ENGAGEMENT WITH RANGIHAEATA.

Wellington Independent, Volume II, Issue 86, 8 August 1846, Page 2

ENGAGEMENT WITH RANGIHAEATA.

Qn Monday and Tuesday"! last, the friendly natives were thrown out from the encampment at Parramatta, as scouts. Tbey returned and reported to his Excellency that Rangihaeata had evacuated a position recently occupied, and retreated further into the country. At his last resting place, the fires were still burn in;;, and a quantity of potatoes was left cooking, tending to -the supposition that on the approach of the scouts he had made a precipitate retreat. On Wednesday, a force of more than three hundred men, consisting of military, bluejackets, and civilians, under the command of Major Last, started off in pursuit, his Excellency Captain Grey accompanying the party. On Thursday afternoon, ; the forces came up with Rangihaeata'a scouts, and askirmish immediately ensued. The firing commencpd at three o'clock, and lasted till eight, when both parties suspended operations fill morning. We regret tosay that Lieut. Rlackburn, of the 99th regiment, and three men were killed, and several wounded. Major Last had a narrow escape, a spent ball striking him on the forehead, and travelling round his cap. We are to say that he received no injury from it. The native who shot Lieut. Blackburn, was immediately shot by one of the Artil-, lery,and two of the enemy who attempted to carry off the body, were likewise shot. The loss of the enemy is variously reported, one account making it five and the other eight killed and several wounded. The -enemy were scattered in the bush in every direction, and many of them were hid in the branches of trees. Rangihaeata has thrown himself into a pah the existence of which, up to the present iirae was*hot known. The position is admirably chosen for defence. It is situated in a most difficult country for military operations, being on the range of hills to the right of the Pukerau, path. The ground is thickly covered with young trees, intermixed with karewa. The rebel chief is supposed to have about two hundred and fifty followers with him in the pah; the native police force give a still larger number. On Thursday night the boats of H.M.S. Calliope, and H.M./War Steamer Driver, were employed conveying guns and ammunition from the ships to the shore. We are informed that Major Last, and the whole force under his command, officers and men, hehaved in the most gallant and daring manner. The conduct of Major Last was what we always expected, and it must be graiifying for him to know that the great bulk of the community do appreciate his gallant conduct, notwithstanding the attempt made by the Spectator to injure his reputation. The gallant conduct of the military is gratifying for many reasons. . Not that we ever doubted their bravery, but in as much as it gives|the lie direct to the assertion made in the Spectator of their beino"all but cowards." The writer in the Spectator ought to have evinced some little feeling for the men who are risking their lives to bring about a peaceful slate of affairs. A body of men have been set to work to clear a way to the position occupied by the rebels, which is six miles inland from Porirua. "H.M.S; Castor, 36, Captain Graham, left the harbour yesterday for Porirua, to assist in the operations.