THE TIGHT WITH TE KOOTI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 437, 8 October 1869, Page 3

THE TIGHT WITH TE KOOTI.

. . . _ — -- ». ._. • [BY ELECTEIC TEI/EGEA.PII.] We are indebted to the Hon. Mr F. Dillon Bell for a copy of the following despatch from Colonel M'Donnell, giving details of the fight:— Camp Poutott, Oct. 5. Sir,— 1 -! have the honour to state, for the information of the Government, that on Saturday, the Ist inst., I left this post, accompanied by the Mounted Constabulary, under Captains Kichardson and Handley, to join, the Ara wa and No. 2 division, A. C, for Kotukutuku, leaving instructions with Major Kemp, Captain M'Donnell^ and the other chiefs, to march from here, on Sunday night and join me at Papakai oh Monday morning. The two forces joined at Papakai. The enemy was plainly visible about two miles further on, having built a redoubt on the edge of the bush in a strong commanding position at Papakai ; the force halted for breakfast, but a short time was allowed for this necessary meal, as word was brought in from our outlying sentries that the enemy was moving out to attack. On receipt of this intelligence, I ordered LieutenantQolonel Herrick with 3STo. 2 A.C, INjtajor Kemp with Capbains M'Donnell, and Wiwihana and Hare, Tau t eka's men to advance and take possession of the range on the left flank, whilst I moved out with the Ngatikahanga and drew on the right, the mounted, division bringing up the rear. The whole force advanced in this order for about a mile. Kemp's party came into contact with the enemy's skirmishers, who were now in position about half-a-mile in front of the redoubt, and quickly dislodged them, following them up wildly, and driving them back on their main .position in confusion, and with some loss. The Ngatikahunga audthe Arawas were also successful in forcing the enemy to evacuate, a small earthwork, used most probably as a picket-station, and some broken ground on the opposite banks of the Wanganui, where several of the enemy fell rfour natives, stimulated with jealousy of each other, were ripe for anything, and advanced with a steadiness and deliberation such as I have never seen equalled. The Wanganuis set the example, by charging up the face of the hill on which stood the redoubt, closely followed by the Ngatikahunga and Arawas. "Though exposed to the galling fire of the enemy who fought well, they had in a short time taken the trenches by the front and right of the redoubt, undermining theparapet — jumping up and firing into ill I deeply regret to state that Capt.'ot. George was killed within a snort distance of the

redoubt, charging with No. 2 division, and the Arawas having .hortly afterwards charged, the redoubt was taken by storm, in which we lost three killed aud three wounded. -Twenty-seven bodies of the enemy were found inside the redoubt and on the trenches, and ten more bodies were found on tho field, making a total loss on their side of thirtyseven as seen by us. >-Over twenty women and children were taken prisoners, and one man belonging to Taupo. I regret to say tliat Te Kooti escaped, as I know for certain that he was in the pah. Some of the women are severely wounded^ I have much pleasure in testifying to the gallantry displayed by No. 2 Div. A.C, under thecomraandof Sub-Inspector Scannells and Northcroft, and also to Major Kemp, and Captains M'Donnell and "Wirihana, and the Wanganui natives under their command, who in this, as on every former occasion, behaved admirably. thanks are also due to Henata and Hare Tomoana, of the Ngatikabunga and Hohepa, Tamana Paori Hapi, and Kepa, of the Arawas, lor the courage displayed by them in leading ou their men; My thanks are more especially due to Lieu t.-Col. Hefrick, for the able assistance which he rendered to me during the day, in the furtherance of my plans. The cavalry succeeded in recapturing a large number of the horses taken by Te Kooti, from Henare Tomoana, at Taurauga some time since. I sent a force out this morning under Henare Tomoana to try and find out the present position of the enemy. I have brought No. 2 Division here, aa our rear is open, and I fear that Te Kooti may attempt to escape in that direction. I have also come down myself for the purpose of getting more ammunition, and intend returning to Papakai to-morrow. I append a list of our killed and wounded.^Te Heuheu and Matuaha have sent me word to-day that they have had enough of it, and have left Te Kooti, and will surrender themselves to-morrow\— l h we, & c ., Thos. McDonnell. M— __—_—__— ______ac__n____n______n_ ■_ _ ______■