ACCOUNT OF THE EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTH. FROM 19TH TO 21TH SEPTEMBER.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1469, 6 November 1860, Page 5

ACCOUNT OF THE EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTH. FROM 19TH TO 21TH SEPTEMBER.

(From the ' Taranaki Herald.) On Tuesday evening. S.jpt. 18, notice wai giver that an expedition wj,s in progress of organization for the South, to ar.fcick the rebel-) whore and whenever they cjulj be nut with. G2 rank and file of ths Taranaki Rifles and Militia, with a proportionate number of officers, were directed tr, prepare theiiHjlvos for a campaign of indefinite length, and to fall-in opposite the Militia Office, at 6 o'clock ou the following morning. On Wednesday, aa can easily be imagined, tho town was all bustle ani turmoil. Carls in one part loading with ammunition, guns limbering up, rocket tubes being placed in carts, whilst towards the Commissariat stores many vehicles were drawn up to receive the tents, foo.l, and other appliances requisite for the support of upwards of 600 men. All being in readiness, the various corps marched, the 12th under the command of Captain Miller, being in advance : the main body of tho 65th under Captain Strange, preceding the artillery, consisting of two 24-pounder howitzers and two rocket tubes ; and the baggage, which was protected by the Rifles and Militia, who formed the rear-guard —the whole being under the command of Major Hutchins of the 12th. In this order, amidst the farewells of the friends still left us iv town, wo commenced our march along the beach in the direction of the Sugar Loaves, before reaching which tho road, so often described, was taken that leads to the Oinata Stockade. Here an exchange of some few men and officers was effected ; Captain Richmond and Lieutenant Jones remaining to take charge of the fort, whilst Captain Burton and Ensign McKellar joinad us. Unfortunately, the rain began to fall in such quantities as to sadly impede the rapidity of our movements. From the peculiar character of volcanic soils, they with a very slight quantity of moisture form a slippery impalpable mud, so that the bullocks fail in obitaining the requisite purchase for moving the heavy guns. Bayond the village of Oinata we saw before us the steeply -inclined hills of th.3 Waireka. Gradually and slowly was the march made upwards, an hour having been taken in dragging the guns and carts up the hill. The rear-guard as a matter of course, for this period were stationary, and without shelter from the cold pelting rain, tliat was falling pitilessly around. Notwithst;liling, many a laugh was raised to show that our spirits were not yet quite broken, although of the homes that once remained the blackened chimnies alone stood forth as monuments of utter and complete ruin. The last heavy load having reached the summit of the hill, our march with but slight impediment was continued until the table land above the valley of the Oakum was reached, when a halt was sounded, and preparations made for encamping for the nighb. Notwithstanding the dampness of the ground, and the wetness of ourselves and baggage, in a very short time, with the usual precision and order, the tents were pitched in regular lines. All wore the appearance of comfort ; each corps being placed to gether. There being plenty of timber for fires, and the weather taken up, we were soon, to use military language, "as we were." I am under the impression that our march would -have bsen continued had the river not been rendered unfordable by the flowing of the tide. Those who have never witnessed the apparent confusion of a large body of men pitching their tents for the night, would feel utteily astonished at the regularity of the results shown in so short a time amidst so much noise and bustle. After receiving and cooking our ration? for the morrow, orders were given that the tents should be lowered at five in the morning, and progress again be made at six. This day's march was on a road running almost parallel with the beach, differing little in physical character from the rest of the Omata district. Thursday, Sept. 19. — The country through which we passed on this day's excursion diners much from tfcat in the Omata. The land in the Oakura district, although much, broken and intersected with gullies, contains a large quantity of rich flat land, available for the plough, and is entirely m the hands of the Natives. It consists of table 1 and on the summit of precipitous cliffs, beneath which is a broad sandy beach which continues for two miles,' until the Timaru river is readied,, after tlie crossing which, and climbing the inclined roadway, the beautiful level pastoral district of Tataraimaka burst upon our view. Passing Mr. Greenwood's farm and Mr. M'Donald's, the road again descends to the heavy san Ay beach for a short distance, when, after ascending an inclined roadway, we are once again upon the territory of the rebels. Continuing along an open country, and crossing the Katikara river, a beauful flat of land, known aa Johnny's flat, was reached, about one mile from which, in country broken with gullies and covered with scrub and bush, have the rebels erected their strongholds. Trusting that this description will tend to render plain the movements of the troops, I will describe the order of march and proceedings of Thursday, which turned out, contrary to expectations, a beautifully fine day. In compliance with tho orders of last night, by six o'clock _n the morning the baggage was ready, notwithstai ding that considerably above 100 bullocks had Uo \>e joined to their burdens, and every corps in t line ready for marching. Captain Stapp, the Adjutant, then addressed the Rifles and Militia, promising that he would endeavour to use all his influence to place us in a position of doing that service which he felt we were so well able to effect. He knew that where he led we would follow ; he had every confidence both in our bravery and determination; and would therefore only remark' how requisite il was that our movements should be governed by coolness and care, and that in approaching the enemy's strongholds we should endeavour to outwil them by avoiding any ambuscade that might bt thrown in our way, and also never to pull a trigger unless we could make sure of our aim, anc immediately on firing to take advantage of anj cover that n ight be at hand, and also to bear ir mind the necessity of acting together and assist ing even at the risk of life a wounded or faller comrade. From Capt. Strange's company a skirmishing party was thrown out to the left, undei Lieut. Talbot, on the heights, which threw itsel far in front of tho main body. This was supported by a subdivision from Captain Barton's company

2- under the command of Acting-Adjutant Lieut >i Bailie and Ensign Pagon ; the Rifles and Milttii c forming at six paces distant a flank guard on tin heights to guns and baggage. In passing thi ■ heights no less than twelve rifle- pits had within i ■ few days been partly completed, in such position; as to command the road on the beach below, an<: s wherever tho structure of the cliffs below woul. 11 allow of it, pits had been sunken. Passing th< h Hauranga pa. occupied by Big Jack's people, th( 1 Timaru wa3 reached ; after crossing which, am r marching as far as Mr. Greenwood's farm, wi t halted. Upon this farm eight strong pahs hat been erected, commencing in the rear, upon the t right of the road leading to Warea, and extending s in advance of each other nearly a mile in a right 0 line from the beach to the pah that had been . erected upon that which had formerly been occu--1 pied by the 65th. The baggage being left on the flat, the 65th, with the artillery, struck off to the loft towards the hill fortifications, which being r found empty, were quickly given to the flames. '» Another party proceeded to destroy those on the c left of the flat ; when the Rifles, in their turn, de- - stroyed a very strong pah, which had evidently V been intended as the enemy's centre ; whilst that i on the extreme right was burned by our native 1 friends, who under the command of Mr. Good, had formed part of our force from town. After staying some few hours amusing ourselves by roasting in the J fires the potatoes that had been found in the whares, the natives that had beeii sent to reconnoitre returned with the information, that several strong pahs had been erected in the neighbourhood ol Porikapa's old pah. Consequently, Major Hut- ] chins ordered the guns with rocket tubes, to advance, directing the baggage to follow as far as Johnny's .flat, from which I am at present writing. The guns having gone on in quick time, we marched off after them, overtaking them before they reached the Katikara river. In the crossing , of this river, wo had great fun. It had been l rendered deep both the flowing of the tide and [ the recent rains that had fallen, added to which [ a heavy sea was setting in ; so that, without those . that were crossing watched their opportunity, the , water washed nearly over them. Imagine the . excitement of six hundred men scrambling through such a stream, with the noise that was raised by [ laughter and hallooing, intermixed with the voices t of bullock drivers. But all this was soon over, ; and after dragging the guns with our now weary bullocks over some very awkward gullies, and up \ steep and slippery hills, we reached the Kaihihi, 1 Porikapa's old pa, from whence, situated in the bush, one pa was visible, but so situated as to require considerable force and time reduce ; consequently, after staying some little time, an order to return for night quarters was given, and I assure you that more reluctance was shown in our ' return than on our advance. In low spirits we reached the appointed camping-place, when, as all were busily engaged in pitching tents, a few volleys were fired from behind a furze fence, which we had but a short time left. "To arms" and " fall-in" was immediately the word, when the 65th and 12th fired a volley in return. Report stated that a man had been struck in the ear by a bullet from the enemy, but on enquiry, it was found to have been caused by an accident from one of his own comrades. Competition certainly lias great effect. After the tents had been pitched the Rifles and Militia commenced raising breastworks around their tents, and digging rifle-pits for tho sentinels. This was followed by the military, se that the whole camp presented to the enemy a breastwork raised by voluntary labour; officers, in conjuction with the men, aiding the works. Double sentries were placed during the night, which passed without further disturbance. Friday, Sept. 2L. — Nothing of particular consequence occurred to-day, despatches having arrived from town stating that we are to remain in our present encampment until the arrival of reinforcements. Towards afternoon some of our friendly natives went into the bush after a pig that had escaped, when they perceived a nativo endeavouring a steal round for tho better bringing his firearms to bear, whilst on the hill not far distant several sentinels watching our movements had beou stationed. They immediately returned to their companions, when the whole native force started forward, firing in defiance, and concluded, much to the amusement of the new-comers, with a war dance. After this, orders were given that no one from the camp should cit>3s the gully. Saturday, Sept. 22. — A party of soldiers and Rifles, returned to Tatara for the purpose of protecting the men collecting cattle for the town seeking potatoes, and completing the destruction of the rifle-pits. A vessel seen in the distance, supposed to be H.M.S.S. Niger. Most of us, I think feel both comfortable and happy in our present position, and are ready to obey willingly any orders but to return home without giving the enemy a real practical answer to their defiance. In fact, in town many of us have no homo, consequently, we feel more content under the discomfort of a campaign than amidst scenes that remind us of comforts that have passed from amongst us. Sunday, Sept. 23. —A day of rest. Hollow square formed, and prayers read by Major Hutchins. Towards evening an express arrived from town, bringing yesterday's Herald, and many rumours, one, in particular, that wo were to movo in the morning. The question in every one's mouth was, " Where t" Some hopefully imagined to pursue the enemy, whilst others stated we were to return to town. Monday, Sept. 24. — At 5 o'clock tents were down, and. all ready in line to march ; to the last moment hope whispered towards the enemy. But, alas ! lam sorry to say, it was for town. Far be it from me to remark upon the gallant and brave fellows that were so ready to co-operate in an attack upon the enemy. Time alone can account for these withdrawals. The day was beautiful, and never have I seen the mountain, covered as it was to the very base with snow, with the sun's rays resting upon it, present so magnificent a sight. As we marched Homewards, we again passed over those luxuriant flats so well suited for tho support of a concentrated population, in the same order almost as we left town. The quantity of land lying waste, and the number of houses that have been destroyed, is far greater than is generally imagined. On the Tataru Block, which contains between four and five thousand acres of rich available land, no less than 26 houses have been destroyed. At the same time, between 2000 and 3000 sheep, 100 head of cattle, and many horses have disappeared. The land of this district is so good that a farmer the year before last raised 42 bushels of wheat to the acre on the land he cultivated. In the Omata district I cannot exactly describe the loss in stock, but there must have been very nearly 100 houses either dismantled or given to the flames. The pas which we trusted to have been allowed to attack were three in number — the first and only one iv sight occupied by the enemy was the Pukekakariki, situated in a right line from Porikapa's old pa, about half-a-mile inland. The other pas were not seen by any of the force ; consequently an accurate description of their position cannot be given, but two others are stated to be in the neighbourhood, both of which are situated on the south bank of the Kaihihi river. The Mataiaio is about three quarters of a mile inland, and the other — the Orongomaihangai — supposed to be nearer the beach, within reach, I trust, ol one of her Majesty's eteam-ehip's guns. w. i. a. ACCOUNT OF THE EXPEDITION UNDEI COL. LESLIE, 40th 11EGT., TO DESTROY THE RIFLE PITS OF THE PAS BURNI ON THE 11th SEPT. An order having arrived from New Plymouth t( the effect that an expedition should be organised on the morning of the 29th, (Saturday last, whose object was the destruction of the rifle piti in the Kairau pa, the palisading of which hac been previously disti'oyed on the 11th ultimo, a 9 a.m., two divisions set out from the camp bj

'. different roads, to meat at the place above mena tioned, for the accomplishment of the object in c view. One division was under Major Nelson, and c the other under Col Leslie, 40th Regt., who had a the command of thi whole. With the latter s were thres howitzers, and the intrenching tools 1 required, together with some carts. This division I advanced by the road crossing the Devon line, 3 i and leading past Puketakauere directly to tho 3 I side of the Ngataiparirua pa. The other advanced I by the route lield on the 11th ultimo by the Waii tara division. A number of horsey and cattle I were seen in the valley of the Waitara, and sonu 3 of the latter were subsequently driven in. When j Major Nelson's division arrived at Kairau, it was t sent forward to protect the other, which proceeded l to destroy the rifle pits. The hostile natives carao - out of the adjoining what was once th 3 Huirangi 3 pa, and commenced driving their cattle into tho ) bush. After this, they came out into the fern, ' -and began a well sustained fire, which however was, in consequence of the distance, wholly 3 thrown away. It is supposed that the orders from - New Plymouth were not to fire a shot, for the guns T were loaded and the natives were within rifle shot, t and yet remained unmolested. After the destruction 3 of the pita hai been completed, the order was given I to retire, and it was executed, Major Neljon'a f division being in rear. The column halted for a i short time' on arriving at the Ngataiparirua pa, , and proceeded to burn some palisading which re- - mained standing. The fern was also set firs to, f and the column proceeded on their way. During f this time the hostile natives advanced closer, and ■ their bullets began to fall about, but did no harm. ■ Finding that they were allowed to advance so far i with impunity, they grew more bold, and began i to lessen the distance between themselves and the > rear guard. Mr. dv Moulin and two of the ) Mounted Volunteers had a narrow escape of being ; cut off. Having ridden with two of Ihaia's natives i to drive off some cattle, they succeeded in getting '. them fairly under way on the road by the river, l and leaving the two natives to drive them home, > were returning to rejoin the rear guard, when • they were saluted by a volley from the native i i who were following the line of march. Mr. dv . Moulin, in taking a short cut, got bogged in a swamp, but providentially succeeded in getting i out in time by dismounting and leading his ho.'se The other two dashed pa3t the maories and all three succeeded in rejoining the rear guard. The i natives increasing in boldness, advanced closer and closer, until their fire began to take effect ; our men were still forbidden to fire, and the bullets were flying thickly about. At last three men of the 40th having been severely wounded, the rear guard were in self-defence obliged to return the enemy's fire, as the latter were within 100 yards of them and pressing them close. The order to fire was however not given, but it was time act without ordors. The maories we.c soon checked, and retired shortly afterwards, discharging at a distance a few desultory shots. The force then marched past Puketakauere, and returned to camp. It was a very severe trial for the troops, as there is nothing more dispiriting than to be subject to the fire of contemptible enemy without more power of defence than a flock of sheep ; indeed, the truth of this waa too clearly shown on this occasion. Atone time quite a panic was established in the rear guard, as the troops in this helpless state saw their comrades struck down by their side. It is much to be feared that a continuation of this sort of business will have the effect of ruining the spirit and damping the courage of troops whose equal, when properly managed, cannot be found in tho world.