TARANAKI.

New Zealander, Volume XVI, Issue 1477, 13 June 1860, Page 3

TARANAKI.

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

(From the "Taranaki Herald/’ May 10.)

Saturday, May 19.—From Waitara there is nothing of importance to report. The Waikatos arc with Wi King, and have encamped between Ngataiparima and Kairoa, about half a mile to the seaward of Huirangi, and about two miles from Mataitawa, Wi Kingi’s pa. During yesterday a large number of natives were observed from the Bell Block stockade to be busily carting large stuff in the direction or Huirangi. It is conjectured that King with his present reinforcement of Waikatoes, Ngatimanuis, and Taranakis, will attempt another pa on the Government land at Waitara., Weather fine. 11.M.5.S Cordelia sailed to day for Wellington. Sunday.—Weather clear—to the troops under canvas ibis must be a most welcome change. The Ngatirunui and Taranaki tribes continue quiet, and appear to feel strongly their defeat at Waircka. Wc arc told that the Tapuiuikau stockade is a very strong position, a succession of plateaus in fact which the natives have fortified with palisading and entrenchments. It is also completely surrounded by bush. The troops in camp at Tataraifhaka have seen nothing to relieve the dulncss of their position. Monday.—Some interest prevailed in town to day in consequence of a rumour that natives in large force were busily engaged erecting a pa on Teira’s land at Waitara. The Tasmanian Maid arrived from Waitara at 9 a.m., but brings no confirmation of this. A rumour was also current this evening that a party of natives were in the forest in our rear. In addition to the usual Militia and Volunteer pickets strong outlying pickets of the 40th and 12th were thrown out, and sentries were stationed as far as Stewart’s premises at the Hcnui. T. Perry, private 65th regiment, buried to day, the deceased was an old soldier, and his death was occasioned by the rupture of a blood vessel. Tuesday.—The Tasmanian Maid returned this morning to Waitara. From the Bell Blockhouse this morning wo have the following intelligence. Signals were made at 10 am. that a party of military and militia proceeded to the rear of the Bell Block to cut timber for the stockade, when on reaching a hill on Mr. Northcroft’s land an armed party of natives were seen advancing apparently with the intention to cut them off. The retreat bugle was sounded, and the party retired to the fort. The natives were said to he posted in a gully' near Mr. Hirst’s house. The light company of the Gsth were at once despatched from Town, and as they passed over the bridge were heartily cheered by the Militia and Volunteers, who were under the general impression that an engagement was probable, but in this all were doomed to be disappointed, information on the road occasioning the troops to return. The truth is that the two parties came upon each other without hostile intentions, though but for the measures at once taken by Lieut. Richardson, 12th Regiment, the natives might have been tempted into an attack on first meeting. Wednesday.—From information obtained from Matin of the Hua pa who has been to Waikato and who returned with the Waikato party to Waitara, and reached the Ilua last night, wc hear that the Ngatjruanui and Taranaki deputation have returned to their homes through the forest; that Wi Kingi has received intelligence from the South that the Ngatimanuis were assembled at Ketcmarae, joined by the Ngarauru and Upper Wanganui tribes, and numbered 1000 strong; that they were on their way to join him; that the Taranaki tribe would also assemble and go to Waitara through the bush in our rear; that the Waikatos were going to remain at Waitara and would shortly be joined by other tribes from Waikato, Taupo, and even from the East Coast, a tribe named Ngatiaua having determined to come to Waitara; that the war should be confined to AVaitara, on Teira’s land, where all the tribes would assemble to recover the land from the Government; that when the troops were driven from Waitara thov would then attack the town, but not before. Matiu also says that the natives seen on the Bell Block yesterday were not on any offensive errand, but on their way to the Tamili pa, and were busy catching pigs and taking up their potato crops. Matiu is brother to Raniera, the Assessor at the Ilua pa, and b leagued with the enemy, and has returned to them. Matiu was seen at the Ilua pa in company with a Waikato native. Matin added that he would not say whether any movement would be made at Waitara to-morrow, or next day, or the day after, but that we should hear of something before long. The Airedale, with the March English mail, arrived this evening at dusk from Nelson and the Southern Settlements. The Tasmanian Maid also arrived to-day from Waitara. A correspondent at Wellington writing on the 19th savs:—

“ Everything here is quiet and likely to be so, as we arc assured that the natives in the immediate vicinity of the town—especially the Ilutt—are intending to clear out for Taranaki. Old Epuni says he expects that shortly he will be almost the only one left. The natives ot Otaki arc much excited about a King’s flag sent from Waikato. The erection is postponed for a few weeks. The natives in favour of it are the Bikopos (Roman Catholics,) and it is fully believed that there will be blows between the loyalists and the King natives. Tamihana te Kauparaha has forbid any native pulling the Hag down—that duty, he says, belongs to him, and he will do it—if they choose to fight about it, he's ready. You will see thaf Wellington has expressed her sympathy for the colonists of Taranaki, Don't believe there was any lukewarmness previously, and equally disbelieve that the General Assembly Members arc opposed to the Governor. They are firm in their belief that it is their duty and the duty of the Colony at large to support the Governor to the utmost, and desire to sec the war prosecuted with the utmost energy. Why don’t the Governor give us McLean’s report, which it is said is very conclusive?” Our Wanganui correspondent writes: —“The natives still remain quiet, though we hear they are becoming disaffected at the south. They have expressed an intention at Otaki to raise the King’s flag: Mi Pako wits the instigator of this. He is a bad native, and I think the authorities ought to arrest him for his perfidy. The Pntiki and up-river natives are I think staunch in their alliance, though I believe it would not take much to set them also against us.” Thursday, 24th May.—The Queen’s Birthday. At 9 a.m. the Volunteers and Militia assembled for drill, and after discharging their pieces, headed by the Volunteer band, marched at 11 to Marsland Hill. By this time the troops had assembled, consisting of detachments of the 65th, 40th, and 12th Begts., who formed in column, with the colours of the 65th flying, the Militia and Bides on the left. The bands of the 65th and Bides played alternately a selection of popular and appropriate music. At 12 precisely the drst gun of the royal salute of 21 guns was dred, the infantry' between each salute of seven guns dring in line from right to left, the right being assigned to each detachment according to seniority, and the left to the militia and volunteers. At the conclusion the whole marched past the Colonel Commanding the Forces and returned to their respective quarters. Before leaving the ground Capt. Stapp conveyed to the Militia and Volunteers the Colonel’s approbation of the manner in which they fired and took part in the proceedings. A large concourse of persons witnessed the ceremony', and the weather was unusually dnc. The Airedale left for Manuka* this night. ' The Tasmanian Maid sailed for Waitara and returned during the day. Friday.— At an early hour this morning H.M.S.S Cordelia was in sight, and anchored at 9. fcihe brings Captain Sevmour and 100 blue jackets from the Belorus. The cargo boats were employed during the morning landing their baggage, ammunition, and a brass field 12-poundcr gun. At 2 pm. they were landed, and marched to Fort Niger,—a stirring sight—with the 65th band at their head. The Cordelia sailed for Wellington at 3 p.m., and will bring 50 more men from the Belorus, now laid up at Wellington. We have not heard whether any of the Cordelia’s men will be landed on her return. The brig Shamrock from Sydney arrived to-day alter a fine passage of eight days. The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara.

Saturday, May 26.—Wc have nothing to report today from north or south. Weather tine, but appearances of a change. Sunday. —This morning intelligence of ft painful nature was brought into town from Waitara by a Homan Catholic Clergyman, that yesterday between 2 and a p.m., Mr. 11. Brown, captain of the Native Infantry, at Waitara, was waylaid, whilst riding after a lost horse, bv a party of Wi Kingi’s natives, and badly shot. This intelligence naturally created great excitement in town and it is expected the Tasmanian Maid will come up during the day with further particulars. At 1 p.m, the steamer was in sight and anchored at 2. By her we have confirmation of the intelligence, and find that Mr. Brown is severely wounded and in a precarious state. It appears that on riding along the road yesterday, and reaching the ford of the Waiongana river on the beach, three natives, one of waom a young man named Tawatahi, recently in .Mr, Brown's employ, sprang out of a hush and tired at him. The first shot struck Mr. Brown’s molver cartouche box and glanced off; the next shot penetrated Ids thigh, and a third shot passed through the left side and lodged in the body. After the first shot, Mr, Brown’s horse swerved, and the succeeding shots struck him as ho was turning. Mr. Brown gallopped back towards the camp and being observed to drop out of the saddle was carried in in a fainting state. It is said that there were sixty natives further on, and had Mr. Brown crossed Ute river he could not have escaped instant

death. There was a largo concourse of the people on the beach when the boat landed to ascertain Mr. Brown’s real state and the particulars of the murderous attack. Ihaia came up in the steamer and reported that there was no hope of him. We sincerely trust that matters are not so bad as represented, and that so energetic a settler as Mr. Brown may yet be spared to us at the present crisis and not lose his life in a treacherous ambuscade. The Governor has ieiterated his determination to punish the murderers of the unarmed men and little boys at Omata, and we feci assured that ho will equally not overlook the blood wantonly shed in this instance, as well as the diabolical attempt upon Mr. Commissioner Parris, by Kingi’s natives. Wo arc the more convinced that this will bo treated apart from the question of land, because Kingi has received the utmost publicity the Herald could give to the favourable opinion held of him, in consequence of his returning a beast that had strayed from the camp, that he disapproved of the murders and pillage committed by his southern allies. Such an opinion (recorded in Mr, Brown's own words in our journal vide 20th April) was more than sufficient to throw the unfortunate gentleman off his guard as he rode towards the snare laid for unsuspecting travellers.

Monday. —Our old friend Ihaia, who came up from Waitara yesterday, is in a great state of excitement about the savage attempt upon Mr, Brown’s life on Saturday. Ho is anxious for revenge, and is very pouri (dark) about Wi Kingi’s conduct. He is very desirous ho should be at once punished—and says that it was a deliberate attempt by Wi Kingi's party to murder any person they could find on the road. Mr. Brown is justly held in great estimation by the natives at the camp, and when he was brought in helpless and wounded there was a great lamentation in the Maori pa. Ihaia in giving an account of this savage proceeding, got very excited, and revenge appeared to be his only desire. The Tasmanian Maid returned today toAVaitara with Dr. AVhitc, 65th regiment. Two medical officers are stationed at Waitara, but it is the desire of the military authorities that Mr. Brown should have the utmost surgical aid. Major Nelson, 40th regiment, likewise proceeded to AVaitara with a party of soldiers to take the command, the intention being to relieve the 65th stationed at AVaitara since military occupation was taken of Teira’s land. Tuesday.—The Taranakis, wc arc informed, arc about to make a move. They will not at present unite their forces with AVi Kingi; but will act independently for the present in marauding parties. AVe again particularly caution all persons from going any distance from town, or travelling the road to Tataraimaka, on public service or otherwise, without a sufficient escort, Their intention is to take j>ossession of Tataraimaka and fortify themselves there. From thence they will overrun our suburbs again, and burn, destroy, and murder. AVe hear this morning that 500 natives — Ngatimaru, or Upper AVaitara, and Upper Wanganui natives, who have come across the mountains, have arrived at AA’aitara, and arc building a pa the other side of the river, at Tikorangi. Fire s have been seen in that direction, and natives at work. The Tasmanian Maid arrived at 4 p.m. from AVaitara, much to (the suqirisc of every one, in the teeth of a northwester which (unless her mission was very urgent) should have detained her in the river. As it was, one boat was stove in communicating with her, and she put to sea in all haste—probaoly for Nelson—after hastily disembarking Dr. White and some men of the 65th. AVe are rejoiced to hear that Mr. Brown is not worse, and that some faint hopes of his recovery' may be indulged in. It is supposed that the bullet has taken an upward direction, and is lodged in the cavity of the chest; the lungs do not appear to be affected. Mr. Brown was fired at by more than three natives. The savages arc still at AA r aiongana, on the look out for any white man who may pass: the steamer saw a party of them on the beach as she passed, Mr. Brown escaped the doom that befel the Omata victims only by his energy and presence of mind. AVeduesday.—The weather was stormy and wet last night, and the Tasmanian Maid has not been seen. The brig Shamrock rode out the gale. The weather has moderated this morning, and it has been a fine day. The Airedale, hourly expected, is probably detained in Manukau harbour by the weather yesterday. A very complete and useful mode of telegraphing by means of balls on a yard-arm, originated by Sergeant Maijouram, R.A., has been adopted by the military authorities here. Staffs with the apparatus have been erected at the Bell Block-house and Omata Stockade, and on Marsland Hill. Any number of words can be transmitted with great rapidity, and, altogether, the system appears to be adopteti to our circumstances, brrgcant Maijouram deserves something more than mere credit for his ingenuity, as by means of the system information is communicated in a few minutes between the posts named. The system is equally adapted for night signalling by substituting lanterns for the balls. There was a rumour in town to-day that the natives have decided upon burning the AVaiwakaiho Bridge. The Tasmanian Maid has not been seen, and it is concluded that she has gone to Nelson. Thursday.—The Gun on Mount Eliot was fired at 7 this morning and the Airedale hove in the roadstead at 9. The weather very threatening and wind from N. A boat succeeded in getting off to her with the mail for England, and landed some passengers and the mail from Auckland. The Airedale proceeded on to Nelson after landing a portion of her passengers for this place. Major Herbert and the Provincial Treasurer landed, and it is rumoured that both have succeeded in their mission to the General Government.

Friday.—A statement is made that “ the Waikatos are very indignant at the attack on Mr Brown, and that W, Kingi repudiates the act and all connected with it ” As we have no communication with Kingi, we are at a loss to discover how this could be known. We know that it was W. Kingi’s party who deliberately laid in wait for Mr. Brown, and as deliberately shot him. We have no hesitation in saying that the party of natives were out to waylay and murder travellers, and that W. King was privy to the proceeding. We have only to mention that it was King’s native Erueti who compiled to take Mr. Farris’s life on his late visit to meet the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki duputation. Begarding the alleged Waikato indignation at the attack on Mr Brown, we may mention the decision arrived at at Waikato, that “ tho men who committed the murders at Oraato should not be surrendered.” "We sec in the Southern Cross of the 25th a lettea signed “ Citizen,” containing a Maori document sgned by certain of *he Thames and one ol the Rotorua chiefs. As the commencement of “ Citizen” and the statement made in the Maori document will be apt to mislead the public respecting chieftainship and claims to land, we shall feel it to be our duty at an early period to prove that the old proverb is true in this instance that there are always two sides to a question. Weather—settled rain, which gives us little hope of adding anything more to our Journal. 8 p.m.—II.M. steam corvette Cordelia anchored in the roadstead this afternoon. The weather would not permit a boat to communicate with her, and as there is no appearance of a change, it is doubtful whether a boat can get off before a late hour to-morrow. Tho Cordelia is from Wellington, with 70 bluo-jackcts from the Belorus.