A List of all the White Men present at the Affray.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 94, 23 December 1843, Page 3 (Supplement)

A List of all the White Men present at the Affray.

The foregoing account of the massacre at the Wairau has been carefully compiled from that drawn up by one of the Wellington magistrates, who was present at the examination of witnesses on board the Government brig, and afterwards at Wellington, and published in the Supplement to the New Ztahmd Gazette — from the one given in the Nelson Examiner immediately afterwards — from a written statement with which we have been favoured by Mr. Barnicoat — and from the depositions of survivors taken by the Nelson magistrates. Any discrepancies that occur have been mentioned either in the text or the notes. Some slight incidents not found in these were stated in court, or in. conversation, by eye-witnesses.

(rf) Except Gardiner's. Mr. Richardson too had been wounded, as w« have stated. Mr. Thompson was also wounded •lightly. T ' "»** *• , («) Mr. Tuckett fc«sW this on his return to the Wairau from Wellington. It rj quite in keeping with their usual prsctieea. Sea <h« work before referred to, "The New ZMlaadcn."

§ IV. — Depositions of Witnesses rf.la.ting to the Proceedings at the Wairau. Police Office, Nelson, June 12, 1843. [Before H. A. Thompson-, Esq., P.M., and Captain A. Wakkfiklo, Captain England, and A. M'Donald, Esq., justice* of the peace.] The information and complaint on which were granted the warrant* for the apprehension of Rauparaha and Ranghiaita. J. S. Cotteksll : I am a surveyor, and have been employed by the New Zealand Company to survey a part of the Wairau plain. I had a hut built of toi-toi and wood, and a tent, on the plain, where 1 was living with the men employed by me. On the Ist of the present month I was on the hills adjoining the plain, when I observed eight canoes and a whale boat coming from the direction of Cloudy Bay. They afterwards landed at the mouth of the Wairau, and on the same evening they came up the river to ray station, where they arrived after dark, to the number of upwards of a hundred. On the following day, Rauparaha and Ranghiaita came to my hut with about thirty other natives, when Uanghiaita told myself and the others present that we must leave the place. I said I wished to remain a few days longer, upon which the natives who accompanied Rauparaha and Ranghiaita, and who, I believe, were their slaves, began to strip the house of the bedding and other articles, and then they set fire to the hut. As my back was turned, I did not see which individual actually applied the fire to the hut. I saw Rauparaha and Ranghiaita standing close to the hut, and the other natives were acting under their orders. They then made a bonfire of some wood intended for surveyors' stakes. They then told my men to take their things out of the tent, which they did. The natives then took the sail with which the tent was partly made, and set fire to the toi-toi and wood of which the frame-work wai made. They then told us to go to the pa at the mouth of the river, and assisted my men in carrying the things to the boats. On our arrival at the pa, Raupn : ; ia and Ranghiaita directed that one of the boats containing the goods should be taken to White's Bay; but I begged it might be sent to Ocean Bay. to which place it was sent. On the following day (June 3) I* left the Wairau for this place, in order to lay my complaint before this bench. I arrived here yesterday (June 11). Previously to my leaving the Wairau, Rauparaha and Ranghiaita, with other natives, had l«ft the pa, saying they were going up the country to Mr. Parkinson's and Mr. Barnicoat's surveying stations. John Burton: I have been employed by Mr. Cotterell as a surveyor at the Wairau. I have heard the evidence given by Mr. Cotterell, and it is in every respect perfectly correct. I have nothing to add to it, except that I saw Ranghiaita place the stakes, which had been cut for the purpose of staking the ground surveyed, on a fire which we had been using to cook by. Monday, June 26. [Before A. M'Donald, Esq., J.P.] Seth Howlabd : On Tuesday last (June 20), I was in th« schooner Three Brothers, lying off the island of Mana. About four in the afternoon I saw two canoes coming round the south end of Mana. They passed the Three Brothers. Ranghiaita was in one of the canoes, and when within hail said to me that the white men at the Wairau had gone mad. I then said " What of that?" He replied " I have killed them all." I said " You are a fool. Is that all you have got to tell me ?" He replied " Come on shore, and I will tell you the rest." I then went on shore, and he repeated the same story, and the natives who were with him said that he (Ranghiaita) had killed Captain Wakefield. They also said that Captain Wakefield had shot Ranghiaita's woman, and that was the reason why he killed Captain Wakefield. I then asked the occasion of the disturbance, aud they replied, because Captain Wakefield had ordered his men to shoot the Maories. Ranghiaita then told me that Captain Wakefield first ordered his men to fire, and that the natives said " Don't fire or we shall fight you ourselves ;" that Captain Wakefield told his men to fire again, and that a chief named Puaha then said that if they fired again they should go to work and kill all they could ; that they did fire again, and then the Maories commenced fighting and killing all they could. I then asked their reason for killing Captain Wakefield, and they told me it was because he shot Ranghiaita's woman. I asked why be did so, and where she was shot, to which they replied that she was shot whilst sitting hy the side of Ranghiaita. I asked Ranghiaita where he and his party were going, and he told me that they were going across to the opposite shore, from thence to Wanganui, and then into the bush, to live quietly and to die there r> they wanted no more fighting. On Thursday last (June 22), in passing through Queen Charlotte's Sound, I saw the Company's boat, with three or four natives in her, in company with nine or ten canoes. They were then bound across to Kapiti. I inquired of Ranghiaita and several others how many white people were killed, and they said about five and thirty. They also said they had buried their own dead, but had left the bodies of the white people on the shore. [The greater part of the above deposition, it will be observed, is merely hearsay, and would consequently be of no value in a court of law, except so far as the admissions of the several narrators would be evidence against themselves individually.] John Lloyd : I was on the island of Mana on Tuesday last (June 20), when Ranghioita arrived in a canoe with several of his tribe. He had been wounded in the foot with the stump of a stick. I saw a pair of white gloves on the hands of a Maori. We brought a native across the Straits, and found a brass-mounted pistol among his things, whica we took. Wednesday, June 28. [Before A. M'Doitald, G. Duppa, and D. Monho, Eaqrs.] George Tod : I am one of the crew of the schooner Three Brothers, belonging to George Toms. I joined her at Porirua, to go a whaling : and in the latter end of May we took in Rauparaha and his party at Porirua. We then went across to Mana to take in Ranghiaita and his party, consisting of about ten natives. From thence we went to the Wairau, and in so doing had to go through the Sound, where we took up Mr. Howland. I believe it was generally understood on board that the natives were going to the Wairoo to fight for their land. Howland landed the natives in his boats in Ocean Bay. The vessel then went on to Wellington, and afterwards returned to Tarwaite by way of Cloudy Bay. I did not go on to Wellington.but returned to J'arwoite in Howland's boat, at which place I joined the vessel on her return, and went on to Mana. After lying there some days, Ranghiaita and about thirty other natives arrived in their canoes from the Wairau. I heard Ranghiaita say that they had been killing the white men at the Wairau, but I did not go ashore. On the following morning one of Ranghiaita's canoes came alongside and took away two muskets and a small keg of powder. The vessel afterwards returned to Tarwaite, having a native on board who had been wounded in the neck. I do not know his name. He was brought on board by Toms, and we left him in the Sound, where I heard that Ranghiaita had obtained five muskets from Mrs. Toms on bis passing through the Sound from the Wairau. [The statement of Tod that he believed it was generally understood on board the schooner that the natives were going to fight for their land at Wairau, confirmed as it is by the evidence of Howland and M'Clune, is very important; as it distinctly disproves the statement so assiduously put forth on the part of Government that their intentions were pacific. The evidence which these witnesses give relative to the transport of the natives by Toms from Porirua to the scene of action, his subsequent treatment of them, and his declaration that after the massacre " his land was all right "(Peter Crew), are particularly worthy of consideration.] Sxtb Howland : I am the matter whaler of the schooner Three Brothers, of which George Toms is the commander and owner. The vessel took Rauparaha, Ranghiaiu, and five nnd twenty other natives to the Wairau. She left Mana for the Wairau about the 38th of May. I joined the schooner at Tarwaite, and went on in her with two of my boats to Ocean Bay, where I landed the natives. Ido not know whether they paid for their passage or not. I knew they were going to the Wairau to protect the country against the white people — I mean, to put a stop to the white people taking or keeping possession of the land. Three or four days previous to the schooner crossing the .Straits I saw two canoes and a boat going towards the Wairau. Saw no arms, but understood from the native* that they had arms. After the schooner arrived in Cloudy Bay I went on board, and remained four or five days, until she left to go to Wellington for supplies. I mean provisions. Captain Toms never, to my knowledge, gave or sold any gunpowder to the natives. Three or four pounds of powder were given by Captain Toms to *he natives at Mana, on their return from the Wairau, he at that time being aware of the affray at the Wairau and that the party had been concerned in it. The schooner on leaving Wellington went across to Cloudy Bay and to the south entrance of the Sound, and from theoee across to Man*. I was present when Tons gtre the powder to the natives, did hmd him *ay that it was.

in payment for some pips. It is my belief that Toms must have received some consideration for taking the natives down, but I have no knowledge of the fact. 1 believe that Toms claims some interest in land at Cloudy Bay, in right of his late wife, a. native. I had previously heard the natives say that the white people should have none of the land at the Wairau without fighting for it— that was about the time of the surveyors firtt going down there. I heard Toms say that he intended to give the natives three muskets in paymeut for two large pigs. We took to Tarwaite in the schooner a native who had been at the Wairau and was wounded in the neck, and who told me that he was one of the party that had murdered the white people. Captain Toms was on board and was aware of the native being there. John Lloyd : I belong to the crew of the Three Brothers. When I joined that vessel Rauparaha, Ranghiaita, and forty or fifty natives (including women and children), were on board. I saw several muskets there, and recollect Toms giving the chiefs two muskets in exchange for a slave. We left Mana for the Wairau by way of the Sound and Tarwaite, where we took in Howland and his two boats, and then proceeded to Cloudy Bay. Howland landed the natives in Ocean Bay. I did not know the purpose of the natives in going to the Wairau. but supposed they were going there to settle. I went from Cloudy Bay back to the Sound and Tarwaite in a boat, the vessel having gone on to Wellington. She afterwards returned by Cloudy Bay to Tarwaite, where I joined her and proceeded to Mana. After being at the latter place some days, the canoes containing Ranghiaita and his party arrived. I nftrrwnrds heard Toms say that Ranghiaita and his party had killed thirty-five white people, including Captain Wakefield and Mr. Thompson. Some of the Maories told me that Rauparaha had gone to Kapiti. Shortly after Ranghiaita arrived, Toms gave him two muskets and a small keg of powder for two pigs, and on the following morning a small canoe came and fetched them away. On leaving Mana for Tarwaite we took on board a Maori lad, who was wounded in the neck. He said he had come from the Wairau. He appeared to he about 20 years of age — in fact one of the boys who row in the boats. Toms was on board at the time of the Maori boy being with us— they came on board together. Alexander M'Ci.dne : I was mate of the Three Brothers when the natives came on board. We took Rauparaha on board at Toms's place, Porirua, and afterwards Ranghiaita and his party at Mana. I think there were about thirty-two natives, including women and children. From a conversation which took place between, Toms and the two chiefs, I understood that we took on board several muskets and tomahawks. I saw no gunpowder, but each of the natives had a cartouche box, which I believe contained cartridges. I saw several muskets loaded by the natives, and they were discharged at the north entrance of the Sound. We left Mana on or about the 28th of May and arrived at Tarwaite on the following day, where Howland joined us with two whale boats, and we then went on to Ocean Bay. During the passage from Mana across the Straits, Toms gave two muskets to Ranghiaita and RaupaTaha in exchange for a slave belonging to them. After landing the natives we returned to Tarwaite, and from thence to Wellington. From Wellington we proceeded to Cloudy Bay and the Sound, and thence on to Mana. 1 was present when Ranghiaita's canoe arrived at Mana from the Wairau. A Maori lad informed me that Rnnghiaita had murdered Captain Wakefield. Ranghiaita was then sitting in conversation with Toms ; he appeared to be wounded in the foot. In the course of the day I heard Toms say that it was a bad job the Maories had commenced. In the pretence of Toms, the natives informed me, by means of their fingers and toes, that five-anri-twentyhad been killed. I learnt from the native boy that Mr. Ironside and Mr. Wyning were gone down to bury the bodies. I did not see any white men's bodies in any of the canoes. The morning this conversation took place, a small canoe of Ranghiaita's came alongside and took away a small keg of powder and two muskets in exchange for two pigs. On the day of his return to Mana, Ranghiaita gave orders for the removal of all his effects, and declared his intention of going to the northward. I do not know whether or not Toms received payment for taking the party to the Wairau. but I suppose it was in consideration of the land at Porirua. I heard that, besides Captain Wakefield, Mr. Thompson and Brooks were killed. , I heard the natives say they did not intend to fight any more, and that the white people might now take the Wairau. Riwai Watbnr (anative) : I was at Tarwaite, and was told by Werckina that some white people had been killed at the Wairau, but that he had not been there himself. He said that some Maories had also been killed, but that the white people began the fight. I asked at what place they were killed, and he said at the Wairau, behind the mountain. He (Werekina) then gave me the following statement — That the natives were across the river— that Capuin Wakefield called out "Give me a canoe," and it was given to him by David (Piccawarro)-— that David said " You rangatiras (gentlemen) come, and you only ' ' — that when they (the gentlemen) had crossed, they said " Where is Rauparaha?"— that Rauparaha stood up and said "• Here am I " — that Captain Wakefield then said " Go to the ship" — "To do what at the ship?" said Rauparaha— that Captain Wakefield called on Ranghiaita, who stood up and said " Here am I " — that Captain Wakefield said to him also " Go to the ship " — that Ranghiaita replied " What to do at the ship ? I shall not go to the ship ; enough of me on shore ' ' — that Captain Wakefield was angry with them, and ordered the white people to fire— that David got up and said " No, not fight " — that Captain Wakefield said " Yes, do fight" — that the white people then fired and shot a Maori— that another white man shot with a two-barrelled gun and another Maori fell— that David got up and said " Enough," but then a white man was shot— that about ten of Rauparaha's men then took up their guns, and several of the white people were shot; there was then another firing, and several more white people were killed — that the Maones then left their guns and took to their torn xbawks— that they then bound Captain Wakefield and carried him along, when he attempted to get hold of his pistols, but they prevented him— that they then seized Mr. Cotterell in the same manner — that they carried him (Captain Wakefield) and his people to the village of Rauparaha, where they found that Ranghiaita's wife had been killed — that they then killed the prisoners, who were bound' at the time, but that David had let Mr. Tuckett go— that thirty-five white people were killed in all. [Riwai Watene's evidence being only hearsay, at secondhand, could not be used in a court of law for any purpose.] Thursday, June 29. [Before A. M'Donald and D. Monko, Esqrs.] Frederick Tuckett: I left Nelson in the New Zealand Company's boat on the 27th of May for the Wairau, for the purpose of examining the state of the surveys at that time in progress there. On the following Friday night (June 2) I reached Tory Channel, where I learnt that Rauparaha and Ranghiaita bad come over from Porirua in a Captain Toms' schooner, and that several canoes full of natives had also gone on to the Wairau.' I was also informed by some natives that an altercation had already taken place between the Maories and our own people, and they asked if I knew how many were killed on either side. On hearing this I determined to proceed direct to the Wairau, which I reached on the follow. ingd.iy. On landing at the mouth of that river, I found Mr. Cotterell and his men there, who informed me that on the preceding day the native chiefs, Rauparaha and Ranghiaita, had been at his station on the river Opama, and compelled him to desist from surveying ; that they had burnt his house and tent, excepting the canvass covering, and ordered him to remove ; that they forcibly took his effects and removed them to the mouth of the river ; and that the native chiefs had informed him that they would compel all the other surveyors to bring their effects down likewise, and had gone up to Mr. Barnicoat's for that purpose. I then sent Mr. Cotterell to Nelson with a note for Captain Wakefield, in which I stated that I should endeavour to remain at the Wairau until I received instructions from him. I went up the same evening to the site of Mr. Cotterell's warrie which had been burnt. On the Monday morning following (June 5), I went up the river to Mr. Parkinson's station, where a party of natives had just arrived, and had taken possession of it. They were all armed with fire arms and tomahawks. They informed me they were tent by Rauparaha to stop the survey. I sent a message to Rauparaha by them, to inform him that I had come to tee the turveyt, that 1 was going to Kai-para-te-Han, and that I should return on Wednesday, when I woald see him. On my return from that expedition, I found Rauparaha and Ranghiaita, and Mr. Parkinson and bis parry. They (the chiefs) told me they would stop the surveys. They talked about utu, and ordered us to be off; and tome of the natives began to pull up the pegs of my tent, and did all they could to hurry me from the ground. Feeling convinced that they would force me to leave the place, I made up my mind to do so, having accomplished the object of my journey in visiting the dutrict of Kai-para-te- Hau. I therefore ordered my men to pack up my things ready for departure. They (the natives) told me I muse remove the effects of the surveyors and their men in my large boat, and go away at once to Ocean Bay. I replied that they might do what they pleased with the things, that I should not attempt to prevent their removal by force, but that I should not content to it or be a party to their doing so, nor would I leave the place whilst the others remained. I then proceeded down the river to the pa at its mouth, accompanied by the chiefs Rauparaha and Rangbiaita, each with his followers in a large canoe, where i remained until Sunday, owing to the bad weather. I found Mr. Barnieoat there, who informed me that the natives had removed his effects, but that the chiefs hod used their influence in restraining their |teh from appropriating any of hi* effect* or committing

any violence. Before we descended the river, I told the chiefs that I should despatch Mr. Parkinson overland to Nelson, but they refused to allow him to depart. I told them at the same time that I had despatched Mr. Cotterell to Nelson. On Sunday, June 11, I leit the Wairau for Nelson, and met the Government brig on the following Tuesday, having on board Mr. Thompson. Captain Wakefield, and other magistrates, bound for the Wairau. Captain Wakefield requested me to go along with them, with my party, which I did. On Thursday evening, June 15, the majority of the party landed at the mouth of the Wairau, and on the following morning they were joined by the remainder, when arms were distributed amongst them, and we all proceeded up the right bank of the river. We met Puaha anil a party of natives, who hadi been clearing land on the bank of the river, but had been* interrupted by Rauparaha, and had separated themselves from him. These natives appeared alarmed at the sight of the armed force; but Mr. Thompson explained to Puaha that the object of his journey had no reference to him or his party, but that he had a warrant against Rauparaha and Rafighiajta on a charge of arson, which he showed him. Mr. Thompson then explained to Puaha that no force would be used towards these chiefs, but that they must accompany him on board the brig, where the case would be investigated by himself and the other magistrates who had accompanied him. Puaha replied that Rauparaha and Ranghiaita would not but believe that they (the magistrates) meant to make war upon them if they saw the armed men. He consented to convey a message to them explaining the object of our visit. Further up we perceived a party of natives on the opposite side of the river, who were likewise chiefly resident natives. They were also informed of the object of the mission, and that it did not concern them. We encamped that evening near that spot, and shortly after doing so the Company's boat arrived. These natives informed us that Rauparaha and Ranghiaita were further up the river. On the following morning our party, then consisting of about fifty, proceeded up the river. They were all armed with the exception of four or five gentlemen. Proceeding a few miles up the river, we landed near a small wood, where we observed some smoke. On approaching this place we discovered that the natives were there, but that we were separated from them by a deep and narrow stream, up which their canoes were hauled. We requested to be provided with a canoe to pass the stream, which was furnished by a native called Piccawarro, in which the Police Magistrate, Captain Wakefield, myself, Mr. Cotterell, Mr. Patchetr, Brooks (the interpreter), and the chief constable, croised over. At first we found only Rauparaha, to whom the warrant was shown and its purport explained by the Police Magistrate, who requested him to go on board the Government brig, where the charge which had been brought against him by Mr. Cotterell would be investigated. Rauparaha said he was willing to go into the matter there, but he would not go on board the brig, and that if he was satisfied with the decision on the spot he would pay the utu there. The Police Magistrate then informed him that he must go on board the brig, and that he might have any of his people to go along with him, but he refused to go. The Police Magistrate then demanded whether he would go or not, to which he replied that he would not. The Police Magistrate then said " You will not ? There are our armed men, they shall fire on you all." On this sixteen of the natives sprung to their feet and presented fire arms. A native of the Bay rf Islands, who was present, interpreted to them, and tow them every word that was said. Rauparaha was again called on to surrender, accompanied with the same threat. Ranghiaita then stepped forward und defied the power of the magistrates ; he was very vehement, and said that they (the natives) did not go to England to interfere with the white people, and more to the same effect, and why should they interfere with him ? Puaha then came forward with a bible in nis hand, and prayed them to refrain from strife. The dialogue between Rauparaha, Kanghiaita, and the Police .Magistrate then became so hurried and vehement that it was impossible to follow what was said. Feeling convinced that a conflict would speedily ensue, 1 then recommended to Captain Wakefield that we should return to the other tide of the stream, where our force was. We accordingly, having obtained the consent of the natives, laid one of their canoes across the stream, and were in the act of passing over, when Captain Wakefield (probably observing a movement on the part of the armed natives to interrupt Mr. Thompson) sprung up, and called out in a loud tone, " Men, forward ! Englishmen, forward!" Four or five men then advanced upon the canoe, and at that moment I heard the discharge of a musket, but from what party I cannot say, and instantly a volley was fired by the natives, which was answered from our side. I then got to the opposite side and remained in the bush for tome time, whilst a brisk fire was kept up on both sides. Some one then called out to me that our party were retreating up the hill, in which direction I followed, and observed Captains Wakefield and England and Mr. Howard endeavouring to form the men on the first eminence, but they continued to press on. Captain Wakefield, finding that several had already fallen, called out to the men to lay down their arms, in order to avoid the loss of life inevitable on their dispersion. The gentlemen of the party and the men who were nearest them laid down their arms in token of surrender, and Mr. Howard and Captain England advanced towards the natives holding out a white handkerchief to indicate our desire of peace, but those of our party who were the most in advance, pushing up the hill, continued to fire on the natives, who fired at them and also at us, on which we started to our feet and followed our men up the hill to stop their firing. Moat of our party then went up the hill. I descended the hill, followed by two of our party. I saw Mr. Cotterell surrender; and on the next eminence the rest of the party awaited the coming up of the natives. Having separated from my party, I made the best of my way towards the sea shore. On the way I overtook seven of our men. Near White's Bay we found a whale boat, in which we reached the Government* brig. Two boats were sent from her to range along shore^hs^der to pick up any of our party who might have gainedJj^^^ch, but none were found. After dusk we sailed for \M^Hbn, to procure surgical assistance for the. wounded, TmiKid of the authorities there to rescue our companions. We reached Wellington the next morning, when I gave all the information respecting this affair. After several days', delay from adverse winds, the brig returned to Cloudy Kay with the magistrates, Mr. Spain (the land commissioner), and the protector of aborigines. We were unable to land until the second day (Saturday). We were informed of the dreadful murders committed on the whole of our party who had surrendered to the natives. We found that Mr. Ironside had already repaired to the spot, and was occupied in searching for and interring the remains of the dead. We joined him on Saturday. The bodies of two men, Clanzey and Ratcliffe were found after we arrived. «r. Ironside had previously interred seventeen bodies. It was impossible to remove them without delaying the departure of the brig. Their interment on the spot, under all the circumstances of the case, had the approval of the nearest relative.of any of the deceased, and I believe we were nearly unanimous in regarding the field of blood as the fit place for sepulture. [Before A. M'Donald and G. Dcppa, Esqra.] Richard Peantkk : I was one of the party who went down to the Wairau in the Government brig, for the purpose of apprehending Rauparaha and Ranghiaita. I landed on the moming of the l6th, and we proceeded up the river to the large wood the same day, where we remained that night. In our way up, we saw three or four canoes and a whale boat lying at anchor between the shore and the large wood, the natives having landed ; and we met a party of natives under a chief called Puaha coming down. Mr. Thompson informed them of our intentions, and sent them forward to acquaint Rauparaha and Ranghiaita that he had come to arrest them, in the Queen's name for burning Mr. Cotterell's hut. Ac the place where we stopped for the night, we met with three other canoes at anchor, and the natives to whom they belonged afterwards joined us and remained with us until dusk, when they went up the river to join the remainder of their party. A watch "was then set, to ascertain if they come down 'the river again. On the following morning w« proceeded up the river in the boats as far as we could get tnem, and then landed. We then proceeded across the fern and flax towards the place where we heard the Maories. On arriving in sight of them we discovered that we were separated from them 6y a narrow stream. Some of our party then crossed the brook by means of a canoe. These who crossed over were the Police Magistrate, Captain Wakefield, Brooks the interpreter, and several other gentlemen, but the armed force remained on this side. I heard Mr. Thompson say that he had nothing to do with the land ; that he had come to arrest them iv the Queen's name for burning the hut. Mr. Thompson then called 'but to Mr. Howard to bring down part of the men, as there were more natives there than he expected. Mr. Howard took down half of the men, and they were afterwards joined by the remainder. The men were passing over the brook by means of a canoe as a bridge: part of them were over and part in the canoe, when a gun ■was discharged by, I believe, one_ of our party, but I believe it to have been by accident. Oa the discharge of this gun the Maories poured a volley amongst us, which was immediately returned. Seeing many of our party standing together close by the canoe, I told them to go farther to the left, where they would be able to see the natives better, which they did. Those on the opposite side then crossed over to us, a constant fire being kept up on both sides. Mr. Patchett, immediately after crossing, was shot in his left side, within three yards of where I was standing. There was then a general retreat towards the hill. Mr. Howard called out to the men to keep together. We still kept advancing up the hill till we arrived at the second brow. I saw Mr. Cotterell sitting down. He said tcme " Dick, this is poor work." I said 7'7 ' Come up the bill." I saw Mr. Thompson. Captain Wakefield, and the other jtentlemen, on the secoa* brow. Captain Wakendd then ordered all the men to thr»w

down their armi, which some of them did, but some others 1 continued firing. Captain Wakefield then told Brooks to 1 toll the Maories to cease firing. The whole party, with the reception of some that accompanied me, then retreated down a valley towards the right, to give themselves up. I saw Mr. Cotterell deliver himself up the first. When I was on the hill I saw Mr. Tuckett retreating across the plain, with five or six others. I and those with me then advanced towards them, and joined them on the beach, where we got into a whale boat and escaped to the Government brig. On the same evening the brig sent two boats on shore to look out for any of our part j who might have escaped, but none were found. Friday, June 30. [Before A. M'Donald, Esq.] Vi+t* Chew : I sailed from Nelson about the 13th of May last, to join Mr. Parkinson's survey at the Wairau. Five or six days after we stnrted we arrived at Jackson's place, in Queen Charlotte's Sound, at about one o'clock in the morning. At about eight o'clock on the same morning, a person named George Toms came over to Jackson's place, when he informed me that he had been over to Porirua in the schooner Three Brothers, to fetch the Maories, about seventy in all, including Rauparaha and Ranghiaita. He said he was going to take them down to the WairaM.and had killed a bullock for them, and had also furnished them with some tomahawks. A native called Jackey said he (Toms) had given them ten. The schooner Three Brothers was lying in the Sound at the time we arrived there, and did not leave until the morning after. The natives never landed that I saw. I heard Toms say that his land was all right— that be should get it now. On the fol- ' lowing morning Toms sailed for the Wairau. On the day after we started for Cloudy Bay, where we arrived the same evening. I saw the schooner lying there, with thenatives on board, but do not know when they were landed. I remained about eight days in Cloudy Bay, and then went up to Mr. ' Parkinson's survey station. Saturday, July 1. [Before A. M'Donald andG. Duppa, Esqrs.] TnoMAS Hannam : I am one of the persons who returned with Mr. Tuckett and Mr. Patchett to the Wairau in the Government brig. When Mr. Thompson and the other gentlemen crossed the river, Mr. Howard and Captain England remained behind with the men, who were divided into two parties. I heard Mr. Thompson, through Brooks the interpreter, tell Rauparaha and Ranghiaita that he had come in the Queen's name to apprehend them for having burnt Mr. Cotterell's hut. I then understood that they both refused to submit. Mr. Thompson then called out to Mr. Howard that they (the gentlemen) were in a dangerous position, and told him to bring down a part of his men. Mr. Howard replied that he did not care if there were five thousand natives. He then advanced with seventeen men towards the canoe. As they were crossing the canoe, and whilst some of them were still on this side, a musket went off, I believe accidentally, within three yards of me. The natives immediately fired upon us. I beiieve to the number of sixty or seventy. We returned the fire, but I heard no orders given. After I had fired three shots. I heard some one cry out " Run for your lives, lads, run!" I thought it was Captain England, but lam not certain. There was then a general rush towards the hill. I then observed two natives advancing between me and the white men, so I turned to the right along the bottom of the hill and lay down in the fern, where I remained until the native* had all gone. When our party were running up the hill, I observed that the gentlemen (none of whom were armed execptins Mr. Howard, who carried a cutlass) were the last to retreat— the armed men were all running before them. After the natives had left, I endeavoured to make my way to Nelson by land, but was on the plain seven days, until I was joined by Peanter, who had been sent over land. Henkv Wbay ; I was in the Company's boat on the 13th June. When off Croixelles Harbour, we discovered the Government brip, and, on her firing a signal, we went on board, and returned in her to the Wairau. On landing we proceeded up the river to the large wood, where we encamped for the night. The next morning we proceeded up the river in the boats as far as we could get them.nnd then landed and marched some distance to where we discovered the natives, who were on the other side of a small brook, in a wood. Mr. Thompson told the natives, through the interpreter Brooks, that he had come to arrest Raupnraha and Ranghiaita for burning Mr. Cotterell's hut, and had not come about the land. The natives then called out "Kahore." Mr. Thompson then desired Mr. Howard to bring down Ijhe men, which he did, and they all entered the canoe with, the exception of myself. I was just entering the canoe when Mr. Thompson gave orders to fire. There was a quantity of buih between myself and the natives at the time, so that I was unable to see •what movement took place among them which led Mr. Thomson to give such orders. Two or three of the white people being Jihot and wounded, there was a general retreat towards the liill. After we had got some distance up the hill, Maling, the chief constable, was shot close by my side. Mr. Thompson called out to the men. desiring them for God's sake to keep together, but they still kept retreating. Mr. Thompson then pulled a white handkerchief out of his pocket, and Brooks the interpreter called out "Kati." I was told that Mr. Thompson was wounded. He and Captain Wakefield then called out to the men to desist from firing. Mr. Thompson, Captain Wakefield. and all the other gentlemen, then lay down. Mr. Thompson asked some of the men to give him a gun with a bayonet, for the purpose of facing the Maories, but nobody would give him one. Mr. Tuckett then went down towards the riprht — I followed him for a short distance, and then hid myself in some high fern for about two hours, but heard nothing, and, being, some distance, could see nothing chat was going forward; but I heard shots fired about every five minutes for an hour and a half. I then looked out of the fern and saw the cajgAgoing away down the river. I then got up. and was ird^Hfitely joined by two other men, with whom I went downTkjNQbeach tae satne evening towards the native pa, -where we saw the whole of the natives leave in nine canoes and the Company's boat. Monday, July 3. [Before A. M'Donald, Esq.] Johh Miller: I was one of Mr. Cotterell's men, on his return in the Government brig to the Wairau with the Police Magistrate, Captain Wakefield, and other gentlemen, to apprehend Rauparaha and Ranghiaita. On the morning of Saturday. June 17, the whole party went up the river from the place where we had encamped during the previous night. Af'£r having gone some distance up the river, we landed and warned on until we came to where the natives were. On arriving there, Mr. Thompson, Captain Wakefield, and all the gentlemen, I believe, excepting: Mr. Howard, crossed over a small stream in a canoe to the place where the natives were, but the natives would not allow any but the gentlemen to cross over to them. Mr. Thompson then explained to Rauparaha the nature of his visit, ana said he hnd come to arrest him for burning Mr. Cotterell's hut, and that he mutt go on hoard the Government brig. Rauparaha said he would not. Ranghiaita then came forward, bouncing about and talking in a very violent manner, and said " What is the Queen to us?" I heard Mr. Howard call to Mr. Thompson, " Shall I bring down part of the men ?" There then appeared to be considerable confusion, snd the gentlemen endeavoured to cross to our iside. Mr. Howard and his party then ran down to the water's edge and endeavoured to cross over the canoe, meeting the gentlemen half way. when a gun went off in the canoe, I believe, accidentally. The Maories immediately fired amongst in. We returned their fire. Mr. Thompson having reached <iur tide, called out to a person whom I did not see, " Oh, who told you to fire?" but I heard no answer. Just before this, Mr. Patchett was shot close by my side, by a Maori whom I saw standing on the other side. I saw Mr. Richardson ntnop down to Mr. Patched, who said to him "lam mortally wounded. You can do no good for me— make your escape." Most of us then ran up the bill. Mr. Howard then called out to the men to fix their bayonets and come to the charge. The men, however, kept retreating up the hill. I then saw Mr. Cotterell give himself up to one of the natives, whom I recognized as one to whom Mr. Cotterell had shown kindness. I observed all the other gentlemen standing together a short distance from me, and Brooks, the interpreter, holdingawhite htmkerchief up and shouting " Katai." I then ran down the hill, and hid myself amongst the fern, where I remained about three hours. I was one of the party who went along with Mr. Ironside to bury the bodies. We discovered the bodies of Mr. Thompson, Captain Wakefield, Captain England. Mr. Richardson, Mr. Howard, Mr. Cotterell, Coster and Gardener (the constables), Maegregor, Brooks (the interpreted, and Pay. From the appearance of the bodies, I have every reason to helieve that the whole of those persons were tomahawked after they had surrendered. I did not perceive any gun-shot wounds on any of the bodies except Gardiner's. None of the bodies were stripped ; but Captain Wakefield's coat, waistcoat, and watch were missing. The bodies were found apparently in the position in which they fell. We found the bodies of Mr. Patcbett, Tyrrell, Northam, and Smith in another part of the ground ; these were the persons who had been shot in the early part of the engagement. Whilst lying in the fern I heard many shots fired at intervals of about five minutes. I beard the natives during the whole of this time shouting and hallooing, but did not discern the voices of any of our party. [Before Gbobcx Dcrr a, Esq.] John Kidsox : I was at the Wairau on the morning of the massacre. When Mr. Thompson and the gentlemen crossed we creek on the canoe. I beard the Maones talking abont the warrant for taking Rauptraba and Rapgbiaita, sod saying tbat they should net be taken by the white men ; that they did not wiib to fight, but were not afraid ; they were prepared

to fight. I hand a (hot fired, but Ido not know from which tide. It wai instantaneously followed by a volley from the Mnoriei, and I saw a man named Tyrrell fall. After a number of shots had been fired on both sides, the white men retreated out of the bush up the hill, when Mr. Thompson and Brooks held oat m white handkerchief, snd cried " Peace t" but the Maories continued firing at us. The white men had then laid down their arms, but afterwards took them up again. Mr. Cotterell then threw himself into the arms of a native for protection, but was immediately seized by two others and dragged by the hair of his head down the hill into a manuka bush. I then advised Captain Wakefield to allow us all to make our escape, as I thought it would end in a massacre. I believe that at the time the firing began no command had been given to fire. 1 heard Mr. Thompson say during the firing, " If it had not been for Peanter's firing at the Maories first this Would not have happened." I then heard Feanter say " I beg your pardon, it was not me who fired the first shot." When I ran up the hill to make my escape, I saw the gentlemen surrounded by Maories, some of whom pursued me up the hill until I hid myself in the busU. 1 neither saw nor heard any more firing at that time. Friday, July 14. [Before A. M' Donald and Gxobgb White, Esqrs.] Giokge Bamtton : lam one of the party who returned in Mr. Tuckett's boat, and joined the Government brig at Croixelle's Harbour. I was one of the party who left 'the New Zealand Company's boat near Cloudy Bay, and did not oin the party at the Wairau until Friday evening, June 16. On the following morning I went with the rest of the party up the river Wairau, until we found Bauparaha and Ranghiaita, across a small but deep stream. The Police Magistrate, Captain Wakefield, and several other gentlemen, crossed over to them, and we remained on this side, drawn up in a line, and all armed. I heard Mr. Thompson say that he bad brought the book of the Queen, and that he had not come about or bad any thing to do with the land. I also heard some of the Maories say something about fighting, but heard others say, "no good the fight." I beard Mr Thompson call out to Mr. Howard that there were too many natives for them. Mr. Howard replied, " I don't care how many, if there are ten thousand." Mr. Thompson then called' to Mr. Howard to bring the men ; and Mr. Howard ordered them to fix bayonets and to go down. One half of the men then went down to the side of the stream, and were immediately joined by the remainder. Mr. Thompson ordered the men to go over the stream. Part of them were in the act of passing over the canoe, when a gun went off. I believe it to have been accidental. The man whose gun went off was dose by my side at the time, and some yards from the stream. Immediately on the gun going off the natives fired a volley amongst us, which we immediately returned. The whole of the party then began to retreat up the hill, firing as they went, but several of the men ran away very soon after the firing commenced. I heard Captain England and Mr. Howard calling out to the men to get up the hill and to keep together. We then attempted to make a stand on the first brow, but most of the men still kept retreating. On the second brow, I was standing with Mr. Thompson, Captain Wakefield, Mr. Richardton, Mr. Howard, Captain England, and a constable, but there were several of the men within a few yards. I was just going to fire, when Captain England told me to throw down my arms, which I did. Brooks, the interpreter, and Captain Wakefield held up white handkerchiefs, and called out " Kati !" The narives then ceased firing at us, but still fired at those who were belpw and running away. Captain Wakefield then told the men to give up their arms, and I pave up my musket to one of the natives. I also saw Captain Wakefield give up a pistol to one of the natives. I then went up the hill a short distance in company with all the gentlemen. Most of the natives then came up, and were immediately joined by Rauparaha ; and then Ranghiaita came up and joined them, and they sat down in a circle. I saw two natives in the act of taking Captain Wakefield' s and Mr. Thompson's coats, and I also saw some of the natives in the act of taking Mr. Thompson's watch. I then slipped away under the pretence of making water, and got into the fern and hid myself. Almost immediately after getting into the fern I heard some persons passing near me, and heard one of them (I believe Sir. Howard) say " For God's sake, if we are to die let us die together." I cannot say who it was in company with the person whom I believe to have been Mr. Howard. I had not lain in the fern ten minutes when I heard about five guns fired. Immediately after the firing I_ heard a sound, as it appeared to me, of a beating or chopping, which I supposed at the time to be the natives tomahawking the white people ; but I heard no cries nor screamings. I was about twenty yards off, I believe, from the spot where their bodies were found. August 22. [Before G. White, Esq., P.M., and A. M'Donald and G. Dor r a, Eeqrs.] Joseph Moxgav: I was at the Wairau on the 17th of June last. I saw Mr. Thompson, Captain Wakefield, and a few others cross, by means of a canoe, the stream which separated us from the encampment of Rauparaha and Ranghiaita. The Maoriea at first objected to the canoe being used, but Mr. Thompson said he would seize it in the Queen's name. They offered no further opposition to the canoe being used. Mr. Thompson told us we were to protect the constables and himself in taking Rauparaha, but that we were not to fire unless they were molested in returning. When the gentlemen were over, the only thing which I heard Rauparaha say that I could understand was " Kapai the korero, no good the fight." I particularly observed among the natives one with whom I had had a quarrel a few days before, respecting a coat which he stole from one of Mr. Parkinson's men. He also saw me, and we watched each other closely. When we were ordered to cross the stream, the natives spread themselves and (with the exception of two or three) retired behind the bushes. Tyrrell was the first man who advanced across the canoe ; I followed close behind him, and told him to push along. While we were crossing, Captain Wakefield (who was also in the canoe) said, " Keep your eyes on 'them, my men— they have their guns pointed at us." At this time the Maori who had stolen the coat was earnestly watching Tyrrell and myself, who were close together. The moment we jumped out of the canoe, he brought his gun to his shoulder and retired a few paces to a bush. Believing that he intended to fire at me, I stooped behind a bank for protection. At that instant a gun was discharged, and Tyrrell fell dead at my feet. / haee not the least doubt that the gun was fired by the Maori who had watched us. lam certain no gun wa» fit ed previously. Tyrrell was struck in his throat, and fell dead on his back. Had the gun been fired by one of our own party, he must have been struck behind. No order to fire had been given, and Mr .Thompson had told us previously that we were not to fire without bis orders. lam sure that Tyrrsll was killed by the first gun that was discharged. I was not more than seven yards from the spot where the Maori stood who pointed his gun at us, and who I believe shot Tyrrell. I believe the Maories always meant to fight. Whilst staying at the pa, before the arrival of the brig, Rauparaha told me if Captain Wakefield came down he would kick up a bloody row. This was said in Maori, but a native who spoke English well told me what he said. Every Maori was armed either with a gun or tomahawk. When Tyrrell was killed, Mr.' Thompson ordered us to fire, but, before we could do so, several Maories had fired. I had a doublebarrelled gun, which Mr. Howard had given me, with which I attempted to fire at Ranghiaita, who was sitting behind a bush, but neither barrel would go off. On looking round I saw that all our party, with the exception of Captain England, was on the other side of the creek. Captain England was in the water, crossing under shelter of the canoe, which he did by laying hold of its side, band over hand. I crossed in the same manner, and, while doing so, one ball struck off my cap, and another hit the barrel of my gun and knocked it out of my hand, and it was lost in the stream. The water reached to ray neck as I crossed. I followed Captain England up the hill, where we joined Captain Wakefield and the other gentlemen. Captain Wakefield seeing that he was not supported by the men, who were then running off in all directions, held up a token of peace. I remained with the gentlemen until nearly the whole of the others had deserted them, and then Morrison and myself ran to the top of the hill and lay down, as I could go no further from being so wet. We did not look about us, because we heard the Maories searching for us. They bad with them a dog, which they shouted to and encouraged in the same manner as when they hunt pigs. We lay quiet until dark, and then went down the plain, and reached thexoast at daylight. We hailed a boat, but could not make ourselves heard. We then went across the hills to Ocean Bay. On our way we passed through Robin Hood Bay, where some natives gave us food, and a woman showed us the right track. The natives asked us if we had been at the fight at theWairau. We told them we had not, but had been capsized in a whale boat. I believe i"vat, with the exception of myself, Tyrrell was the only armed man wbo crossed the stream.

'Mr. Thompson^" I 'olice Magistrate &1 County Judge. I Magistrates A I massacred. Principal Surveyor 3rown Protecutor. .«* L>and agent * Company's store-* keeper. Surveyors J Capt. Wakefield Capt. England Mr. Tuckett Mr. Richardson Mr. Patchett 'Mr. Howsxd do. do. escaped, massacred, killed, massacred. - Passenger of brig-* . . interpreter */| 3hiet constable.../' Constables Special cons soles */ / VJV J Mr. Cotterell Mr. Barnicoat Mr. Bellairs Mr. Ferguson John Brooks — Malindiedofw< — Gapper woundi — Coster Wm. Gardiner Edward Stokes James M'Gregor Richard BurneC John Gay Wm. Maunsell John Noden John Bumforth Eli Cropper Wm. Northam Henry Bumforth Thomas Tyrrell Isaac Smith Richard Warner Thomas Pay Samuel Goddard Abraham Vollard John Eidson George Bampton William Burt H. Richardson Thomas Hannam W. Chamberlain James Grant Richard Peanter Wm. Morrison Joseph Morgan John Miller Robert Crawford John Smith William Clsntey ■John Burton 'Thomas Ratclifie Henry Wray do. escaped. do. do. massacred, mnds.body not found, sd, lost the use of his hand, killed or massacred. do. died of wounds, killed, wounded, escaped. do. do. lost an anr. killed or massacred. do. do. do. do. escaped. killed or massacred, escaped. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. do. ' do. wounded. do. killed or massacred, do. do. escaped. loatmen ft, Itn engaged on the surveys.