THE Otago Daily Times. “Inveniam viam aut faciam.” [Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1868.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23897, 26 August 1939, Page 25

THE Otago Daily Times. “Inveniam viam aut faciam.” [Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1868.

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AGO

The “Lake Wakatip Mail” is “informed, on most reliable authority, that the prospects of the Skippers reefs are still encouraging, and preparations are being made to commence crushing as soon as the ice will permit. Both the Phcenix and Otago Companies’ prospects are hopeful, but on supposed separate reefs; the latter being on a new reef lately discovered, while the former is on a new ‘ make ’ of the old Scandinavian rich reef. It is from the latter where much is expected.”

The “Timaru Herald” of Saturday contains the following letter from a resident in the Chatham Islands to a friend ' in Timaru, concerning the escape of the prisoners:—“When I sat down to write my present bundle of letters, it was on the 4th instant, and I did not intend writing to you, as I had not any news to impart. How little do we know what an hour may bring forth ? Whilst I was in the middle of them, two men rushed frantically into my room for firearms, saying the redoubt was taken by the Hauhaus, and we were in their hands. For one minute, I thought we should all be killed, and loaded my piece to sell my life as dearly as might be; but I had presence of mind to hide my arms, and go out with my pipe in my mouth, endeavouring to look calm, and to reconnoitre. It was providential I did so, for on leaving ray door I found it was covered by half a dozen rifles. I stood and looked at them, and then spoke to some passing, who were unarmed; about a dozen or two came up, and locked myself and four others In the cells, where we remained for an hour in great suspense, for I then believed they had tasted blood. One poor fellow was killed in the redoubt endeavouring to resist them. So well had all been planned and carried out that in about one hour and a half they had taken the redoubt, captured the vessels lying in harbor—the ketch Florence, Captain Priest, and the threemasted schooner Rifleman, Captain Christian —got all on board the latter, and turned the former adrift to go ashore, which she did. Well, you will naturally say how has all this come about, and what were the guard doing ? To answer this I must go back; when the first prisoners were sent down they came with a guard of about 24 file—the prisoners behaved so well that the guard was sent back, except the commissariat issuers; then another batch of prisoners came (indeed two), and the guard was made up to 10 white men and 10 friendly native boys, who had all more or less relations—uncles and cousins—amongst the prisoners. Very wise this of the Government! About twelve months ago we had Major Edwards down on a visit of inspection, and he had the native guard done away with, and the guard made up to 24 fighting men. Another fit of change—economy or experimentalism—seized the Government, and these were gradually reduced to about 18. Then came the last grand stroke. Mr Rolleston came down at the beginning of this year, and he had the guard done away with in toto, and replaced by nine armed constabulary, the sentries abolished, and the duty done in such a manner that —I speak advisedly—half a dozen white men could have taken the redoubt any time during the last three months. I knew it, and have remonstrated in vain. In the redoubt was a magazine with about 24 rifles and ammunition in it, which a child ten years old

could open! Is it to be wondered that 168 fighting men, and most of them fine fellows—with wivtis worse in war than they are —should take the. place and go ? The commissariat issuer has had the charge of them since they have been on the island, and had he exercised the *mallest amount of judgment he might have seen they were disaffected; ahd had he used discretion it might even then have been avoided. But what did he do? Contrary to all rule he allowed the redoubt to be filled by prisoners carrying in stores and to remain there, telling the men not to interfere with them. He nearly lost his life through his blind folly, for they fired on him, and he was in such a panic that he took to the bush and was not seen until next morning. One noble defender of the people' gallantly tried to hide- in a chimney, but the smoke was too much for him—and he an officer—he now goes by the name of Chimney Sweep. One thing must be said in favour of the Hauhaus, or at least of some few-who had authority over the rest. When the place was taken, they hurt neither man, woman, nor child, though the latter were utterly at their mercy. As a matter of course they ransacked the place for money and arms.” THE ESCORT. The Escort arrived in town last evening, bringing the following quantities of gold:— oz. dwts.

Queenstown . . . Arrow 1 Dunstan Blacks ...... 0 Cromwell ..... 0 Manuheriklii . . . . . 854 5 St. Bathans . . . . Hamilton Macraes ..... Mount Ida . . . . 0 Tuapeka ..... Switzers ..... 0 Waipori Wailahuna . . . . 0 0 Woolshed ..... Total . . 6303 14