WANGANUI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 683, 22 January 1866, Page 5

WANGANUI.

[FROM A COERESroXDENT.] Field Force, Camp Ohinomuru. 5111 January, ISGG.a A TUTrrv of the 11 tii and 18th regiments, and a portion of the native contingent and Forest Hangers, undeu the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor, 1-Ath regiment, proceeded to the Okatnk-u pah for the purpose of discovering and destroying- tins plantation of the Hauh.ius. On arrival at the pah t]icy found an old woman who stated that a party of the rebels had returned to the pah for the purpose of burying their dead, but had retreated into the bush on the approach of the troops. Tin; old woman was brought into tho camp u prisoner. Two largo plantations woro found —principally potatoes and tobacco ; the potatoes ■were gathered in kits, ic., and brought into camp for the use of the troops and native contingent. A good portion of tho potatoes were sent to the Waitotara for tli" use of tlie 18th stationed there, and who had come on convoy duty to this camp and will return at 1 p.m. to-day. Tho wounded officer and men of tho l Jth regimont mentioned yesterday will proceed to the "Waitotara with the return convoy for further proceeding to Wnnganui. Since leaving Wanganui the native contingent have captured -11 horses belonging to tho rebels. Field Force, Camp Pntilii, Oth January, 18G6. The field-force, under tho command of Major-Gen-eral Chute, consisting of the Forest Hangers, and native contingent, marched at 4 a.m. this morning for the purpose of attacking the rebel position of Patihi, situated about 9 miles distant from tho Okotuku pali, and 9 miles from the Patea camp, inland. Tho forea was augmented on the road about 7 miles distant from tiie last camp by a detachment of tho 18th regiment and 50th regiment, under the command of Major Rocke, 18th regiment, consisting of 100 noncommissioned otliecrs and men, with proportion of officers from tho Patea camp, having marched from that post at ahout G o'clock p.m.the pravious evening. On arrival at tho camp the rebels hoisted a red flag on the flagstaff at their position ahout ono mile distant, which appears to be very strong from its situation ; three hors, s were captured yesterday by the Forest Rangers. Tho native contingent sinco arrival at this camp havo again captured about 30 horses belonging to the relets. Tho loss sustuinod by tho Uauhauß in cattls and plantations, and what with villages destroyed, must bo a sever.) hlow to them. Patihi pah will bo attacked at day break to-morrow morning. Camp Patihi, 7t.h January, 1866. I am happy to inform you that tho Major-General Commanding has made another successful attack on tho rebels in their stronghold at Patihi. Tho foive as below mentioned, under tho command of MajorGf.neral Chute, accompanied by his staff, viz., Major Pitt, A.M. Secretary ; Captain Leoch, D.A.A.: General, and Dr. Gibb, Deputy-Inspector- General ; Assistant-Surgeon Manley, Y.C., .Royal Artillerv; Staff-Assiatant-durgeon O'Connoll; Captain Bishopj C.T.C.; and Deputy-Commissisary-General Strickland, paraded at 2 a.m. this morning for the purposo of attacking tho Patiki pa. The troops marched off in silence, no lights being allowed, or fires in the camp previous to starting, tho road loading to the pa was commenced by crossing a deep gully and river close under the camp ground and across a flat, and again taking to the hill country, covered with scrub high fern and ti-tioe, tbe road for about threo or four miles was almost impassible for troops to cross being merely a native track through dense bush and deep gullies, leading to the rear of tho pa, the road leading to tlie front being avoided for tho pnrpose of deceiving tho rebels, which was most clovorly m inaged. The position lay on the top of a high hill surrounded on three by deep ravines covered with thick bush, the ono aseeniod by the troops being almost perpendicular, the men climbing up by means of the supplo jack and branches of trees aud undergrowth, on arrival on the top, the ground \va? covered with liigh_ forn, tho troops were then extended round tho position, and on the bugle sounding the advance, lhe troops advanced on tho place with admirable coolness and courage, and carried it at the point of the bayonet. And as for the conduct of the officers and men I can only refer you to the accompanying copy of a general order issued by the If .j'n'-Goiieral on his return to camp. The robel ilag was hauled down by a private soldier of tho 11th .Regimont, named Michael Coffey. After tho position was taken and the rebels chased into the bush, tho flagstaff was cut Gown by tho X'ioneers of the 14-th Regiment, and the v-V.le place destroyed by the troops, the whaivs urnt-, and every part committed to tho flames. PreI vious to the troops ascending to tho front of the posi- | ior, tho rebels danced tho war dance, their shouting I unri cry:" - could be heard for a great distance. They were very much surprised to find tho troops I so early in tho day at the back of them, by a road i

hoy little thought of. I Ben d you a list of casualtie on our side, wuieh, considering the position taken v • y Vei T B,ua U—tie loss on. the rebe side being nineteen killed and one prisoner; of cours (his does not include the wounded. The >risonc stated that the wounded and ?ome of their killet were drigged into tho bu>h at the extreme edge o tho pa. A few pigs and lov/ls were caught, and J quantity of potatoes were gathered, previous to tin return to cainp. Moat probably a party will be senl out to-morrow for tho purpo.va of further destroying their plantation!). c Strength of the Forco above mentioned. Royal Artillery—.3o non-commissioned officers and men, under command of Lieutenant Carre. 14th Regt 220 non-commissioned officers and men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor, with proportion of officer.-. 18th Regt—loo non-commissioned officers and men, with prop irtion of officers, under command of Major Rocke. 50th Regt.—loo non-commissioned officers and men, with proportion of officers, under command of Captain Johnston. Forest Rangers— 30 men, under tho command of .Major Von Tompskv. "Native Conti gent—2oo natives, under command of Major McDonnell. CASUALTIES. 14th Regt.—Private Patrick McOabe, gunshot wound under left eye, ball lodging in neck ; dangerous. 50th Regt —Corporal J. Philpot, killed ■ gunshot wound through heart. forest Rangers—Two men, names I cannot as yet ascertain, will be sent next mail. ISative Contingent—Major McDonnell, gunshot wound, right log, severe ; and one native, gunshot, wound, right leg. The following Fi«lJ Force orders were issued at the camp in front of Putahi Pah : — 7th.January, 1566. 1. The Major-General commanding is at a loss to find words .sufficiently to express his thanks to the field force engaged against the formidable Pah of Putahi this morning, aftor a harassing march of four hours, through dense bush and forest, and up and down almost perpendicular ravines. The MajorGeneral was proud to sec tho forco first advance against bhis Pah, nearly inaccessablo to troops, with as much coolness and precision as if on their private parades, and afterwards charge it ia a most gallant and spirited -maimer when within obout 80 yards of it. Such conduct proves that no troops can cope with those of Great Britain. 2. The Major-General bi"gs earnestly to thank Lieutenant Carre, Royal Artillery, lieutenantColonel Trevor, commanding 14th Regiment, Major Rocke, commanding 2-lStli Regiment, Capt. Johnstone, 50th Kegiment, commanding dota hment, Major Von Tompsky, commanding Forest Rangers, Major McDonnell, commanding Native Contingent and the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men under their respective commands, for their bruvu and soldierlike conduct; also .Deputy-Inspector General Gib I) and his stuff, for their great and energetic attention on the occasion. 3. I'ho Major-General regrets that ho is deprived of the services of a gallant oflieer, namely that of Major McDonnell, of the Native Contingent, by a severe wound, but ho trusts only for a short time. By command, Signed, E. Leech, Captain, Deputy-Adjutant-General. R-*'-—Seven more dead rebols have been found making a total of 26. > Camp before Putahi, ! Bth Januarv. The force under command of Major Koeko, iSth Regt.. consisting of detachments 2nd bat. ISth and 50th Regts , inarched at o a.m. this morning to Patea, their services being no longer lequired. Tlia wounded were also sent to Patea for further conveyance to Wanganui. Tho Native Contingent went out to-day to the site of t'io pa for the purpose of further destroying any plantations, &c., that may bo fouod. On approaching tho placo they captured a prisoner who was lying hid in tho brushwood, and brought liirn into camp for the purpose of obtaining any information they could from him. He stated that there were many more killed and wounded balonxing to the rebels than was found by tho troops. Ho is a '"cry old mnn, and if ho is a "thorough specimen of ilio Hanhaus, they must bo getting very badly off "or clothing, <Ke. Tho Native Contingent also cap:urud a number of horso3 to-day, amongst the number :he two hors.es belonging to Mr. R. Simpson that xare taken from poor Arbon, the carter that was tilled between Nukumaruand Alexander's farm. The MhoH woman who was taken prisoner at Okutuku dso had his cap on. Camp Kakaramea, 9th January. The field force consisting of tho 14th Regt., Forest Ringers, and Native Contingent, under command of Major-General Chute, marched at 4 a.m. this mowing for this post, crossed the Patea River about 8 >'cloek a.m , and proceeded to the lake (about J-mile listant), and halted for breakfast. A very gratifying icene took place at the lako after tho force had break-a-ted. Tho 2nd bat. 18th Hegt. stationed at tho J atca provided bread and clieose, 1 quart of ale, and obacco and soap for every man of the 14th Regt. heir old comrades, which, considering the place, was l very haud;omo treat and was much enjoyed by the nen after fh'ir march. At 12 o'clock noon, the orce was again undor arms and marched to this jlaco. There is a very nice redoubt here occupied by i detachment of tho 50th, who havfc been stationed lcro for some time. January 10. Nothing of any importance took placo to-day. rhe force halted for one day, and start again in tho norning at 4 a.m. Our destination is not as yet jeiierally known, but I will send you the particulars 19 soon us possible. It is presumed that another pa ■vill be attacked either to-morrow or the day after. L'ho Genoral intends to make short work of it r.t the ;he rate he is going on; ho seems to be tho right man n tho right place. A very large potatoe plantation was destroyed in ,he ranges to-day by tho native contingent, dotachnenfa 50th and 14th regimonts. A great quantity of lie potatoes were brought into camp for the use of ;lio troops and native contingent. A reconnoitering 3arty under tho command of Colonel Weare, 50th •egimont, was sentjfrom the Patea to tho back of the Putahi Pa, on the 7th instant, to cut off the retreat )f any Maories who might bo going that way. They rilled ono rebel and took another prisoner. The orisonor had a flannel shirt belonging to a man of ;he 50th regiment who was murdered by the rebels somo time back near this place. [FBOir ANOTHER COI2UESPOJTDMT.] Camp Ohinomutu, 4th January, 1£66. Major-General Chute, accompanied by his Staff Major G. D. Pitt, Assistant Military Secretary, Captain 13. Leech, D.A.A. General), Dcputy-Com-nissary-General Strickland, Captain Croagh, Military frain, Assistant-Surgeon Manley, V.C., K.A., Lieutenants Carre, Roy, Arby, Captain Bishop, Transport Dorps, also his Honor the Superintendent, Dr. B'eulheritono, marched from this post at B*3o i.m., for tho purpose of attacking the rebel Maori josition of Okatuku pa, occupied by a strong body of :he llauliaus, accompanied by the force as under: — 2nd Bat., l ltli Regimeut.—l captain, 2 subalterns, l sergeants, 1 drummer, and 100 rauk and file, Cap;ain i{. U. Vivian in command. Forest Rangers.—l field officer, 3 sergeants, and 50 men, under command of Major Von Tempsky. Native Contingent.—l field officer, 2 subalterns, 2 sergeants, and 200 men, under command of Major McDonnell. The force commenced its march along a native track for about ono-and-a-half miles towards a denso bush to a native vdlage belonging to the rebels, n-hich was evacuated on the approach of tho troops —it was immediately fired nnd consumed by the 'lames. Tho force continued it* march, entering the bush, along a nutivo track for some distanco to a large clearing in a Btato of cultivation, which was crossed, md, on again entering the bush, tho rebels commenced firing and retiring through the bush towards their stronghold, followed by tho force, the Native Contingent taking the lead. The track leading to the pa was continued through tho bush for a distanco of about one mile, or thereabouts, the whole force' being obliged to march in single file, and, reaching the summit of a large hill which bad been cleared and well stocked in front of the position with potatoes and other vegetation, tho troops wore enabled to extend its front, facing the pa. The troops were then ordored to advance, which was done as well as the naturo of the ground would permit of fiie distance to the point of the pa being about

s 500 or GOO yards, intersected with stumps of trees i P' l ? 3 When within about ICO yards, :l the Major-General commanding ordered the 14th e Regiment to fix "bayonets and charge the r position, which was immediately dono by i that corps, firafc giving a loud cheer, and f rtiahmg to tho front of fche position under a very i heavy lire from the enemy, gallantly led by Captain ; Vivian, Lieufconants Keogh and Caldwell," followed t by the Wative Contingent and Poreßt Rangers. The r troops immediately entered the pa, on which the enemy to the gullies and bueh by which the position was surrounded on its flanks and rear face. J.ho casualties on our side wers not great, consisidering the tremendous raking fire kept up by the enemy on the troops during tho approach across the clearing in front of the pa, being as follows Lieutenant Keogh, 14th Kegiment, gunshot wound ? right shoulder, severely, received whilst gallantly leading his men to the front of the position. Private James jVlc3veown» 1-ith JKegiment, gunshot , wound, right thigh, very severe. (Ley since amjmPrivate Patrick Moran, 14th IJegimont, gunshot wound, right jaw, Bovcre. Private Charles Knight, 14th Hegimsnt. ffuashot wound, left hip, severe. Private H. Murphy, 14th Segiment, gunshot wound over left eye, slight. With reference to tho conduct of the troops, I enclose you a copy of a General Order published by the Major-G-eneral Commanding on his return to camp. .4s to the loss on the side of the rebels, 111 true estimate can be given, as it is wo!l known that they a! ways manage to take their killed and wounded away with them, but five dead bodies werj obtained, and one prisoner takeu alive. rhe coolness and gallantly of Major-General ! and h;s conduct towards all under his com- I mund, has endeared him s.) much to officers an.i I men that words <.*an)iot express their foeiings. Ur. I?eatht'r3to"e and the officers before mentioned accompanied the General during tho whole of the proceedings, and their coolrio.-s under the circumstances was r m>i-irked by alt present. The who.c pi ice was pulled down and destroyed by tho ti'jjpa, and all whares burnt.