LATEST FROM TARANAKI.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 253, 23 March 1860, Page 3

LATEST FROM TARANAKI.

COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES

WITH THE MAORIES.

On Tuesday morning last, at 12 o'clock, the I.R.M. Company's steamer Airedale, Captain Johns, was signalled, but she did not get into harbor until 5 o'clock in the evening. In the interim of time between being signalled and coming inside, some doubt existed as to which it was of the two steamers expected here, but as doubt rose into certainty that we were about to receive news from Taranaki, the number of passengers for the beach became extensive, and much anxiety prevailed with respept to the position of aftairs in the disturbed district. She arrived here in eighteen hours from thence.

From the particulars we Lave gained, we learn that on Saturday last, His Excellency the Governor proceeded with the troops to the "Waitara, and finding a pah upon the disputed ground in the possession of the adherents of Wiremu Kingi, he gave them three hours time to quit it. This request was complied with, and, according to order, Colonel Gold proceeded at once to destroy it. Having accomplished this, the force were astonished to find on the following morning that not far off another pah had been constructed in the night, still on the ground in dispute, but nearer to a forty mile bush which lies behind it. This second construction was of a far more formidable . appearance and strength, being composed of trees or timber placed in double rows in the shape of an L; the interval between the two rows being filled up with earth to resist the assaults of cannon. This operation must have occupied innumerable hands by the short time it was accomplished, and appears to possess such strength, that, the artillery made but a slight impression, and that it was immediately repaired by almost invisible agency, the Maories keeping themselves closely concealed. After bombarding the place for several hours, at a distance of 800 yards, but with what success was not known, Mr. Watt, a merchant, and captain of the Taranaki Rifles, volunteered to reconnoitre, in order to ascertain whether the Maories had abandoned their position: the project cost him his life, as he was shot dead upon going within reach of their rifles; two others, a soldier and a sailor, went over to recover his body; the soldier was also killed and the sailor dangerously wounded. The casualties on the other side were not known up to the time of the steamer leaving; but they are supposed to be numerous, as the artillery kept up an incessant fire (so much so that we hear all the ammunition was expended); and yet, in spite of" this, the Maori standard was quickly replaced after being thrice levelled to the ground.

The Airedale landed 101 soldiers and 5 officers from Wellington, on Sunday morning; but the weather getting so bad and the surf breaking two miles from shore, she was obliged to stand out to sea again. Several signals were made to her from the shore, such as, " Keep near for powder," "Keep near to tow boats," " Something important; " but she was unable to comply with them; the bad weather prevented the powder being brought off in the boats, and all she could take on board was some timber for palisades, which she brought on here with her v being so short of coals, that, on coming into harbour, she had only three tons left: she was thus compelled to run for Nelson for coal, as further delay on a lee shore would have jeopardised her. Otherwise, it was the intention of the Governor to have sent on board of her about 1,000 women and children for their greater safety. This subject has been taken up by the inhabitants of Nelson, and on Wednesday a meeting was held to take steps to invite them to come to Nelson for protection, if necessary. We hear that the paddle steamer Tasmanian Maid, belonging to this port, will be chartered by the Government, immediately on her return from the Wairau, to proceed to the scene of action, in order to bring them away; or, if that should be found unnecessary, to hold herself in readiness for any sudden emergency that may occur: her small size and little draught of water will enable her to accomplish much that her larger companions would be unable to perform. A passenger describes the position of the town as being most undesirable. There are 600 or 700 militiamen, who form pickets round the town: this force is composed of every available man; and early youth or palsied age is no exemption from the pressing necessity every one feels there is to arm and be vigilant. An order was given that all Maories were to leave the town; but a certain few, having tickets with V.R. upon them in token of their allegiance, are walking about: but their principles are of dubious character, and most likely only assumed for the purpose of conveying information to their friends in the stockade. The sentries at night, in repeating their "all's well," have heard a derisive echo of "all's hapai" from the lurking aboriginal. Mr. Richmond stopped one little blue jacket who was lugging a huge Maori along the road', on suspicion of his being a spy; another had been caught in the fact and bound hand and foot. There are about 500 soldiers now under arms, in addition to the militia men.

The Airedale is under the direction of the Government, and a small steamer, such as the Wonga or Tasmanian Maid, is required for a hospital ship, to proceed to Waitara. The Niger was at Auckland for supplies.

The natives have seized some provisions on their way to that place under escort. The general opinion is that the other tribes will be guided in their adherence to either side, by whoever was, the first ag-

gressor, therefore the number is likely to increase on , the. .side; of Wiremu Kingi. Large numbers from Wanganui side, have proceeded towards Taranaki. From the rapidity with which the Maories constructed their stockades, it is imagined that they muster little less than '3000 strong.

{From the TaranaM HeraU, March 17.) The almost monotonous character of the intelligence from the camp during the week was varied yesterday by the unexpected announcement that the natives during the preceding night had erected two stockades, one on the land sold by Te Teira to the Crown, between the direct and junction roads leading to the river Waitara, and the other across the former road. It was known for some days that materials for ; such a purpose were being collected, and, taken in conjunction with the return of W. Kingi's emissary to the Waikato and other districts of the island, the erection of these pahs, the existence of which we have since personally satisfied ourselves, would seem to indicate an expectation of aid from without, even if it has not already arrived. Yesterday they removed the survey pegs and otherwise endeavored to efface the boundary line of Teira's land. We still cling to our frequently 'expressed opinion that the natives do not mean fighting—their chances of success must seem small even to their biassed minds; and if we set the little gain that can possibly accrue against the almost certain ruin to those who take up arms in a bad cause against the Queen's authority, we need anticipate no extreme consequences from this last movement. On the other hand, the mind is at some loss to conjecture otherwise for the combination and perseverance with which works of the kind, after having been once demolished by the troops, are again reared in the dead and silence of the night, and for the other acts of aggression referred to. A few hours must solve the question. For a more detailed account of affairs we refer to the journal of events which will be full of interest to our

readers.

Journal of Events since Saturday, 10th March, to the time of publication.

Saturday, March 10.—Several native chiefs signed a declaration to the effect that they swear allegiance to the Queen, and a willingness at all times, if called upon by the^Governor, to take arms in defence of her authority, and to protect the lives and properties of Her Majesty's British subjects in Taranaki; that they will not in any way assist or give information to her enemies. First on the list is Poharama or Moturoa, followed by Mahau, Waka, Ihaia, Wiete Ahoaho, Piripi, Manahi, &c. One of these declarations has been sent to Omata and another to Bell Block, and several signatures obtained. This is an excellent plan, and will separate the loyal from the disloyal natives in our neighborhood, and render themselves amenable to the consequences should they at any time break their oath. Permanent passes with Royal Arms and V. R. printed on parchment, were given to a chosen few who have signed their names to the declaration. Nothing further heard of W. Kingi's movements—and nothing seen of his natives by parties going to and from the Camp. They are supposed to be building a strong position somewhere in the neighborhood of Kairoa. At 4 p.m. H.M.S.S. Niger steamed for Manukau, to coal, and bring more troops. His Excellency the Governor visited the Bell and Hua stockade this afternoon.

Sunday.—A muster of Militia and Volunteers paraded as usual this morning at 10 a.m.

Monday.—Some town people rode down to Waitara yesterday, and reported that W. Kingi's party were about building another pah on the Devon road: This requires confirmation. Archdeacon Govett returned to-day from Taranaki, where he had been on the Sabbath, and brought a letter from some of the Taranaki natives asking the Governor to recommend the Tataraimaka settlers to return, and promising to protect them ; that on second thoughts (which are generally the best) they would not join W. Kingi against the Governor— eating their own words in fact. There is, however, no dependance to be placed upon these natives. They are evidently frightened into a show of submission, and all they said before as to beginning with Tataraimaka, then Omata, and finishing with the town, was, it seems, " waha," —to use a native expression,—viz., " mouth." In, a letter witten by Tamati Wiremu, to Poharama, mentioned before, .they were going to do wonderful things, and nothing but an immediate descent upon the whites was to follow any accession of military strength to the settlement. They see that the Government will not be trifled with, but are fully prepared to resist any aggressive movement on the part of the natives. These remarks apply as well to many of the natives residing within the settled district, who before the arrival of his Excellency were wavering, and to use a native phrase, had "two hearts," only Ihaia's and Teira's followers, together with Poharama and Mahau, were really to be depended upon for loyalty and faithfulness. Had the Governor remained away and no more troops been brought into the settlement, most of the natives, generally considered loyal and true, would have fallen out from our ranks and joined the rebels against us. But a strong determination and readiness of purpose on the part of the Government has done wonders. The mounted escort returned this evening from Waitara and reported all quiet. Some of W. Kingi's natives with a flag of truce had applied at the camp on Sunday for permission to inter the body of an old man, the father of Heneri te Whao (Heneri was the man who led the women in resisting the survey), at their burial ground on the. other

side of the river, near its mouth. Permission was granted, and the natives (four, including Heneri) are described as being very wretched and sullen, as they would not speak to any they met at the camp. The escort did not see any signs of the pah reported on Sunday about to be erected on the Devon road.

Tuesday. —Militia and Volunteer parades going on as usual. The town is very effectually guarded during the night; 25 men occupy a part of the iron store in Devonstreet, and post sentinels up Currie-street and the Carrington-road. Another picket is stationed in a building near Capt. Bulkeley's residence, who post men at different points from the beach up Dawson-street and by a cross street to the infant school-room, where another picket is stationed. The Barracks, Commissariat, and harbor boats are similarly guarded. Mounted patrols also ride over the country during the night, and the Niger's bluejackets and marines, posted at different stations between Cracroft redoubt and Niger fort effectually prevent surprise eastward of the town. Several natives in town to-day with produce—all with passes. At a late hour this evening a note was received from Waitara, stating that a part of the land had been surveyed during the day, and without any signs of opposition—as no natives were seen. The admirable action taken by the Government, thepromptnessand determination with which everything has been carried out by the Governor and Colonel commanding, seem to have silenced the natives. From this time and for ever the Maori in this province can never say anything more about " driving us into the sea.'' Maori influence is at an end, What a false and injurious policy was that of former Governors, when natives were succumbed to and actually paid to cease their misbehaviour. It is generally believed that W. Kingi's party [are making preparations to build a pah near the Devon line, as several cartloads of timber have been carried on the spot. W. Kingi's brother Matiu left him yesterday, being very " dark " about the troubles, and has gone over to Tamati Tiraurau, Ihaia's brother, at his pah across the river Waitara. Hapurona, chief of Huirangi, a double dealing fellow, has joined W. King with his party. The authorities have requested the natives living along the Devon line to burn the fern and tutu, in order to leave the country open to the camp; a judicious order, as it mustjin great measure prevent ambuscades along the road.

Wednesday.—News arrived in town this evening that the land had been completely surveyed without the slightest obstruction; that not a single native had been seen. We do not know what to make of this— whether W. King's party mean to succumb or whether they are preparing for some decisive movement shortly—they being no doubt fully aware that the survey was being proceeded with. There is little doubt that in any case the greater part of Waitara and the adjoining district will fall into the hands of the Government. A valuable country lying comparatively waste, but in our hands will amply repay the trouble, inconvenience, and expense the colony has already been put to. Things certainly are looking brighter, and after all it may prove a bloodless campaign. • .. Thursday.—The inhabitants l^st night were startled from their sleep by the report of small arms. Several of the Volunteers and Militia turned out under arms; it seems that some loaded muskets were discharged across the Waiwakaiho, not, however, with the intention to create alarm. From information derived from Natives it is stated that W. King is waiting the return of the Kgatiruanui and Taranaki chiefs, at present at Waikato on a visit to King Potatau. He expects they will return with instructions from his Majesty to assist him in defending his non-selling land policy. But in this he will find himself egregiously mistaken. Friday.—Some natives from Moturoa state to-day that Enoka, one of W. Kingi's brothers, arrived yesterday from Port Nicholson; that he had attended several meetings of the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes on his way up, and that they had decided upon joining W. Kingi. So much for the Taranaki address to his Excellency ! Only part of Taranaki, however, at present agree to take part with W. Kingi. It will be perhaps interesting to state that W. Kingi is one three of brothers, children of a great Ngatiawa chief, named Reretawhangawhanga—their mothers name Te Kehu. Keretawhangawhanga and Te Kehu had but three children, boys Wiremu Kingi, Matiu, andEnoka. Enoka arrived at the Ratapihipihi yesterday, and started for W. Kingi's pah this morning through the forest. Ratapihipihi natives, intimately related to Ngatiruanui, should be jealously watched. An open air meeting of the Taranaki Volunteers after parade this morning to nominate additional officers, the force having increased from 100 to 180 since the recent disturbed state of the province. The result of the meeting, which had the previous sanction of the Governor, will be laid before his Excellency.

A report reached town this morning • that two stockades were erected last night by W. Kingi. A correspondent, having considerable experience of Natives, proceeded on a tour of inspection, and says that " during last night a party of W. Kingi's natives erected a strongpahon the south-east corner of the block of land purchased from Teira. It was put up in the form of the letter L, with a double palisade and covered galleries, musket proof; is capable of containing 150 men, and is at present occupied by about 70, supposed to be under the comiriand of Hapurona and Hare. To-da,y they set fire to the fern, pulled up all the surveyor's stakes, and endeavored to erase the boundary line, in consequence of which Teira set fire to W. Kingi's pah at the entrance of Waitara, which was burnt to the ground. Towards sunset they danced a war clance, and their yelling was distinctly

heard at the camp, about a mile from the spot."' Considerable reinforcements of men must have reached W. Kingi to have enabled him to build this pah in one night. Whether it is on Teira's or native land, can make no difference, as the object is clearly to menace her Majesty's forces stationed at Waitara. Visitors going to the camp will do well to proceed by the beach, as the natives are very much excited, and will certainly prevent their passing the pah. The mounted escort has been detained at the camp, and the remainder is under orders to march. Lieutenant Blake, R.N., with the rocket corps of the naval brigade, and two 24-pounder howitzers, will proceed to Waitara during the night. The natives will be ordered off the block, and if they refuse to go, the troops will attack the pah early tomorrow.

11 p.m.—The guns have just passed through the town, and the escort has left for Waitara.

Saturday, 9 a.m.—No news from tara.

Late in the night, whilst the Harbor boats tvere busily engaged in taking on board the two howitzers and stores, a vessel appeared in the roadstead and fired several guns and rockets. No boat could, be sent off until these engaged were despatched to Waitara on the application of the Commander of the Forces. Lieut. Blake and several marines and blue jackets accompanied the expedition. The vessel was the Airedale with a detachment of the 65th regiment from Wellington, consisting of 98 non-com-missioned officers and men, and the following officers—Captain Turner, Lieut. Toker, Ensigns Pagan and White. Captain Mairis, of the Royal Engineers, and three men, have also arrived. The troops were landed early this morning and have taken up their quarters at Marsland Hill Barracks.

D. McLean, Esq., and Matene Te Whiwhi, a chief from Otaki, are also passengers by the Airedale.