NATIVE WAR.

Colonist, Volume XII, Issue 1169, 8 December 1868, Page 3

NATIVE WAR.

ATTACK UPON NUKUMATCU—EIGHT OF

THE ENEMY SLAIN,

A SETTLER SHOT BY A SENTRY.

(From the Wellington Independent, December 3rd.J The Wangamii coach arrived on Tuesday evening' bringing the following items : —

" Head Quarters, Woodall's Nov. 27.

" Sib, —I have the honor to inform you that I marched this morning with all the cavalry, being sixty-six of all ranks and corps, three honi'3 before daylight, to Wairoa, and remained thero five or six hours, returning at 11 a.m. with the despatches.

" I reached Nukumaru at about 1 p.m., and in accordance with your orders remained in concealment until an opportunity presented itself to actAfter waiting about an honr and a hnlf, perceiving a considerable number of ITanhaus about Mr. Handley's woolshed, I directed somo of the men to advance dismounted, and followed with the rest of the force on horseback. Unfortunately a carbine ■went o(f by accident, which gave the alarm, and prevented our being as completely successful a1? we had hoped ; but as soon a3 possible wo mounter! the dismounted men, and charged, killing eight with sabre, revolver, or carbine. "The enemy turned out immediately and kept up a sharp fire, following us about three miles. " The enemy is encamped in large force in the'rear of Nukumaru, near the bush, and has six ball tents erected. " I returned to camp at 6 p.m. I must acknowledge the assistance rendered to me by Captain 0' ITalloran, P.Y.C. and Lieut. Bryce, Commanding Kai Iwi and Wanganui Cavalry. These gentlemen were prominent in this affair and set their men a gallant example. " I have, &c, " J. W. Newtan'b, Sub-Inspector. " The Hon. Colonel Whitmore.

" Head Quarters, Woodall's, Nov. 27.

"Two spies, more or less trustworthy have been brought into camp, who report that Tito liowaru's whole force is at Papatupu. Five of his people were nearly caught by our cavalry the other day when Mr. Handley's house was burned and this has alarmed them sufficiently to compel them to keep together. The spies say the Hauhaus have no news from the King, that they intend moving this way, but have plenty of food still at Papatupu. They have no idea of attacking Patea. " The enemy's force is supposed to be not under 800, without counting women and some nominal neutrals."

As Mr. W. Eussell was proceeding from Kai Ivri towards Wanganui, he fell in with the Militia, who were camped out for the night; the sentry, J. J. Williams, late of Wellington, challenged him three times, but receiving no answer, he fired and shot Mr. Eussell in the leg, wounding him severely. Mr. Eussell states that the wind was blowing so hard, that he did not hear the challenge.