OTAHUHU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 7, 28 November 1863, Page 4

OTAHUHU.

[fhom a correspondent.]

November 27th, 1563. The Baud of the 2nd Batt. 14th, with detachments of the 12th and 18th regiments, left here about eight o'clock for Auckland, the whole under the command of Captain Saunders, acting D.A.C. General. '1 l ;c Auckland Jtiflc Volunteers that passed here from Camp Papatoitoi looked like men who had been rcry much exposed to the weather, and had withstood aU the hardships of camp life. They seemed quite happy and had their colours flying, and marched past singing a popular air. I daresay, poor fellows, that they will appreciate the comforts of home after having had only the ground to lie upon, aud living in tents during such weather as wc have had lately. I have no doubt that when the wur is over, that Government will amply remunerate tliem for the valuable services they have rendered since hostilities broke out. Auckland may well be proud of her citizen soldiery. I have bee* to the volunteer camp while they were serving, and I must really say that the way tilings were earned on would be creditable to old campaigners. I have no doubt if the \ olunteers are required out again to assist our gallant General, that to a man they will cheerfully respond to his call.

About 70 of the Maori prisoners arrived this afternoon from the Queen's Redoubt; they arrived at Drury early in tlie morning, after resting a slior} time and having some kaiktxiy they started for tlii? camp under a strong escort of the 50th regiment, who convoyed them as for as Camp St. John, Papatoitoi, and handed them over to an escort of tin; Onehunga Militia, under the command of Captain Parmer. The 50th returned to Drury, and the prisioners came on to the camp liuts which had been prepared for their reception, and I presume they were not sorry that they had arrived at their destination ; it being a warm day, the sweat was puuring off them, and the dust thrown up about their face made tlicm look blacker than their natural colour. Some of their feet were very sore, with largo blisters. I believe that they will be detained hew for a few days till a steamer can be liad. I trust that it will not he long, as tlio duty is very hard here, and now that the prisoners have come, strong guards and picquets will be required to look after them day and night, wli ch will make it still more arduous.