MAJOR HUNTER.

North Otago Times, Volume XI, Issue 346, 15 September 1868, Page 2

MAJOR HUNTER.

The Wellington correspondent of the " Daily Times" writes to that journal as follows : — In the case of Major Hunter I have already told you the verdict was acquittal, and a verdict of that kind ought to silence all questions regarding the particular charge to which it alludes. But it has not in this instance, for two reasons ; first, because the enquiry was conducted by officers who are all his juniors engaged in the neighborhood ; and second, because of tho condemnatory memorandum which Colonel Haultain, from personal enquiry on the spot, has appended. I annex the findiug of aquittal, and Colonel Haultain's report, mentioning, in common fairness to Major Hunter, that ho is most indiguaut, and demands a reguLirly-constituted Court Martial. The Board, having maturely weighed and cozi sidered the evidence brought before it, ib of opinion that after Major Von Tempsky had gone to the relief of Turn Turu Mokai, and left tho magazine, &.C., in charge of Inspector Hunter, he was not justified in further reducing the strength of tho garrison except on the two occasions he did so, viz., in sending an escort with the stretchers to succor the wouuded reported to be on the road to Waihi. A. \V. Page, Captain, President. Duncan Brown, Sub Inspector A.C. Q-roKGE Buck, Captain, Vol. Militia.

MEMORANDUM BT COLONEL HAULTAIN. Waihi, August 16, 1868. The finding of the Board on the charge submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel M'Donnell for their investigation is approved, and Inspector Hunter is entirely acquitted of blame for refusing to send any further portion of the force at Waihi to the relief of Turu Turu Mokai. Ho had been left in command of the redoubt by Major Von Temsky, and would not have been justified in reducing tho strenglh of the post unless he had reason to suppose that that officer was in urgent need of assistance. But Inspector Hunter's conduct in not turning out of bed when another post within sight of his own camp was reported to be attacVed, showed so much apathy and want of alacrity that, had he not on former occasions proved his general zeal and courageous conduct, he could no longer be trusted in any position of responsibility. His character as an ofllcer has suffered, but, in consideration of his previous services, the opportunity of redeemine it will not be taken away from him, and it is confidently expected that he will by his future conduct, justify tho leniency which is now shown to him. I am happy to say that Colonel Haultain's concluding expectation has been fully realised. Hecoinmandud the left wing at ]S T guto-o-To-Manu, and tho "Post" says respecting him on that occasion — "Two different correspondents writing from the front state that he showed indomitable pluck and extraordinary skill in his arrangements. During the engagement, when one of Ins men fell down s>hot near the edge of the bush, no ono was able to approach him, on account of tho heavy fire from tho Natives. Dr Walker tried, but the firo was so tremendous that he gave it up. Major Hunter, however, went up to the inau und carried him on his back into tho lines. His conduct is described as magnificent, and ho is stated to have behaved like a perfect soldier."