REPORTS RELATIVE TO ENGAGEMENTS WITH HAUHAUS AT POVERTY BAY, BY CAPTAINS WESTRUP AND RICHARDSON.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1868 Session I, A-15d

A.—No. 15d.

REPORTS RELATIVE TO ENGAGEMENTS WITH HAUHAUS AT POVERTY BAY, BY CAPTAINS WESTRUP AND RICHARDSON.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OP THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OP HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1868.

A.—No. 15d

REPORTS RELATIVE TO ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE HAUHAUS AT POVERTY PAY.

No. 1. Copy of a Letter from Captain Westeup to the Colonel Commanding Field Fobce, Poverty Bay. Sic, Turanga, Poverty Bay, 21st July, IS6B. I have the honor to inform you I proceeded to Paparata with a force as per margin, and that, at 9 o'clock yesterday morning, my scouts reported the appearance of the enemy on the road to Whakapunaki. I immediately started with the whole of the force in command, and posted Volunteer Trooper Wilson, with twenty-four European Volunteers and twenty friendly Natives of Paratani's tribe, on a hill commanding the track, and with the remainder of the force I gained a position being occupied by the enemy. Finding Mr. Wilson's position unassailable, they concentrated their forces, and attacked mine. With, the small number of men trained to arms I had with me, the enemy towards dusk succeeded in turning my position, after considerable loss to themselves. The tribe of Ngatimaru, who might have rendered assistance, remained passive, although called on for assistance. Our retreat drew on us the fire of, I suppose, some 150 rifles and guns. The friendly Natives quickly disappeared, with the exception of Mr. Wilson's men, who were not able to render us any assistance. I had some difficulty in keeping some of the Europeans from retiring with the friendly Natives, and being short of ammunition and rations, and at the request of the Volunteers, I retired, intending to halt the night at my camp. Being, however, so much out-numbered by the enemy, and reinforcements being so distant (for I was not aware of your arrival), it was impossible to check the retreat at the camp. The men were hungry, tired, and almost without ammunition, and I therefore, to prevent the risk of a disaster, made my way to the Waimata Crossing, where I halted for the night and collected my strength. I regret to inform you the enemy obtained possession of my camp provisions, horses' saddles, &c. The casualties, as far as I am aware up to this time, are one European and one Native killed, and seven men wounded. I trust the Government will make due allowances for the privations and fatigue undergone by the men, who, throughout the whole of this trying day, were engaged with a very superior force, almost all armed with Enfield rifles, and kept up so hot a fire that it was impossible to make head against it. It must also be considered how depressing on the minds of men unused to war was the effect of the apathy —call it by no worse name —of the bulk of our Native allies. For ten days the force has kept the field, without an opportunity of changing or drying their clothes, and with very scanty and irregular supples of provisions. I have, &c, The Colonel Commanding Field Force, Charles Westrup, Poverty Bay. Captain, Poverty Bay Mounted Rifles.

Europeans, 65 i Maoris 22 88

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Captain Richabdson to Mr. J. Rhodes. SlK,— 29th July, 18G8. I have the honor to inform you, that on Friday, the 24th instant, I was attacked by the advanced guard of the Hauhaus about 2 p.m., and shortly afterwards by the main body. A sharp fight ensued, which lasted about three hours. The friendly Natives behaved most wretchedly. At the close of the action I found myself with sixteen Europeans and four Natives only remaining. After nightfall I withdrew the men, and retired upon the Wairoa. Paora te Apatu and his people never stopped until they were in the Wairoa. We had one Maori killed in action ; no other casualties. Two of the enemy were seen to fall. What other casualties he may have had I cannot say. Mr. Deighton, at my request, sent you some information by special messengers. I hope to join issue with Colonel Whitmore to-morrow. The rivers are too high to cross at present, and I expect the Natives are hemmed in at Te Reinga. The prisoner we took states that only three prisoners were left behind at the Chatham Islands. These fellows are well armed, and use their rifles with precision ; their number must be close upon 200 men. Westrup's party were defeated by them, with the loss of all their baggage. Colonel Whitmore, by last despatches, was to start at the head of about 200 men on Thursday last, so that by this time he must be close down here. The weather has been very bad since the 25th instant; heavy rains, and the rivers impassable. I start again to-day. I have, &c, Joseph Rhodes, Esq., Wji. A. Richardson, Deputy Superintendent, Napier. Captain Commanding District.