IMPORTANT FROM TAUPO.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1087, 28 September 1869, Page 2

IMPORTANT FROM TAUPO.

DEFEAT OF TE KOOTI. The following important news was received last evening. On Saturday, the 25th inst., Te Kooti, with a force of between 280 and 300 men, attacked Tokano pah, which was held by a force of 249 friendlies, composed of the Hawke'a Bay natives, the Arawas, and Poihipi's people. Colonel M'Donnell, who was on a visit to the pah, attempted, with his escort, to reach Rotoaira, where Kemp's people were located, with the view of bringing them up, j but was unable to do so, being fired upon by the enemy. He then returned to Tokano and placed himself at the head of the friendly natives. A severe engagement ensued, which resulted in the enemy being driven off. Cover after cover had ,to be evacuated, until at length he turned and actually ran for it. The enemy left seven dead bodies on the field, and were seen to carry off a great many more. Their loss is reported to be 30 killed and wounded. The Hau Haus had plenty of ammunition — between 40 and 50 rounds of Bnfield being found in the cartouche box of each dead man. The fighting took place on a hill covered with high fern and scrub, and rifle pitted. The friendly natives behaved exceedingly well; also Capt. St. George and Lieut. Pearce, both of whom were in the thick of it.