ARRIVAL OF THE "AIREDALE," WITH TARANAKI NEWS TO THE 5th AUGUST, 1860.

Wellington Independent, 9 August 1860, Page 1

ARRIVAL OF THE "AIREDALE," WITH TARANAKI NEWS TO THE sth AUGUST, 1860.

The steajner Airedale, Capt. Johns, from Tarahaki and Nelson, arrived in this harhour at 11 a.m. to-day, bringing intelligence from Taranaki up to the sth inst. She left Taranaki on Sunday last, and arrived at Nelson the following day, and sailed from thence for Wellington yesterday, at 4h. 20m. p.m. The Nelson Colonist of the 7th inst., says : — " The Airedak brings 129 pas sengers for this port, and more are expected on her return trip, orders having been issued for the whole of tte families to clear out. A passenger by the Airedale describes the scene at Taranaki as most heart-rending. On Saturday last a report was circulated that the natives were close upon the town for the purpose of attacking it. The scene which followed baffles description; husbands, with their wives and children hurrying to the barracks, with looks of utter despair. The town is closely barricaded, and well watched.

From the Taranaki Herald, August 4,

Her Majesty's colonial steam sloop Victoria, from Melbourne, anchored yesterday morning, having -on board the Hon. Major-General Pratt, C.8., commanding the forces in Australia, and Staff. The General was received on landing by Colonel Gold. Our publication was suddenly arrested this morning by a report that the natives were attacking the town from all points. The alarm was sounded, permission was given to send the women and children to Marsland Hill, and every man hastened to his post. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The rebels, after advancing closer to the town than they have yet been, seem to have confined themselves to plundering houses ; but it is conjectured that a movement is on foot for a combined attack.