FIFTY YEARS AGO.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14344, 24 October 1910, Page 3

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

TARAN \Kl’3 early history. (From tho Taranaki Herald of 1860.) Tuesday, Oct. 23.—Porikapa’s and tiie Poutoko Natives in town tins morning. From Porikapa we learn that communication has been had with the rebels since the attack upon Kaihihi. The Natives are very reserved about their losses, and refuse to give a list of their killed and wounded. It, however, transpired that a man named Ruka was lulled and another named Hone, brother-in-law to Paronga. Kingi, severely wounded by a cannon shot. Porikapa admitted that several wore wounded (ton, he said) and three likely to die, or dead. The evacuation of tho pas was caused by Ancrahama llcke, a chief of Wareu, wt'io, at the clcee of the first day’s bombardment, fairly ran away with his hami. We asked several of tho Taranaki Natives for information regarding the affair at Kaihihi, but all (excepting Porikapa) refused to give any, ami "several said they did not believe tho rebels lost a man. Many of tho Poutoko and Porikana’s Natives arc closelv related to tho rebels, forming part "of tho tribe, and there is no doubt tlioir sympathies sne*’” enlisted with them. Their friendship with us is only a matter of convenience. Indeed, as regards some of them who ivore in town to-day, it is difficult' to account for their being “friendly” Natives, knowing, as wo do that they are uncles, fathers, and brothers of many of the rebels. Private E. Stead, Goth Tiogt,, died tliis morning from heart disease. Mat’iu, who has again visited the rebel camp, .returned this afternoon. He reports that, the Waikatos are still at Hnirangi. but only 100 strong. On asking him what news he brought, ho said, “X have boon to Wi Kin.gi’s pa and the camp of the Waikatos at lluirangi, and bring an ovii word. The Waikatos have settled upon a plan of operations, which is to repeat their former conduct. and plunder, destroy, and murder. Ere long they will lie on’our skirts.” At present the'Waikatos are busy cultivating, and for a short time will he putting in potatoes. The Wonga Wonga sailed for Wanganui to-day. Wednesday, Oct. 24.—A reconnoitring party of 100 men of the 65th, under Licuts. Tokor and Chevalier, 30 men of the 40th, under Lieut. Hobbs, and 20 men of the 12th, under Ensign La Touche, started at five this morning to tho sites of tho Tima and To Puke pas. On arriving at the liell nhiokhouso they wore joined by a party from the stockado, under Captain Strange, GStll Rcgt., wim took command of the whole. On arriving at the Tima, the troops commenced loading tho carts with firewood and potatoes; a ton and a half of tho latter wore dug up and brought away. Several pi.gs wore secured. Some Natives were seen at a distance of 800 or 900 yards and a few shots exchanged. Tiie force returned to town at dusk. The ketch Traveller’s Pride and tho schooner Jupiter (with Harris and Oilmour as passengers) arrived today from Mnnnkau, but as both vessels were detained at the heads seven days, we are in receipt of only one later paper than those brought hv tho Cordelia on the 16th hist, (the Southern Cross of the 16th).