THE NATIVE WAR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 650, 18 January 1864, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE NATIVE WAR.

OCCS?ATIQN OF NGARUAWAHIA. OPERATIONS AT TARANAKI. PROGRESS OF EVENTS. In our last summary we gave particulars of the attack and capture after hard fighting of the native fortress at Rangariri. Soon after this event the- rebels made overtures to the Governor for peace, but they were told his Excellency would not talk to them until the Queen's flag floated at Ngaruawahia, the village in which the native King resided, and where the flag of rebellion was hoisted. General Cameron continued his onward march through the Waikato country, and entered Ngaruawahia without opposition. We now proceed to give the most interesting and important events of the month, taken from the letters of our own correspondents, and from other sources. I Our Auckland correspondent on the 9th inst., writes as follows.-— The intelligence regarding the desire of the rebels to come to terms of peace— noticed in my last letter—appears after all to have some foundation in it. The facts of the case appear to be : —Te Wheori, the friendly Waikato chief, started on the 3rd instant for Ngaruawahia to see the King's party, and ascertain their views. He was the bearer ot letters from the Governor to the Waikato leaders. On his arrival there he found about a thousand Maoris assembled, but the King was not present. William Thompson was also absent, but on being sent ior returned during the course of the night. On the arrival of Te Wheoro the Maoris formed themselves into two lines, the Ngatimaniopoto on one side, and the Ngatihamata and Ngatihana on the other side. He passed between the lines, and they fired a salute to his honor, at the same time calling his attention to the scattered remnant of his people, and noticing the destruction of their canoes. He was asked to enter a whare, and having done so the natives then had a long and animated korero amongst themselves, the result being that Te Wheoro was instructed to inform the Governor that they wpuld give up their arms and surrender the land as far as Ngaruawahia on the following terms: — No natives to he taken prisoners, but all to remain at liberty, and have permission to live in their own settlements, and cultivate their own land. In the event of these terms not being agreed to by his Excellency the Governor, they would continue the war. The Ngatimaniaopotos and other tribes assembled, then had a long altercation as to what should be done with the King's flag-staff, at present erected at Ngaruawahia. The Ngatimaniaopotos wished to cut it down, but did not prevail on the other tribes; and at last it was decided that it should remain untouched, and leave the General to do what he might choose with it when he arrived at .Ngaruawahia. The graves of the buried Maoris at Ngaruawahia were also to be left to his protecting care from, insult by the soldiery. They afterwards all left Ngaruawahia in order that no opposition should be offered to the progress of the General, and that on the other hand they might not be entrapped by his sudden advance upon them, and thus be taken prisoners before the terms of peace proposed by them could be taken into consideration by the Governor. They appeared to be supplied with abundance of food and ammunition, and it was the opinion of Te Wheoro that the fighting would have been continued had he not visited them. The Princess Sophia is reported to have been at Rangiriri, but did not get away scatheless. She was severely wounded in the knee by a rifle bullet. Te Wharepu, a chief of some note, was also dangerously wounded, having no less than five bullets in him. Forty-seven of the natives wounded aft Rangiriri have died of their wounds. General Cameron was to advance yesterday towards Ngaruawahia, and we may therefore expect to hear of his safe arrival there in a few days, and of the initiatory steps being taken to come to an understanding with the natives according to their terms of peace, or those proposed by the Government. The body of Colonel Austen was brought into town yesterday evening, from the Queen's redoubt. The gallant Colonel was wounded at tne attack on Koheroa, and lastly, at Rangiriri. He died lrom lockjaw. Our Wellington correspondent under date of the 19th December, wrote :— You are already aware that in consequence of a quarrel between the Ngatimaniaopoto and the Waikato the flag staff at Ngaruawahia was about being cut down, but at the instance of a friendly chief who has been negotiating between the Government and the rebels (Te Wheoro), the flag was sent off to the general instead. The General telegraphed to the Governor for instructions, and was told to push on, and when in possession of the King's village to communicate with the Governor, who would then go down and talk with the natives. His Excellency also wrote to the Waikato chiefs as follows : —" Sons, my words to you are these: The General must go uninterrupted to Ngaruawahia; the flag of the Queen must be hoisted there." Both the General and the natives appear to have quicklycomplied with the Governor's instructions, for on the morning of the 9th December the following telegram was received by His Excellency :— "From General Cameron, at Ngaruawahia to His Excellency the Governor. "Bth December, 1863. " The Queen's flag is flying at Ngaruawahia. A division of 500 men under my command were conveyed up the river in the Pioneer, and landed at Ngaruawahia, about 4 p.m. to-day without opposition or seeing any natives." I hear that in all probability the Governor, accompanied by Messrs Whitaker and Fox would proceed thither, as soon as the Assembly broke up. Before this some important koreros have no doubt taken place, and we shall be very glad to hear that the peace of thafc district has been secured by the submission of the Waikatos. The keeping of so many influential men prisoners, has about it more that is conducive to this end than if they had been slain in battle, and the presence of Mr Whitaker at the interview the Governor proposes to hold, may be taken meanwhile, as some guarantee that no terms will be made with the Waikato, that do not contain reasonable grounds; for the submission required will be real, and not merely a pretencs. How far the Ngatiamanipotos (a most powerful and disaffected tribe, will be influenced thereby is very doubtful. Until that is known no- j thins can be said for the future; but the belief that immediately the troops can be safely withdrawn from Waikato they will be set to work at Taranaki, is strongly supported by the intention to strengthen thu vVansjaiui frontier shortly by addition .-i: t'-oop*.

from Rewi, the Ngatiamanipoto chief, and | the instigator of all the devilry that has been going on for months. It was dated at Ngaruawahia, and invites help, as there was to be a stout resistance made here. Fortunately the General did not delay in his advance upon Ngaruawahia. The natives appear to have been outwitted by the general's comparative promptitude; ! doubtless they thought he avouUl take a ! month or two, or they never would have sent down here for help. No greater argument for quickness of action is needed than is to be found in this and Thompson's emphatic declaration in his letter to the prisoners—' We have not yet taken breath on account of the enemy constantly driving us from place to place. We are quite out [of breath.' The following translation of a proclamation found at Mere Mere, was laid before the Assembly on the Bth, and published on the 9th. It will therefore be news to your readers, and will show them that the King,s Council does not want for men in it who would not disgrace any of the many Executives with which this colony abounds. TRANSLATION. Ngaruawhaia, October 3,1863. Listen, all tribes of this island. This is a proclamation according to the law of God and of maD, At the time of raising the King and his laws, his councils, his magistrates, _and_ his chiefs, within the jurisdiction of this King, were established laws held in esteem by the tribes of this island, resting on the word of God. (They continued in force) up to the time of fighting, (when) these laws fell. The mode of falling was this :— He (the King) had no council, no magistrate, no police, no soldiers. This man, the King, was wandering about without place of abode. The place appointed for his abode was Ngaruawahia. His old council had been put aside, and the magistrates. 2. The law consents that (the King) should be restored to his dwelling at Ngaruawhia. This is the dwelling place of the King of the island. 3. The law consents that a learned council be established as a fountain head for the laws of this island. If the King has a word to say let it go before that council for them to consider. If judged right that council will write to all the chiefs and the chiefs of the army previously. 4. Let the magistrate attend to ins work, because evil has spread among the people. 5. As for all the forces of the island, let them come to Ngaruwahia that there may be selected 200 out of each 1000 50 „ „ 500 40 „ „ 400 20 „ „ 200 10 „ „ 100 !10 „ „ 50 Listen all tribes, all chiefs. This my word sent to all of you. 1. To all the tribes to occupy Mere Mere. 2. If a tribe wishes to go to any place, let it be sent with consent of the tribe and of the chiefs of the army, lest it go or remain in discontent. If consent is not given it must stay. TLe cause for consideration for the great day (of battle). 4. About property and food. Take all guns, powder, bullets, copper caps, cartouch boxes, coats, watches, money, rings, hats. These take. The things to leave on the body of the slain are shoes, stockings, shirt, and trousers; leave these on his body. 5. Let the plunder of each tribe and of each man be brought to one head. One for Waikato, one for Maniapoto, one for Ngatiana, each having its own guardian. Let the name of each man be^ written on the property (plundered by him). Itwill be marked with the King's seal. The only things which will be quickly delivered (to the man who took them) will be guns, powder, copper caps, and bullets; other property leave alone till the end, when his own will be restored to each man. All these laws have been consented to publicly. By King Mattjtaera^ Potatua. Considerable uneasiness is just now felt at Wanganui. There is restlessness amongst the river tribes which excites suspicion, and a deputation from Waikato (meaning very probably from the Ngatiananiopoto) has again been endeavoring to excite a diversion, but we are told that they have returned very much disappointed at the wat of success.^ The Wanganui tribes may probably assist Taranaki, but nothing more is very likely to result if the news from the North still continues good. The "Chronicle" says:—"Since the return of those who went Northwards, Peli and his companions have been doing their utmost to collect recruits, ostensibly to attack New Plymouth on this side, i while the Ngatiawa and Ngatimaniapoto do so on the other, but possibly with some other object; and it is expected that their plans will be matured at a great Christmas gathering, which is to be held at Karatia. From Pipiriki news reached us that j Topia wrote to the Taupo natives urging them to come and assist in attacking Wanganui, but that the letter was intercepted and destroyed by youg Hore Potene, who declaredl he would respect his father's wish to have no fighting here, Hpri himself, however, and j some of his people have just been to Rotorua in quest of powder, and we learn lrom good authority that they obtained some, though we believe they asserted the contrary to their missionary Booth." There is also a report of an extensive fortification at Patea, North of Wanganui, but it is helieved to be an exaggeration. Lieutenant Colonel Logan, in charge at Waganui, has most injudiciously sent j round to the settlers informing them that if they employ rebel natives they will lay themselves open to the penalties of the " Suppression Act." This has caused considerable dissatisfaction, among the outsettlers especially, whose policy is to keep on as good terms with their native neighbors as possible; besides which Maori labor at this time is invaluable, and anything that bears the semblance of petty persecution towards some is sure to be resented by the rest, just as it would be among ourselves. The "first fruits" of that Act are by no means calculated to give us the assurance that there will no be enormous grievances when it comes into general operation. Col. Logan is acting altogether on his own responsibility, and will we hope be very soon told so. Both at Wanganui and here the military have been allowed to assist in mowing and other similar operations, which has been of untold benefit. Major Bwyer, in charge at Wellington, has as yet received no orders to take the temporary command of the 14th, vacant by the death of Colonel Austen. The permanent successor is ten years Major Dwyer's junior, and is at present with the Ist battalion in the West Indies. Had not Colonel Austen died, the head quarters of the 14th were to have been removed here, so as to have given the colonel that quiet which the recovery of his wounds needed. We have not had a military band here so long, that we are glad to find that there is still a probability that the head quarters will yet be sent down, and that Major Dvvyer will remain in Wellington. The Government have'sem instnrMons _LAj£gl-tliii-Efiinaindei of the Deienoc Force

into the country. There are about 125 men still in town, and the sooner they get to their stations the better they will like it. A portion is to be stationed about twelve miles off in Poioroa Bay, and the remainder at Feathorston in the Wairarapa,—the military tents being lent to .them until barracks can be erected. Monday Evening, 21st Dec. The Southeaster, which was just springing up when I wrote on Saturday, has detained the Storm Bird until, in all probability, tomorrow morning. We have news from Auckland to the 16th. There has been a little fighting. Thirty of the forest rifles surprised a party of natives near Paparata on Sunday morning, the 13th, at prayers. The panic was very great, scarcely any of the natives attempting to fight. One man quietly stood up to be shot 'down, but a second, on being wounded, closed with a Hanger, and was well nigh being too much for him, when Ensign Westrupp stunned the native by a ballon the head; again he rose to his ; knees, when a second bullet scattered his brains. Four bodies were found dead, the few wounded were carried off to a patch of bush by their friends, and were not followed. There was plenty of plunder recovered and some flags. On the morning of the 16th, the Governor, the General and Commodore, and Messrs Fox and VVhittaker, were starting for Ngaruawahia, The Ngatiawas (Thomson's tribe) are all that are really inclined to give over. I am assured that they have borne the brunt both at Taranaki and in Waikato, and this, coupled with the lo?s of so many chief men as prisoner? of war, has made them desirous to submit— "Let it suffice for you, the men who are dead. Kestore to us those who live," is the appeal they make by letter to the Governor. This is the answer which Mr Fox writes : " The Governor will hold no communication whatever with you while you continue in arni3, but give up all your arms, your powder and all your aims to the Governor, then only will a way, a communication be open for you, at present there is none." The opinion I gave you on the 19th instant, relative to the determination of the Ngatiamanipotos or lower Waikotos not to give in just yet, is confirmed. They are reported to be pa-building, and the General is very anxious to get the Ngaruawahia talk over, in order that he may push on. The Governor's visit is expected to take eight days, giving him about three for his stay at the Maori capital. The letters from Auckland are couched in somewhat glowing terms, the Rangiriri excitement having subsided, the public again see that a heavy work may be still before them, ere both the Waikatos are brought to book. The Lady Jocelyn's t>oops are to hand very opportunely, as it is much desired by the General to get the Waikato war thoroughly over before the summer is ended. The°following are the details of the attack on the rebels at Paparata, as supplied by the correspondent of the "Southern Cross":— Captain Jackson and Ensign Westrupp,. ■with twenty-eight men of the Forest Rifles, left on the 1 lth, for the purpose of scouring the bush. They did not fall in with any natives until Sunday morning, when the action took place. On Saturday. evening tracks were discovered, and these were followed up with success. About daylight on Sunday morning smoke was seen in the bush, at a distance of from four to five miles, and an advance was cautiously made with a view of taking the natives by surprise. The advance was conducted in silence, until the sound of a hell was heard, and then the voice of a I man singing, as if engaged leading the devotions of the encampment. A consultation was held as to whether it would be better to divide the party and make two attacks; and it was finally determined that the party should keep together, and attack simultaneously. The Forest Rifles thereupon crept stealthily forward, Ensign Westrupp and a few men in advance. As tile Maori encampment got nearer, two colored men, who were of the party, took the lead; and these succeeded in getting pretty close to the natives beforethey were discovered, and as the man on the watch did not give the alarm it is supposed he thought these men were friends coming to them. The advance file had then got to within about thirty yar&s of the natives, and Ensign Westrupp, we believe, ordered them to fire. The order was obpyed, and the Maori sentry fell dead. A rush was then made on the encampment, the entire party coming up and delivering fire. The panic amongst the Maoris was inten; e. One man stood upright, without making an effort to escape or defend himself, and was shot down. Another was wounded in the shoulder by Private John Smith, formerly of the Wairoa Rifles ; and the native fired at Smith in return, but missed. He then clubbed his double-barrelled gun, and struck at Smith, who parried the blow with the barrel of his rifle, and closed with the native. Although the Maori was wounded, he would have proved match enough for Smith in thi3 hand-for-hand struggle, but for Ensign Westrupp, who came to the relief of his man, and shot the native in the head. He fell, but again rose to his legs, when another man blew out his brains. That was the only instancce of resistance shown by the natives, except a few shots, which did no harm. Four of the Maories were left dead on the field, and several wounded men were carried away, principally by the women of the party. There was an order given not to fire at any of the women. Two chiefs were killed, judging by the tattooing. One of these returned to the whare to get his spear, which has fallen a trophy to Captain Jackson, and was shot down,- the other was shot in the act of carrying a way a box containining two flags, that have sin*e been brought in. The Maoris were encamped near a waterfall, close to the head of a gully, in a piece of thin bush, and the wounded or dead were carried away through this bush by their friends. There was a good number of women and children. The precise locality of the engagement is not known. It is somewhere in the Paparata district, however, and is one day's march, with the men loaded, from the second crossing of the Wairoa. The Forest Rifles having driven away the Maoris, examined the encampment, which appeared to be a place used by the natives for storing their plunder, and which they doubtless believed out of reach of the pakeha. There was a large accumulation of plunder—silks, dresses, ribbons, blankets, shawls, and scarfs—in fact, an infinity of things carried away out of the houses of the Wairoa settlers. Amongst the property recognised was a scarf belonging to Mr Macdonald, a settler ; also the English volunteer regimentals of Ensign Johnston, of the Wairoa Rifles. Property belonging to Mr Richardson, a settler, was likewise recognised. Part of this spoil was thrown into the creek; the most valuable was brought by the men, who gave three cheers on leaving the place. The four dead bodies were covered with blankets, and left close by where they fell. We should add that it is believed three more were killed, from the way the bodies were seen to be carried by the women when out of the ranpe. The Maoris appear to have prepared for an expedition, having about 2 cwt. of fern cake baked. Judging by the loot, they are supposed to be a portion of the sam

Captain Jackson and Ensign Westrupp,. with twenty-eight men of the Forest Rifles, left on the 1 lth, for the purpose of scouring the bush. They did not fall in with any natives until Sunday morning, when the action took place. On Saturday evening tracks were discovered, and these were followed up with success. About daylight on Sunday morning smoke was seen in the bush, at a distance of from four to five miles, and an advance was cautiously made with a view of taking the natives by surprise. The advance was conducted in silence, until the sound of a bell was heard, and then the voice of a man singing, as if engaged leading the devotions of the encampment. A consultation was held as to whether it would be better to divide the party and make two attacks; and it was finally determined that the party should keep together, and attack simultaneously. The Forest Rifles thereupon crept stealthily forward, Ensign Westrupp and a few men in advance. As tile Maori encampment got nearer, two colored men, who were of the party, took the lead; and these succeeded in getting pretty close to the natives beforethey were discovered, and as the man on the watch did not give the alarm it is supposed he thought these men were friends coming to them. The advance file had then got to within about thirty yarcls of the natives, and Ensign Westrupp, we believe, ordered them to fire. The order was obpyed, and the Maori sentry fell dead. A rush was then made on the encampment, the entire party coming up and delivering fire. The panic amongst the Maoris was inten; e. One man stood upright, without making an effort to escape or defend himself, and was shot down. Another was wounded in the shoulder by Private John Smith, formerly of the Wairoa Rifles ; and the native fired at Smith in return, but missed. He then clubbed his double-barrelled gun, and struck at Smith, who parried the blow with the barrel of his rifle, and closed with the native. Although the Maori was wounded, he would have proved match enough for Smith in thi3 hand-for-hand struggle, but for Ensign Westrupp, who came to the relief of his man, and shot the native in the head. He fell, but again rose to his legs, when another man blew out his brains. That was the only instancce of resistance shown by the natives, except a few shots, which did no harm. Four of the Maories were left dead on the field, and several wounded men were carried away, principally by the women of the party. There was an order given not to fire at any of the women. Two chiefs were killed, judging by the tattooing. One of these returned to the whare to get his spear, which has fallen a trophy to Captain Jackson, and was shot down; the other was shot in the act of carrying a way a box containining two flags, that have sin*e been brought in. The Maoris were encamped near a waterfall, close to the head of a gully, in a piece of thin bush, and the wounded or dead were carried away through this bush by their friends. There was a good number of women and children. The precise locality of the engagement is not known. It is somewhere in the Paparata district, however, and is one day's march, with the men loaded, from the second crossing of the Wairoa.

The Forest Rifles having driven away the Maoris, examined the encampment, which appeared to be a place used by the natives for storing their plunder, and which they doubtless believed out of reach of the pakeha. There was a large accumulation of plunder—silks, dresses, ribbons, blankets, shawls, and scarfs—in fact, an infinity of things carried away out of the houses of the Wairoa settlers. Amongst the property recognised was a scarf belonging to Mr Macdonald, a settler ; also the English volunteer regimentals of Ensign Johnston, of the Wairoa Rifles. Property belonging to Mr Richardson, a settler, was likewise recognised. Part of this spoil was thrown into the creek; the most valuable was brought by the men, who gave three cheers on leaving the place. The four dead bodies were covered with blankets, and left close by where they fell. We should add that it is believed three more were killed, from the way the bodies were seen to be carried by the women when out of the ranpe.

The Maoris appear to have prepared for an expedition, having about 2 cwt. of fern cake baked. Judging by the loot, they are supposed to be a portion of the sam

party who did so much damage in the Wairoa, and who are accountable for at least some of the murders. One of the natives lived a few minutes after he received his death wound, and he communicated the fact that they belonged to the Ngatipau tribe. The spoil taken from the Maoris consists of the chief's spear before alluded to, and of considerable value; a double-barrelled gun, tomahawks, and two flags. Oneof th.ese is a red silk flair, about three feet by five feet, with the following device :—Cross (f) and star (*); underneath : the word "Aeotearoa, which is the native name for the Northern Island. The smaller flag is white and red. Taking these facts into consideration, it is j evident that some man of consequence amongst the natives has fallen. It is to be regretted that the Forest Rifles did not follow them up, and inflict greater punishment on them, which the nature of the country permitted; but the men were tired, and at a greater distance from their supports than was pleasant. On the whole, therefore, a highly successful affair has occured to enliven the monotony of the war; and this time it is entirely by civilians. The attack in question proves that a party of Europeans, who take proper precautions, can surprise? a party of natives quite as readily as natives can steal a march upon us. Captain Jackson and party returned to Paparata yesterday, about noon. At Taranaki affairs continue much as they have been for some months back. On the 7th December our Taranaki correspondent writes :— Information as to the movements of the natives is in a disagreeable and inconvenient state of unrertainty ; so, whilst one is not aware of danger, sufficient as to the whereabouts of the natives is not known to give convenience for the settlers to proceed near the neighborhood of the bush for the purpose of destroying: the thistles. Our old opponent, William King (not of Umaroa) has returned to the Waitara, making Matataiwa his head quarters ; only three of his own party and some Mokau natives accompanied him. His mission does not appear to be one of peace, as the natives from his neighborhood have been busily employed shooting cattle, with a view maybe of storing food by the time the potatoes are ripe. Last week a grand afftiir was planned with the idea of bringing on an engagement with the Waitara Maoris, so as if possible, to check them in their raids on the cattle pastures. The bushrangers marched out early in the morning, whilst the military and artillery held themselves ia readiness to follow, should their services be required. Mr T. Clare was again fired on whilst searching for cattle near the Ninia Pa- The natives were concealed in the shelter of a furze hedge. A party from the Bell Block house immediately marched to the rescue. Scarce a day now passes without firing being heard near the Maori positions. Whilst so much caution is evinced in their movements they managed to keep quite clear of the bush parties which left town at all hours of the night, and continued in ambuscade until long after daylight. To-day, Dec. 7th, 150 friendly natives, all armed with single and double barrelled guns, under the command of Mr Good, of the Native Department, finished cutting and bridging a long connecting line of road planned by Colonel Warre, whose object is to unite by cross-roads those roads tha radiate from the mountain as a centre. Southwards, the natives on the Kaitahi ranges have received reinforcements from upper Wanganui, the numbers are variously stated from four to six hundred; the Poutoko redoubt is to be enlarged so as to yield accommodation for expected reinforcements. On Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, Colonel Warre and staff made-a reconnoisance of the Omata country. The same day a party under the CQmmand of Capt.. Corbet marched Mt: as far'as the Old j Oakura redoubt, where they planted a flag of truce, near which were placed some copies of a Gazette in Maori, containing an account of the fate of Rangiriri with the native loss on that occasion; after fulfilling the duty Captain Corbett returned to the fort To the present date no natives have been seen to approach the neighborhood; natives have been heard yelling and crying on the Harford road, near the battlefield'of the 2nd of October. All around speaks of preparation for determined action; it is stated that the General will be in Taranaki within two months from this date. I do trust that one of the small steamers will visit our roadstead with the intention of trying the entrance of the Patea river. By all accounts it is far more accessible for steamers and small craft than the Waitara, should this prove to be the ca-e, much heavy land carriage may be avoided when the troops move southward. The road system planned for Taranaki, if carried into effect, will open up an agricultural country of the richest quality. Nor is the protection of this Province so difficult a matter as has been generally supposed. Some fourteen miles North of the Waitara there is situated a rounded hill (Pukearuhe) that commands a pass, which cannot be avoided by natives travelling by the inland route from the South'to the North. A stockade erected and garrisoned with some 200 men, it is thought, would effectually protect the road parties from any sudden incursion; the post could be victualled seawards. I have before described the peculiar configuration of the coast. From the Waitara to the Patea River, a distance of about 95 miles, Mount Egmont stands in the centre, whilst the land winds round, similar to the tire of a wheel, at an average distance of fourteen miles. To command the whole of the Province, a road is to be formed from the back of the mountain to the Waimate River that empties itself into the sea a few miles northwards of the Patea. The distance round the coast is about 70 miles, whilst by the proposed line it will be reached in 50 ; miles. There is already a foot track that has been many years in use. The swamps and rivers on the line are both numerous and deep, and will offer many engineering obstacles to the completion of a broad roadway. These swamps situated near the rivers may be drained by short earth cuttings, and thus be rendered available for agriculture or pasture. Details for the carrying out of all this, have been issued by the Government, but doubtless many modifications will be required before they are reduced to practice. The present military commander, Colonel Warre, C.8., has thoroughly studied the line of country, and there is no doubt that had the plans proposed by the Colonel been carried into effect last year, when there was an abundance of disposable labor at command, the country would at the present moment be effectually protected by a very small force. The uncertain movements of the Maoris throw considerable obstaoles in the way of the thistling parties. Should the plants flower this season, and ripen unchecked, the result would be calamitous in the extreme. Unfortunately, the richer the soil the more luxuriant the crop; so that the flats of the cleared forest lands in the back bush, the most difficult to reach, are the chief nurseries for this troublesome weed. The few sheep (some 14,000) yet remaining in the Province under the shearers' hands, are fast losing their fleeces. Ihe scab is still a greet scourge to the flock-owner; every Province appears to possess an Act for the prevention

At Taranaki affairs continue much as they have been for some months back. On the 7th December our Taranaki correspondent writes :— Information as to the movements of the natives is in a disagreeable and inconvenient state of untertainty ; so, whilst one is not aware of danger, sufficient as to the whereabouts of the natives is not known to give convenience for the settlers to proceed near the neighborhood of the bush for the purpose of destroying: the thistles. Our old opponent, William King (not of Umaroa) has returned to the Waitara, making Matataiwa his head quarters ; only three of his own party and some Mokau natives accompanied him. His mission does not appear to be one of peace, as the natives from his neighborhood have been busily employed shooting cattle, with a view maybe of storing food by the time the potatoes are ripe. Last week a grand afftiir was planned with the idea of bringing on an engagement with the Waitara Maoris, so as if possible, to check them in their raids on the cattle pastures. The bushrangers marched out early in the morning, whilst the military and artillery held themselves ia readiness to follow, should their services be required. Mr T. Clare was again fired on whilst searching for cattle near the Ninia Pa- The natives were concealed in the shelter of a furze hedge. A party from the Bell Block house immediately marched to the rescue. Scarce a day now passes without firing being heard near the Maori positions. Whilst so much caution is evinced in their movements they managed to keep quite clear of the bush parties which left town at all hours of the night, and continued in ambuscade until long after daylight. To-day, Dec. 7th, 150 friendly natives, all armed with single and double barrelled guns, under the command of Mr Good, of the Native Department, finished cutting and bridging a long connecting line of road planned by Colonel Warre, whose object is to unite by cross-roads those roads tha radiate from the mountain as a centre.

Southwards, the natives on the Kaitahi ranges have received reinforcements from upper Wanganui, the numbers are variously stated from four to six hundred; the Poutoko redoubt is to be enlarged so as to yield accommodation for expected reinforcements. On Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, Colonel Warre and staff made-a reconnoisance of the Omata country. The same day a party under the CQmmand of Capt. Corbet marched Mtt-as far'as the Old Oakura redoubt, where they planted a flag of truce, near which were placed some copies of a Gazette in Maori, containing an account of the fate of Rangiriri with the native loss on that occasion; after fulfilling the duty Captain Corbett returned to the fort To the present date no natives have been seen to approach the neighborhood; natives have been heard yelling and crying on the Harford road, near the battlefield'of the 2nd of October.

All around speaks of preparation for determined action; it is stated that the General will be in Taranaki within two months from this date. I do trust that one of the small steamers will visit our roadstead with the intention of trying the entrance of the Patea river. By all accounts it is far more accessible for steamers and small craft than the Waitara, should this prove to be the ca-e, much heavy land carriage may be avoided when the troops move southward. The road system planned for Taranaki, if carried into effect, will open up an agricultural country of the richest quality. Nor is the protection of this Province so difficult a matter as has been generally supposed. Some fourteen miles North of the Waitara there is situated a rounded hill (Pukearuhe) that commands a pass, which cannot be avoided by natives travelling by the inland route from the South'to the North. A stockade erected and garrisoned with some 200 men, it is thought, would effectually protect the road parties from any sudden incursion; the post could be victualled seawards. I have before described the peculiar configuration of the coast. From the Waitara to the Patea River, a distance of about 95 miles, Mount Egmont stands in the centre, whilst the land winds round, similar to the tire of a wheel, at an average distance of fourteen miles. To command the whole of the Province, a road is to be formed from the back of the mountain to the Waimate River that empties itself into the sea a few miles northwards of the Patea. The distance round the coast is about 70 miles, whilst by the proposed line it will be reached in 50 ; miles. There is already a foot track that has been many years in use. The swamps and rivers on the line are both numerous and deep, and will offer many engineering obstacles to the completion of a broad roadway. These swamps situated near the rivers may be drained by short earth cuttings, and thus be rendered available for agriculture or pasture. Details for the carrying out of all this, have been issued by the Government, but doubtless many modifications will be required before they are reduced to | practice. The present military commander, Colonel Warre, C.8., has thoroughly studied the line of country, and there is no doubt that had the plans proposed by the Colonel been carried into effect last year, when there was an abundance of disposable labor at command, the country would at the present moment be effectually protected by a very small force. The uncertain movements of the Maoris throw considerable obstaoles in the way of the thistling parties. Should the plants flower this season, and ripen unchecked, the result would be calamitous in the extreme. Unfortunately, the richer the soil the more luxuriant the crop; so that the flats of the cleared forest lands in the back bush, the most difficult to reach, are the chief nurseries for this troublesome weed.

The few sheep (some 14,000) yet remaining in the Province under the shearers' hands, are fast losing their fleeces. Ihe scab is still a greet pcourge to the flock-owner; every Province appears to possess an Act for the prevention

of the spread of this infectious disease, peculiar to itself. This is very objection- | able, more particularly as sheep are an article of inter-provincial commerce. Would it not be far better for the harmonious working of the Provincial Government that the General Assembly should legislate upon the prevention of scab; the adoption ot sanitary measures, towards improving the health of towns; and some other subjects of a general character. A very inglorious affair occurred a short while ago at Taranaki. Our correspondent onthe 24th December wrote as follows : — I did trust by this communication to have reported the occupation of the Kaitaki Ranges. Yesterday, Wednesday, Dec. 23, a lar^e force was detailed for reducing this reputed very strong native position, in three divisions; one was to attack in the rear, another to inarch down the coast, so as to amuse the occupants of the pa on the further spur of the ranges, and the other to advance from the front with the artillery. These steps were taken, in consequence of Captain Short and Lieutenant Clark, the Acting Quartermaster General, having discovered a track by which the rear of the ranges could, with ease, be reached. In accordance with a previously arranged plan, Captain Short, with about 40 men of the 57th, marched out from the Poutoko redoubt very early in the morning up the Hurford road, striking southwards across the Tapue and Oakura Rivers towards the back of the ranges. I have often before described Mount Egmont as a centre, round which the coast wound at an average distance of about 14 miles from its base, the Kaitaki and main ranges striking off at right angles towards the rear; the various rivers that wend their way towards the coast, have left a deep valley which is heavily timbered, between the two lines of ranges. This had to be crossed by Captain Short. At three o'clock on the same morning, some 400 men under the command of Major Butler, consisting of the 57th, 70th, and Volunteer Bush Rangers, marched out with 'the purpose of co-operation to the Potouko, frotn whence they were joined by, the Artillery Forcet and three guns—one 24 pounder howitzer, a 12----pounder howitzer, and a long 6-pounder, and two 5£ In. Cohorn mortars, which had left'town on the Tuesday afternoon. The march was then continued to the Oakrua redoubt, where another halt was sounded ; here, fatigue parties, under the directions of the Engineers, were told off for the purpose of repairing the parapets of the redoubt, the 24-pounder howitzer remaining planted on the plateau that butts over the river valley. An advance was made by the troops in two divisions : one continued down the coast towards the Timaru River, the boundary of the Tataraimaka block, whilst the other marched down to the Wairau stream and struck inland towards the ranges, the two smaller guns and mortars accompanying this portion of the expedition; shortly the party halted within convenient shelling distance of the pah, planting the howitzer, opening fire with shell. The Volunteer Bush Rangers passing on to the left front, and taking position immediately under the hillock upon which stands the pah. Near the palisading two carts were distinctly visible, supposed to have been those taken on the 4th of May. Colonel Warre, C.8., who had joined the force with his staff on the march, waited in vain until long after the middle of the day for the preconcerted signal from Captain Stuart's party, which was to have advanced from the rear of the hill, after the firing had ceased, when orders for retiring were issued. On reaching Oakura Redoubt, on the return march, Lieutenant Clark was found to have returned ; he stated that Captain Short had reached the potato cultivation on the very summit of the hill, and the native guide who had accompanied him listened at one of the huts to the conversation that was going on within, he saw ako, the two men beating the signal drum that had been heard by those returning from the front; the whole force returning to their quarters, taking with them all the appurtenances for redoubt building. When the force first commenced their march from the Oakura, signal fires were lighted by the Maoris in a continuous line down the coast, showing that although the natives were not concentrated on the range at the time, a considerable force was within convenient hail. Although the first object of permanently occupying the Kaitaki Range, was not carried into effect, the expedition has not been without its fruits, in as much as a decided knowledge has been obtained as to the strength of this position; the fact is, that a small force, by a combined movement, can at any time occupy the soot. The natives fired from their double-bar-relled gi;ns and rifles, and in a defiant manner dared the troops to advance. Their numbers have been variously estimated from seven to thirty. The town division did not return until late in the evening, having marched for nearly fourteen hours. Of Maori news there is scarce any to forward ; report states that there are some 700 natives collected at Wairea, to talk over the fate of Rangiriri. Judging from the quietude of the natives, I am of opinion that a great moral effect will result from the General's'determined conduct, and that his brave and noble after behaviour has placed him in such a position as regards the native mind, as to fully command their admiration, so that they will not feel ashamed at succumbing to him. It is, certainly, a grand object to be enabled to crush the rebellion without destroying all self-respect. It is by establishing a proper self-respect amongst the natives, that we i can alone expect permanent peace. At the Waitara side of the town all is quiet. The following letters were laid upon the table of the House of Representatives on the 10th December. They relate to the proposals for peace, and the abandonment by the rebels of their sacred village Ngamawahia; — [translation,] Pene te Wharepu to his Excellency the Governor. Ngaruawahia, 25th Nov., 1863. O Friend, O Governor—Salutations. This is to say to you; the fight has been fought, and some are dead, some live. Restore to us Waikato. Let it suffice for you, the men who are dead. Restore to us those who live. Enough. From your friends, Pene Te Whapepu. Pene Pukewhau. From all the Chiefs of Waikato. To Governor Grey.

[translation.] The Hon. Mr Fox to Pene Pukewhau. Auckland, 30th Nov., 1863. Pene Pukewhau—Your letter has arrived, and the matter has been carefully considered. This is the reply to you, and also to all the people of Ngaruawahia. The Governor will hold no communication whatever with you whilst you continue in arms; but give up all your guns, your powder, and all your arms to the Governor; then only will a way of communication be open for you; at present there is none. That is the word. From your friend, (Signed) W. Fox,

[Translation.] Pene Pukewhau to his Excellency the Governor. Ngaruawahia, December 2, 1863. . O Friend, 0 Governor—Salutations. O Friend, we are awaiting the reply to our letter. Can it have reached or not ? These are the words of that letter. Restore the Waikato men. Suffice for you, the dead. Enough. From the chiefs of Waikato. From Pene Pupewhau.