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Wellington Independent, 9 August 1860, Page 1

(Extract from a private Letter.)

Taranaki, 27th July, 1860.

Dear Sir,-— The news from the Waitara is more cheering now than it was some time ago. Major Nelson has, within the last few days, managed to get the range of the pa from the camp with the fifty -six pounders, which completely astonishes Mr. Maori, as the Major sends them a shell now and again to amuse them, by which they are terribly harassed, insomuch that they complain of not being able to get any sleep. • Report says they have retired to about two or three hundred yards in rear of the pas, and a great number of them to tbe bush stronghold of W. King, where they are dying in great numbers of wounds and influenza.

Our troops at the camp are io good health and spirits. Since I wrote tho last letter large inforcements of soldiers, sailors, and marines have arrived, namely, 104 of the 65th regiment, 130 sailors and marines, 109 of the 12th regiment, and the 239 of the 40th regiment — in all, 582 men ; and General Pratt is expected here about the middle of next week with some more of the 40th regiment. This makes us all extremely glad as it is hoped that no more bungling pusillanimity will be displayed.

The Maories 1000 strong have erected eight pas on the Tataraimaka block, and are cultivating the land which they have divided amongst them. Yesterday intelligence was received that they are coming to Omata either to-day or tomorrow, in consequence of which SOO troops moved there this morning, and now occupy the position held by tho Maories on the 28th March (Waireka), and a collision is hourly expected. The trenches round the town proceed slowly, but when they are finished they will be a capital proteotion.

Last week Mr. Everett went out from the BeU Block blockhouse to his farm, and during the time he was feeding his bullocks about twenty-three armed natives came rouud him, and foroed him to lay down the hook with which he was cutting up the turnips, took his handkerchief from him, and then went into his house, during which he made his escape. The news from the Waitara is, that the Maories are ready to fight if the soldiers oome out, but they do not like to attack them in the oamp.

Monday, 30th July. Yesterday afternoon the Rev. H. Govett brought up news from Waitara that young Corbyn Harris was murdered by the Maories, on Saturday, about three-quar-ters of a mile away from the oamp. The way in which it ocoured was this : He and three soldiers were out getting firewood; and he seeing a good pieoe some distance off, went to fetoh it, when five Maories sprung out of the fern, shot and then tomahawked him; the soldiers retreated to the camp to get assistenoe, not knowing what number of natives might be there. After getting more soldiers they returned and got the body, whioh has been brought|to town to-day in a boat and will be buried with military honours. He was a quiet industrious young man and the main support of his parents and family.

To-day the Maories oame on the BeU Blook, and endeavoured to drive away some ofthe cattle belonging to the settlers, but where prevented from accomplishing th ere object by a detachment of the I2th regiment aud some volunteers stationed there; partioulars I have not heard.

Firing of big guns heard at Waitara this morning.

Colonel Mould and Colonel Sillery, with 20 men of the 65th regiment and all the Engineers, have arrived from Auckland this day.