CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 20, 19 May 1860, Page 3

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Saturday, April 21.—The Airedale arrived this morning, brought a rumour to the effect that Captain Cracroft’s order bad been countermanded, and that rumours of peace with W.Kingi w r ere current at Auckland. The bare thought of this occasions a depression of spirit such as has never before been seen in Taranaki. Great relief afterwards afforded by an intimation that no despatches had been received by the Commander of the Forces of such an unwelcome nature. From the South we hear that the forces had encamped at Tataraimaka, and that a reconnoitring party, with two guns, had been sent out as far as Hangatahua, a river about eight miles this side of Warea, and that a pa was observed inland, in a strong position, and apparently difficult to get at. None of the rebels had been seen. Sunday .—A Pclorus sailor was brought in today badly wounded from the accidental explosion of a rifle. The piece fell from a pile of arms, and went off, the bullet inflicting a flesh wound in the thigh of this sailor, afterwards passing through two tents, and narrowly missing a militiaman standing near. We are* told it is the intention of the Colonel to secure the crops at Tataraimaka, and thrash out the wheat in stacks, of which there are abouts,ooo bushels,before moving against the rebels. Mr. Parris returned from Tataraimaka last evening. Both this officer and Mr. White, also of the Native Department, are indefatigable in their exertions, and relieve each other in the camp; the public service requiring that one should always be in town. Monday. —The forces South have been taking up a lot of potatoes belonging to the rebel Taranakis at Wairau, Parenga Kingi’s kainga. We hear that it is the intention of 4he Taranakis to face the troops; they have had plenty of time to prepare, but we fear it .is not likely they will measure strength with us after their defeat at Waireka. They are busy about their pa inland of Wareatea. Tuesday.—The weather changed for wind and rain. A gun fired this morning announced the arrival of a steamer. A boat with some difficulty got off to her, and found her to be the expected City of Hobart, with 200 oftlie4oth Kegiment on board. After the boat communicated with her she stood out again, landing only a few papers, containing English news to the 18th February. It is unfortunate she was not sooner here, as since the arrival of the Cordelia and Pelorus they have never moved anchor until this day. The Traveller’s Bride, 11 days from Auckland, arrived. The light company of the 65th marched to Tataraimaka to join the forces there, which make the total number 550, exclusive of militia and volunteers in charge of the teams. Wednesday.—The City of Hobart returned to the anchorage, the wind having shifted to the S. W., and sea rapidly going down. She has landed 215 men of lI.M. 40th Foot in command of Capt. Messenger. We hear from Tataraimaka that the troops intend moving forward to-mor-row morning. A quantity of powder was sent down this evening under escort. A ball-proof screen was also sent down to-day, with which it is intended to protect the engineers in carrying on their works. Thursday.—The Airedale arrived from Nelson, with the February English mail, and the Tasmanian Maid from Waitara, after her accident. The men-of-war returned to the anchorage. The weather again calm and beautiful. The novel sight of five steamers gave a striking appearance to the roadstead. From the camp South we learn that the forces were on their way to attack the first rebel pa inland of Wareatea. The latest intelligence is that they had got as far as Wareatea, near the river Hangatahua. The first pa is about 20 miles from town, and is described as being surrounded on the inland and part of the South side by a raupo swamp —the forest bordering upon the swamp. We also hear that this pa is strengthened by a double row of terraced palisading and rifle pits, the inner row being elevated above the outer. Another pa is situated inland of Warea, near the forest, about 8 miles farther on, named Tapuinikau. This pa is one in which the remnants of the Taranaki tribes were formerly taken by the AVaikatos and slaughtered. The Natives have collected great quantities of provisions, for a protracted siege; and in their vicinity are the cattle, sheep, &c., stolen by them from the Tataraimaka farms. It is reported that AY. Kingi has burnt his pa at Mataitai, and retired upon Kairoa. This looks as if he was taking alarm at the movement south. The Airedale sailed for Manukau and the City of Hobart for Melbourne. Friday. —At 4 a.m. the Cordelia steamed for the Taranaki coast under orders, and a few hours later she was followed by the Tasmanian Maid. The greatest interest is felt for news of the expedition, and we shall keep the journal open to the last moment. 8 p. m.—Cordelia just returned to her anchorage. From Mr. Woon’s account (who proceeded in the ship by request of the authorities), a boat landed and communicated with the forces at Hangatahua at 8 a.m. They were just moving for AVarea. Cordelia followed in their rear and anchored off AVarea; could not land—very roky. Before the troops reached Warea, 3 guns were fired at the village, and the advanced guard

of the Pelorus, under Captain Seymour, went through the pa, but no natives to be seen. Shortly after Cordelia anchored signal was made, ‘Return to town,’—as she was leaving the forces fired AA T area—first the flagstaff was pulled down, afterwards the whole village and pas were in a sheet of flame. Saw the strong hold of the natives inland of Warea in the forest. Left Tas manian Maid at AVarea. Saturday, April 28.—Great anxiety felt for news from the expedition south. It is believed that as the weather is fine an attack will be made upon Tapuinikau, supposed to be 4 miles from AVarea, were the forces had camped last night. The stronghold of the rebels was distinctly seen from the Cordelia, and appeared to be in a well chosen position, on an eminence surrounded by bush. There is a good cart road up to this pah, but it traverses country covered with flax, toe-toe, and light bush. The Warea mill is two to three miles up the'AVarea river, which we hope by this time is destroyed. This mill is used by all the Taranakis south of Mokotunu, and as they have a large quantity of wheat in grain, a great'object would be attained by burning this mill, as it would cut of their means of supply in the shape of lilipi and wheaten cakes. About three p.m. this day, several persons arrived in townffrom the camp, and it was a matter of surprise how they succeeded or howtheyhadrun the risk of comin g through the enemy's country from such a distance. AVe were soon told that the expedition had returned to Tataraimaka, an advance force having first reconnoitred the enemy’s position, and the main body of troops and the naval brigade were returning to town. This intelligence astonished as well as disappointed us all, and we could not hear any satisfactory reason assigned for the abandonment of the campaign in that direction without striking a blow. AVe were informed that a portion of the naval brigade had endeavoured to find the Warea mill to destroy it, but had not succeeded in doing so; that soon after a return to Tataraimaka was ordered; that the troops struck their tents and marched back, and reached Tataraimaka at 12, this day ; that while leaving AVarea, a few natives had fired upon them; that on reaching Komene’s kainga (settlement), they discovered about seventy or eighty natives, who were viewing the ruins, who opened fire upon the military; that a brief skirmish had taken place, when it was believed one native was killed, as he was seen to be cai’ried away after he fell; that the firing was at a range of 900 or 1,000 yards; and that the expedition had arrived at Tataraimaka without further molestation. We are also informed that every village on the coast south of Kaihihi, Porikapa’s village, had been burnt; all the canoes cut up and burnt; and some horses and cattle driven up. On the arrival of the expedition at AVarea, as seen from the Cordelia, a few natives were observed about the Village, who opened fire, and that the three guns fired into the village was in consequence, which had driven them back into the bush. The blue jackets, under Captain Seymour, then entered the village and took possesion and set it on fire, respecting the church, which was not touched. Many are the opinions expressed as to the cause of the return of the expedition without doing anything, further than what is 'mentioned above, and all feel disappointed that something more was not done. Sunday.'—The report that AV. King had burnt his pah at Mataitawa is incorrect. He is still quiet there, and, as he boasts, is ready to engage the troops whenever they may feel disposed to encounter him. The Tasmanian Maid returned from Warea. Monday.—The Victorian Government steam sloop Victoria, Jarrived to day from Hobart Town, with 120 rank and file of H.M. 40th regiment, in command of Captains Bowdler and McCarty. She made the run from Hobart Town in six days. AVe are indebted to the courtesy of Captain Norman for complete files of Tasmanian and Melbourne papers. At three this afternoon, the expedition from the' south arrived in town with their train, leaving 200 military at Tataraimaka. The naval brigade marched through the town bcgriified with dust, and were embarked at once on board their respective ships. AVe have heard it assigned as the reason for the return of the expedition that the attack upon the rebel strongholds would have been attended with great loss of life without a corresponding advantage, as soon as the natives found the place too hot for them they would retire into the bush and retreat upon some other stronghold, where the same trouble and loss would be repeated in following them up. The Victoria sailed at eight, p.m., for Nelson. The Tasmanian Maid also left for Waitara. There was the usual monthly parade of Volunteer Rifles and Militia this morning at ten. After which the rifles marched into town, preceded by their band under the excellent leadership of Mr. Manby. The band Jused their new instruments on this occasion, a complete set having just been received by the Blue Jacket, from England. Considering that the majority of the members had little or no previous knowledge of music, Mr. Manby’s self-imposed exertions have, at the end of twelve months, been crowned with a signal success, and the community are largely indebted to this gentleman for having added in this way to the popularity of the volunteer service. The volunteers halted opposite the Militia office, where their ammunition was inspected and made up to the proper complement. Tuesday. —112 men of the 40th marched out to he Bell Block stockade. A detachment of the 12th also were stationed at the Henui. The new disposition of troops is made to enable the Militia to take advantage of the sowing season; and the recent increas to the military force has lessened the heavy duties which have hitherto devolved on the Militia and Volunteers, most of whom are now enabled to have two nights at bed, The Sea Gull arrived from Wanganui this evening with sheep. She has lost several, and was bound for Manukau, but has sold them there. From AVanganui our correspondent write's, on the 26th ultimo “ The natives are still quiet. AVe are, however, drilling almost every night in the week, but have not go tany rifles, so that should the natives rise we should not have the opportunity of distinguishing ourselves like your company at AVaireka. The AVonga AVonga has just come in from Wellington, via Nelson, and brings Capt. Cooper, who is to command the Militia and Volunteers of this district, The Militia is to be called out by him immediately. Wednesday.—The weather has changed from beautiful calm to wind from the N.E. and rain. The Pelorus and Cordelia weighed at one p.m., and put to sea. AVe omitted to state that the Pelorus, in putting to sea on the 24th ultimo, ran over the buoy rope attached to her anchor, cutting it in two. Boats were engaged on Friday sweeping for it, and succeeded in recovering the anchor and chain. The Sea Gull sailed for Wanganui.