty. Here was a diabolical plan, long digested, artfully concocted, and most coolly and deliberately executed ; and we, who had been unsuspiciously reposing over a dangerous volcano, awoke from our peaceful slumbers to the consummation of a fearful tragedy. We are assured that the following details will ring like the sound of a war trumpet throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand. On Saturday the 4th July, a day unusually dark and gloomy, the ketch Florence from Hokitika was laying in Waitangi harbour, partly laden with pigs and wool. The schooner Rifleman, also, which arrived from Wellington the day previous, laden with government stores and other cargo, was about to discharge cai'go between 2 and 3 o'clock p.m. At this time, some 40 or 50 Hau Hau prisoners and five policemen were assembled together in the orderly room of the redoubt awaiting to bring up stores. The signal ot attack was then given by one of the Hau Haus, and in another moment three of the policemen were seized and bound ; the fourth, named Harnett,' putting forth his hands to war.d off the attack, was struck twice across the face with a tomahawk. The first wound, however, was mortal ; he lifted up his hand, and fell dead without a groan. The whole contents of the magazine were then plundered, consisting of 36 rifles, 5 revolvers, a few swords, and the whole of the ammunition. The bayonets they affixed to poles 5 or 6 feet long, and thus became doubly armed. The next person who entered the redoubt was Dr. Watson ; he was also seized, and most painfully bound hand and foot with flax. Upon being informed of this outbreak, the Resident Magistrate, Capt. Thomas, hastened up to remonstrate with the ringleaders ; he was immediately seized, bound, and carried into the redoubt amongst the others, but was subsequently taken down to the custom house and commanded to deliver the whole of the money in his possession. From the iron safe they took about £400, a portion, of : which was the personal property of Capt. Thomas, and the greater part sums entrusted, with him for safe keeping. He was then taken to the lock-up house, and the door was locked upon him. In a similar manner they bound Mr. Alexander Shand, Mr. Hood, Mr. William Beamish, and the remainder of the policemen, and carried them to the lock-up house. A boat at this time going to the Rifleman with Mr. Chudleigh, he was also seized, and in all probability would have been murdered but for the interposition of a Hau Hau more merciful than his fellows, and it is a matter of general congratulation and deep thankfulness that a young life of such great promise was spared. He suffered most severely from the inhuman manner in which he was bound. Having secured all from whom they might expect opposition, they deliberately proceeded from house to house, and, with rifle and revolvers pointed at the trembling inmates, ordered them to deliver up the keys of their boxes, and every farthing that might be in their possession. We need scarcely say that" in every case their demands were most promptly complied with ; indeed the inhabitants were but too thankful to purchase life and safety upon such terms. Here we cannot omit to mention a most clever device of a sharp witted woman to evade the plunderers. Just before their arrival at her dwelling, she very coolly dropped a bag of sovereigns into a pot boiling over the fire, leaving a sum in her till which scarcely satisfied the cupidity of her unwelcome visitors. Had such a knowing customer as this been entrusted with native affairs, perhaps such a tragedy had never occurred. However, throughout the place not only cash but even clothing and bedding were appropriated, and some who could ill afford it lost large sums of money. Nevertheless the Hau Haus did not attempt to molest females, and in many cases endeavoured to reassure them ; but the poor creatures — pale, trembling, and as hueless as the paper on which we write — seized their children and infants and rushed wildly into the bush ; some of them lay hidden .in a wretched swamp during the whole of an inclement wintry night. The residenceof Mr Alexander Shand, situated on the margin of a bush about two miles from Waitangi, was, however, the general asylum of the fugitives, who were huddled together without fire or light of any kind during that fearful night. The Haus Haus, having secured all from whom they might expect opposition, then hastened to the redoubt, and loaded themselves with

flour, provisions,, and whatever they reauiretl; whilst the women packed up ieir bedding and clothing, and the whole was carried down to a rocky point nearest the vessel. In the meanwhile, a party armed to the teeth, boarded the Florence, and commanded the captain to bring her alongside the Rifleman. Of course there was no alternative but compliance. A similar party also boarded the Rifleman, which was then forcibly taken possession of, and the whole of the miscreants, with their wives and children, numbering in all 280, together with their plunder, were safely stowed aboard. The captain and crew of the Florence were then sent ashore in the boat ; fire was applied to 1 her cabin ; she was cut adrift, and ran ashore upon the sandy beach near the Red Bluff, about three miles from the settlement. At the time the Rifleman was captured, Captain Christian was ashore, and the mate and four seamen were left on board. In all probability they were retained to work the vessel, unless the poor men have.been murdered, which is not impossible ; but we trust in God they are safe. About 5 o'clock p.m. they hove up anchor and stood out in the bay, but the weather being unfavourable, she again returned to anchor. On the next morning (Sunday), a light westerly breeze up, and at about 11 a.m. she again weighed anchor. The wind then veered round to the north, and she was last seen about dusk in Petre Bay. As soon as the escaped prisoners were aboard, parties who had evaded capture forced the lockup house and released the Resident Magistrate and others. Toenga,* chief of the Waitangi Maoris, mustered his men as speedily as possible. . Expresses were also sent to every white man and Maorion the island ; and every man that could boast a rusty musket or fowling-piece shouldered his weapon and spurred on to Waitangi. A Volunteer Corps was formed, and a long chain of sentries patrolled the beach and cliffs, night and day, for some days. Alas ! the foul birds of plunder had flown to work mischief elsewhere ; and there is no probability of their speedy return. Experience is indeed a true and faithful monitor ; and, after this unfortunate tragedy, we have ample time for reflection. The • way in which . these miscreants have thrown the glamour over the eyes of all parties seems strange and incredible, and the want of proper precaution not less so. JN"ot only was the redoubt unsecured by a proper military approach, but prisoners to the number of forty or fifty were allowed to congregate within its walls. Military weapons, which were originally intended for distribution, and as a safeguard to the inhabitants, were actually rusting within the magazine, and have now, most unfortunately, fallen into the hands of those unscrupulous and bloodthirsty villains. To crown the whole, from first to last vessels in harbor have been left totally unguarded ; nay, so great has been our confidence in these prisoners, thrfc they have been actually entrusted with the delivery of the Island mails, through which the Kaingaroa mail is lost. Some parties here are quite ready to throw the onus of all this mischief upon subordinates ; but that this is unjust, every thinking man will perceive at a glance. The Government, and the Government alone, are the responsible parties. In their wisdom — but with similar misfortunes before their eyes — they have deemed it expedient to try a most dangerous experiment. It has fatally and signally failed, involving serious loss of life and property ; and we trust, by every principle of justice, that private parties will not be allowed to suffer through that failure. Future historians indeed will record the fact as a myth, that 200 cunning and ferocious savages were left to the surveillance of a few policemen. ' When the emergency arose, what could .these men do P Of course Sauve qui i peut was the battle cry at the onset. One valiant functionary skedaddled up the chimney ; but the very fire and smoke seemed in league with the villainous H'au Haus, for, scorched in the rear and suffocated in front, he let judgment go by default and fell down incontinently into the very hands of the Philistines. We hear of others who were mercilessly dragged from under feather beds, and of some who, upon being unbound, rushed frantically into the bush, and, after a comfortless probation of two days, returned once more to the camp to enjoy a piping time of peace. In making these remarks, we do not impugn the courage of these men ; perhaps, under the impossible circumstances of the case, they wisely concluded that " discretion was the better part of valour." Life is sweet ; and He that fights and runs away, Will live to light another day. Some amongst them however looked danger boldly in the face, and stood to their posts like true men. And here we have much pleasure in recording the heroic firmness and fortitude of Mrs. Danvers, for, when every other female had escaped from the settlement,. she quietly remained within her dwelling and awaited the result in, calm resignation. This : is one of Plutarch's women. But events followed each other in such rapid succession, and the magnitude of the danger was so truly appalling, that thought and. action were paralysed ; and, when a liberatiwappeared at the prison window to bring intelligence of the Hau Hau embarkation and to release the captives, they earnestly implored to be left there, and requested him for God's sake to go away. What wonder that stalwart men shed tears — tears, perchance, of gratitude to Him who had safely guided them through the dark valley of the shadow of death. For with death they had surely stood face to face that day ; and its impress might be traced on many a shrunken and hueless countenance around. During that day their lives had been scarcely worth a moment's -purchase ; for precocious young murderers ; were pressing upon them, eager for bloodshed, and were alone restrained by the older men of their tribe. But with reaction came promptitude, energy, and decision. Mr. Chudleigh, still exhausted from ill usage, and with a severely lacerated hand, rode 40 miles during a dark and inclement night, arid aroused the people of Kaingaroa, and the intermediate settlements. "" Thus warned, the sui'veying staff, white settlers, and maoris, came crowding into Waitangi with arms in their hands, and a defence force was formed under the command of Capt. Rowan, and both he and Capt. Thomas were at every point of apprehended danger during the night and following day. That this was a preconcerted plot is evident, for Hau Haus working at the Naiho and other remote places were assembled together and joined the insurgents at Waitangi ; and a boy,retained by Capt. Thomas at his private residence, hearing the signal given, seized his master's sword, and, fastening the belt, around him, hastened to the redoubt. A Maori then mounted the parapet and strutted to and fro, brandishing the weapon and shouting to his fellows below, " Hear all of you, we have taken our master's." A few shots were fired by the Hau Haus from the redoubt; indeed, a policeman, descending the embankment and hearing a report behind him, exclaimed — " Oh ! I'm shot," but, upon being overhauled, he was perfectly astonished to find himself scathless jind'scot free. Another shot fired at.'pSliceman Elliott lodged in the heel of his -boot and bruised the adi;. # -..-">

jacent part, but did no further . mischief. Arid a person, .evidently gifted with second sight, distinctly, saw. a rifle ball -pass in dangerous proximity with Mr. Alexander Shand. But this exuberant display on the part of the juvenile Hau Haus was quickly stopped by the older hands, and an order was given to cease firing. Amongst those who lost property on board were Mr. Chudieigh, to the amount of more than £300;, Mr. Walter Hood, Messrs. Baucke and Engst, Capt. Christian, andmany, others. One young lady lost a most costly wedding dress and the talismanic. ring., This was 'the unkindest cut of all, but it is satisfactory to 1 know that, in spite of the missing bridal trousseau, she has been ■?.iridissolubly united to the man of her choice. The aggregate amount taken from the houses amounted to about £800. The following extracts are given in »the words of eye witnesses : — : dr. Watson's account. On the afternoon of July 4, a little after two o'clock, as my .wife,- daughter, and myself, were standing at' the doo.rj we observed from 40 to 50 prisoners, /walking leisurely ■ towards the redoubt,, qs though in the act of going to work, with ropes of flax around .their waists. I observed to my wife that it was an. unusual hour for them to go to w,ork,; and, said, 'at, the same time, "Surely- they are not going to unload the, vessel, it is , so yery^w^t." We had no.t stood there., long-when we saw four prisoners returning. to their whares, from the redoubt, and theni wo saw a prisoner mounted on, the wall of. the redoubt, with a sword at his side and, a rifle in his , hand. On-looking towards Mrs. Danvers'. house, we saw, a Hau Hau boy.who./ Worked :. for her, ; p,v;er^.o,th'gre4ou^.l^4jK swords under his cloak ; while he was running we could see them distinctly. I then told my wife I would run down and see what was up. On reaching the redoubt the door was closed, and one of the prisoners was standing outside with a sword in his hand. On my asking him what was the matter, he made no reply, but took me by the shoulder and pushed me into the yard, and led me through a double file of men, all armed with rifles, into the barrack-room, when they tied my hands behind me. At the same time, one of them, holding a bayonet to my breast, thi'eatened to run me through if I made any resistance (which, as a, matter of course, I knew better than to do). They then tied my legs together, and threw me on a bed, immediately opposite the one on which poor Hartnett was laying dead. All this was done without a word being spoken; indeed everything appeared to be carried on with great solemnity. After I had lain a few minutes,, two or three of them came up to me, and took out my watch, examined it, and then returned it to my pocket. They then all left the room — I should suppose there were from 40 to 50 of them — and went into the yard, where they held a sorb of prayer-meeting; they then proceeded to the beach to commit further depredation. I saw no more of them, and lay in breathless suspense a considerable time until Mr. James Fougere and a carpenter named Brown came with the welcome intelligence that the Hau Haus were all on board the vessel. They then cut my lashings, and set me at liberty. During this time, a person named White informed my wife of the whole affair, and recommended her to hasten • across the river. On her way she called upon Mrs. Danvers, and was there accosted by three Hau Haus, who assured them that neither they nor myself should receive any injury. HE. "WILLIAM BEAMISH S ACCOUNT. At about 2*30 p.m., my housekeeper informed me that policeman Hemmington wished to speak with me. I left my private residence; went out to the beach, and called out to Hemmington, " What do you want, Jack ? " He replied " .Nothing now." I then walked towards the boat, where I . saw Mr. Chudieigh and Mr. Hood. Mr. Chudleigh said, "The Hau Haus have taken the magazine, and we arc going to try to prevent the boat's crew of prisoners from getting on board the vessel." I then saw Hood endeavoring to get into the boat, and heard a few shots fired in quick succession. Knowing then it was all up, I walked a little and then ran up to the gate of my garden, with the intention of getting my revolver and protecting my wife and myself. Just as I had my hand on the gate a Hau Hau rushed : at me from the boat-house and attempted to lay hold of me. I succeeded in getting, free from him by throwing him. over, and .then four more Hau Haus joined and got me down on the ground. I struggled as much as I could, and they tied my hands ; however, I got on my feet again and was thrown over on my face ; then they bound my legs, and I heard them say " Bring a tomahawk." I then saw policeman Selwood walking towards me,, evidently not molested. I said, "Selwood, are you going to allow me to be murdered' by these fellows ? " He replied that he' was powerless and had enough to do to. save his own life ; he said something to the prisoners, who replied that if I was quiet I should not be harmed. I then lay quiet and they handcuffed me, and led me between two of them (one of whom was Paora) to the gaol. They then took off the handcuffs and opened the door. Mr. Alick Shand was already a prisoner there. I was put in and the door locked. Capt. Thomas, Messrs. Chudieigh, Hood, and Elliott, were successively marched in and locked up. . The Hauhaus then came in and demanded that. Capt. Thomas should show them any correspondence he might have received from the Government. They also demanded the keys of the iron safe. When wo had been in about forty minutes, as near, as I could guess, my wife came with Mrs. Selwood to tell us that they were quite safe, and that the Maoris were all on board the Rifleman. We then heard Jem the blacksmith break open the door of the other lock-up ; and presently ours was broken open. As we could see a boat coming ashore from the vessel, apparently with Hau Haus in it, I ran to my own house and carried my wife oft into the bush. The prisoners, had entered my house whilst I was in prison, and made my wife show them where my firearms and money were deposited. They took away my pistols and £11 10s. in gold, ANOTHER ACCOUNT. On Saturday 4th July,— the day being showery, the ketch Florence laying at anchor, the Rifleman discharging cargo — the Hau Haus seemed more attentive to their duty than they had been for some time past. They obeyed all orders that were given them with unusual alacrity. About 3 p.m. Mr. Elliott ordered them down to the redoubt. Some of the guard asked what was the meaning of so many there ; they replied that they were there by Elliott's direction. The cargo boat was laying on the beach opposite the boat shed. Mr. Hood and some Hau Haus were in the boat, and others were standing on the beach beside the boat. Up to this moment no one had the slightest suspicion of their intention. The captain of the Rifleman was ashore, and on the opposite side of the river. About this time a little white flag bordered with scarlet, was hoisted above Tekoaite's whare, outside the redoubt. As soon as it was up, the Hau Haus, who were in the redoubt awaiting Elliott's orders, rushed upontheguard, two or three to each man, knocked th,eia

down and' tied their hands an^feet;' ..One" poor fellow, Michael Hartnetfc, resisted,. - . and either struck or pushed one of ffi'efm .; away, whereupdri the Hau Hau dealt him" ;. a blow across, the nose and eyes with. ' 'a-' "' -tomahawk anjd ; killed- him. The same-.". Hau Hau.' then attacked another man .in'-a'- - similar manneif but fortunately the latter ' ; fell and missed the blow;' thtt they tied ! ' him securely.' Whilst this was"gqing oii, -, they broke open the magazine and goV'air ■'} .the ammunition. At this moment one pf : r> the constabulary force<ej3caped,'ran down ' to the customfhouse, and informed Capt. ' Thomas tbat^he redo.abt,' wttli the magazine and its;&6ntents> were iifipossession of ?~ the Hau Htffis, and that tb& r gfrards were made prisoners. Mr. Chudieigh and Mr. Alexander Shand were IfiT the custom house at the- time. Captain.; Thomas and : Mr. Shand at once ran up to the redoubt, i . and Mr;.,Qhudleigh hastened to thebeach, with the intention, of going off, to warn the, ' crew and to Assist in. guarding the Rifle- , man. Captain Thomas,, on his : arrival at ■ the redoubt,* asked the meaning of/ this, outbreak,; afid commanded them to. put down their oSfles at once. Upon-. this the • , !^lau jHaus/shouted out."hopu hop*?," , knocked' htek down and bound Him hand , arid. foot. .j}Thus he lay for sometime; ; "wished to tomahawk him on the spot, but .others would not agree.. .Mr. Alexander /Shand got as far as the outside/ of the .gate,Tand Elliott about, half way vp i: ihe steps,%Jßrhen two or three Hau Hans -,\ cellared Mri. Shand, but he got away from, j : them, andapan towards the'beach. Atlt&is , > instant, there was a cry of '.'here he;is;liere% he is,"meatiing Elliott, who alsqran&rthe beach.-;,. There were six shots fired, after ; them. One of the bullets str.uekjEllio^ib, y lodged in the heel of his boot and-'br^rifea : "EimT^Mf.. Shand was then knocked down , and captujKsd. Elliott escaped! into the , Mongute Hotel, but was soon taken: :and bound. On Mr. Chudleigh's arrival .at : the boat, a volley from the redoubt, an- ; nounced to the Hau Haus that the place ; was in their possession. They then : knocked down Mr. Chudieigh, who stfug- > fled and would not' allow himself to be ound, upon which one man put a Tope > round his neck with an intention.,to strangle him, at the same timeplanting his foot firmly upon Mr. Chudleigh's face . to draw the rope tight. . In this, he; could not succeed as Mr. Chudieigh had inserted , his hands between the rope and his neck. The Hau Haus tried hard to force his hand * away, but Mr. Chudieigh; got Jiis fingers between his teeth and they could not effect their diabolical purpose. Another miscreant then, came running with an old ploughshare and would have brained him on the spot but for the providential interference of one who had worked for Mr. . Chudieigh, nanied\Paret.ini. . Mr. Walter . Hood leaped from the boat into the surf to assist Mr. Chudieigh, but he was seized , and bound hand and foot, and left laving in the water ; in. fact he could with dilli-. eulty keep his head out of water, iir.; Beamish had a narrow escape; indeed ke and every white man whom they imagined would interfere : with their escape, were bound and carried to the lock-up house. Capt. Thomas wasput inirons and marched between two Hau Haus to ' the custom house; he was then told to deliver up the. key of the iron safe, and from three to four hundred pounds were taken, some the personal property of Capt. Thomas but the. greater part moneys entrusted with him. for safe keeping. The official correspondence they were most anxious to secure. Then rose a great horer.o as to how they should dispose of Capt. Thomas. Some, proposed to take him aboard the vessel and throw him overboard; others suggested that he should be .'taken with them; but they eventually carried him into the lockup with the other captives. In the meanwhile the Hau Haus in possession of the arms and ammunition hauled down the white and crimson flag from Tekoaiti whare. This was the signal for the women to go on board, the schooner. They ran with kits on their backs and children in their arms round the rocks, and the ship's boats were soon busily employed in taking . them off. Others were robbing and sacking the houses of the settlers, who were plundered of arms andammunitiori, money, blankets and clothing. Most singular to relate, after Hartnett had been murdered, they had prayer or Hau Hau ~ka/rakia ; another after they had plundered the iron safe ; and a final one when . all the white men had been secured in the. lock-up. After they had got all on board, they brought a boat ashore to fetch off the armed men. Another boat full of armed men went on board the Florence, ordered the captain to -make sail and bring her alongside the Rifleman, which being' done, they desired the captain and crew to get into their boat. They got into their boat and were steering towards the Rifleman, when, to their great delight, the Hau Haus pointed towards the shore. They then set fire to the Florence, and let her drift on to the sandy beach, where she now lays. The fire did not extend beyond the wood work of the cabin. After this they at once made sail on the Rifleman and put to sea, beat about the bay, and at night anchored, again. Next morning, July 5, they also beat about all. day in the bay, and she was last seen about dusk, off Whangeroa. As soon as the Hau Haus were all on board, a blacksmith broke open the lock-up house, and released the captives. Sergeant Finimore had a very narrow escape for his life ; had he been taken there is ho doubt he would, have been unrelentingly murdered. When they could not find: him, their rage knew no bounds ; they.'took what money they discovered, tore itp all his blankets, and broke everything in. (the. house. *,■ J .*s... ~ *>. ~ n . ■ We have given these-^extracts from various eye-witnesses, to b'jing each cir- '•/ oumstance carefully before .your readers. Their concurrent testimony tends to prove that this was a plot long digested, artfully concocted, and coolly and deliberately executed. Of this, however, the Government were in some measure forewarned ; for, immediately after the departure of Mr liolleston, our fellow settler, Mr Ritchie, J.P., a gentleman of unusual sagacity and foresight, such premonitory symptoms of« disaileciion amongst the prisoners,, and such an apparent laxity of control, that ho r as induced to memorialise the Government on the subject. At the same time lie forwarded a copy to the- R.M., Captain Thomas, b\it tha^ gentleman — guileless in himself and singulai'ly unsuspicious of evil in others — took quite a different view of the matter, and 'hid dispatch to the Government was so satisfactbr}'- and reassuring, that Mr Ritchie went to the wall at once, and information that was. as vitally important as .life and death was pooh-pooh'd by the magnates in power.