THE WANGANUI AND TARANAKI WAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1381, 1 April 1865, Page 5

THE WANGANUI AND TARANAKI WAR.

WANGANUI.

Our files by the Queen arc to the 2flth instant. We take tho following extracts

Tub Lath Enoaukmknt.—Tho correspondent of the HW/rtmir' Chronicle furnlshc* ft somewhat fuller account of tho kt« engagement ttinn has yet been ro> elvwl Camp To Aw#, March 13, 1805. Tim head-quarters fkll force, consisting of portion! of ilto 67th, 50th, and 68th Regiments, cavalry, local, and military, artillery and engineers, the whole numbering (including the* Transport Corps) about Mtto, began their march this morning towards Taranaki. Tut' Lieutcnant-Guncrnl commanded, Colonel Weare, 50th Regiment taking the place of Brigadier-General Waddy, who is still in Wanganui under medical treatment, Tho force moved off in the direction of the village, which ia only about four miles from camp, and where the natives have been seen every day for the last fortnight moving about. The head of the column had freely advanced a milo from camp, when the rebels, who were perched on the crown of a hill between (ho camp and the village alluded to, opened (Ire on tho troops. They were not entrenched, and did not oven occupy rifle pita, which is a new feature in Maori warfare. The 57th, under Major Butler, who was in front, pushed up tho hill and returned the tiro \ at the same time the artillery, under Colonel Williams, unlimbered and came into action. The cavalry and the Wanganui Defence For« o under their respective leaders, made a circuit to the left, and, accompanied by a body of infantry, got between the rebels and their village. After a few rounds from the Armstrong guns, along with the welt-directed fire of the infantry, the rebels found the place too aot for them, and commenced to retreat towards their village, but here they encountered an obstacle they had little dreamed of, as the cavalry had fairly intercepted their retreat on the village. The infantry in rear was rapidly following the retreating rebels up, both parties keeping up a running fire, and numbers of the rebels falling from its effects, and I am happy to say their Are doing very little damage to us. When the rebels found that they had been outflanked, a number of them made for the river, still followed by the infantry. Numbers of them wese killed in the water, although several got safely across to tho opposite side •, others boldly ran the gauntlet through the cavalry, who sabred several of them. The whole of tho affair lasted about an hour-and-a-half, and tho fight extended over about a couple of miles of up-hills and down hills, through swamps and flax bushes, and on the termination of the affair, and the arrival of the whole of the force at tho native village, where it is now encamped ; it was found that our loss was one mnn killed and three men wounded, namely, private Nixon, 57th Regiment, killed; private Bates, same regiment, wounded ; sergeant CasseH,6Bth Regiment, wounded, and private Nicol, of the military tram cavalry, wounded. The Maori loss is estimated at about fifty casualties ; I myself counted twenty-one dead bodies scattered over the ground. A party was sent out this afternoon for the purpose of burying the Maori dead and bringing in the wounded. They brought in two dead bodies, and were intending to carry them all into camp, but for an order which was dispatched to the officer in command of the party to bury them where found. I was informed by several of the burying party on their return that they interred thirty-five bodies. Two Maoris and a boy, apparently not more than twelve years of age, were brought in wounded, and placed in the hospital. Two prisoners were also brought in; they were found lurking in a swamp ; they were both unwounded, and will be forwarded to town. Tiny are old men, and I suppose were unable to give leg bail for it. One of the wounded prisoners said that only one hundred rebels were opposed to the troops, and that they expected a reinforcement from down the river either to-day or to-morrow ; but I am inclined to disbelieve this statement, as from my own personal experience in numbers, 1 should say that the rebels numbered about two hundred strong. It will naturally be supposed that the casualties among the rebels should have been greater under the circumstances; but owing to the nature and extent of the ground occupied by the enemy, it is impossible to arrive at the correct number of casualties, and I have no doubt whatever in my own mind but it far exceeds fifty, as a wounded Maori will stow himself away in a flax bush, and make it almost impossible to discover his retreat, unless a very close inspection be made, which whs not done in this instance. There were two "women unavoidably killed in the skirmish, one had evidently been hit by a shell, the other by a rifle shot. Camp Manotahi, 15th March, 1865.—-The headquarters of the Feld Force left Camp Te Awa, rather Ivakaramea, as it was afterward* termed, with a force of eight hundred men, not including Transport Corps, &c. The troops marched about ten o'clock, accompanied by a very large convoy, conveying, I understand, about ten days' provisions ior the force. The troops arrived at the above camp about 4J p.m., but the last of the convoy did not get in until after 10 o'clock. The road w pretty fair, and, with very little labour, could be made passable at all seasons of the year; a few creeks require to be bridged over, and a few side-cuttings made to make it passable in wet weather. The troops are encamped in and around the native settlement, which is called by the name at the head of this letter, and which is the largest native settlement we have yet come across. At the entrance of the settlement the troops had to pass through a bush, about 200 yards broad. They fully expected a salute from the rebels here, but were allowed to pass through unmolested. The whole of thewharesin the settlement were locked, and the late residents had evidently left in haste, as all kinds of sundries were found inside; and in the stockyard, which adjoins the settlement, tbty left a bullock half dressed—in fact, at a few whures outside the settlement fires were found burning. They are not far from here now, as we could see the smoke from their fires in the bush, and this morning I heard the cocks crowing, which is a very good indication of their presence in this locality. A large number of cattle (upwards of JO) were driven in and placed in the stockyard; several of them have the brand of settlers belonging to Taranaki. I am of the opinion that all of them are the cattle and produce of the Taranaki settlers, and which were driven away by the southern natives on the commencement of hostilities in that province in 1860. The soldiers are in clover here, in having not wild but tame pigs, as many as they like, to kill, running in the camp; potatoes, both i» the ground and in pits; peaches, Cape gooseberries, sweet potatoes, and every description of vegetable. I think the force will remain here for a few days, until weget up a further reserve of provisions, and establish a redoubt, and then move on again. About thirty of the Cavalry Volunteers are with the force, and do duty with the military Cavalry, under Captain Witchell. It is strange that this number of men belonging to the local forces should not have an officer of their own with thein. I believe a sergeant is in charge. P.S. I should think the distance of this post from Patea is about 12 or 14 miles. Tire Advance.—On Friday last the force moved down from Manufahi to Manawapou, and occupied it without difficulty. The Sandfly and Gundugai left Patea on the sumo evening for Manawapou, in order to land provisions there, towing the surf boats after them. On making the attempt, however, on Saturday, although the difficulties did not appear I very formidable, the boatmen succeeded in lauding only a very small quantity of stores, and tho vessels were ordered to wait till next day, in case the attempt might then be made in more favourable circumstances. On Saturday afternoon, Captain Caddt-li and Captain Fairchild, of the Gundugai, went on board the Handily, and steamed to the North, with a view of finding a landing place in Waimate Hay. On arriving off Waimate pah, they steamed in near the shore, and found an admirable place between tw > points running for a little distance into the sea, where the water was as smooth rs glass, On nearing the shore they observed some natives coming down from a rising ground about 400 yards inland. Five cHiiie to the brink of the cliff over the beach, which is KM) feet Itiuh, and began to dance the war dance. They then fired eleven shots at the vessel, which was about 400 yards distant, but they all fell short. A number of horsemen were stationed halfway between the beach and the rising ground already mentioned, which was rifle-pitted all over, and full of men, who popped their heads occasionally out of the holes to sec what was going on. They seemed to have expected the Sandfly to open lire on them or to land a party of men. Having made the necessary observations, the Sandfly proceeded about five miles fnrt tier along Khore, and on her return, in passing VVaimate, being a considerable distance off shore, fired a passing salute, which excited the natives on the cliff to an unusual degree; but did not, as it was not intended, do any damage to them. The landing place will be found marked on the map, Waimate paii being at the mouth of tho Wuingoro. The country in that neighbourhood is open, and large numbers of cattle were seen moving about. It would appear as if the natives intend making a stand at Waimate, in which case there will be some fighting in a place apparently favourable to our operations. On Sunday the landing of stores was found to be

impossible, and tho steamers returned to tho Patea. They intend to try It again to-morrow, and next day the General moves forward to Waimate, accompanied by the two steamers off shore.—Chronicle, March 22.

Naiihow Esoapm.—U may be remembered that our correspondent at the front, in describing the arrival at the Patea, oh the 10th instant, of a detachment of tho 50th regiment, that had come from Waitotara, mentions that one man was missing, and was supposed to bo drowned, as several of the streams were so swollen that some of tho men were obliged to swim. Wo learn that this man, whose namo is Riuhard Hughes, belonged to the pioneer party, and was at first ahead of the troops, but having made a bridge over one of the streams, ho waited with his party until tho troops should come up, It was reported that tho cart containing the tools had preceded the column, and was about two miles In advance, and he was sent on a-head in order to overtake it, but having gone the prescribed distance without finding It, ho halted until the force came up, and dropped behind, under tho impression that the cart must be in tho rear, but on going back for It lo*t his way. Ho tried to return to the Waitotara, but after wandering about all night ho arrived at a deep gully where he saw smoke, On looking down he descried a largo party of Maoris, on which he immediately drew back, but not beforo he was observed by a native, who immediately gave chase. Hughes drew his sword and threatened his pursuer, who shouted to the rest of the natives, and immediately all along the ridges of the hill the Maoris made their appearance, much as Roderick Dim's men started up from bush and brake on tho sides of the picturesque hills over-looking Loch Katrino. He fell down and crept along through toi toi bushes for about a mile and a-half on his hands and knees, and so escaped. After rambling about all day in a pouring rain he took up his quarters for, the night in a flax bush. Next morning the sun gleamed out cheerily, and soon dried him, and raised his spirits, but be deemed it prudent to lie concealed all that day in case he should fall in ngain with the natives. At night he started again for the Waitotara, which ho reached in safety about two o'clock on Sunday morning, pretty much exhausted, having been three days and three nights without food.— Ibid.

Expedition up the Rivkk.—Yesterday evening, a little after six, orders were sent from the Militia Office through the town for the Militia and Volunteers to parade before the office at eight o'clock. At that hour a considerable number of men assembled, who were informed by Major Rookes that a certain number was wanted for an expedition to start this morning, at naif-past five. Volunteers were called, and about twenty offered themselves. The number was, therefore, made up from the Militia rolls. It was mentioned on parade that the expedition would be absent .five or six days; and we have not the slightest doubt that, had it not been for the breach of faith as to time on the last occasion on which their services were called for, and their not having received tludr pay for that service, (to wnich, by-the-by, several jocular allusions were made on parade), the Militia would at once have furnished the requisite number of volunteers. This morning 39 men, with Lieutenants Owen, Powell, and Broughton, under the command of Major Rookes, embarked on board the Gundagai. The Hon. Major Atkinson, Lieutenant-Colonel Logan, and Mr. White were also on board. The steamer left the wharf and proceeded up the river a little before eight o'clock. The men have five days' provisions with them, and there is a supply of spades and other trenching tools on board. The object of the expedition has been kept a dead secret; but it is believed to be the construction of a redoubt at Parkaino, whither, or to the neighbourhood of which, it is said, military settlers are to be sent shortly. It is probable that the ultimate object is to occupy Pipiriki, which is a central position commanding roads over to the Waitotara and elsewhere. —Ibid. Bushrangers.—The Government has somewhat modified the terms on which a corps of bushrangers is to be enlisted here. They are to receive 3s 6d a day with rations, or 5s without rations, and 50 acres of country land at the Patea with a town section of a quarter acre. They will be enrolled for three years' service, but should the war be terminated sooner, they will at once be placed on their land. Captains receive 20s per day, Lieutenants 16s, and Ensigns 13s, with proportionate grants of land. We understand that the office of captain of the first company was offered, on Thursday evening, by the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, to Mr. H. I. Jones, and has since been accepted by him; and that it is intended at once to take measures for organising his company. The weapons will consist of a breachloader, a revolver, and some sharp and effective edged weapon, which has not yet been definitely fixed on.—lbid.

The Front.—From the Front there is ho news of importance. Captain Percy had arrived at the camp at Manutahi with a party of cavalry volunteers. A large quantity of pigs had been destroyed by the troops, who have orders to lay waste all the enemy's country. At Manawapou a redoubt has been built, capable of holding 200 men, and it will be garrisoned by a detachment of the 57th Regiment. The rebels are supposed to be in force about Waimate, a number of them having been seen by a reconnoitring party of the cavalry when out in that direction. The s.s. Sandfly, in coming out from the Patea River, on Tuesday forenoon, by the old channel, went aground on the bar, but was got ofE next morning. On her way into the river she got ashore on the north side of the Patea; she was, however, recovered without having sustained any damage. About half a million of acres on the right bank of the Wanganui, and extending as far as the Waitotara, have been offered for sale by the natives. A previous offer of the same land was made about six months ago, signed by 500 of the natives, but was not then accepted. The Ahuriri, s.s., has been chartered by the Government, at the rate of £700 per month, with coals, for the conveyance of troops and commissariat stores. Two companies of Maoris, consisting of 50 men each, have been organised, and are to be called the Maori Bushrangers. Some of the officers have been appointed. Kemp, it is supposed, will be captain of one corps, and Wirihana adjutant.—lbid, March 25.

TARANAKI.

A Skirmish. —On Saturday last, 150 friendly natives marched from this town to Waihi, a place about four miles north of the Waitara, with the intention of attacking some of William King's people. On Sunday afternoon they were joined by Mr. Parris, the Native Secretary in this province, and on Monday evening moved over on to Onaero, where they halted till after dark; they then advanced to the front of Kaipikari, and there again encamped till four o'clock in the morning; they then attacked the entrenchment, the centrc of whicn was occupied by William King's natives. It was by this time daylight, and the first volley was fired by the assaulting party. Several were wounded, and Kohituku, one of the murderers of HchireNgaKoti, and his wife and child, was killed. The fire was returned once, nfter which the enemy fled. The friendly natives then moved further north, with the view of dislodging any rebels who might be lying in ambush. About three hours after the firing had ceased, the rebels returned, and taking advantage of the others being away, planted themselves in tho trenches of the pah, from whence they fired two or three vollies. Emboldened by what they imagined success, they then came dowu on to the plain below, and again commenced firing. Mr. Parris dispatched 50 of his men at once* to attack them, which performance, however, they did not wait for but fled.—Taranaki News, March 23. Militaut.—On Tuesday last, the 21st instant, two companies of tho Military settlers, viz., Nos. 8 and 10, were drafted from here to Patea, about half way from this and Wanganui, and the extremo boundary of this province southward. The entire muster was about 200 men, and a proportionate number of officers. Much excitement was apparent during tho embarkation. Most of the men had resided here, within a few miles, for a considerable time, and had got to a certain extent settled, some having gone so far as toerect habitations f'or their families. The inexorulilemilitary mandate came, however, und each nndall had to obey. Tho Government iB dealing liberally with the men who go to Patea as regards land, and so far as wo can learn it is a beautiful country. Be that as it may, one thing is evident—Ministers are taking the bull by the horns in fortifying the boundaries of the province, and thus finally enclosing it; by such moans, and such means alone, will each particular province secure Its safety.—lbid. Voi.untkebs s*on tub Bfiu< Block Hudouut.— In consequence, wo presume, of the draft from the Military settlers, the Government notified by placard that 25 mon out of tho Militia or Volunteers were required to man Bell Block, a military station about three miles from this town. Tho advertisement was answered eagerly, and it is worthy of note that the call was responded to by many of the oldest residents of this province. We are not aware of the discretion that has been displayed in this selection, but trust that men in authority will remember that the safety of this town depends On our outposts.—lbid. Storm at Takanaki. — From the Wanganui Chronicle, of the 25th Inst., we learn that on Friday morning last Taranaki was visited by a most terrific storm. The hurricane lasted for thirty-six hours, and destroyed some thousands of pounds worth of fjroperty. Fo>- *ome days previous, tho weather had ooked threatening, and on Thursday it commenced

to rain heavilyj wind B.E. Toward* midnight it increased to a gale; and by daylight all the streams were flooded, swelling the Huatoki, which overflowed ltd banks as it approached the nca, By eight a.m. the tide had risen to an unprecedented height, and the wavtg hroke on the beach, doing great damage. The work of destruction continued, the enormous force of the seething and boiling surf beat back the swollen water* of the Huatokl; a jetty at the mouth otf the river was swept away by a portion of tlw wreck of the Wee Tottie, weighing many tone, being dashed against it. The huge monster was then forced with overwhelming power up the river, demolishing everything that it flashed against; it carried away the spirit store of Mr. Entires, the proprietor of the Taranaki Hotel. The sea wall that is lit course of erection remained firm; if it had given way many building# on the banks of the river must have been destroyed, Great fears were expressed for the safety of the Custom House and the Bonded Stores. A large body of men, amounting to over 800, volunteered to assist in removing the bonded goods to a place of safety, but long before this could be accomplished, the tide was breaking with great ifury against the building. To those who were engaged in saving property the danger was very great; not only were they likely to be carried away by the (receding tide, but the floating debris endangered their limbs,» One man was seriously injured, and many more or less bruised. In the Bonded Stores there was a costly organ, just Imported for the Church of England, which fortunately escaped uninjured, The loss to the Bonded Stores is estimated at £500. In the town the principal sufferers are Messrs. Endres and Co., and Mr. Silcock. The strongest wind was blowing on Friday, at midnight.