TARANAKI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 521, 21 August 1863, Page 10 (Supplement)

TARANAKI.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Taranaki, 9tli August.

As a supplementary note to my letter by this mail, I have to record a sad event. Early this morning (Sunday), the flag on the staff at Mount Elliott indicated that the mail steam vcss-l Lady Bird was in sight. All letters were soon consigned to the Post Office, and the surf boat launched to meet her. As usual, a party from the shore accompanied the boat, in order to obtain the earliest news from the North. The boat reached the vessel in safety, but as she was nearing the shore on her return, by means of the surf line, a heavy swelling wave caused her to broach-to and upsst. All was for the time in confusion; some prudently sought safety by holding on to the boat; others were carried back by the under wave, an 1 had not help been quickly rendered by those on the beach, many would have beeti the sorrowing hearths. Edward Marshall, without a moment's hesitation, boldly rushed in, and succeeded in saving three, who must have otherwise met with a watery grave. Sergeant Johmon, of Mr Mace's corps of mounted orderlies, also, with great determination, rode Ills horse into the midst of the heavy surf, and aided several to shore. Although many, on reaching land w.rein an exhausted state, vet from the prompt assistance rendered by I) >ctors Mackirinon and llawson, but one case was fatal, that of Mr Alexander King, a s.ttler of many years standing, proving the unfortunate victim, notwithstanding that every means were taken towards his resuscitation. One of the boatmen also received a severe injury from the boat striking him. From the absence of rocks to break the force of the waves on the Taranaki beach, the greatest danger is, when even there is only a slight swell, in the receding wave, few.being enabled to stand against the force with which it retires.

Some two years ago, Captain Miller, of the I2th Foot, nearly lost bis own life in an endeavour to save that of a settler's child, the sea at the time was apparently calm, but the under current was so powerful that the Captain, although aa excellent swimmer, had a hard struggle to reach the land. It is time, one would think, that some endeavour should - be made towards the erection of a jetty to extend beyond the surf. An excellent plan was submitted to the Council, some time ago, by Colonel AVarre, C.8., which gave rise to a conversation for the members of the Council, and there the subject ended, notwithstanding that year after year the expenditure of money for the purpose has been proposed. Ido trust that the sad accident of to-day will reawaken the Government so that action may be taken towards amending the landing system for the future.

The Lady Bird, in place of carrying forward the Southern mail, proceeded again to Aucklaud with 175 rank and file, and the usual number of non-commissioned and commissioned officers of the 70th. The swell was so heavy that the men did not embark until late in the afternoon ; they were all on board before dark. The remainder of the regiment still in Taranaki will be taken on by the Airedale in her next upward trip. As usual, the town is rile with reports; some imagine that the Maories are collecting itt the South with the intention, during the absence of the troops, of attacking the town, so that ulu may be obtained for their slain; at present there is a division in the enemy's camp; the Upper Wanganui's have received several insults from the Tarnnaki and Ngataruitmi natives, who, although they are not of sufficient strength to protect themselves, appear to take pleasure in tantalizing their allies.

Colonel Sillery and Captain Gresson are passengers by the Lady bird. They have come down to hold a military Court Martial. The settlers have memorialised the Superintendent, requesting him to check the evil that may accrue from the importation of cattle from diseased districts. It is only of late years '.hat Taranaki has imported live stock. Up to 1860 her exports of cattle and sheep were greatly increasing, from which cause the steam vessels found the trade of the Province highly remunerative.

On Tuesday, 11th August the bush parties were ordered ta march out to the Oakura to aid the garrison of that position in destroying the earth-works of the redoubt, prior to the men inarching into town. When this naturally strong p .int is forsaken we shall not have one foot of native ground in occupation of the English. To hold this outpost with the present diminished force would be throwing too much work uponthemen. When the remainder of the 70th have left, the force in Taranaki will be, of the 57th, 550; engineers, 10; artillery, 20; militia and volunteers, 611; making a fotal of 1191. In ease of an attack this number could be increased to about 1300 capable of bearing arms. At present the force i-i thus distributed :—

57th Regiment :—Oakura, 151 ; Potoako, 159; town, 231; the remainder light duty men. Artillery and Engineers:—Oakura, 8; Potouko, 6 ; town, 20. Militia and Volunteers:—Bell block, 610; Qmata stockade, 70 ; town, 481. The town force will now be strengthened by the Oakura garrison.