POVERTY BAY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1013, 12 January 1869, Page 2

POVERTY BAY.

fBHOM OUR OWN COBBEffPONDEHT.I Redoubt, Turanganui, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 4 p.m. Escort started for Fort Fraser (Patutahi.) By the arrival of Mr. Scott from the front, I learn that yesterday our forces had reached to within one mile and a quarter of the enemy by trigonometrical survey. The face of Ngatepa had been partially cleared by fire, and a large whare has been erected in the lower trench. Two horses were seen in Ngatepa, reserved, I presume, to facilitate Te Kooti's escape, if it becomes necessary for the enemy to retreat. To the right of Ngatepa, mountainous and densely- wooded, country extends to an illimitable distance. Ngatiporou would join Whitmore to-night. Their absence is accounted for by Ropata's severe illness. A redoubt has been erected about 2^ miles from Ngatepa. This is the fifth built by Colonel Whitmore ; it is called Fort Richmond, 7 p.m. — Dr. Edwards is seriously ill, suffering from delirium. Thursday, Dec. 31, 7 a.m. Ammunition leaving for the front. 11 a.m.— St. Kilda off for Napier. 2 p.m. — A large number of our allies struck off pay and rations for wandering about without permission at Patutahi. 7 p.m.— Major Fraser's men took two I prisoners and shot them, after obtaining some information. Te Kooti is certainly at Ngatepa, with plenty of powder, but short of lead. The reinforcements expected by the enemy have not arrived, and there are not more than 180 fighting men with Te Kooti, The greatest of the Uriwera chiefs is at Ngatepa. Friday, Jan. 1, 1869. New Year's day was ushered in soon after midnight by the firing of guns and rockets and ringing of bells on board the Sturt and Ahuriri steamers. Almost every one turned out to witness the novel spectacle. 11 a.m. — Dr. Edwards is somewhat better. 12 a.m.— The bugler has been just sent for in hot haste. By the aid of his melifluous notes, without which nothing of importance can be accomplished, some fourteen Poverty Bay settlers were summoned to parade, and informed that they would be permitted to purchase a pint of beer per man, provided they first paid for it. After consulting together upon the very handsome proposal, it was unanimously decided to be inadmissible. Great admiration was at the same time expressed at the liberal provision made by Government, in order that the Poverty Bay settlers might celebrate New Year's day in a becoming manner. Saturday, Jan. 2. Henare Ruru, a chief of Mahanga, arrived from the front, reports our force having yesterday taking up position about 50 yards from Ngatepa. Our allies are said to have advanced in splendid style under their chiefs, and to have partially entrenched themselves before being discovered by the enemy, who afterwards ran out of Ngatepa to charge Ngatiporo and the Arawas ; but the enemy met with a reception from our friends which forced them to beat a precipitate retreat. From Henare Ruru I learn that a Ngatiporo prophetess has foretold the deaths of a number of Ngatiporo and other friendlies. About a dozen individuals have been named by this dusky spirit aftdoomed to fall before Ngatepa. It may interest your readers to know that it has long been a practice of Ngatiporo to be accompanied in their fighting expeditions by a male or female soothsayer, whose function it is to reveal the future. 10 a.m.— -I have just seen a "pukupukukarakia," composed by Te Kooti, and written as far back as September, 1867. This book of prayers clearly shows that Te Kooti had matured his schemes and arranged his plans previous to his escape from Wharekauri. 5 p.m. — I have volunteered to convey a despatch to Ngatepa. sjf p.m. — Started for the front. Rain has commenced pretty heavily. 7 p.m.— Arrived at Fort Fraser. This is a very creditable specimen of redoubtbuilding, and well situated. There are no men left at present to defend Fort Fraser. 8 p.m. — Passed Fort St. John, five miles from Fort Fraser. Fort St. John is even superior to the other. One man was at Fort St. John when I passed it. 8^ p.m.— Overtook drays and escort proceeding to Fort Arawa, and arrived at the latter place about 9 p.m., wet through. Got some supper and turned in. Sunday, Jan. 3. Fort Arawa is a poor affair, only meant, I imagine, as a temporary protection for stores. It is commanded upon all sides by hills overhanging it. Two Hauhau spies were shot here a few days ago. They had crept up close to place before being discovered. 2 a.m. — Started with escort before daylight for Fort Roberts, six miles further on. Road lay over hills and through narrow valleys. Bad travelling on account of the wet. Heard firing from Ngatepa at intervals along the road. 5 a.m. — Reached Fort Roberts : mean affair, but answers the purpose intended. Got some tea, and proceeded for Fort Richmond. Road very slippery and bad. The poor packhorses have a hard time of it. 6 a.m. — Passed through a pretty grassy valley. The country gets very rough further on. 8 a.m. — Reached scene of the tent surprise, and the position stormed by Ropata before Colonel Whitmore's arrival. Saw remains of Hauhaus lying about. 10 a.m. — Weather cleared up, and got my first peep at Ngatepa up in the clouds. 11 a.m. — At Fort Richmond, a sorb of apology for a redoubt. Fine view of Ngatepa from here — three miles distant by track, about one and a quarter by bee-line. A profound ravine separates Ngatepa from Fort Richmond. Owing to the wet, forced to leave my horse at the latter place. Several horses having fallen this morning whilst attempting to scale the hill, provisions, ammunition, shells — everything, in fact, is packed from Forfc Richmond to Ngatepa on men's shoulders. I started from Fort Richmond about 12 a.m. and arrived at Crow's-nest about 1^ p.m., after a most fatiguing pull up the wooded mountain called Ngatepa. The Crow's-nest is, perhaps, a thousand yards from the pah where Te Kooti, with 180 warriors, bids defiance to our great force. Ihe finest view, in my opinion, of Ngatepa is to be had from the Crow's-nest ; and it is a scene not easily forgotten, I have in

my time seen and examined some of the strongest fortresses in the world, and, although Ngatepa is quite unlike Gibraltar, Malta, or the celebrated forts defending the entrance to Rio Janeiro, which all, more or less, have been largely indebted to art for the strength they possess, it cannot be denied that in some respects Ngatepa is superior to them all. It is truly a formidable position, not surpassed, I believe, by any of the numerous mountain fastnesses of New Zealand. Most difficult of access, it stands alone, surrounded on all sides by all but impassable ravines, and clothed with forest almost to its summit, except in places where its sides are protected by perpendicular cliffs. Its height from the level of the sea cannot, I think, be less than 4000 feet. The pah is built upon the top of Ngatepa, but rather sloping towards the crow's nest. It is surrounded by palisades and high embankments, protected from assault by lines of trenches descending in tiers down the face of the hill ; and, running from right to left in the lowest I of the trenches, a large church, or " whare karakia," has been built. Ngatepa is entirely surrounded by our force ; escape is impossible, if our people stick to their present positions. And here let me be just to Colonel Whitmore, whom it has been my unpleasant duty before now to censure in no measured terms, whilst I felt that serious blame attached to him. I say then, unreservedly, that Colonel Whitraore is in a most unfortunate position. I have seen— as who amongst us here has not— that his hold upon the native allies is of the most feeble nature. It is true that they have done well and fought bravely — very bravely, I may say — and their services have been invaluable; but it ought not to be disguised that at any time they shew little inclination to be instructed in their duties by Col. Whitmore. I wish to draw particular attention to this fact, because it is from that cause I fear we may fail at Ngatepa. Should our allies at any time choose to leave the positions at present occupied by them, Te Kooti will escape ; of that I have not the slightest doubt. Ido not think the commanding officer has done more than any other officer would have done in surrounding Ngatepa and cutting off Te Kooti's retreat 5 and it is certain that if an officer like, say the late Captain Wilson (who understood and possessed great influence over Maories) had been in charge here just now, the natives might have been brought to obey that officer's orders with alacrity. Will they do so for Col. Whitmore ? time will shew. Oi Col. Whitmore I am bound to say that I believe he has done his best, since the last murders forced him, to attempt the capture of Te Eooti. He certainly has worked hard lately to ensure a successful issue ; but the same must be said of every one, and Majors Westrupp, St. John, Fraser, and each officer at the front, have not spared themselves. 2 p.m. — Got some dinner, and walked from the crow's nest up to camp, which may be a hundred yards from Ngatepa. The ground is clear from camp up to the pah. After delivering my despatch, I visited our trenches, which are within twenty yards of the enemy's lower trunk. Here I saw Major Westrup, Mr. Johnston, and other Poverty Bay survivors, guarding the trenches and working at the right sap. Major Westrup kindly explained the nature of the different works. I was told that he and other officers and gentlemen take their regular turn with the pick and shovel. Our people had passed three nights in the trenches, which were knee-deep with mud and water, in some places, after the late heavy rains. I was informed that the enemy had made seven charges during yesterday and last night, but were beaten back with heavy loss. One charge was made upon Major Fraser, who occupies the post of honour and greatest danger, by thirty men. In repelling this charge, Fraser's men killed twelve of the thirty ; two broke through our men and escaped ; the remainder fled back into Ngatepa. Fraser and his men, are partly stationed upon a ledge of rock beneath a precipice, which is the rear of Ngatepa. Whenever a shell falls into Ngatepa from the front, the enemy rush to the rear to escape its effect. At such times they are shot down by Fraser and his men, who, from their ledge, have to fire straight upwards. A supplejack ladder hung over the precipice, by which the enemy meant to escape if hardly pushed ; but Major Westrup has cut away their ladder, and they have no means of constructing another. They have, however, become so desperate that two men, having first stripped themselves, threw themselves from the summit of Ngatepa, preferring death to being taken alive. More were preparing to follow 9 hut Major Fraser, by firing at them, stopped their game. Four men, one woman, and a child came down to get water, not knowing their supply was cut off ; the men were killed, but the woman and child were spared. Last night, four more men attempted to escape. They were taken, and immediately shot. Three of Fraser's men and three Arawas killed, and some of Fraser's wounded. One of the Arawas killed is a very great Maketu chief, Hakareta by name. His body has been embalmed by Dr. Gibbs, and will be carried to Maketu for interment amongst those of other chiefs of his race. Capt. Brown was killed yesterday. His body was forwarded to Turanganui to-day. It may be some consolation to his friends to learn that Capt. Brown is universally lamented by his men, who say they have lost their best officer, and whose kind treatment of his men is spoken of with aiFectionate regret. One of Fraser's men, in warding off a tomahawk blow, missed his foothold, and fell over a precipice, but is not much hurt. Another man ran out of the trenches, and caught a Hauhau and killed him. Sub-Inspector Capel, who is decorated for the Crimea, was wounded yesterday. I am happy to say everybody appears delighted at having trapped Te Kooti, and, although our people have undergone great hardship, not a murmur is heard.

6 p.m. — Very heavy firing is kept up by our people to protect the sfip approach, Our fellows think that Ngatepa may be stormed to-night. Ido not think it likely. The shell practice is beautiful.

8 p.m. — The firing is very heavy from Eraser's side of Ngatepa. Between the volleys our allies ask the enemy why they don't bring out Te Kooti's head and give themselves up. I forgot to say that when Colonel Whitmore took up position he sent a message requesting Te Kooti to send out his •women and children. The reply was a yolley,

9 p.m. — A shell jjst burst inside Ngatepa. How the friendlies cheer, I don't thiuk the shells do much direct execution, but they compel the enemy to become animated targets for Fraser's men. The enemy have got a tattooed wooden head, with a massive nose. This head has been paraded about the parapets of Ngatepa for our men to fire at, and to enable the enemy to extract bullets from it ; but the ruse has been discovered. One of Fraser's men, after being killed, fell into a tree growing from a precipice, and the tree is so situated that the body cannot be recovered. Monday, Jan. 4. Heavy firing kept up oil night. The poor artillerymen are nearly worn out. There are five of them and one sergeant at Ngatepa. Besides attending to the cohorn night and day, these men carry loads of shell from Fort Richmond to the front. 7 a.m. — Walked up to the trenches. The right sap has been carried forward during the night, and a trench is being cut to connect the right sap with the left. Enemy made another charge last night. Two more of Fraser's men killed. It will be noticed that up to the present all the Europeans killed belong to Fraser's division. 10 a.m.— Breakfasted. Gave a last look at the sap, which must be within 15 feet of the enemy's outer trench, and started for Turanganui. 6 p.m. — Arrived at Turanganui, supped, and received message requesting me to start to-morrow for the front. Tuesday, Jan. 5. Left for the front at 9|. Reached Fort Arawa at 1 p.m. Half way between Fort Arawa and Fort Roberts, met a native, who informed me Te Kooti and most of his men escaped from Ngatepa this morning before daylight. Pushed on, and met a friend, who confirmed the unpleasant tidings. From my friend, who was an eyewitness and acted as interpreter for Colonel Whitmore, I obtained the following particulars :— Yesterday (Monday) about 11 o'clock, Ngatiporou stormed and took the enemy's outer trench. Colonel Whitmore then became desirous to storm Ngatepa, and repeatedly requested Ropata to assist in doing so. Ropata declined, on the plea that it would cause too great a sacrifice of life just then ; but was willing to do so at daylight next (this) morning. My informant thinks Ropata was right. As there was but 3000 rounds of ammunition left at the front, Colonel Whitmore was naturally anxious to settle the affair before his am- ! munition was expended, and evinced his anxiety frequently during yesterday afternoon and evening. Last night the Arawas, being desirous of assisting in the anticipated storm of Ngatepa at daylight this morning, left their position on the right of Ngatepa unguarded, and came to the position occupied by Ngatiporou. Just before daylight this morning, a woman looked out from Ngatepa, and cried that Te Kooti was escaping by the position abandoned by the Arawa. Ngatiporou, looking upon the cries of this woman as a ruse of the enemy, and suspecting treachery, refused to listen to her at first, and even fired at her, which compelled her to retire. However, she came forward again, and at length made herself believed. The pah was immediately rushed. Seventy-six prisoners of Te j Kooti, of whom six only were men, were found in Ngatepa ; but Te Kooti, and it is said 100 or 120 men, with 200 women and children, had bolted down an incline that might almost be termed a precipice, with this difference, that the ground is composed of soft sandy loam, and affords some foothold. Te Kooti is wounded afresh in the shoulder, and, it is affirmed, escaped upon horseback. How,he managed is a miracle, when it is considered that he is quite unable to walk, and must have guided his horse down a steep that is enough to turn one giddy. The interior of Ngatepa justifies Ropata's refusal to storm it. Three breastworks, of about 15 feet in height each, intersected with a perfect maze of rifle pits, trenches, and covered galleries, would have ensured a fearful loss of life. That the wretches escaped is altogether owing to our allies the Arawas. The enemy were thoroughly hemmed in ; their repeated attempts to break through our lines prove it most conclusively. A strict watch at all the points was all that was required to ensure the capture of every soul in Ngatepa. What the officer in charge of the Arawas will have to say for himself remains to be seen. A searching investigation might perhaps reveal the causes which led to this disastrous affair. Fifty-eight bodies were found at Ngatepa, and this will show that Te Kooti and his band have suffered heavy loss, instead of the utter extermination which we had such good reason to expect would be their doom. As soon as possible after taking possession of Ngatepa, a party of Arawas and Ngatiporous was despatched in pursuit. In about an hour after starting firing was heard, showing that the enemy had been overtaken. This was confirmed by the arrival, about midday, of the severed head of the principal chief of all the Uriwera tribes. The gory trophy will be brought down to Turangauui. Te Kooti is making for Mauogapowhatu, guarded by 30 men. The remainder of his men, led by the Uriwera chief, afterwards decapitated, fought our pursuing party. It was anticipated that if there was daylight sufficient Te Kooti might be captured this evening. 9 p.m.— Arrived at Turanganui. My horse having knocked up necessitated a return. Wednesday, Jan. 6. No further news from front, except that Ngatepa was destroyed yesterday by Whitmore's orders. I have been unable to obtain an accurate list of killed and wounded on our side — twenty-two or twenty-three is, I believe, about the number. Capt. Brown was buried yesterday at Turanganui. H.M,S. ram Blanche also arrived yesterday. 12 a.m. — One of our troopers has fallen from his horse and fractured a, bone of his leg. A Maori prisoner just arrived, named Kipe; a noted scoundrel. It is said he was concerned in the murder of Willie Wyllie and other Europeans ; however, as he happens to be a relative of the wife of Hirini, the chief of Turanganui, ho will probably get off, to murder more settlers at some future time. Many natives say this Kipe is guilty. He has been tried formerly for robbing settlers, and served a great deal of his time in gaol. 5 p tin> — Major Westrup has started with Poverty Bay and other volunteers, and with three days' provisions, in pursuit of Te Kooti. The country to be traversed by Major Westrup and his party is of the wild-

est description — dense busby, mountain?, without a road or path of any description, f \ There are few officers who would be found " volunteering to undertake the task of exploring such a savage waste. In all previous New Zealand forest expeditions, some sort of a track, I believe, has been followed. What Major Westrup has undertaken is unprecedented in colonial warfare. Should he succeed in capturing Te Kooti, he will have rendered New Zealand an invaluable service ; and in any case, he deserves our gratitude for his bold attempt. 7 p.m. — A friend has informed me that Col. Whitmore has expressed great admiration at the conduct of the Poverty Bay settlers. It must be very gratifying to us to know that our commanding officer is at length convinced that we are not the "skunks" and "sneaks" he once imagined us to be ; but it is far more satisfactory to find that he is willing, if only by implication, to admit the error of preconceived opinions. On our parts, it gives me pleasure to say that Col. Whitmore's conciliatory manner of late has already produced beneficial results ; as a proof of which, I may mention that his own men appear to be, and say they are, more kindly treated than formerly. One . individual alone indulges in spiteful remarks respecting the present entente cordiale ; but, as I was informed, and have reason to believe, that, when I last saw him, he was merely a " ratipns and forage correspondent," it would ill become any of us who have at least retained our independence to bear malice ; and if the poor fellow does scowl at us as, we pass him, he looks so wretched munching a musty ration biscuit, and appears so conscious of his degraded state, that every true Christian must pity and forgive him. 9 p.m. — The Hon. Mr. Richmond has offered a reward of £50 for the head of Nikora, £500 for that of Te Kooti," and, I hear, £1 per head for any of the others, and the good effect has been seen in the arrival of a great many prisoners, who are shot as soon as they arrive. 12 midnight. — Dr. Edwards has expired, Thursday, Jan. 7, 6 a.m. Requested to act as guide for Captain Montgomery, of H.M.S.S. Blanche, to Ngatepa. Being desirous of verifying or correcting former information, I agreed to go. 10 a.m. — Started. Found all the line of road as far as Fort Richmond traversed by the wretched, nigh starved prisoners. Such living skeletons one seldom sees. Arrived at Fot Richmond about 6 p.m. A prisoner had just been shot there, and 9 about 6 hours previously. We met Colonel Whitmore near Makeretu. He immediately turned back and accompanied Captain Montgomery to Ngatepa, which place we reached about half past 6 or 7 p.m. Leaving the two officers, I set out in company with some of Fraser's men, one of whom was an educated gentlemanly fellow, to explore the interior of Ngatepa. I saw quite enough to convince me that if Ropata's advice had not been followed, and Ngatepa had been stormed when Colonel Whitmore proposed, most of our force must have been destroyed ; and every man of the force with whom I have conversed is of the same opinion. And here I wish to observe that it is impossible for the keeper of a daily journal to be always exactly accurate, as the information of one day must of necessity sometimes be modified by later intelligence. I am led to make the remark because unavoidableamstakes have been sometimes charged against me as wilful perversion of facts, and because my last visit to Ngatepa has proved that Te Kooti never could have escaped had Colonel Whitmore taken proper precautions. I have it on the authority of numerous members of the force, that Major Fraser reported the enemy were escaping, to no purpose. Mr. Kempthorne, a settler who is a Maori linguist, assured me he repeatedly warned Col. Whitmore that there was a space to the right of Ngatepa where the enemy could get away, and where they eventually did escape. That Col. Whitmore is responsible for that escape, I am sure every one, except those who choose to shut their eyes to undeniable facts, must agree. Be it^retnembered, that any and every body can verify for him or herself what I assert here, by making enquiry of those present at Ngatepa. 9 p.m. — Dr. Gibbs, who is here at Ngatepa with the last division, has given me much interesting information, which I reserve for my next. Some of Fraser's men shewed extreme bravery during theseige of Ngatepa. 136 o£ the enemy in all have been counted slain, of whom about eighty were killed after escaping from the pa; but it is worthy of remark that out of the 136 not more than fire or six came from the Chathoms. Later information obtained from many of the prisoners, render it a matter of almost absolute certainty that Te Kooti has with him at present not less than 100 men. We have taken from him in all about 200 women and children prisoners — such objects ! Te Kooti's wife, Martha, was taken to-day. She asserts that Te Kooti was to have been ioined, yesterday, by 400 men, Waikato and Uriweras. 12 p.m. — It is very cold camping here on the summit of Ngatepa. The colonel and the captain of the Blanche started for Fort Richmond hours ago, and we who are left start homewards at half-past two tomorrow morning. Friday, Jan. 8. Half-past two, left for Fort Richmond with Fraser's division. Horse knocked up at Fort Arawa. Walked remainder of road to Turanganui, which I reached about 8 p.m. Passed all the force on its way down, except Ropata and some 50 Ngatiporo, who are still in chase of Te Kooti. Some hitch prevented Major Westrup from pursuing the enemy after he and the Poverty Bay settlers volunteered. Doubtless a great deal has been done, for which Ropata deserves the chief credit. Since fighting commenced, about 2;>o in all have been killed (including Makeretu) of the enemy. Six Europeans have been killed on our side, and five wounded. Five of our allies have been also slain, wounded — I believe — three, but am not quite certain. Saturday, January }). All the force expected clown to-day. Timber is daily expected for the erection of blockhouses. lam very sorry portions of my journal did not reach you last mail. The fault was none of mine, but was owing to the secret and unfair way in which- the steamer was despatched. Whatever version may reach you of recent events, one thing is certain — a very considerable success has been achieved. Ngatepa is ours ; and that alone is worth a great deal.

JMI native ncebiints concur in this — that it js tho strongest position in New Zunlund known to the Maoris. Iv the hands of determined men, well supplied, it could never be taken. A large proportion of Te ■Kooti's force has besn destroyed, and we . may rest in peace for a short time. That the Uriweras "will try to revenge the death of their greatest chief, none here that I have conversed with doubts. For our success we are indebted chiefly to Ropata, who ought to be made a Lieut. Colonel, and despatched to the West Coast. Major Fraser and his men have most ably seconded. Majors St. John and Westrup, and indeed every one, did their very best. Nor should it be forgotten that the most influential, by their position, of the Poverty Bay survivors, worked very bard and fought admirably to secure a successful issue. Universal regret is felt that Te Kooti -was not captured. His capture was certain, but for reasons already stated. The opinion of the Constabulary force may be gathered from a conversation I overheard yesterday : Well Bill, said one of that force to another, what d'ye think about it now ? Oh, well, the Colonel has made a mull of it, as usual, was the reply ; and the sentiment is endorsed by almost, I may say all, those who took an active part in the seige of Ngatepa. Hateraka, the great Maketu chief and a member of Fi-aser's division, was buried yesterday at Turanganui. He had previously been embalmed by Dr. Gibbs. I am sorry to say some dissatisfaction prevails amongst some of the natives in reference to the settlement of the land question. Names of.killed and wounded of the European force : — Killed — Clarendon, No. 3 division, Chislett, No. 1 ; Sawyer, Ditto ; McEwan, ditto ; Hataraka, ditto ; and Capt.. Brown. Wounded — Smith, No 3 ; Sub-Inspector Capel, No. 7 ; Crosby and Clancy, number of division unknown to me .at present.