THE NATIVE WAR.

Wellington Independent, 9 August 1860, Page 1

THE NATIVE WAR.

TARANAKI.

From the Correspondent of the Taranaki Herald,

BELL BLOCK.

Hua Stockade, August 3. On Monday morning a fatigue party of thirty men' marched to the Waiwakaiho flat to clear scrub ; also a fatigue party of twenty- men to get wood. At half-past nine o clock three natives were observed at Mr. Tate's (late Mr. Pepperell's) farm, driving off a pair of bullocks. This being reported to the officer commanding, Lieutenant Richardson, he gave permission to a party of volunteers to go in pursuit, consisting of 5 soldiers and five of the rifles, under the command of Sergeant Bush. On reaching the chapel, the natives were perceived a short distance in advance, driving the bullocks at a quick pace, and finding themselves hard pressed, abandoned the bullocks, and were lost sight of near Rawiri's house at the end of the block. John Kelley, being a little in advance of the I pursuing party, made towards Rawiri's house, the door of which was then open, with the intention of shooting from the gable windows overlooking the Waitaha stream ; when within a short distance, the door was suddenly closed, and expecting it to be occupied by the enemy, retired under cover. By this time the rest of the party were up, and fired a. volley into the bouse, and several natives were seen leaving it hurriedly. Other natives in ambush in the vicinity, on hearing the firing, came to the scene of action; this being observed from the stockade, the retire was sounded, on hearing which Sergeant Bush ordered a retreat, which was reluctantly complied with. The bullocks were left in' the hands of the enemy, who during this time kept up a smart fire, evidently with rifles, from the peculiar sound of the bullet in its flight, which was heartily responded to on our part. As we retired, the enemy sharply advanced, but as both parties speedily availed themselves of the cover of the furze hedges, little was seen of the enemy, their whereabouts only being known by the smoke of the rifles and the shrill whistle of the bullets. On our halting at the chapel, the enemy was within 150 yards. By this time the wood fatigue party and the men from the Waiwakaiho flat, having returned, a party of about 40 men, under Lieutenant Lowry, came to our- assistance, and halted at the house lately occupied by Mr. Sunley, where we shortly joined them ; the friendly natives also, to the number of 50, on hearing the firing, came as far as the Mangati, and danced the war dance. A party having been sent out to out -flank the enemy, on reaching the crossroads at Mr. Hollis's

house, found they had decamped, taking the cattle with them, amounting altogether to six pairs of working bullocks, one horse, saddle, and bridle. The whole force having returned to the blockhouse by noon, the enemy . were shortly after observed, in number about 150, on the Devon road, a short distance outside the boundary of the block, to dance the war dance, fire their guns, and return to the neighbourhood of the Mangoraka river. On Tuesday morning at daylight, the enemy were seen taking a horse from Mr. Hulke's, and driving about ten head of cattle along the Paraitai-road in the direction of the bush. About 9, a.m., Lieut. -Col. Murray, and the light compy. of the 65th, arrived at the Stockade, and shortly after three natives were observed on Mr. Bundle's farm, situate in the centre of the block, catching and haltering four or five horses. Mr. Hulke waited on Colonel Murray, and asked permission to go with some Volunteers f>. '.he/ end of the block, and fire on the natfanes, having, recognised two of his own horses. Colonel Murray replied he could not grant- the request, as he must abide by his instructions. The loss sustained this day was six horses, and 300 sheep. On Wednesday morning, about nine, Mr. Hulke reported 15 of the enemy going round in a stealthy manner at the back of Northcroft's land. The light company of the 65th left for town, leaving two guns and artillerymen. About twelve o'clock, a fatigue party getting wood at the Paraitai pa were fired upon by a party of natives secreted in a gullyin the vicinity. A notice to the following effect was posted on the door of the stockade to day : —

NOTICE.

Settlers wishing to drive in their stock will have assistance," and at the same time they are warned that in the present state of affairs it does not follow that although natives may be seen taking cattle, &c, that any demonstration should take place from the stockade.

John Richardson,

Lieut. 12th Regt. Commanding Detachment, Bell Block, August 1, 1860.

Thursday. — The flock of sheep taken by the natives were seen grazing at Mahoetahi. Two hundred natives reported to be in the bush at the back of the block, who have partly destroyed two houses, killed a bullock, and driven off some cattle.

Friday. — Last night natives were seen in John Pepperell's house, and about the premises of A. Hoskin, the next field to the stockade.