WHAT IS DOING AT TARANAKI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XX, Issue 2204, 11 May 1865, Page 5

WHAT IS DOING AT TARANAKI.

(From the Taranaki Herald, 29th. April.) It is a matter of no little satisfaction that, as the military spirit is apparently going completely to sleep in the Patea neighborhood, it is awakening to renewed activity up here. On Sunday last a report was received through a native, who had come over from the enemy to warn the friendly natives, that the Ngatimaniapotos were expected down immediately by Win. King's people. As it would have hindered the survoy and occupation of the Waitara country, and interfeied with any other movement, to have any considerable number of natives at Kaipikari, Colonel Wairo with commendable promptitude, after consulting with the Minister for Colonial Defence, determined on taking possession of Pukearuho, a position commanding the Pass by the White Cliffs, and cutting off communication from the north. The Phoebe being opportunely in, was chartered to take 150 of the 70th Regiment and the Bushrangers down, and they accordingly embarked in the evening, under command of Colonel Mulock, arriving off Pukearuho early on Monday morning. The debarkation of the men was conducted witk such care and circumspection that one day unfortunately did not suffice to complete the operation. About 9 a.m. the first boat load, consisting of Mr Parris and two friendly natives, and ten of the BushraiigGrs under Lieut Free,

were sent ashore and took possession of the cliff's commanding the landing. Two hours after Capt Jonas and twent} r -nve more of the [Bushrangers landed, and then Capt Ealston witli about Beventy men of the 70th ; finally, between 2 and 3 p.m., the Phoabe started on her return to this place, but had to go on to Auckland (as the sea which was quiet enough under the shelter of the cliffs was very rough here), taking with her not only half the men composing the expedition, but the commanding officer as well, most of the provisions and stores, and all the ammunition but what the men who had lauded had in their pouches ; the trenching tools also were taken on. Though therefore the management of the expedition by Colonel Mulook was not altogether successful from a professional point of view, thanks to Captains Ealston and Jonas and the men under them, the main object has been achieved of securing a footing in an important position, which is not likely to be soon abandoned ; and no doubt it will help considerably towards subjugating the hostile natives by tending to isolate the I different sections of them. In consequence, probably, of the attack on the party of mounted men and soldiers last Saturday. Colonel Warre has felt himself at liberty to move south as well as north, in accordance with the desire of the Government. Warea, we believe, was occupied yesterday by a force under Colonel Synge of the 43rd, and last night the Wanganui, which came in yesterday morning from Auckland wit'i the men who did not land at the White Cliffs, started for Cape Egmont with the same men on board, Colonel Warre himself going in command. The intention is, we believe, to land and take up a position at Te Namu (near where the Lord Worsley was wrecked), if William King of Umuroa (who professes neutrality) offers no opposition ; if ho does the force will, probably, return and go down overland. We would suggest, looking afc the use which Colonel Warre is making of the men under his command, that he should be entrusted (at least until they leave the colony) with some of those now lying idle at Patea, to which place, no doubt, he would soon be able to make his way, and relieve General Cameron of the necessity of wintering there 1