CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume IX, Issue 446, 16 February 1861, Page 2

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL.

Saturday, Feb. 9. — An escort of military and militia proceeded to Omata at 6 a.m. with provisions*

The rebels are to be seen in force on Waireka hill, and have strengthened their position materially. Rifle pits are dug over the adjacent lands, and a pa and jrifle pits command the road up the Waireka hill. Two pas are erected on the ridge commanding Jury's ground, and for some distance in rear defences have been made. — The efficacy of the Enfield rifle at a long range was proved a few day's since, when Lieut. Chevalier, 65th regt., fired a few rounds from the Omata Stockade at a body of natives on Waireka hill, a distance of 2,500 yards. The rifle was given sufficient elevation by adding to the length of the sight, and a steady aim taken. Two shots we are told by the Poutoko natives, took effect, wounding two natives — one (Himeona of Warea) having been so severely wounded, that he was carried to Warea. The distance was so great that the natives neither heard the report of the rifle, nor knew where the bullet came from. Sunday, Feb. 10. — Firing heard at an early bour this morning, which continued throughout the day. The Tasmanian Maid came up at 11 a.m., and in a note written yesterday from No. 6 redoubt, it is stated that "to-morrow (Sunday) we are to advance to within rifle shot o£ Pukerangiora, to be occupied by 400 of the 40th. A fight is probable." This will account for the firing heard. At 3 p.m. a telegram was received, announcing that Captain Strange, 65th regt., was dangerously wounded in taking up the new position this morning. A second telegram was received reporting the gallant officer's death. — Capt. W. C. King was buried to-day at 5 p. m. in St. Mary's churchyard, followed to the grave by a very large number of his fellow-settlers and military officers. The funeral was strictly private.

Monday, Feb. 11.— We have heard from Epiha, a Poutoko native, who passes through the enemy's lines into town, particulars regarding Captain W. C. King's death. He was fired at hy a party of Ngatiruanuis in ambush, from theManuhiakai hapu, from Okaiawa, inland of Waimate. A volley was fired, wounding the unfortunate gentleman and his horse, he dismounted, after endeavouring to make the horse leap a fence, and ran down a slope. He was chased by two natives, named Hori Kiwi and Hohepa, the rest of the party staying to steal the saddle and bridle. The two natives, intent only on one object, again fired and Mr King fell. The ruffians ran up to him, when Mr King said : "lam badly wounded — leave me." Hori Kiwi answered by discharging both barrels of his double barrelled gun into his head. On returning to Waireka and recounting their murderous deed, Hoani, of Tataraimaka, is reported to have accused the Ngatiruanuis of killing his pakeha without provocation whatever, and he and the Taranakis condemned their proceedings. The Ngatiruanuis answered by laughing at him, and said they should do as they pleased and cared not for the displeasure of Taranaki. — The Tasmanian Maid brought up the body of Captain Strange, and several wounded in the advance towards Pukerangiora. The following was published to-day in our " Extra," for the English Mail : —

" The Tasmanian Maid just arrived in the anchorage, brings us intelligence respecting the heavy firing heard yesterday at Waitara. General Pratt had resolved on constructing a redoubt about a mile in advance of Redoubt No. 6, in the peach grove, and about 400 yards from Te Arei pa, near Pukerangiora. The pa is not now in a fortified state, but there is a village of a few huts on the site of an old pa, half way up the slope of a ridge. There are many rifle pits on several eminences around ; the ground is covered with fern, in some places very high, and there is a deep gully between the position chosen for the redoubt and Te Arei pa. A force consisting of about 1200 men of the 12th, 14th, 40th, and 65th Regiments, and Artillery, with the Royal Engineers, advanced at daybreak yesterday, and was immediately met by heavy firing from the enemy ensconced in then pits. Our men were obliged to lie down and the working parties were covered chiefly by the fire of the artillery, as the natives could only be seen at rare intervals. The rifles, however, were constantly in readiness to fire into the enemy when seen. The natives were full of determination, and at times came within speaking distance, inviting our men to come on, who replied by recommending them to stand out. Several old women were vociferous in encouraging the enemy. The redoubt was constructed on a small hill crowned with fern trees, commanding the gully and within easy shelling range of the village or pa Te Arei. The 40th, and Captain Strange's and Captain Turner's companies 65th, were extended in front across the roads from the peach grove to Te Arei, the 40th on the left, the 65th on the right. The detachment of the 12th, and the light company 65th, kept the road in rear of the working parties, extending from the peach grove to near the new redoubt. Almost every little eminence and the edges of the bush were occupied by the enemy, one party as near as 150 to 200 yards to the men of the 65th on the right front. Captain Strange's men had formed themselves little rifle pits, and that gallant officer was lying in one of these when he received a wound in the thigh, the bullet cutting the femoral artery and causing death by hemorrhage. Eleven others were wounded : 3 of the Royal Artillery, 1 of the 12th Regt., 1 of the 40th, sof the 65th, and 1 bullock driver. 9of the bullocks were hit, but not so as, to injure them seriously. The wounds, except two which are dangerous, are not of a character to disable the men permanently. Captain Strange, was universally esteemed, not only in his regiment, but by every one who came in contact with him in the whole force. The civilians in the Bell Block, where he was long in command, will hear of his death with extreme regret. No soldier in Taranaki bad more respect and good will from the settlers. At present nothing is known of the Maori loss. It is conjectured by a good authority that they did suffer, and a rumour reached town this morning by a native that two or

more had been killed. Little, however, -was aeen of them during the day beyonS the smolie of their guns. One individual placed at the foot of the hill is said to have caused a large part of the loss on our side, but though a great deal of attention was paid him in consequence, he seemed to escape. The whole of the redoubts between Eairau and No. 6 are to be destroyed to-day. Colonel Wyatt was left in command at the new position with about 350 men. The following is a list of the casualties : —