BAY OF ISLANDS.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 7, 19 July 1845, Page 2

BAY OF ISLANDS.

The arrival of the Government Brig, on Sunday List, with the remainder of the wounded in the action of the Ist instant, brought the satisfactory intelligence of the retreat of Ilekc and Kawiti. The despatch of Colonel Dcspard, which we publish below, briefly states, that the pah was evacuated during the night, after being bombarded by the 32-pounder on the previous day. The despatch likewise contains tlxe gratifying intelligence that the body of the gallant Captain Grant has been found unmutilated. We most deeply regret that our columns were the medium of circulating the erroneous report of cannibalism by the natives, as well as so to wound the feelings of the relatives and friends of the brave deceased in England. — But it is too much the practice in these exciting times not only to circulate false intelligence, but also to magnify the truth, more especially if it be disastrous, and consequently ! we have very great difficulty in ascertaining the whole of what is really correct, if it be likewise untrue that the soldier was burnt wnile yet alive, the natives will be considered in very different estimation, however guilty as rebels. From very good authority we can state, that Ileke has retreated to another fortified pah,

and likewise that he lias i-ocn urging his fjiends atWangaroa to assist him by cutting off the supplies for our troops, in their transit from the Keri-Keri to the "\\ rim ate, which, unless proper precaution he t, ken to provide sufficient armed escoit, can very easily be effected. However, the hurried retreat of ll eke and Kawiti, leaving all their provisions, and a considerable quantity of their clothing behind, may be considered, we think, as a termination to active hostilities on their part ; and, as very soon considerable addition will be made to our forces, the tranquillity of the Colony, and the safety of the settlers are secured. Throughout the whole Colony affairs are assuming more cheering aspect. Every day | brings to light some additional valuable source for enterprise, and much employment for Natives and Europeans ; and the surest means of acquiring pesce and contentment among the Aborigines, excepting such an aspiring restless spirit as Heke, is to direct their attention ' to lucrative employment, suitable to their own unsteady habits of industry. In, the surrounding districts, the whole native population are reaping great profit in the trade of Kauri Gum. Their acuteness convinces them, that insurrection and warfare would at once put an end to that, as well as any other source of profitable employment the Europeans may in future discover, — and now that Heke has been driven from his stronghold, we think all ideas of imitating his example will be utterly banished from their minds. We understand that the Velocity has proceeded to Sydney from the Bay of Islands, and the Slams Castle and British Sovereign will follow for reinforcements. The Victoria will return to Auckland, with the whole of th detachment of the 9Gth Regt., and Cole .els Despard and Hulmc. The 58th and 99th Regiments will remain at Waimate, under the command of Major Bridge. The Hazard also remains at the Bay of Islands.