DRURY.

Colonist, Volume VI, Issue 623, 13 October 1863, Page 3

DRURY.

Wednesday, September 23. There was considerable excitement at Palakiira laat evening, in consequence of an

anticipated attack at the Wairoa. Brackenbury's Company of Militia Volunteers — lately arrived—were being housed, and changing their wet clothes, when they received orders to march at once to Wairoa. An escort was also despatched to bring in the families still left m that district. Between twenty and thirty women and children safely arrived, most of whom took up their abode at the Presbyterian Church. A number of the Defence Force also went to the Wairoa. It seems the rebels are greatly enraged at their loss last week, and more especially as that loss was principally inflicted by volunteers and militiamen; so they are determined to have revenge. The " Flying Column," under Colonel Nixon, that'left Burtt's on Sunday last, had not returned this morning. It is probable they may be back to-day, but whether with cattle or not is yet to be seen. It is very likely that they fell in with some of the natives yesterday, as firing was heard somewhere beyond the Pukekohe mountain. Considerable anxiety is felt m regard to Waiuku, as a rumor reached us this morning of an attack to-day being in contemplation. There is something very strange in the manner in which Wairoa is at present being supplied with provisions, which would make it appear that there is a, "screw loose" somewhere. It is not a difficult matter to send up goods by way of the Wairoa river to that district. But to take them to Onehunga, convey them by boat to Slippery Creek, cart them to the Commissariat Stores, and then send them by teams along the fearful roads that exist between Drury and the Wairoa, seems ridiculous and expensive. A number of teams have started for Wairoa accompanied by escorts.