TARANAKI AFFAIRS.

New Zealander, Volume XVI, Issue 1464, 28 April 1860, Page 8

TARANAKI AFFAIRS.

(From the " Taranaki Herald," March 31.> THE BATTLE~OF WAIREKA. The sad and horrowing events of the week obscure for a time the defeat with heavy loss of a large body of Taranaki and Ngatiruanui rebels by a combined military and civil force organized for different object. Nearly all the people had removed into town in consequence of the turbulance of the natives, residence in the country district, especially th?t of Omata, being deemed most ha/.;idous. The most painful rumours were afloat, yet short of the reality* In a wood, five of our people, including two helpless boys, had been waylaid and savagely butchered in the abandoned village of Omata, within half a mile of our stockade.. The victims appear to have been indiscriminately fallen upon, and they met their horrible doom not with arms in their hands, but engaged in industrial and peaceful pursuits. An intolerable feeling of uncertainty existed as to the safety of ore or two remaining families in Omata who imprudently remained at their homes until the district swarmed with rebels,and communication with ahe town was cut off. An expedition consisting of troops, blue jackets and Taranaki Rifles and Militia was organized for the relief of these families. The volunteers and militia took a direct cut to the intended distination across the sand hills at Moturoit, but they had barely toiled up these when the rebels showed themselves in force and opened fire. The engagement subsequently raged in the gullies and corpes of Waireka which with the flax bushes afforded extraordinary cover to the enemy. The deadly rifle was doing its work, but ammunition was failing, and the position becoming critical, when the military and naval forces which had kept the Omata road open attracted by the firing arrived, and afforded for the time the anxiously looked for relief. Our present purpose is to add our testimony to the gallant behaviour of a hithrrto untried force, the Taranaki Volunteer liiiles and Militia, whose steady fire and resources before a savage and expert foe, has received the warm testimony of His Excellency the Governor and of the Commander of the Forces. It could be, of course, no part of the original plan, however desirable it wa3 otherwise, to hold the ground so well fought for and won, the military and naval forces (the latter having been strengthened by Capt. Craeroft in person with additional hands from the Niger) were withdrawn to town, but the non-arrival hour after hour of the civil force, or of any reliable tidings of it, occasioned the most painful anxiety far its fate, so much so that a relief party of military, bluejackets, militia, and rides s'arted shortly before midnight, but it had not proceeded far before the missing force made itself known in the distance, and the whole returned to town amidst the liveliest demonstrations.

The plan of operations was that the militia and rifles should outflank the position of the natives and proceed at once to execute the .services intrusted to i.hem, the soldiers and bluejackets halting in frontal the cross roads of Motuora and Omita, instead of this they had to bear the brunt of the engagement, and when nothing but their own courage remained to support and cheer, th« position was entrenched ;md fortified with every thing at hand until favoured by darkness they were enabled to effect their retreat to towu. The numbers engaged in this memorable affiir were Maories 800, British 275.

We are inclined to think that the engagement of Wednesday will make the rebels shy of trying their streagl hj again with us. Their retreat was signal and their loss in men unexampled. In an engagement of their own seeking wi':h a force nearly half composed of civilians they have been routed and broken, and what has been once done can be repeated. The land which was to be the base of their operations, they have hastilydecamped from, and the avenging Niger Las followed on their track and shelled the rebel settlement of Warea.

Memorandum from the Superiatendent of Taranaki to His Excellency Coventor lirowne.

The uncertainty as to the duration of the war in the province of Taianaki opens the question, how far it is pi oper to offer facilities for the departure of that pait of the inhabitants not available for military service. The whole civil population is about 2650 persons; all these are now concentrated within the town, except about 90, who occupy the Omata stockside and the Bell Blockhouse, and a small number attached to the camp at Waitara, or engaged in sawing and woodcutting:. mi «■ Ihe ordinary town population is 937 souls, and a part of this number reside, when at home, outside the protected part of the town. It may then be estimated, that 2500 persons are now oceupying buildings which usually accommodate not more than 800. It is moreover reported on gond authority that the Commander of the forces intends contracting the projected lines of defence, and should this be done, there would follow a fresh pressure on the centre from those settlers now living some distance outside the new line of posts. It is superfluous to dwell at any length on the risk of general and epidemic disease in such a state of things, for though the town is by no means densely built over, the number of persons occupying each room is far greater than is consistent with health.

More pressing still is the evil to public manners from such close assemblage of

persons/of different families. Habits of llilth, and too great freedom of intercourse among sexes, mast inevitably grow fast and Miay be said to have begun already. Of the 2650 persons forming the population

1167 arc under 14 years of age, '682 females above that age, 33 males above 60 years, 128 between 11 and 18. The remaining 640 are less than one quarter of the population, and when those are deducted whom special duties or infirmity render unfit for military service, the proportion becomes still smaller. This force, however, if mobilised would be of very great •value in the event of protracted rebellion, from their familiarity with the couutry and aptitude for operations in the forest. At present, however, this valuable arm of the service is paralysed by the pressure of 2000 persons, requiring protection in an unfortified place of large extent, the defence of which necessarily falls to a great exte.it on the militia.

Tn order to consider the financial side of the question some period mus/ be assumed for the duration of the disturbance, and it will probably be right to assume that period at the maximum, which the resources of the hostile natives, and the probability of aid from the Imperial Government allow. I* is hardly likely in the wor jC event, the occasion, namely, of aid f. om the North to Ihc war party, that host : ; a f ie 8 can be kept on Toot without for beyond a year. The natives, s\ u t up i n the forest bv an overpowerir fe , f orce m t ], e o p en |£jj' an a harassed by irregulars in their retreats, can haiclly be supposed to have subsistence for a longer time than twelve months. Taking this then as the limit of the war, and (what can hardly be hoped,) that the number of persons dependent on Government for support does not increase, there will be ah expenditure of at least sixpence per head per diem on 750 persons, or about £7OOO in the year for rations, clothing and sundries. Further sums, hardly to be estimated below £IOOO, will be required for rent and other expenses, attendant on quartering these people, giving thus a total of £BOOO for the maintenance of 750 persons, whose presence is a source of disability and weakness. The number of families now on rations is 177; of. these 79 number from 4 to 10 children each, with a total of 436, and an average of 5| to each family. On the present scale and prices the rations to these families average 2s. Bd. per diem cost, or Is. Id. more than the pay and rations of a luilitainau.

It is probable that the Provincial Government of the southern island would be willing to offer facilities to these families, sufficient to induce them to remove, if the heads of the families could be released from militia duties. The crowded town would thus be relieved by the egress of 59J- individuals, and the sum saved in pay, rations, and •clothing, would be not less than five •shillings per diem on each head of a family, B sum sufficient to enable His Excellency to raise by voluntary enlistment in this or the Australian colonics, an equal number of men free from incumbrances.

With respect to the 1100 persons still to be protected, it is probable, that if the Government should charter vessels for the purpose, a large proportion might be induced, by low fares and free passages, to remove for a time ; and although the Government might be chargeable with rations for a large part of these, that cost would not be increased much by the removal, and the expense of their transport must be set off against the advantage of mobilising the whole militia force. Of the 1400 last named, about 250 are in families not exceeding five persons, and averaging about souls in each family* These and some others must in such case have free passage and rations, wherever their temporary asylums may be. A small number would prefer staying in the place. The remainder, from 700 to 1000, might be expected to be provided for without Government aid. One more point remains to be referred to—the effect of the presence of these persons on the demand for provisions. it may be assumed that the price of flour and other articles not perishable, would be unaffected by their presence or absence; but the item of meat must be greatly advanced in price, by the increase of numbers in the district; and when it is considered that the non-military part of the inhabitants, and that portion solely engaged in their protection, are something like three-fifths of the whole number that can be expected to be in the district for some time, putting the reinforcements expected at the highest, this point assumes great importance. To recapitulate—Health and public morals require the removal of a large part of the women and children, before long, to some more suitable quarters. Financially—the removal of such part for a time, and the full liberty of permanent removal to some portion, would probably prove a gain rather than a loss. In a military point of view, such a removal would be equivalent to the addition of the whole militia to the effective force in his Excellency's hands. On these grounds the Provincial Government thinks, that unless a thorough and immediate occupation of the open districts can be reckoned on, and the town and its neighbourhood rendered safe, without the anxious and harassing service now needed tor its security, it would be advisable to take action for the general removal of the population incapable of military service, and they desire to be informed — Whether his Excellency would authorise them to provide free ahd reduced passages for such persons as are not enrolled in the militia or volunteer force, or engaged in necessary public service, to such places as may be suitable in the Southern Island ? Whether his Excellency would order the discharge of all persons from the militia whose families exceed five souls, and who may desire to quit this province altogether? .. Or what steps his Excellency would

authorise, sanction, or recommend having the objects indicated above in view? New Plymouth, 27th March, 1860.

His Excellency's Reply, Before replying to the questions addressed to me, I think it right to inform you that there are now upwards of 800 fighting men and ajconsiderable strength of artillery in the town, and that I expect a further reinforcement by the Airedale on her return from Auckland, consequently I consider the town perfectly safe. I may also add that in less than a month from this time I expect a naval brigade and a considerable reinfoi cement of troops from Australia. Commodore Loring and Sir William Denison have informed me by the last mail (in answer to letters written from Auckland) that they would be ready to forward them at a moment's notice.

: ' The propriety therefore of moving the women and children should be considered on other grounds than those of safety. ! There can be to doubt that a town of which the sunounding districts are likely to be the seat of war, is not a desirable residence for females of any cluss. The crowded state of the town is likely to produce disease and to caitsc it to be more than ordinarily fatal, It is also true that the men would be better fitted for their duty as soldiers if relieved from anxiety for their families. Taking these matters into consideration fand without any reference to their safety,) I think the removal of those females who Can be supported and provided for by their friends would be desirable. Persons not enrolled in the Militia, and unable to pay for tbeir own removal, might be removed at the expense of Government; the ultimate expense remaining to be settled between the General and Provincial Governments. It will, however, be necessary to provide also for their future support. . The Airedale may be made available for this purpose on her return from Auckland, and the amount of payment may be arranged by the General Government. The discharge of persons from the Militia does not depend on me, but in the cases of men having very large families, a special application might be made to the Colonel commanding, and would certainly meet with every attention, even if not acceded to. New Plymouth, 28th March, 1860.

(From our own Correspondent.) Taranaki, 31st March, 1000. ! In ilit: pressure of business, I have not much time to devote to scribbling; but as I purposed, I will endeavour to give you some idea of the state of affairs at the Seat of War.

' In the first place I must tell you how much I am surprised myself at the sudden changes in the public mind from extreme cheerfulness to deep despondency. At the beginning of the feud all was buoyancy, confidence, and animation, which soon turned to mistrust and depression. Now again it is confidence. The causes of these oscilations in the mental barometer have been the following:— The first burst of mistrust dates from the 17th, when it was discovered that Win. King had built a pa on a wing of the disputed block of land, which caused some fighting and bloodshed to dislodge him, in which both th<- Goth and Volunteer forces were engaged, and came off seemingly the worst, having some killed and wounded, while the enemy, as far as was known, escaped without loss. This naturally caused some alarm and distrust. The worst, however, was the declared hostility of the Omata, and some other fierce tribes along the coast, who it seems entered the lists rather from a pure love of fighting and plunder than from any sympathy with Win. King; in fact they and the latter repudiate each other. These were heralded by rumours ot their bloodthirsty intentions, quite apalling, which they too literally endorsed by their arrival within five or six miles of the town, and on the 2Gth having caught, they barbarously massacred three men and two boys, who had gone out incautiously in quest of stock. Now the residue of the outsettiers that up to this time remained by their houses, rushed into the town, and thi panic was at a climax ; even the high military authorities seem to share it, by their desire to contract the lines, and to defend a very small compass only ; so it is not to be wondered that we poor mortals should feel a little nervous. It being still known, however, that a few settlers remained in the Omata district—among others the Rev. Mr. Hrown—the Colonel commanding the forces, with laudable anxiety for fheir safety, on the 28th, called together all the available force, both regular and irregular, including Lieut. Blake, and the Naval Brigade of the <l Niger," which have been disembarked here since the beginning of the troubles. They all inarched towards the Omata some 250 strong, under the command of Colonel Murray, to collect and escort the settlers in. But ere they got four miles out, they found themselves in front and warmly engaged with the enemy, who had posted himself in a strong position. Meantime, in accordance with a requisition from his Excellency, Capt. Cracroft, of the ''Niger," had disembarked another brigade of his men, about sixty strong, for the temporary defence of the town. At this time an express wa coming in from Colonel Murray for reinforcements, stating that his force was too small to advance, and that to retreat would he disastrous Capt. Cracroft was immediately called on to furnish the force, and he as promptly replied by putting himself at the head of his small band, with a 241b. rocket tube, and a full supply of ammunition, was within an hour on the scene of action. His arrival was most opportune; much hard fighting had occured, and considerable loss had been sustained. Of the force that accompanied Col. Murray many were placed hors de combat; of the small Naval force, its gallant chief lay danderously wounded in the chest, and a favourite marine dying. The enemy occupied a strong position, a pa on the ridge of a hill, with a slope, leading down to a deep ravine or gully densely wooded ; he made the most skilful use of his position. Skirmishers in crowds occupied the gullies. Guided by signal flaps from the commanding pas, they knew the position of our men, and threw a destructive fire froni every crevice, themselves but seldom seen. Col. Murray, with the 65th, the Naval force under him, and Volunteera returned the fire with good effect, as the sequel showed, but were unable to dislodge the enemy or approach the pa, neither could they well retreat. Just at this crisis Capt. Cracroft arrived, and from an elevation surveying the position of friend and foe, sent to inform the Colonel of his whereabouts, and of his determination to march direct on the enemy's strong hold—the pa. Here he drew up his small force and addressed a few stirring words to them, admonishing them to maintain the reputation of British sailors. He then pointed to the pa on the opposite hill where the rebellious ttsg was flaunting, reminded them that it was held by rebels against their Queen, who had already wounded their first lieutenant, and killed their shipmate, besides many of their fellow countrymen. He then told them he purposed leading them to that pa for revenge, and asked if they were ready to follow him. A prompt reply ran along the little line, " We'll go, sir." He then proclaimed £lO reward to the man who hauls that flag of rebellion down. Here an impatient movement showed that every one thought he wculd surely gain that reward. They now udvauced, though it was late (5-J3O p.m.), taking quite a different route to that occupied by

the Colonel, but the most direct to the pa; arrived within 800 yards, they resolved to try the effect of the rocket, dragged so far with so much labour, and five or six were fired with good precision, some falling into the stronghold. Nevertheless, the enemy showed utter disregard of that form of attack, and Capt. Cracroft, as well as his men, soon showed impatience of such long shot practice, especially as the shades of night were closing over them. The rocket was now set aside, a small force told off to protect it, the men fell in, and the order to advance was given. At this moment Captain Cracroft's aide-de-camp (Mr. Hyde) arrived breathless from Colonel Murray to say that he, the Colonel, was about to retreat on the town, and would advise him, Captain Cracroft, to do the same, to which the latter was merely observed to soliloquise, " I purpose seeing the interior of that pa first.' They wore now within 800 yards of the position, the road to it was very zig-zag and uneven, it lay across a portion of the ravine before adverted to, here too it was very deep and densely wooded on both sides the road, it required some courage to pass that ravine at that hour, where the enemy was known to lurk all day, dealing death and wounds—but " forluna favct fortibus," the movement was quite unexpected, and in the darkness unobserved. After ascending this valley, the road takes a sudden bend and discloses the pa on the right side of the road, a tall gorse hedge on the left. Here the enemy, evidently surprised, collected themselves on the road, puzzled to decide whether the moving figures were the residue of their men returning from the ravine, or an enemy they beheld. Steadily the small force advanced, Captain Cracroft at the head, without in the least betraying themselves, till a sudden movement of the enemy, now only about sixty yards off, showed that they suspected the advance of a foe. Mere Captain Cracroft gave the word " Charge." A cheer followed, a volley was fired, and a rush made with the bayonet. The enemy bravely returned the fire, and two men of the small force fell, severely wounded; in a moment they were mixed in mortal couibat. Of the enemy, some bounded through the hedge, some along the road, others into tlie pa, and in an instant not a Maori viable on the road, save the dead and dying. In the pa, however, they showed a resolute trout, and not having time to load, used their tomnkawks, a poor weapon, I suppose, against rilles and bayonets. The sailors now enraged fought, we hear, like tigers, quite irresistible, rushed at the paling and over; no single hand gained the flag, the object of their desire. The enemy now, like rats, ran into their pits, the men, blue-jackets, and marines firing in and bayoneting them till all resistance was annihilated, and then, as promptly as he marched up, Captain Cracroft collected his men, and carrying their four wounded, and this now in the dark of the night, they returned through the same path without so much as a shot fired alter them, so completely had they done their work. I believe Capt. Cracroft would have remained where he was, so as, if possible, to make the victory more perfect, but that he knew he was quite alone, the 65th and that portion of the naval force accompanying it, having retreated on the town. This is considered a very gallant affair here, and perhaps the most successful attack on record against the Natives,as they have hitherto notoriously given us the worst of it, and here, up to this affair, have treated the military with contempt and spoke most disparagingly of them ; now they are all depression, and we correspondingly elated. They have fled far in the distance some, saiiguinely, say for good. Their loss on the day, first and last, was enormous, some dozen of chiefs alone killed, and in their retreat some 15 or 20 carts were laden with dead and dying. It is to be deplored that they were allowed to retreat or carry off their dead, for if the bold stroke Captain Cracroft accomplished, had be;'ii followed, the war would most surely have been quickly ended, but the military authorities, and they, I suppose know best, say they want more force.

As for Mr. King he is quite forgotten, in fact litis considered a pet lamb, compared to these savage wolves from the other side of the hills; it seems he and the company of the Goth on the Wnitern are carrying on a sort of accommodating or affectionate warfare 1 , and are totally neglected and sadly overlooked in these latter days ; hut it' these savages are really gone, !).• will now come in for a due shire of attention. Between carrying on business, and carrying off arms. I have not much time for writing, but will manage to send you a few lines occasionally. 1 hope you feel all properly guarded in the Capital, with your gallant Militia. (Fno.M a Ta'»as\ki Coitnr.sroNOK.NT.) New Plymouth, March 30, 18(50. I have found such lull and careful reports of all that is transpiring here in the lluaid, that 1 did not see any necessity to write you. I hope the paper will be out before the mail closes. This has been an eventful week. The Maories hive stained thesr chUjb with crime in the 'murder of nV<i unarmed poisons on the high road, two of them hoys sent out to dig potatoes. The skulls and fingers of»he poor lads bore the uuinistakeable maik of the lo.nahawk. It was a scene of honor beyond description. But vengeance did not linger, for you will see by our papers that our people marched out, and gave them a crushing defeat on Wednesday last, since which we have heard little of Taiunakis or Ngtttiiuanuis. J need not repent the details. Confidence is restored, and the Governor—who has done everything well so far—thinks he can servo us best by returning. Perhaps he can. but his presence and his words and deeds have been an emphatic and perpetual assurance, and every une will regret his absence from the scene of action. The Natives threaten to return in strength. Perhaps they may ; but I do not think there will again bo the terror of their falling on the town, which has hitherto been prevalent. Our reinforcements are gathering, and the rides of our Volunteers have demonstrated the superiority of steady and educrted shooting. It s a time of trouble and distress. The funeral's of the vietims few as they have yet been —the utter breaking up of every thing like home in town and country—and the weariness of incessant night watches upon the Militia and Volunteers, mixed with occasional tidings of destruction of property in the country—cover the place with gloom. May God hasten the end, and may that end be a safe and settled peace.

THE WAR. [From the " HeraldV Correspondent at Omata.] March 27th, 1860.

In compliance with my proniisc I have kept a journal of events since the commencement of the war, which in due course you may expect to receive, To-day's sad history must, as being the first of deliberate and cool-hearted bloodshed, stand alone.

Early this morning Mr. Frank Mace rode towards Tapuae, and returned with the intelligence that a body of armed natives were advancing towards our stronghold. Shortly afterwards the sentinels reported them as visible on the top of the Waircka hill, where they were to be seen tearing up the fencing and rapidly strengthening their position. About 1 o'clock, several guns were lieard from the village, after which, the natives advanced with shouts of defiance nearly as far as Mr. Curtis' gate. Through the vigilance of Ca.pt. Burton and his officers, the port-holes of the stockade were immediately manned, and every step taken towards defence. About 3 o'clock, W. Gilbert rode by on his way home, but shortly leturned with the news that sonic dead men were lying in the road. Captain Burton immediately called for volunteers, when six with myself steered to the front, and under the charge of Sergeant McKcllar, proceeded with great caution to the village, and there we found the bodies of llen.iv I'assmore, Samuel Shaw, and Samuel Eord, all of whom were lying on their faces, the two first had been much cut about the head, whilst the latter was pierced alone with bullets. In Mr. Newsham's yard two bullocks yoked to a dray were lying dead, both of which were marked with many shots. All the houses in the immediate neighbourhood had been broken into and robbed.

On the arrival of the advanced guard at the scene of action, the sergeant immediately sent back to call up the support; after which Mr. Gledhill made his appearance and carried back the sad news to the stockade, when Captain Burton sent a cart for the bodies, which carried them to town guarded by a volunteer escort. Shortly after these events, Captain Charles Brown arrived, "and addresecd the men, telling them that

they held an important position, and felt with perfect confidence that they would not forget themselves as Englishmen, and I can assure you that one and all of us felt the same. Prior to his leaving, the men gave three hearty cheers for the flag that was waving from our staff, and six more for Captain Brown and our own officers. As you may easily imagine, the sad loss of our own immediate neighbours and fellow-settlers has cast a damper over our spirits, not only when we think of those who have thus suddenly been taken from amongst us, hut also for those that arc still left at their homes. But I am happy to state that one and all of us are firm, and ready to do our duty to the utmost. Wednesday morning finds us composed and vigilant, busily engaged in strengthening our position, and longing to chastise the savages for their heartless conduct. The IJcv. 11. 11. Brown has eased the hearts of many here by riding up this morning with the information that all are safe, bodi at his and Mr. Gilbert's residence, but that two bodies have been found dead in the bush, but they are supposed to be those of young Parker and Potc, both of whom arc missing from the camp. The natives seem to have commenced ravaging the country with fire, as this morning Captain Burton's out-house was observed in flames. As usual there are many reports spread amongst us, but I send you no information that 1 have not actually taken personal part in or am prepared most thoroughly to corroborate. BATTLE Ob- WAIIIKKA. Omara, March 2S, 18G0.

Tired and weary I sit down to write you a description ot'our Oinata battle. About 9 o'clock a.m. the Maories marched down to the village in order to show themselves, and amused themselves by firing a few volleys, prior to which the Rev. IT. 11. Hrown had arrived at the stockade with the murdered bodies of" young Pote and Parker. Between 11 and 12 the natives were observed in great numbers fortifying their position to the left by throwing up strong barricades. About one o'clock the sentinels reported the approach of an armed body of men, which eventually proved to be an advance guard, composed of our ever true and tried friends the bluejackets; then came carts containing rockets, closely followed by Colonel Murray and some troops of the 65th, which were quickly joined by 18 volunteers from the Omata stockade. Another party of Militia and Volunteers had been sent along the beach in older to get as near the native pah as possible without being seen. The business of* the day was commenced by the beach party, a regular and well-directed fire being kept up, thus driving the savages (for alter their heartless murders they can be considered as nothing else) up towards their fortified position. The blue jackets met them by crossing Mr. M'Kellar's paddock, and shot a great many that had secreted themselves in the gullies. Colonel Murray took up a position in the second back paddock from the road with the rocket party and reserve of the o'sth. We afterwards at double time joined the blue jackets in skirmishing. We had barely taken position ere Lieut. Blake, whilst gallantly heading his men, received a wound in his breast. Whilst near the position in which I myself was placed our own poor Sergeant Fahey fell mortally wounded by a bullet through his neck. About the same time Mr. Messenger senior received a wound in his arm, and a sailor also fell, whether dead or not I cannot say, as his comrades quickly carried him oil*. After firing at the first gully for nearly an hour we gradually fell back to the light company of the 65th, with a subdivision of which we crossed the second deep gully and opened lire upon a body of natives hidden in the tohi-tohi. Shortly afterwards the (i.Jth bugle sounded a retreat, but the volunteers seeing some of their wounded comrades borne along the bottom of the gully gallantly rushed down to protect them, and carry them on to John Jury's house, where our gallant Captain Stapp had successfully established a post, from whence his skirmishers had effected considerable execution among the savages. Whilst all this was going on the rocket party had not been idle, for they had kept up a constant discharge from the time they took up their position, under the protection of which a naval force of 55 men were ascending the Waireka hill, led by their galUnt captain, who soon after I heard stormed the pah and captured the native Hags. After *he volunteers had conveyed their wounded to a place of safely, and thrown up breastworks for protection, it became a matter of deliberation how we with our wounded should be enabled to retreat. Fortunately the blue jackets in attacking the pah created a diversion in our favor, and we joined in hearty cheers when the Hag fell. Just about dusk the maories rushed down t''e hill and entered a steep gully in our front, from whence they poured on us showers of bullets. About dusk Captain Stapp addressed us with as much coolness as if we were oi\ parade, and commanded all to hold themselves ready to retreat with the wounded.

The first steps »as to open cominunicatioii with f'aj>t;tiii Atkinson's party, which was situated on the beach side of a hill to the left of our retreat. With a coolness scarcely to hj > imagined by those who had never before been in •'iiUtle's Iron'," all was carefully and kindly prepared lor the rem >val of our friends. Tho woid !)• ing given an advanced guard started with thos 1 of the wounded capable ol walking, followed by »kirm : Bhcrs right and left, afer which came our excellent Captain Stapp with the badly wounded and a rear gu ml. Without molestation wc marched across the op-n liflds. On reacliing the br itch ro id from poor Passtnore's residence skinnishets were again thrown out into iht: poddocks on our right and Ic't, and a short time afterwards we succeeded in reaching the siockiide Our town friends, a'tet partaking of the poor refreshments it was in our pow. r to offer, marched on to town with those of the wounded capable of ienioval, leaving behind a ])arty of their force lor our protection with two wounded, Mr. Rawson through the thigh, ami it marine in the head the latter died dur.ng the night The wounded volunteer as far as I can learn consist of Lieut llammerton through the knee, Rawson dangerously iu the thigh, Paul Inch in the breast, Mr, Messenger in the arm, William Bayly, junior, hall through the shoulder, Climo also wounded. As to the mi nber of native* either diad or wounded, I have not the slightest conception, but they must be numerous. It strikes me that to-day's wo>k will not be without its effect upon the natives, as it must have convinced them tkat the British settler is both capable and willing to protect his rights and ptoperty, and will tend to show them that it has not been from fear but mercy alone that has prevented us from chastising them before. Thursday morning. Our native friends, imagining that we had overslept ourselves behind our comfortable breastworks', were observed Irorri the stockade sealing to awaken us by a volley or two, little imagining th t we had made our escape- All now is very quiet at the rebels' pah ;no flag flying, but solemn silence reigning, w. r. o. Since writing the above the natives have entirely forsaken their pah, and seem to have disappeared altogether. JOURNAL OF EVENTS SINCE SATURDAY, 24TH MARCH TO THE 13th APRIL.

(From the " Taranaki Herald.")

Saturday, March 24. This morning news was brought that several hundred natives, estimated by some at 800 and by others at 1000, Taranaki and Ngatiruanut combined, are on their way to the Ratapihipihi, Manahis place—the advanced guard of which, 70, had already arrived and danced the war dance there. It is reported that they int >nd to create a diversiou in favor of W. Kingi bv morticing the settlement in that direction. The Airedale sailed for Manukau this afternoon—passengers C. \V. Richmond, Esq , and Captain Steward. This evening about 9.J p m., cheering and singing was heard on the Devon Line, and shortly afterwards 250 troops from the camp at Waitara marched into town, with three guns, having been suddenly sent tor for service earl the next morning. Sunday— Shortly after 1 a.m., 130 Taranaki Rifles and Militia mustered on receiving a call for the purpose, and with 200 of the 65th regiment (several having arrived a few hours previously from Waitara) under LieutenantColonel Murray, marching for Ratapi lipihi, the natives having already commenced cattle and sheep killing, and committed other depredations in the neighbourhood. The force from unavoidable causes did not leave the town until nearly 4 and reach the ground before daylight, as it was the natives were surprised. The volunteers, led by Major Herbert, formed the advance, and advanced in skirmishing order under Captain Stapp within hearing and sigi.t of .the natives belorc they wero observed. An order on no account to engage the rebels in the forest having been issued before the expedition started, tho former lell back upon tho troops in good order without provoking attack. The plan for this particular service was well laid and would huve cut off the natives and placed them between the lire of the troops and militia who were to have reached the enemy by different roads. Monday. —A great many shots were heard this morning at the Ratapihipihi"and in the busb, supposed to bo insurgents welcoming others arriving. It is stated that the Ngatiruanni and Taranaki tribes intend to stay at the rear of the town, and have already commenced building a pa on a commanding hill on Mr. Burton's land, Mountain Road. They say tbey will nof proceed to Waitara for th« preienf, but

stay and encompass the town. W. Kingi's people will probably make some movement at Waitara, whilst these Taranakis are supposed to keep our hands full in town. However, the camp is well protected, and impregnable to Maori attack. It is now very necessary that a strict watch should be kept, and if an attack should be made at any point, all the force should not be sent to that point, as the natives would attack from different points. Several Volunteers and Militia sent out to erect small stockages on dinvrent positions, dig rifle pits, and strengthen the Kawau pa. The Tasmanian Maid, with provisions, ammunition, &c steamed to Waitara, which she safely entered. 25 blue jackets were put on board to protect her while she lies in the river. This little steamer is admirably adapted for the purpose of running to and from the river, and now the communication by land is stopped by the rebels will be extremely useful. H.M.S.S. Niger arrived to day from Manukau with 30 of the 65 th under Quarter - Master Withers. The Rev. Mr. Woollaston, who came in this evening from the camp, reports that Sarten is dead. From the first his wound was considered mortal, as the ball went in near the left hip, and was cut out from his right breast, and it was a wonder he lingered so long. Poor fellow! His life was thrown away. He was a fine, robust, and steady young man, the eldest son of a large family, and his untimely end has cast a gloom over our community. The other day he was to be seen active and full of spirits on his horse a voluntary member of the mounted escort —and now he is gone to his account, the first civilian victim of a maori bullet ! Mr. Woollaston was stopped by a party in ambush on the road on his return, and his sacred calling alone saved him from the tomahawk. 500 Taranakis and Ngatiruanuis are reported at Hauranga, about nine miles from town, who intend coming on to-morrow as far as Jury's Hill, and there erect a large pa. Tuesday. —lntelligence brought into town that W. Kingi's Natives are about building two large pas, one on Teira's land, and the other outside the boundary. They arc to be near one another, and to be built of puriri, and made, they imagine, impregnable to our guns. About 5 p.m. to-day, intelligence was brought into town of the most wanton and savage murder, at Omata, of three of our fellow settlers. From information we have been able to glean, Mr. S. Ford, Mr H. Fassmore, and Mr. S, Shaw, were on their way to different parts of the block, when, after passing the Omata Inn they were shot down by natives concealed behind a furze hedge, and afterwards tomahawked. Mr. Ford was going to see some sheep at Mr. Grayling's farm, and had that morning ridden out to Motnroa with Mr. George and purchased six of his bullocks. Ford alone proceeded, and on passing the Omata stockade was warned not to go on by several persons. Mr. 11. Passmorc was driving out his bullock part for puriri fencing. His bullocks were both shot in the head, and the yoke taken off and thrown into the hedge. Shaw accompanied Passmorc, and was believed to have been going to his farm to milk his cows. Information was given to the men at the stockade by W, Gilbert, who had seen a body lying on the ground as he was going along the road, and galloped back and gave the intelligence. A party then proceeded to recover the bodies, and on arriving at the spot of this fearful tragedy found lhc three bodies within a few yards of each other, and a native in the act of t«king off Mr. Mr, Ford's coat. They fired at the Native, but missed him, and he ran off. They found all quite dead. Indeed, with the exception of Shaw, Ford and Passmorc must have died instantaneously, as they were both shot through the head. Shaw had evidently struggled for some time. Passmorc and Shaw were both tomahawked about the head. This fearful and cruel murder has filled every heart with sorrow and commiseration for the bereaved. Mr. Ford is a settler of many years standing, and has a large family dependent upon him. He carried on an extensive Native trade, and hence, no doubt his apparent indifference in going to where armed natives were stationed. Passmose is a married man without family. Shaw is also a married man, and has left a widow and two children to deplore his untimely and dreadful end. Two boys, named Potc and Parker, are missing, and great fears are entertained for their safety.

Wednesday. —News just come into town that the two hoys, Parker and Pote have been tomahawked by the Maories, one with his hand cut off by a tomahawk The Rev. -Mr. Brown, who is still atOmata, some miles from town, found the ill-fated lads in the bush in their yore. The bodies were all brought into the military hospital, and the horrible sight awakens feelings of the keenest revenge, and a desire that the savage perpetrators of the brutal murders and all leagued with them should expiate their dark deeds with their lives. No. 10 company of the 65th, commanded by Colonel Murray, 25 bluejackets under Lieut. Blake, and 102 volunteers and militia, proceed to-day to rescue Mr. Brown's family and others. Before . the departure of the Volunteers they were drawn up and addressed by the Governor in a few cheering woot!fl on the nature of their duties, and the hopes he placed their giving a good account of themselves. The alarm signal was given by the firing of two guns from Marsland Hill, which brought all the inhabitants into town. 60 blue-jackets with their gallant captain and a 24-inch rocket tube and rockets landed about this time from the Niger, and encamped on Mount Elliot. Not very long after the departure cf the volunteers a messenger arrived with the news that they were attacked in great force by the rebels on Major Lloyd's and Messrs. M'Kellar's farms, whereupon the Niger's men with their rocket tube immediately started off to join in the engagement. Report after report came as the day advanced as to how the engagement was going on. Soon intelligence arrived that Sergeant Fahey, of the Militia, was killed, and the gallant Lieut. Blake, R.N., severely wounded ; that the volunteers were hotly engaged, and were running out of ammunition, and were surrounded until succoured by the soldiers and sailors; that many natives were killed; but no other casualty on the part of our brave band of colonists. The excitement was unexampled, the relatives and connections of those hotly engaged with a savage foe were to be seen in great distress. When night closed in the company of military returned, and also a party of bluejackets with the wounded. Intelligence came in that the blue jackets, under Captain Cracroft, after firing a few rockets into it, had gallantly stormed the inaori pa on Jury's hill, and had killed many of the inmates, and captured the rebel flags. About eight the sailors came in bringing into town with them the Hags, and were heartily cheered by the people. The volunteers were said to be surrounded by the Maoris in Jury's house near the beach, and great fears were entertained for their safety; indeed it was supposed at one time they were all butchered, as it was said they had no ammunition. Immense excitement prevailed in town. A volunteer force of soldiers, bluejackets, and militia were despatched about 11 p.m., but they had not long gone when great cheering announced that the forces had met each other. Right about face was the order given, and the whole reached town amidst the roars of applause that greeted them from all sides. It was calculated that at least 50 or 60 natives were shot; indeed it was difficult to say how many, as in many places in ravines and gullies they were lying thick. The rifles told upon them, and throughout the engagement good practice was made upon the dark foe, and the gashed bodies in the hospital gave sternness and determination to each man engaged against them. The casualties on our side are

Naval Brigade,— Lieut Blake, wounded severely, 1 corporal of marines killed, 3 blue jacket* wounded, 2 marines ditto. The Niger's men were all wounded in the legs in storming the Pah. 65<A Regiment.— 2 soHiers wounded. Taranaki Rifles. —Lieut. Hammerton wounded, Privates F. Rawson, ditto, J. lhuvken, ditto, \V. Messenger, ditto, P. Inch, ditto, W. Bayly, ditto. Militia.— Srgt. Fahey, killed, W. Oliver, wounded, J. Climo. ditto.

And thus ended the battle of Waircka. Many were the narrow escapes experienced by the Rifles; some had balls through their clothes, another had the sling of his rifle cut in two, another had his bayonet bent nearly double by a ball. During the whole engagement the bullets from the enemy were flying like hail, and the natives were in swarms estimated at 800. These were completely routed and sustained great lo.s, and allowed the gallant band of volunteers to make a good retreat after darkness set in. The volunteers were ably commanded by Captain Stapp. We speak the feeling of the entire corps when wc say that no danger could be considered too great with .such a leader. A great majority of the females and children slept in the barracks to night. Few of the inhabitants in town, however, thought of retiring to rest until all had returned from the engagement, and it was nearly 2 a.m. before the town gradually got quiet. A few of our friendly natives accompanied the volunteers, and one of them (Hoera of Moturoa) shot two natives dead. The wounded were all brought into town.

Thursday- —All those engaged in yesterday's action, say that, what with those killed in the pa by the blue jackets, and nativts killed in action. 100 or 150 natives must be killed or horsdc combat. This morning great tiring ol guns was heard at ilie rebel camp, and great howling and yelling. '1 hey have also built another pa in the rear of the stockade on Jury's Hill, and seem prepared for war. Great and increasing apprehension as to the safety of the Kcv. Mr. Brown and his family, and three other families at Omata.who are entirely at the mercy of the rebels. Poor Sarten, the trooper, who was wounded at the attack on Win. King's pa wao buriod this afternoon by Arshdencon

Govett,in St. Mary's churchyard. A party of Volunteer Rifles fired over his grave. Daring his illnet 3 he received the most unremitting attention in cami> and a large number of the troops and town people paid him the respect of joining in the funeral procession. Shaw, Passraore, and the two lads, murdered bv the savages were also buried to-day. About 20 friendly natives proceeded to-day to ascertain the fate of Mr. Brown's family at Omata. On passing the stockatia and arriving within sight of the rebels pa, on Jury's Hill, not a native was to be seen, and they descried Mr. Brown riding down the hill, and soon met him From him they heard (which has been since confirm* J by Tamati Wiremu) that the enemy had been occupii d the most part of the day in picking up their killed and wounded, which took fourteen carts to carry awai. All the principal Taranaki Chiefs had been killed in the action yesterday, viz. : Paora Kukutai, (the leading chief.) Paratene Kopara, Pererc Pakau, Tarai.', Tawana Ngeu, Hatav/ira, Wata Temeia, (a Waikat' >) Hapurona, and many other natives of lesser note. The Ngatiruanui sustained great loss. Chiefs killed—To Hanataua, (principal chief of the tribe) Ihareira Hami. A great number of this trib have been killed and severely wounded, the numbers cannot be estimated. The following is a list of some of the wounded of be ih tribes as far as can bo ascertained :—Parenga (badly) Hohepa Te liata, (badly) Te Reweti, Te ia, (badly) Arema Knraka, Wipata, Mohi Te Wai Wongs, Te Kowiti, (in the arm) a boy of Manahi's named Kereoma, a Ngatiruanui, (in the neck) Te Karira. :i Ngatiruanui, (in the leg) Wi Kapa, (ditto) Horomana lahuiangi, Paratene Te Kamanga. The enemy had all retreated to their homes to bury (heir dead—being thoroughly routed, and paralysed by their fearful los ,cs —fo effective was the fire of our rifles.

Friday.— Tamati Wiremu arrived in town and cr.nfirmed the news of last night as to the rebels' losses on Wednesday. Mr. Brown's family all came in last night. It appears that the safety of Mr. Brown's, Mr W. Carrington's and other families at Omata, wan entirely owing to the influence of Te Wiremu and Bbb E. Kangi, who are neutral. The natives are returning to their pas to bury their chiefs and house the wounded. At four a.m. this morning the Harbour Master reached H.M.S. Niper with a letter for Captain Cracroft from His Excellency the Governor. In half an hour steam was got up and the vessel on her way to Warea, ahrcast of which she anchored, a mile and a quarter off" shore at nine o'clock. At this time a besvy sea running with a high surf breaking on the beach rendered it quite impossible to land a party in the boats. Scarcely had the steamer anchored before a volley of musketry from the pa anounced that the natives suspected the object of her visit. At three minutes past nine Eig Ben delivered his opening address and the ten inch shell accompanied by a 24 pounder rocket fell five or six yards from the poinr of the pa. The second rocket went slap into the middle of this pa, and from the cloud of smoke raised it was at first believed that it had set fire to the whares, hut it failed to do so.

Shell after shell established free ventilation and provided chimnies at the smallest possible expense to the rebel proprietors, who, by this time, were suppose) i to have retreated to the war pas on the north side of the river, and the 32-pounder broadside guns threw phot and shell into ihcm with beautiful precision, the captains of the guns being stimulated by a reward of iive pounds to the marksman who should floor the flags'atf. Several shots were within a few feet of the mark. The distance being too great to set fire to the pa with the rockets it was deemed inexpedient to expend -more shells. Up came the anchor and away steamed the Niger for Mokotunu, where the enemy had hoisted hi* colours prior to the firing, but on arriving abreast of the pa as he had struck his flag it was considered useless to waste ammunition in destroying this miserable pa, and Captain Cracroft resolved to return to the anchorage, which was reached about 2 tun. Although this expedition has not been attended by the result that was anticipated its incomplete success is surely attributable to the heavy S. W. svvell which precluded any nearer approach to the shoro: it cannot fail to impress the rebel natives with a sense of the insecurity of their sea side, and to convince them that we can harrass them by landing an armed force in the rear. It is said that it was the original intention of Kgatiruanui and Taranaki to go to Waitara, but Manahi induced them to make the town the object of attack, and it has happened that Manahi's traitorous conduct has been the means of our defeating them in a few hours which would have taken perhaps months to have accomplished if they had gone to W. lung. It is aho said that the rebels have plundered the houses of the settlers since their arrival, and the survivors from the battle have gone back laden with spoil. Poor Fi.hey, the militiaman, was buried to day with military honors Mr. Ford was also buried to day. At Waitara all is quiet. W. Kingi's party has been busily engaged erecting a strong pa in the bush at Mataitawa. Saturday, March 31.—1t is positively asserted that Hoera Pirere, commonly called Big Joe, was with Manahi during the action on Wednesday, and that he uid Manahi, with several of the Taranaki tribe, were concerned in the butcheries on Monday last. Big J>c is Manahi's brother, and both were very loyal, as the phrase is, the other day, and when Mr. McLean met Poharama's natives at the Kawau pa on the 21st ult., when they declared for the Queen, Big Joe, with irreat audacity, got up and made a speech, expressing his intention to be a Queen's man, and entirely disapproving of the conduct of W. King't, &c. Manahi wis also present, and we must say this for him that he did not publicly announce himself a Queen's man, though at the same time he had made arrangements for the residence of the Taranakis and Ngatiruanuisathiskaingi! It is reported that Manahi is wounded, and has fled to Ngatiruanui. Singular to say, all the leading nas ives, excepting the arch instigator himself, Manahi, concerned in the murder of Ford and the others, were shot in the action ; one of the men who killed Ford, Pirere, was killed early in the afternoon. So quickly did retribution follow upon their heartless and savage deeds. The natives say that the heavy losses they sustained on Wednesday is a judgment from God. They take a right view of it; the Almighty's chastising hand was upon them, and His care over His instruments o! vengeance. We are told that on Thursday morning the scene in the rebel camp was horrible. Scoies of wounded men were lying in their'anguish, and consternation and fear was depicted on every countenance. They returned in a wretched state with cart lo.ids of dead and wounded, and with the appearance of an army utterly defeated. So different to their exulting and arrogant manner when marching up, as they said, to " drive us soldiers and all into the sea." Some of the wounded have died since the action, and Tamati Wiremu states that there are several natives not accounted for, supposed to be buried secretly in th: sand hills. The pa has been visited by some town people; the inside was covered with blood, and blood stained rags and sheets, and on the field of battle every now and then they came to clots of blood, and a chiefs head dress was picked up, but no bodies were discovered. It is believed that many more natives are killed than are mentioned. Paora Kukutai, the head chief of Taranaki tribe, is buried at the Poutoko, and also Hanataua the sbief of Ngatiruanui. The Tasnanian Maid came up from Waitara to-day, and the Airedale sailed for Nelson with a large number of settler*.' wives and families. The Niger sailed to-day for Mimukau with His Excellency the Governor who was followed to the beach and loudly cheered on taking his departure. We regret very much that in our Journal of last week we emitted to mention Captain C. Brown as commanding the Militia in the action of Wednesday. He led his men with great judgment, and regar.lless of the showers of bullets pouring around him led his men on wherever they were wanted. Sunday.—The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara to-day. The Rev. Mr. Riemenschneidcr came into town this evening, »nd reports that the natives have all retreated to their pas, and are in a very dispirited condition. He states that 470 Ngatiruanuis were on their way up when the defeated body were returning, and are staying for the present on the coast. Heveral of the wounded are in a dying state. One man shot through both thighs is not likely to live, ae also is another man shot in the breast. Arama Karaka, chief of Waiaua, is badly wounded in the neck, and had he not been putting out his tongue with his head inclined forward, making grimaces at the volunteers, uhen he was hit, would have been shot mortally. Mr. Wright's house at Omata has been burnt. They made it their barracks, and burnt it on Wednesday when they left to go to the fight. Mr. Wright by this act has be-jn made homeless and penniless. He was only enabled to cart in one load of personal effects before the natives arrived in the district, and he has consequendy lost everything. Monday.—The night pickets heard volleys of firearms and the report of one cannon in the direction of Waitara. We shall have to wait the returi; of the Tasmanian Maid for information, as the reb Is hold the road. Tamati Wiremu, Bob E. Rangi, and Porikapa, the chief of that section of Taranaki vvldch did not join in the late movement, arrived this morning Porikapa came into town bible in hand as his sale conduct, and was in a state of great excitement in the street, while giving an account of the state of the defeated taua, who, contrary to his earnest entreaty, came on their rebellious errand to New Plymouth. He told them they were going to their death, but they would not return and laughed him to scorn, and what was the result? The survivors shrunk past him, with their hands over their faces! Whitikamu, a Nga.iruanui chief, and Mattihera, another native of that tribe, woo r found buried to-day on the battle field. Rumours <|" overtures of peace from the defeated rebels; ■ ve hav *