THE EAST COAST.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 13, Issue 676, 26 April 1869, Page 3

THE EAST COAST.

LIEUT.-COL. LAMBERT’S DESPATCHES. The following despatches have been received by the Hon. the Defence Minister ;—- Mohaka, .April 15, 1869. Sir, —I have the honor to forward a re* port of ray proceedings since I marched the force under my command from Napier. Marched at 12 30 p m. on the 11th (Sunday), arrived at Petane, and halted for the night, having pushed on Captain Tanner’s troop of cavalry, with instructions to reach Mohaka as quickly as possible, keeping me informed of everything that he heard of the enemy, and to communicate with Captain Towgood, who was in advance. I halted at Petane on the 12th, waiting for infor*

mation from the Front, and for the troop of mounted Armed Constabulary, which I expected to arrive early in the day, -when I intended to march at night. The troop did not arrive so soon as expected. I did not march till daylight on the 13th. I had received information from Capt. A. Ruseell that the enemy was still at Mohaka, and had not taken the pa on Sunday, and that from his position there would be every chance of crushing him. I then ordered the company of Volunteers, made up to 84 men, to march at daylight under Captain Wallace, and Nos. 1 and 2 companies of Napier Militia, numbering 40 each, to march later in tho day, and also told off a party of mounted militia, who marched with Captain Wallace's detachment. I left camp nbout 7 a m., and overtook tho infantry. Pushed on with the mounted Militia ; overlook mounted Armed Constabulary at Arapawanui. Received a despatch from Captain to tho effect that Te Kooti had retired up the Mohaka valley. I then ordered back the whole of the volunteers and militia to Petane, and moved forward with mounted troop of Armed Constabulary, who I had to leave at Waikari, the horses being completely beaten. I went on to Mohaka, arrived at 7.30, and found the enemy had left, and that the place was safe. Captain Towgood, to whom great praise is due, arrived at about 6 o'clock in the morning, and Capt. Tanner with his party between 10 and 11 o'clo.'k on the 14th. I went with a party some fifteen miles up the valley, but failed to reach the onemy, who had had too great a start, and 1 had not a force sufficient to follow him up. On my advance up the valley I saw the devastation that had been committed by tho enemy, and counted 31 dead bodies of natives and a number of horses and cattle. I also ascertained the fate of Mr Lavin and wife and Mr Cooper. I saw the three children interred aud arranged for the interment of the others. The bodies of Mr Cooper, Mr Lavin, and wife, are, I am happy to say, not in any way disfigured. The whole of the settlers' houses and most of the natives' whares have been burnt. I have this day (loth) marched Captain Tanner's troop and all the militia and volunteers under Captain Towgood to Napier, and shall arrange the force at Mohaka, and until I hear from you shall keep the mounted troop there, the horses requiring rest. Captain H. Russell has kept me well supplied with provisions and amtnu.rition. 1 shall visit Wairoa, which plaeo I shall make my head-quarters at present, and will keep you advised of proceedings in the district from time to time. —I have, &c., C. Lambert.