THE EAST COAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1893, 15 February 1870, Page 7

THE EAST COAST.

PRIVATE WHITTY AND TWO FRIENDLY NATIVES KILLED. SUE-INSPECTOR CRAPP AND OTHERS WOUNDED. THE ENEMY ES3APES. Colonel Fraser, while inarching out with his forco to meet McDonnell, was surprised when reaching Parengaroa, and Bomo of his men killed, and several others wounded. A European named Witty was the first man shot at. lie was killed on tho spot. Two friendly natives were also shot dead, ono of them having no less than five bullets in his body. Sub-lnspcctor Crapp is wounded, and had a narrow escape of losing his life. Four or five friendly natives who surrounded him were all more or less wounded. Tho following is from our own correspondent:— Tauranga, February 4. At half-past nine o'clock last evening, news was received that our peoplo, under Colonel Eraser, had been surprised at Parengaroa, about sixteen miles distant, by the enomy, and that three had been killed on our side— one white man, named Whitty (1 spell it as it is pronounced), and two Maoris. Two Europeans and somo natives are also reported to be wounded. If there is any loss on the other sido it is not known. I believe, however, there are none, from tho fact of the enomy having fired a volley and bolted to li.aik-1 a settlement adjacent in tho ■ bush. | This attack on our forces was not from Te Kooti. Treachery is at work. February 3. By the schooner Jane I forwarded a letter, I the contents of which, so far as I can learn, | have met with contradiction. Tho Sturt arrived from various settlements on the East Coast subsequent to closing my letter, with about 170 Maoris, under the loyal chief Wi Kiugi, and other chiefs, namely, Te Hata o Te Aharau, o Te Aharau, o Te Nutu, Te Kaha, Te Ilatana, To Whanaunganui. It is worthy of remark that all tho native settlemeuts outside the confiscated block of Tauranga proper, with tho exception of Whakatnarama, are at the present moment deserted, the reason allegod for such desertion being terror of aggressive acts of hostility on tho part of the European forces ; but it is not unreasonable or uncharitable to suspect that a disposition to join issue with Te Kooti had some share in the movement. A HAUHAU PRISONER SHOT. Saturday, February 5. Oil Kakaroa being taken possession of by Colonel Fraser's party, one old Maori man and a woman were discovered in one of tho wliares. The former wr.s dragged out by the Maori.portion of the force, when Fox desiring them to clear away from behind him (the prisoner), Fox fired at him, the example being followed by others, when more than a score of bullets entered the unfortunate man's body, which was then chopped up with a spade and thrown aside for dogs to dorour. It is said that his owu son, who had just rubbed noses with him, was one of those who fired upon him. The woman was not molested, as she was recognised as an Arawa who had been taken prisoner by Te Kooti near Taupo some time ago.

Saturday, February 5. Colonel McDonnell arrived at Te Kaka, near Paengaroa, with 300 men. An engagement has taken place at Tapapa, with a loss to us of three white men and three of Kemp's Maoris, Te Kooti's loss being six killed and twenty taken prisoners. ' As soon as McDonnell got Te Knki, our troops divided (or will do so to-day) into three parties—one for Kaimai direction, another to Orapi, the other towards Kotorua. A number of fires are visible from Te Papa, which we suppose to be the burning of the villages.

Sunday, February 6. Our people on the trail of I'e Kooti, known by his shooting his dogs, which were found still warm by Kemp's force. Fox declares he will spare nothing belonging to the rebels that he conies across.

There is little doubt but that To Kooti s escaping to the XJriwcra country should he elude the pursuit of those after him—somewhere about 1000 men. But there he will meet with but short commons, as the following letter just received will indicate: — " Whakatane, February 3. "Dear Sir,—The only information X have worth recording is that two women who were taken prisoners at Ahikereru by Colonel Wliitmore's force, but were allowed to return to their friends, paid us a visit yesterday. They report that the Uriweras are very short of food, their crops having been destroyed by the troops and the late flood ; fern-root and thistles being their principal diet at present. They also state that as soon as their people return they intend attacking this place in revenge for their defeat in March last. A few Hauhaus were out at the Mill yesterday pig-hunting, and as Captain G-undry could not spare any of his thirty men, the settlers called a meeting, and formed themselves into a corps, electing three officers, and immediately afterwords starting for the Mill; but the Hauhaus, fortunately for themselves, had left the place."

a* oon. Colonel Fraser and his men have ust come in from Oropi. Soon after writing the above the troops were seen pouring in to Te Papa, when a splendid spectacle—that of welcoming—followed. Our allies are certainly fine limbed fellows, which they are now giving us every opportunity of noticing. They comprise Kemp's, Topia's, and Fox's men, numbering several hundred. The names of the tribes I need not give you. They will, it is expected, march for Maketu to-morrow early, en route for Rotorua. Thence, should Te Kooti have left, they will proceed to the Uriwera in pursuit. ATTACK ON TE KOOTI. 10 HAUHAUS KILLED, 15 WOUNDED. THEEE FRIENDLY NATIVES SEVERELY WOUNDED. ESCAPE OF TE KOOTI TO THE URIWERA COUNTRY. COLONEL PHASER ARRESTED. The Start brings us the account of a smart and successful attack by our troops upon To Kooti. It appears thnc on Monday last Te Kooti and his fon-es in beating their retreat from Taurmiga, came to the Rotorua Pa, which is L' irrisoned by Lt. Mair, with a force of .-ixty friendly natives. Te Kooti and lliose with him, amongst whom were Iver.'opa and Hakariah, representing themselves to be friendly natives, asked permissi< a to pass the women and children of the while the parleying was going on, making good their progress. By some means it became suspected that the party was Te BLooti's, and Lt. Mair, the only European present, at once took measures for an attack. A fight at once took place at close quarters, when the enemy left ten dead on the field, and had fifteen, more or less, wounded; amongst the latter being Kereopa, and a half-caste named Baker, a notorious ruffian, who was Te Kooti's interpreter and bugler, and who • came with him from the Chatham Islands. As this fellow was talking to Mr. M air one of the

friendlies rar. up to him, and gave him | the coup de grace, declaring that he was J a worse rulfian than Te Kooti. The J natives consider the killing of this man " Baker as a great exploit. Macdonnell was to be joined at once by all the forces, it was expected that he would overtake Te Kooti yesterday. understand that Colonel Fraser has been placed under arrest, at Tauranga, for allowing Te Kooti to pass that district.

Hie following is the official account of the affair, for which we are indebted to the courtesy of the Defence Minister :—

" The Sturt arrived from Tauranga this afternoon, bringing intelligence that an encounter has taken place between a body ol Arawas under Lieutenant Gilbert Mair, and a party of Te Kooti's followers commanded by Kereopa. Lieutenant Mair, hearing that Te Kooti was in advance, made a forced march with such of his men as were able to follow him. After marching many miles without any breakfast they came up with the enemy, who continued his retreat, occasionally charging the pursuers.

" Lieut. Mair, with only 130 Arawas, followed as long as he was able to do so. The enemy's loss is stated to be 10 killed and 15 wounded ; among tho latter it is reported that Kereopaisincluded. Three of the Hauhaus killed were recognised as Chatham Island prisoners; a halfcaste named Baker, also from the Chatham Islands, died of his wounds. The loss on our side was three wounded, one, it is supposed, mortally."

CAPTURE OF TB KOOTI'S WIPE. ENGAGEMENT AT OHIWA. TE KOOTI FORMERLY A SERVANT OF SIR AV. MAUTIN. [I'ROir OCB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wednesday, Feb. 9. Br the p.s. Sturt, which vessel left here last night at almost a moment's notice, you will have learnt that a fight has taken place near Rotorua between a force under Mr. Gilbert Mair and the rebels, the latter losing ten men our casualties being nil. This information reach me just after the departure of the Sturt. This afternoon about 200 men of Colonel McDonnell's force came in by way of the Judea ford with a number of horses (loot I believe) in their possession. They had also with them no leß3 a personage than a wife of Te Kooti, who, at the time I write, is surrounded by a host of curious gazers, spectators, pakeha and Maori.

Colonel McDonnell, who, it was expected, would have left for Maketu this morning, is still here, it is supposed waiting for instructions from Auckland.

The cscape of Te Kooti and liis people, and the consequent influx at Te Papa of nearly all the troops in pursuit of him, are subjects of niucli remark amongst us. It is cerain that some one is to blame. But it behoves your correspondent to bo most careful in dealing with the many rumours always afloat when everybody he meets with is (and possibly most excusably so, under the present situation of affairs) in a state of great excitement. But where upwards of a thousand men are close upon the heels of a hunted devil like To Kooti whose very dogs were destroyed by liim, for fear of their giving alarm, being found scarcely cold by his pursuers. That, under these circumstances, that he arid his misguided followers should not only escape, but attack us even, must bo accounted marvellous—most miracnljus, unless gross mismanagement or worse on our part was the cause. Dilatorincss has been imputed, but I shall be better enabled to furnish you with the real facts by nest mail.

My best Maori informant has just told me that a fight lias taken pluce at Ohiwa jesterday, between the friendlies and the Hauhaus —one killed of the friendlies. The enclosed letter—this moment received— refers to our difficulties towards the East Coast. To Kooti is, without doubt, by this time, in the Uriwera, although my informant declares positively that he has not left Rotorua.

Feruary 10. McDonnell's force have just departed for the latter place.

The following description of Te Kooti may be useful. He was formerly living at Tarawai, (Judge's Bay) near Auckland, and frequently was employed by Sir William Martin to row his boat. In those days Te Kooti conducted himself in an orderly manner, and was considered a most trustworthy Maori.

His hair is of a reddish color, large eyes, fair skinned, standing five feet nine inches, and at that time rather stout built. Immediately after forwarding my letter of this afternoon on board the Tauranga, I find that she has been chartered by Colonel McDonnell, the officer commanding, to proceed at once to Ohiwa, near Opotiki, which place I have already mentioned, has been attacked, with one man on our side killed. The Tauranga in this exigency, I am informed, will convey 150 troops to that place. At all events, it is the intention of Colonel McDonnell to start forthwith, to prevent any future disasters at Whakatane and Opotiki. We are anxiously at this moment waiting the arrival of the Sturt, by which vessel tho Hon. Mr. McLean will, it is expected, be a passenger. February 11. Last evening the beach presented a most animated appcarance by Kemp's force embarking on board the Tauranga for Ohiwa. The greatest excitement still prevails here. February 12. The S*urt returned this morning from Maketu. The following letter contains a full account of the engagement at Ohiwa : — " Whakatane, February 8. " I just write to inform you that the Hauhaus havo commenced hostilities again. On the 6th ,a party of ITriwei a were fishing near Hokianga, the place where the late Mr. Pitcairn was murdered. Being armed, the Arawas, who are stationed at Ohiwa, were on the alert, and sent a small party to watch their movements. On tho approach of tho friendlies the Hauhaus took up a position, and firing commenced. At the same time a settler from Opotiki, named Bramawitch, was riding to Opotiki, hearing the firing, ho thought it advisable to push on. Ou reaching Waiotahi he found the hills in possession of the Hauhaus, but succeeded in crossing tho Waiotahi ford, and arrived in Opotiki after a rather dangerous ride. No casualties are reported from Oliiwo. " Captain Walker, with the Opotiki Cavalry, are about to follow' tho Hauhaus up. " Largo signal fires are burning in the ranges, supposed to be for reinforcements. " Captain Simpkins, with half of his company, took charge of the. Ngatipukeko pa last night, as an attack was expected. " Captain Q-undry has strengthened his redoubt. It is a really formidable work. February 9. " The natives are very hard up for food consequent on tho last flood. They are living at present on kotero, a preparation of rotten potatoes, which is causing the death of a large number of children. " Tho road between Ohiwa and Ohope is just about finished. The natives have made a really good job of it. The cutter Severn arrived some time ago with flax mill (J. S. Macfarlane's). The captnin wishes his arrival to be reported."