Appendix.
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*** In order that the reader should be made acquainted with the war in New Zealand to the present time, the Publisher has appended extracts from Colonial papers, which give a general outline of the history of the war from the time Mr. Gilbert left Taranaki.
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APPENDIX.
From the "Southern Cross" Auckland, New Zealand, June 28th, 1860.
About 150 of the Waikato and Kawhia natives are, or shortly since were, with William King. The two leaders, Epiha and Hone Pumipi, both advocate war. At the first meeting with the Ngatiruanui deputation at Kihikihi, Epiha showed strong sympathy to King, and at the Ngaruawahia meeting, when Ngatiruanui were present, Hone Pumipi strongly urged that Waikato should rise. Epiha, a man whom our informant knows thoroughly, told him that if any fighting should take place during their stay at Taranaki, he and his friends would take a part in it. The natives in our correspondent's vicinity consider Epiha's delay as an indication of his determination to fight. Supposing, then, any of that party to be killed, it is impossible to say how that would influence the Upper Waikato, Upper Waipu, Kawhia, Mokau, and Taupo natives. It is to be feared that many would be drawn into the war.
We have been for some while past carefully observing, with the view to ascertain whether there
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be any connexion, or how much, between W. King's rebellion and the Waikato king-movement. For we are not one of those who have jumped to the rash conclusion that the two are identical. That some connexion is assumed at Waikato (we cannot speak with confidence about Taranaki) seems clear. During the late meeting, a native of some importance used these words:-- "We know that the land belongs to Taylor; and had it been sold some years ago we should not have interfered. But now, the sale was opposed to the mana of the Maori king." As we have stated from the first, it is not likely that W. King, had he not expected assistance from the Waikatos, would have gone to such length in his opposition. So long, in fact, as the king-movement continues, so long will there be no secure peace for the colony.
It was a mistake, from the first, treating this movement with neglect, in the expectation that it would die out. But by-gones must be by-gones. The single question now is, how to put it down. We no longer inquire, for this purpose, whether the Governor acted prudently or not in commencing the war. It suffices that the war exists--that cruel murders have been committed, and that the law must be enforced, at any sacrifice. What we have mainly to bear in mind is that the future plans of Waikato will depend upon the mode in which our operations are carried on. Let the war be carried on within as narrow limits as possible--short in time and narrow in space--yet still on a scale extensive enough to convince the Maori that they cannot cope with the Pakeha. This they
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must be made to feel. Yet it is to be feared that the whole affair will end in a plaister, from financial considerations. The war costs W. King so many kits of potatoes per month; it costs us a number of thousands, which, for fear of possible error, we hesitate to name; and dilatoriness all the while appears to be the order of the day. It would be useless to patch up a peace while the natives are constantly boasting that in the war with Heke, and in the South, they were completely victorious. No race that we are acquainted with have a more conceited idea of their own powers. They consider one Maori equal to three soldiers. The jingle of rhyme that was current during the Peninsular war, --"One Frenchman can lick two Portugee, but one Englishman can beat all three," may be retorted on us; but the odds, in this case, amount in reality to no more than two to one.
It is not in Waikato alone that the king-movement needs putting down. His Majesty's flag is found in several places, and troops cannot be sent in pursuit of it wherever it may chance to be set up. The most feasible plan appears to be that which has already been partially adopted--that of shutting up the English markets against all who refuse to submit to English law. A stringent act of the Assembly would enable the Governor in a few months to inflict a peaceful but severe punishment upon offending tribes. What has been commenced at Kawhia might be carried out to a certain extent elsewhere. We do not say, to the same extent, seeing no necessity to remove the Europeans. Let them stay if they please; but
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make the penalties for trading very severe. Close up the Maori mills; send back their vessels; and in a few months a very different state of feeling would exist. Allow no trading with any district until the leading men in it sign an acknowledgment of submission to the law. If afterwards opposition be offered, put the law again immediately into force.
The natives can no longer live without English supplies. If Europeans be allowed to live in the country, let them only receive what is required for their own private use; such supplies being liable to inspection by the proper officer. This would be the most difficult part of the scheme to work; and if found in practice impossible, the Europeans would have to remove themselves.
The Waikato natives have themselves the idea that the markets will be shortly closed against them. Some of the Mokau natives have just written to one of our informants to inquire whether the markets are yet open. Others are hurrying down to obtain supplies, hearing that the door will soon be closed.
Report states that a party of about ten Kawhia natives had gone to Taranaki to request the Kawhia people there to return. Is this a sign of peace, or of preparation on their part to resist an expected attack from the Pakeha? We have not, as yet, the means of forming an opinion.
Rewi has returned via Kawhia to Waipa. He reports that before he separated from the Waikatos at Tongopouta (he did not go on himself to Waitara), that Epiha had given up the idea of setting up the
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king's flag on Teira's land. 2ndly. That when they reached. W. King's pah, they found he had the timber ready for a new pah on Teira's land. Its erection was opposed by Epiha, and the timber was being removed to Waitaha, where the new pah would be built. 3rdly. That thirty Kawhia natives had started for Taranaki to bring back the Kawhia people; but Rewi feared that if they did not return next week, they would be waiting to join in a fight.
THE FIGHT AT WAITARA.
From "The Taranaki Herald."
New Plymouth, June 30th, 1860.
Whilst last Saturday's sheet was printing, guns were heard at Waitara, and the "Tasmanian Maid" on Tuesday brought intelligence that a reconnoitring party of the 40th had been fired on by natives from the pah recently restored at Puketakauere. This act of aggression loosened the hands of our military commander, and steps were taken to punish the insurgents for their growing boldness.
Wednesday morning was fixed for attacking the pah. Guns and reinforcements of the 40th Regiment, and of the blue jackets, were despatched from town; and plans of proceeding canvassed by men with and without authority.
Weather of the most inclement kind that this country knows, added to the hardships of those pre-
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paring for the rough business. The reinforcements waded out through a sea of mud, under south-west squalls and showers.
The Puketakauere pah consists of two stockades; one upon the intrenchments of the old pah of the same name, the other new, and apparently without intrenchments. They stand on a ridge formed by two small gulleys. These gulleys meet a little below the pah, and open on to swampy ground in the Waitara Valley, forming a sort of long Y, the stalk towards the river, and the stockades in the fork.
The main body, consisting of the grenadier and light companies of the 40th Regiment, under Captain Richards, and sixty blue jackets, under 1st Lieut. Battiscombe, of the "Pelorus," with the artillery, approached the pah by the directest road from the camp, and at 7 o'clock, a. m., the guns were brought to bear, and the men extended on the N. W. or seaward side of the pah, the smaller gulley between them and it. With this division were Major Nelson, and Captain Seymour of the "Pelorus."
A second division of about fifty men, under Captain Messenger, was posted on the flat of the Waitara, to cut off the retreat on that side; and a third, under Captain Bowdler, passed along the river banks, and attempted to take the pah in the rear.
The natives were aware of the movement, and on the alert. The first firing was on the rearward party, and a Maori informant states that, finding the troops advancing on that side, many of the natives went out of the stockade; some of them endeavouring to
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escape, and some occupying the intrenchments of a second old pah, to the rearward of--that is to say, nearer the Waitara, than the two stockades. It could be seen that the party under Captain Messenger was doing great execution on the stragglers who attempted to escape, and for a time it appeared as if the attack in the rear would succeed; but, after a short space, a large reinforcement from the inland settlements of Wi Kingi arrived among the high fern, and a fierce battle ensued; the natives greatly outnumbering the troops.
The grenadier company of the 40th Regiment, and the blue jackets, formed the right wing of the main party in front, and extended beyond the head of the gulley, facing partly round towards the south-west side of the pah. Large numbers of the enemy came to the brink of the gulley, and the pah was probably almost empty. The combatants were about 150 yards apart, divided by the gulleys firing briskly and steadily, but not able to close except where the right wing overlapped the head of the gulley, and here a desperate struggle took place with a party of natives who held a trench--one of the outworks of the old fortifications. Here was the hottest fighting, and the greatest loss sustained by this division.
Early in the day a messenger of the rebels was seen to start from the rear, and between nine and ten o'clock large reinforcements came from inland; part of which, as we have already said, attacked the second and third divisions, and the remainder outflanked the main body in the front.
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Having held his ground for some time, without reinforcements arriving, or any signs of a diversion appearing, Major Nelson gave orders to sound the retire.
An attempt to follow was checked by a murderous fire from the artillery, and the main body retreated in order, and without serious molestation, and arrived in camp at 1 p. m. The other divisions were much harassed in their retreat, not having heavy guns to support them. We believe it was in retreat that Lieut. Brooke and the other gallant fellows of these divisions were killed. They endeavoured to retire as they had advanced; but we fear some misunderstanding, or mistake of the ground, was partly the cause of the serious loss on this side. They had to fight their way back to the camp.
There were men present cool enough to see that the British honour was not only sustained but exalted by this fierce struggle. The great numerical superiority of the natives alone made it necessary for our troops to retire. Officers and men fought with steadiness and energy, under a fire which an Indian officer compares to that at Ferozeshah and Sobraon, and which a soldier of the Crimea states to have been hotter than that in the Redan. The gallant Captain Seymour, of the "Pelorus," received a bullet in the leg. Lieut. Brooke sold his life dearly, and fell only when his sword arm was helplessly wounded. Noncommissioned officers and privates were recognised, in some cases, singly and coolly firing on large bodies of the enemy, and then as coolly retiring. The enemy,
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too, showed unexpected resolution, and has proved the first body of men able to meet the British bayonet.
It must not be omitted either, that thoughtful preparations had been made by the excellent commander of the 40th for the day's work. Double rations of food were cooked, carts, bullocks, ammunition, every thing was punctually at its place; and the excellent plan of operations, and gallant conduct of the attack, did fresh honour to the name idolised by Britons.
This sanguinary fight would have been the annihilation of the native force at Waitara, had more troops been present.
The large army assembled about W. King is a fine comment on the policy of our Government, which stands trifling with mild addresses and Maori parliaments, whilst the men whom it seeks to conciliate gather by the thousand, with arms in hand, to give that dignity to the deliberations of their senators which belongs to a sense of their power.
The blazing houses of Tataraimaka, in the rear of our retreating column on that side, are a further illustration of the system of pausing between every blow in a struggle to make overtures to the foe, and ascertain if he has made up his mind to continue the contest. Clemency is the privilege and embellishment of vigour. India might have taught what New Zealand is repeating, that the most tremulous hand makes the bloodiest work.
While the bodies of our gallant comrades are lying unburied among the fern, we cannot criticise or blame. We can but indulge the hope that their blood has not
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run out in vain. The battle of Puketakauere, bloody and inconclusive, is still a break in the cloudy view; though many more of us may be parted from those nearest us before the vapours roll away, and show us again the blue sky of peace.
From "The Nelson Examiner" August 4th, 1860.
The news from Waitara is sad enough. Mr. Corbyn Harris, whilst collecting firewood on the beach, on Saturday, the 28th instant, was shot and tomahawked. Two soldiers were with him, and, observing natives approaching, they hailed Mr. Harris; but he either did not understand them, or felt unable to escape. All three, strange to say, were without their arms. The soldiers escaped to the camp. The deceased was a most exemplary young man, and the only son of Mr. Edwin Harris, one of the New Zealand Company's surveyors. For some years he has been the support of his parents and six sisters, five of whom are already refugees in your province. The body was brought up yesterday by boat. The only other intelligence is, that the red or fighting flag, after a long interval, is again flying at W. Kingi's pah. Some movement may be looked for.
From the "Taranaki Herald."
In reporting the abandonment of the Puketakauere pah, which derives its consequence from the assault
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made upon it on the 27th June, we can do little more than speculate upon the fact. It is no secret now that an expedition, such as should overpower resistance, was in course of organisation, and the rebels may have forestalled a movement they could not resist. The position of the pah, besides, had been rendered comparatively valueless as a rallying point to the rebels by the two 8-inch guns of H. M. S. "Iris," which command the fortification. In another view, the season for planting is at hand, and no taste for war or rapine will induce the natives to neglect the crops on which they depend for their subsistence. This may, likewise, account for the sudden withdrawal of the southern rebels from their extensive earthworks at Waireka. It must not be imagined, however, that all the natives have quitted the district. The forest and main lines of communication with the rural districts are still infested by roving bands, who pillage and murder as inclination and opportunity prompt.
From the "Taranaki News" August 30, 1860.
The natives have, for the present, left the intrenchments they had formed before the camp at Waireka, and they have been destroyed and filled in. They are known to have suffered loss from the fire of the artillery from the camp, and probably found the place getting too hot for them. A portion of the force is moving towards Waitara, and the remainder have taken to the bush at the back of the Omata district,
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and are busy forming a pah on Captain Burton's land --a very elevated position, from which the whole of the surrounding country can be seen. Nearly the whole of the houses in the Omata district were destroyed before they decamped--the Omata Inn, the extensive stores of Mr. Newsham and the houses adjoining, the extensive stables recently erected by the Rev. G. Bailey, and several other buildings belonging to that gentleman. It is a singular coincidence that, about the same time, the pah at the Waitara was also evacuated. It had been suspected for several days that the enemy had left, and on Wednesday it was taken possession of and destroyed. The main body of the natives are said to be now on the other side of the river Waitara, where they have lately constructed several strong pahs; while on the other hand it is said that the mail-man reports that he met the Waikatos returning home. What this new move may portend is as yet an enigma. This last intelligence was brought into town by Captain Richards, yesterday afternoon, who did the distance in an hour and fifteen minutes. The demolition of the pah was seen from Bell Block, and during the afternoon a party from the Block-house had the satisfaction of collecting and driving in from sixty to seventy head of cattle.
During the week, several strong parties have been marched to the Waiwakaiho, sometimes to convoy produce, at others in the hope of surprising some of the natives who have for some time past been engaged in plundering and destroying the houses in the neigh-
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bourhood of Puketotara. Yesterday they were seen swarming about the houses of Mr. A. King and Dr. Nield, and about 250 men were collected, and after an hour's delay, marched to the spot, but the birds had flown. While the men remained under arms, before starting, a number of natives with the friendly smock on were hanging about the town; and we have heard it asserted, by several persons upon whose veracity we can rely, that one mounted man especially, who had waited upwards of an hour about the square, was observed to follow the troops as they went out, and about half a mile from town, turn his horse to the sandhills leading to the mouth of the Henui, and ride at racing speed along the beach towards the Waiwakaiho. We are in possession of the man's name, and the pah to which he belongs.
From the "Nelson Examiner" September 5, 1860.
After an interval of three weeks, we have again news from Taranaki.
The letters of our correspondents furnish what news there is of the war, which, we regret to say, is of a very unsatisfactory nature. A general destruction of the houses which the industrious and hard-working settlers had been compelled to abandon, to find security for life within the lines of the town; a wholesale system of plunder, of whatever property, whether stock or otherwise, they can lay their hands upon; a determination to exterminate, as far as lies in their
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power, the Europeans, by murdering every individual they can come across; these are the chief events of the past three weeks, as far as the acts of the enemy are concerned. On our side there has been some skirmishing with the enemy, brought on by attempts to cut off his marauding parties; and the taking of the pah at the Waitara, when it was deserted. These skirmishes are known to have cost the enemy several lives, while fortunately on our side there were no casualties; and W. King is supposed to have abandoned his pah at Waitara, because he had been made aware that a strong force was preparing to attack him. King has retired further into the bush, where he perhaps thinks himself more secure, and will be better able to grow his potatoes. But the event which has caused the most comment at Taranaki, is the treachery of the chief Te Waka, a man who had for eighteen years lived in the town of New Plymouth, and had proved himself, on various trying occasions, the sincere friend of the Europeans. Te Waka's loyalty was so far above suspicion, and his fidelity so long tried, that the Government thought it could venture to reward other chiefs whose loyalty and good faith were more questionable, and slight in some degree their assured supporter. This is supposed to have alienated the affections of Te Waka from the Government, but he professed loyalty to the last, and with arms and ammunition furnished him by the authorities, he and his followers went over to the enemy, carrying with him, of course, an intimate knowledge of our plans and position. The defection
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of Te Waka has shaken confidence in Maori loyalty, however strongly professed.
The Waikatos who had been assisting King have returned, home laden with plunder; but it is conjectured that King is not over-much satisfied with his late allies; perhaps the plunder carried off by them he may consider as more than their share of the spoil. Nevertheless, two hundred more Waikatos were on their way down, just double the number of those who had returned. General Pratt had paid a visit to the Governor in Auckland, and something, it is said, will be undertaken against the enemy when the women and children are removed to a place of safety. It has been a matter of remark that the rebels have generally abstained from destroying the best of the houses which have been abandoned by the settlers, but a reason has been assigned by them for this:--they were spared that they might become the residences of their chiefs, while the barracks at Taranaki are to be the abode of their king; so certain are they that they shall drive the Europeans out of the country.
From the "Nelson Advertiser" September 8, 1860.
A native from the Waiwakaiho reported in town this morning that a body of the enemy were on A. King's land at the Henui. One hundred of the 65th, fifty of the 40th, fifty blue jackets, and fifty militia and volunteers, under their respective officers--the
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whole commanded by Colonel Leslie, 40th Regiment --marched out against the rebels. The force, on reaching the turning of the road leading up to the Colonial Hospital, were thrown out, in skirmishing order; the 65th took the right and the volunteers the left of the road, and went in extended order up to A. King's house, when it was found that the enemy had decamped, leaving a large fire burning outside King's house. It was raining smartly, and the whole force returned to town. A report was afloat in town to-day that the Puketakauere pah at Waitara was occupied by the troops and destroyed. This rumour was confirmed by the arrival of Captain Richards and Mr. du Moulin overland, who had volunteered to come up with the news. The pah was occupied by the 40th on Tuesday, and found evacuated. No natives were seen, and nothing whatever found in the pah. The evacuation of the pah has naturally surprised every one. We can only account for it, that the Waikatos have returned home, and that some disagreement has transpired between them and Wi Kingi's people; and, no doubt, they have pressed Kingi's bullocks and carts to remove the plunder taken by them from us. It is reported that Tamati Teito, the prophet and leading man in the rebellion, and who has taken Kingi's place at the head of his party, has visited Tamati Wiremu, the friendly chief at Poutoko, and is said to have expressed himself as follows to him:-- "If my war had been with Parris alone, the war would have been ended long ago; but the great he (evil) has been the Waikato." It is known that
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the Waikato party are a number of reckless young men, who have taken part in the war merely for the sake of plunder. After sacking and burning our houses, they appear to have returned laden with spoil, and probably have refused to share it with Kingi. Finding that the Puketakauere pah would be untenable without the reinforcements from Waikato, Kingi's people have not occupied it since they left. A few Waikatos, however, are said to remain with Teito and his party at Puketotara. It is said by the natives that the murders committed northwards were committed by Waikatos. Regarding the evacuation of Puketakauere, the friendly natives advise its immediate occupation, to prevent its being held by the rebels again.
From the "Taranaki News" September 13, 1860.
About noon, Saturday 8th, the detachment of the 12th Regiment, stationed at the Bell Block-house, arrived in town. This concentration of troops naturally confirms the rumour that active measures on a large scale are about to be taken. Much excitement still prevails in town concerning the removal of the women and children.
No brighter day (Monday, 10th) ever dawned on Taranaki than this, as to the weather; and the feelings of most men were quite in harmony with it when it was announced to the militia on parade that an expedition in force would set out to-day against W. Kingi,
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to consist of three divisions; the first under Major Nelson, the second under Major Hutchins, and the third under Colonel Leslie, the whole consisting of more than 1,500 men, under the command of Major-General Pratt, C. B. At noon the troops left town, appearing quite an army, as they extended, with baggage-carts, more than a mile in length: fifty of the volunteer rifles were allowed to accompany the expedition. At four p. m., the whole of the militia left in town, to the number of 170, was assembled, and appointed to various posts in the trenches in case of an attack.
The Waitara expedition reached Mahoetahi about six o'clock on Monday, and encamped for the night on either side of the road, the General and staff occupying the pah. Orders were given to be in readiness to start at three in the morning, but it was four o'clock before they were in motion. The third division struck in across the Waiongana, on the Huirangi road; the friendly natives and volunteers in advance, the troops following, and halted a short distance from the Ngatiparirua pah at daybreak. The second division crossed the Waiongana, on the Devon line, and struck in and took up a position with the guns on the Waitara side of the pah, and arrived on the ground later. The guns opened fire upon the pah, and after a few shots it was rushed and destroyed, having been deserted by the enemy. The volunteers and third division aided in the work of demolition. The first division, consisting of the 40th and bluejackets, under Major
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Nelson, had taken up a position inland of the Kairoa pah, upon which the division advanced, while the volunteers were thrown out in extended order on the opposite side. The pah was quickly taken, a few friendly Maories and the blue jackets being the first to enter.
The pah was of great strength, and of complicated construction, and had been very recently deserted. The whole was pulled down and given to the fire, and the ground-works destroyed. The guns from Waitara had by this time arrived on the ground, and the first and second divisions, and some friendly Maories from Waitara, then advanced on the Huirangi pah, the volunteers being held in reserve. The advance-guard of the first division and some friendly natives advanced and examined the pah, and were proceeding inland through an opening in the bush, when a heavy fire was opened on them from either side by the enemy concealed in the bush, upon which the advancing party returned the fire and retired. A sharp fire from the guns was then opened upon the bush, and rockets thrown in with rapidity and admirable precision. The pah was then set on fire, and the volunteers were detached to destroy another pah in the neighbourhood. While this was going on, it was observable that the enemy were receiving a considerable accession of numbers, and a party was seen to move as if for the purpose of cutting off the volunteers, upon which a gun was turned in that direction, and their advance checked. A general advance was now made in skirmishing order to the bush, the enemy
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keeping up a heavy and sustained fire from the cover of the bush, and our fire, in reply, was kept up; the guns at the same time throwing shot and shell into the bush wherever smoke was to be seen. The firing was kept up till noon, when the troops retired to the camp, and yesterday returned to town. The number of the rebels engaged is not known, nor their casualties, but from the accounts of eye-witnesses they must have been heavy, especially from the fire of the large guns. The loss on our side is one man missing, and three slightly wounded.
Time does not allow of our making any observations upon this expedition at present. Whatever its object may have been, public expectation has not been perfectly realised in what has been done, although we have no doubt the enemy has received considerable damage.
From the "Taranaki Herald" October 6, 1860.
An order having arrived from New Plymouth to the effect that an expedition should be organised on the morning of the 29th (Saturday last), whose object was the destruction of the rifle-pits in the Kairau pah, the palisading of which had been previously destroyed on the 11th instant, at nine a. m., two divisions set out from the camp by different roads, to meet at the place above-mentioned, for the accomplishment of the object in view. One division was under Major Nelson, and the other under Col. Leslie, 40th Regiment,
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who had the command of the whole. With the latter were three howitzers, and the intrenching tools required, together with some carts. This division advanced by the road crossing the Devon line, and leading past Puketakauere, directly to the side of the Ngataiparirua pah. The other advanced by the route held on the 11th instant by the Waitara division. A number of horses and cattle were seen in the valley of the Waitara, and some of the latter were subsequently driven in. When Major Nelson's division arrived at Kairau, it was sent forward to protect the other, which proceeded to destroy the rifle-pits. The hostile natives came out of the bush adjoining what was once the Huirangi pah, and commenced driving their cattle into the bush. After this, they came out into the fern, and began a well-sustained fire, which, however, was, in consequence of the distance, wholly thrown away. It is supposed that the orders from New Plymouth were not to fire a shot, for the guns were loaded and the natives were within rifle-shot, and yet remained unmolested. After the destruction of the pits had been completed, the order was given to retire, and it was executed, Major Nelson's division being in rear. The column halted for a short time on arriving at the Ngataiparirua pah, and proceeded to burn some palisading which remained standing. The fern was also set fire to, and the column proceeded on their way. During 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 with im-
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punity, they grew more bold, and began to lessen the distance between themselves and the rear-guard.
Mr. Du Moulin and two of the mounted volunteers had a narrow escape of being cut off. Having ridden with two of Ihaia's natives to drive off some cattle, they succeeded in getting them fairly under weigh on the road by the river, and leaving the two natives to drive them home, were returning to rejoin the rearguard, when they were saluted by a volley from the natives who were following the line of march. Mr. Du Moulin, in taking a short cut, got bogged in a swamp, but providentially succeeded in getting out in time, by dismounting and leading his horse. The other two dashed past the Maories, and all three succeeded in rejoining the rear-guard.
The 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 to act without orders. The Maories were 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 a contemptible enemy, without more power of
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defence than a flock of sheep; indeed, the truth of this was too clearly shown on this occasion. At one 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 the world.
New Plymouth, October 16th, 1860.
On Thursday last the General, with a force of nearly 1100 men, and one 8-inch gun, and two 24-pounder howitzers, opened fire on the three rebel pahs at Kaihihi. The guns commenced bombarding the pahs at eleven a. m., and kept it up till dark, with considerable effect. In the afternoon a party of rebels took up a position in the corner of a bush to the left, and I am sorry to say with effect. They fired-- particularly one man with a rifle--hotly upon the engineers who were throwing up a breastwork, and erecting a platform for the 8-inch gun in front of Orongomaihangai, at a distance of 250 yards, wounding Captain Paisley, R. E.; Sergeant Howatt, R. E.; three soldiers and one militia-man. These were our only casualties during the whole affair. On Friday morning there was no firing from the pahs, and, under the smoke of the two howitzers, they were rushed by the troops, civilians, and friendly natives, and found evacuated. The fire of the previous day had been
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too hot for the inmates, and the 8-inch gun must have astonished them. The rebels evidently made a precipitate retreat in the night, for they left a large quantity of potatoes, kumaras, &c, and seven carts, and a rifle. We can form no idea of the loss of the enemy-- blood was seen in one of the pahs, and a newly-made stretcher found, on which wounded or killed had apparently been carried. The round shot and shell made great havoc in the pits and trenches of the pahs. Several of the underground chambers, into which the shells had fallen, had been thrown into one. The pahs were very ingeniously fortified, and had evidently been intended to stand a regular siege. A few hours, however, proved to the enemy that their pahs were not proof against our appliances, and I believe that the southern rebels have received a blow which will paralyze their energies for the future, and has proved to them the folly of trying their strength with us. I do not think we shall be troubled much more by the Taranakis and Ngatiruanuis. They are running out of ammunition--two or three nails were tied together, evidently intended to supply the place of a bullet. The General intended following up the enemy to Warea, but news reached him of the coming of a strong force of our northern friends, the Waikatos, and as there is but a small force at Waitara and in town, he gave orders for returning to head-quarters, and the expedition all arrived on Saturday evening.
There is a rumour in town to-day that the advanced guard of the Waikatos have arrived at Waitara. I believe 850 will be down before another week has
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gone. They consist of upper Waikatos--the lower Waikatos are to "watch Auckland." I hope they will all come here; we cannot lose much more; we have the forces here, and let the battle for the Queen's supremacy be fought out at Taranaki. What can be said in justification of the raid of these northern rebels? What pretence have they? Is it not unprovoked aggression? Why did they come before, and maraud and murder? Simply because they have been petted too much, and require chastising. God grant that our arms may be successful in asserting the rights of our beloved Sovereign, and punishing and completely subduing a horde of rebellious savages.
A large force will march to Waitara in a few days. I hope the General will allow the Waikatos to erect a pah or pahs on Taylor's land, and then attack them. Let them all come, I repeat.
From the "Taranaki News" November 8th, 1860.
We give in brief an account, as truly as we have been able to gather, of the fight on Tuesday. The day will assuredly be a red-letter-day in the annals of this province. The episodes which belong to the details of the action must be postponed to another occasion. The following will put our readers in possession of a graphic outline of the business. We should congratulate ourselves that on this occasion the 65th, the militia, and volunteers, were mixed in the combat, and that any acerbities which, out of writing
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and talking, may have grown up, are as perfectly dispersed as when the acid meets the alkali.
After a pleasant three hours' march, the troops were halted, and a 24-pounder ordered to the front; the advance was resumed, and shortly afterwards a few scattered shots denoted the presence of the enemy. While the troops were extending, a soldier of the 65th went to the rear, shot in the arm; the gun on the right went at intervals like a regular salute; the volunteers and militia were on the left, and the long S. W. side of Mahoetahi presented itself to the line of advance about 200 yards off. A party of volunteers, under Captain Atkinson, was detached still more to the left, to outflank the natives on the seaward N. W. side; a company of the 65th, under Captain Turner, made a dash forward and took the inland S. E. pah, and a few minutes after it was communicated to Major Herbert, just as he had told the militia and volunteers to fix bayonets and charge the N. W. end of the pah, as the best means of getting rid of the heavy fire they were under from the enemy in the pah. There was a swamp to get through, and then there was a stiff large fence running up to the left of the pah, which afforded good cover to advance under while they got close to the pah, when the Major and Captain Brown led the men through a gap and charged up the pah, which was no sooner taken than they turned and fired at the men as they rushed to the edge. Henry Edgecombe fell dead here; and a soldier of the 65th, who had joined the charge of the militia and volunteers, fell; and, extraordinary to
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say, a volunteer who had joined in the charge under Captain Turner, of the 65th, on the S. E. end of the pah, fell mortally wounded; he was the son of the Rev. Mr. Brown. The General and his staff were in the centre of the pah almost as soon as it was taken. The flying natives were now shut in by Mahoetahi in their front, with a swamp in the rear; some got around the head of the swamp before it was shut in by our right, and Captain Atkinson shot one of them at ten paces with a revolver, taking his arms and accoutrements from him. Some ten natives were shot before they could take cover in the swamp, or through it on the other side, when Colonel Mould, advancing from the Waitara, on the other side of the swamp from our left, with his force of 40th and 65th under Major Nelson, and a piece of artillery, turned them out of their covers and drove them before them for miles, strewing the road with dead. In his advance Major Nelson sent a shell into the swamp in which some of the enemy lay, taking cover on abandoning the pah, and from whence they continued to be very troublesome, without giving us a chance of seeing them. A shell had a most beautiful effect; the natives rose out of the swamp like birds, and were shot down or bayoneted, as they would not surrender; not unreasonably, as among themselves mercy is very rarely extended to a prisoner taken fighting.
Orders were given to collect the dead, of which upwards of thirty that were readily visible were collected; four more were known to be lying dead from a shell, but too far off to be brought in; these,
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with five prisoners, makes a known loss of more than forty men on the Waikato side, which perhaps does not comprise much more than half the absolute loss of the enemy, of whom there were probably 200 in action. One of the chiefs killed was one of the two who sent a challenge, in which they said, "Come and meet us, and don't be long about it, but settle it at once." The unwounded prisoner who was taken, was lying on the ground pretending to be dead, and, it is said, declined to show any signs of life till he was thrown across a gun-carriage and the gun was fired, when he showed a decided preference for walking as a prisoner. The fight lasted about an hour from the time it commenced, when the enemy broke and fled; and this may be considered the most sharp, short, and decisive affair that has ever taken place in New Zealand.
About two o'clock the troops re-formed and returned to town, leaving a force under Major Hutchins to occupy and fortify Mahoetai, the materials for a block-house having been taken with the expedition. As the detachments inarched past the Bell Block stockade they were loudly cheered by the garrison of troops and militia, and got into town at five p. m.
We would suggest that it will be very desirable in future to inform the forces engaged where the friendly natives are placed, as the fire on the enemy was frequently stopped, and the enemy spared, from a belief that they were friendly natives. The natives killed were all Waikatos.
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On this occasion we can give a more satisfactory account of casualties than we have been able to do on previous occasions; gratulation and regret walk side by side, and we have to recognise that no important good can be accomplished out of difficulty without sacrifice.
KILLED.
65th Regiment. --W. McGivern, F. Rooney.
Volunteers. --F. Brown, H. Edgecombe.
WOUNDED.
Lieutenant-Colonel C. Sillery, D. Q. M. G., slightly.
40th Regiment. --E. McKay, slightly.
65th Regiment. --Captain Turner, severely; Sergeant J. Knight, severely; B. Boyan, very severely; T. Coleman, severely; P. Connolly, severely; H. Gibson, slightly; D. McBrierty, very severely; W. C. Ray, severely; R. Whitlow, severely; G. Wilmot, very severely; J. Lalley, dangerously; Corporal W. Roberts, slightly.
Volunteers. --J. Ward, slightly; R. Langman, slightly; W. Vercoe, slightly; T. Veale, slightly.
NATIVES KILLED.
Tai Porutu, Warangi, Hakopa (chiefs), Tamu, Ikaraika, Hakopa, Heneriko, Wiriana, Hakopa, Wanganui, Pari, Tamihana, Hatewera, Hirene, Tamiana, Warawara, Tamati, Hemi Karanga, Watewera.
Fourteen dead, names not obtained.
Three wounded in hospital.
One in gaol.
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From a Private Correspondent of the "New Zealand Gazette."
Taranaki, December 12, 1860.
We are indebted to a private correspondent for the latest news in England from the seat of war:--
"I am sorry to say that there is no immediate prospect of a speedy termination of the war in New Zealand. The rebels are still in open rebellion, and hardly a week closes without a horrible murder. You will see in the Herald of the 8th instant, an account of the murder of a defenceless boy, within a mile of our lines and outposts. I am very glad to see that the Home Government are taking the matter up, and it is the sincere prayer of every New Zealand colonist that this war be not ended until the Maories are subdued, and taught such a lesson as shall for ever prevent a repetition of their present rebellious and unprovoked conduct. Laying down their arms, giving up the murderers, and confiscation of the territory of the rebels will secure this, and be the making of this beautiful colony. You will read with pleasure and interest, the account of a signal victory over the Waikato insurgents at Mahoetahi, about nine miles from town, by the military and volunteer rifles, when the enemy lost forty-five killed and several wounded. Nothing of importance has transpired since. The Waikatos are collecting their forces at Waitara, and we have just heard of the defection of an influential chief at Waikato, William
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Thompson by name, who is on his way to join the insurgents at Waitara. General Pratt, it is rumoured, will shortly attack them in force."
From the Correspondent of the "New Zealand Examiner."
New Plymouth, January 13, 1861.
When I closed my letter by the last mail, it was known that the next expedition against the natives would be despatched into the Waitara country. There W. Kingi and his natives reside, and have their cultivations; moreover, the Waikatos had taken as their position the site of an old pah called Matarikoriko, about 3,000 yards inland of Puketakauere, near the banks of the Waitara river. Great results were anticipated from the movement. A blow well struck and followed up in that quarter might virtually terminate the war as regards Kingi and his Waikato allies, leaving only the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes to be dealt with afterwards.
You will see from the newspapers that Matarikoriko fell into our hands on the 30th ultimo, the position, which had hardly the appearance of being fortified, having been abandoned after a day's firing from rifle-pits at Kairau, from which their main defence was made, and which pits were designed to enfilade any advance upon the pah. The loss on our side was three killed and twenty wounded; on the enemy's, as far as can be ascertained, 135 killed, and
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seventy wounded. The intelligence of the occupation of the pah gave, as may be supposed, great satisfaction to our people, coupled as it was with the intimation that the General had taken the field with the determination to follow up the enemy, and occupy his country. But this satisfaction was not of long duration, as we soon found that the General's pursuit was to terminate at the borders of the forest, and that his plan of occupying the country by means of military posts will take several thousand men. Instead, therefore, of putting an end to the war within two months, as the General stated before leaving town, it is now broadly reported as coming from himself, that the war cannot be decided at Waitara; and further, that he has applied for 4,000 troops in addition to the reinforcements already promised. I am sorry to believe that these will now be required. The General, with a force far larger than Colonel Gold had under his command, has absolutely done nothing. At the end of ten months, the country (excepting the few military posts we hold) is in the hands of the enemy. Coals are imported from Australia, because it is considered unsafe to venture into the forest for firewood. Hay (absolutely essential for the gun and commissariat cattle) is left uncut within sight of blockhouses, in the open country, for the same reason, and cattle are swept off from the nearest farms in open day, without an effort to recover them. With these startling facts before the public, it may be reasonably expected that another commander will be sent out without delay. It would
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be far more agreeable to praise General Pratt, than to censure him.
As an instance, I may cite that the Colonial Press, without an exception, has given the fullest credit to the General for his movement upon Matarikoriko, and. his plan of the campaign, as it was then understood. This, as we have seen, has undergone considerable alteration since he took the field. His campaign at Waitara virtually terminated, at Matarikoriko. Certain posts were to be held, and the troops were to return to town en route to the south. But a different course of action is forced upon him by the natives, who spoke very disparagingly of the General, and threatened to attack him if he does not attack them very shortly. An expedition, in consequence, will move out early to-morrow morning against the rifle-pits, which are much more formidable than they need have been, from the General having permitted them to make them so. The most useful guns the General has are the little mortars, which appear to be exactly suited to the warfare he is engaged in. They are easily moved about, and fired in any direction, and sure to discover the whereabouts of the natives, before the troops get within range. Some more of these should be sent out.
The coming week will be one of great moment, and much must hinge on the result. An attack on the town is still talked of as probable. It might, undoubtedly, be entered at various points by a determined body of natives, and much injury inflicted,
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before we could be brought to bear upon them in the dead of the night. The defences reflect no credit on the engineer department. The natives show us far more science in this respect. Our earthworks are sloped, as if to assist an enemy over, in the run in; but the natives build theirs perfectly upright, which could only be scaled. The strength in town and the outlying posts is from 700 to 800, mostly militia and volunteers, whose acquaintance with the ground makes them especially valuable as a defensive force. We have, besides, our old friend the "Niger," once more. She returned from the White Cliffs during the recent S. E. gale, and has once more taken up her berth off the town, watchful and ready as ever to land her gallant force. The "Victoria" is likewise to remain here for the same purpose. The services this sloop has rendered the province and colony cannot be over-estimated.
The steam transport, "Robert Lowe," from Auckland, via "Napier" and "Wellington," with 250 men of the 65th, is hourly expected. These will probably be taken on to Waitara.
P. S. --14th January, 7 a. m. -- No news from Waitara.
From a Correspondent of "The New Zealand Examiner."
New Plymouth, February 11, 1861. It will be seen from the local papers that the war is not progressing favourably. Of the ultimate result
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there can be no doubt; but General Pratt's mode of carrying it on is in the highest degree injurious to all parties concerned. We found fault with Colonel Gold, and justly too, that, with less than 500 regulars, he failed in his mission; but General Pratt, with six times the force, is not more successful. The truth is, that he is too old (as the rank of General in our service but too usually implies) to cope with his active enemy. As to the manner in which this should be done, a stranger to the colony, such as General Pratt was, might well be at fault. It was, perhaps, for this reason that the Governor particularly called his attention to the importance of harassing the natives by means of armed bodies of men, kept moving about with secresy and expedition, and of destroying their cultivations and property. It is obvious that a war with savages may be indefinitely protracted if no measures are taken for starving the enemy, and that it may prove a needlessly ruinous one to ourselves if the country is surrendered to them. Whilst, therefore, the General is employing 2500 men at a "sap" fifteen miles from town, we in the town are menaced on our south by the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes, who are once more in position on Waireka-hill, from whence they send out small bands of natives to murder, pillage, and destroy. All we in the town are permitted to do is, to keep open communication with the Bell blockhouse and Mahoetahi on one side, and the Omata stockade on the other. The rest of the country--all that lies south of a line drawn between the above posts--we give up to the enemy. No man
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can venture five hundred yards out without the risk of being cut off. Houses are burnt in the open day, and horses and cattle driven off without the slightest attempt being made to interfere with the natives. On Friday last, one of the best settlers, the only son of Captain King, R. N., was surprised and shot on his own property, within sight of the Marsland-hill garrison; and though we are perplexed in accounting for the infatuation which led him to venture there, it is a shame and a reproach to our military administration that such bloody scenes can be done, and are permitted. In previous letters I have called attention to the necessity of sending out to us a new commander, and unless this be done the news from the colony will continue to be from bad to worse. I regret time does not allow of my writing at greater length. This partly arises from the mail being dispatched two days earlier than usual, to make up for the month of February, that no delay may occur in the delivery in England.
From the Taranaki Herald, February 11, 1861.
The "Tasmanian Maid," just arrived in the anchorage, brings us information respecting the heavy firing heard yesterday at Waitara.
General Pratt has resolved on constructing a redoubt about a mile in advance of redoubt No. 6 in the peach grove, and about 400 yards from Te Arei pah, near Pukerangiora. The pah is not now in a fortified state, but there is a village of a few huts on
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the site of an old pah, half way up the slope of a ridge. There are many rifle-pits on several eminences around; the ground is covered with fern, in some places very high, and there is a deep gulley between the position chosen for the redoubt and Te Arei pah. A force, consisting of about 1200 men of the 12th, 14th, 40th, and 65th regiments and artillery, with the Royal Engineers, advanced at daybreak yesterday, and was immediately met by heavy firing from the enemy ensconced in their pits. Our men were obliged to lie down, and the working parties were covered chiefly by the fire of the artillery, as the natives could only be seen at rare intervals. The rifles, however, were constantly in readiness to fire into the enemy when seen. The natives were full of determination, and at times came within speaking distance, inviting our men to come on, who replied by recommending them to stand out. Several old women were vociferous in encouraging the enemy.
The redoubt was constructed on a small hill crowned with fern trees, commanding the gulley, and within easy shelling range of the village or pah Te Arei.
The 40th, and Captain Strange's and Captain Turner's companies, 65th, were extended in front across the roads from the peach grove to Te Arei, the 40th on the left, the 65th on the right. The detachment of the 12th, and the light company 65th, kept the road in the rear of the working parties, extending from the peach grove to near the new redoubt. Almost every little eminence, and the
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edges of the bush, were occupied by the enemy, one party as near as 150 to 200 yards to the men of the 65th on the right front. Captain Strange's men had formed themselves rifle-pits, and that gallant officer was lying in one of these when he received a wound in the thigh, the bullet cutting the femoral artery, and causing death by hemorrhage. Eleven others were wounded: three of the Royal Artillery, one of the 12th regiment, one of the 40th, five of the 65th, and a bullock-driver. Nine of the bullocks were hit, but not so as to injure them seriously. The wounds, except two which are dangerous, are not of a character to disable the men permanently.
Captain Strange was universally esteemed, not only in his regiment, but by every one who came in contact with him in the whole force. The civilians in the Bell Block, where he was long in command, will hear of his death with extreme regret. No soldier in Taranaki had more respect and good-will from the settlers. At present, nothing is known of the Maori loss. It is conjectured by a good authority that they did suffer, and a rumour reached town this morning, by a native, that two or more had been killed. Little, however, was seen of them during the day, beyond the smoke of their guns. One individual, placed at the foot of the hill, is said to have caused a large part of the loss on our side; but though a great deal of attention was paid him in consequence, he seemed to escape.
The whole of the redoubts between Kairau and No. 6 are to be destroyed to-day. Colonel Wyatt
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was left in command at the new position, with about 350 men.
THE BATTLE OF HUIRANGI.
On the morning of the 23rd of January, a little before daybreak, an attack was made by the Maories upon a new redoubt thrown up in front of Huirangi, the great, and perhaps the last, stronghold of the insurgent natives. On this occasion they did not wait to be attacked, but themselves became the assailants, and it is impossible not to admire the skill with which the assault was planned, and the reckless daring with which it was made.
A "storming party" of the Maories crept up through the fern and gained the ditch of the redoubt, and then, as we have been informed, cutting with their tomahawks small foot-holes in the slope, they swarmed up the sides of the parapet "in the most desperate and determined manner," seizing hold of the very bayonets that were pointed against them. In rear of this forlorn hope, there was a strong supporting party, and skirmishers were in line on all flanks of the redoubt.
"The plan of the enemy," writes Colonel Leslie, the gallant commander of the garrison, "appeared to be to keep down the fire of our men on the parapets by their support and by their line of skirmishers, while the storming party scaled the left face of the redoubt."
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They failed, as they must always fail, and have suffered a terrible punishment. With thirty-six known to have been killed, they will not have less than twice that number wounded, many of whom have got away only to die.
With soldierly frankness, General Pratt, after his experience at Taranaki, recognises some of the good qualities of his misguided opponents, and "trusts that the severe losses this manly and high-spirited race are so continually receiving, will teach them how unavailing are their efforts against her Majesty's supremacy, and will soon lead to a termination of this unhappy internecine war."
It is the lesson exactly which the real friends to the natives should earnestly inculcate, and urge them at once to take to heart. Every hour that passes renders the danger of this struggle growing into a war of races more and more imminent; and whilst the result of such a war is not difficult to predict, the course which must be travelled to reach the end cannot be contemplated without horror.
If the scenes which Taranaki has witnessed should chance to be repeated elsewhere, the difficulty of the native question will not be reduced, whilst the disposition to make allowances for peace sake will be seriously lessened.
From the "Melbourne Argus" February 23rd, 1861.
Via Sydney, we have intelligence from the seat of war up to the 11th inst., thus giving us four weeks'
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later news than we were enabled to forward by the last mail. We then published the dispatch from Major-General Pratt, giving an account of his expedition of the 28th December against the Waikatos, which had resulted in the Maories being driven from a very strong position at Matarikoriko, after three days' fighting, with a loss on our side of three killed and twenty-two wounded, and on that of the natives of 135 killed, seventy wounded, and fifteen missing. The "Boanerges" had also just arrived from Cork, with the 2nd battalion of the 14th foot, consisting of about 500 men. Since then, a further reinforcement, consisting of about 430 of the 57th regiment, has arrived by the "Castilian," from Bombay, and additional troops are also expected from India and China, the 64th regiment in particular being named.
Extract from a Letter dated Nelson, Feb. 28th, 1861.
Our last accounts from that now wretched place (Taranaki) are very distressing; fever is raging, and funerals almost daily occur, whereas, before the war, a grave had not been opened for sixteen months. Our houses are now entirely gone, the southern natives having come up again and burnt all they left last year, and also driven away the remaining cattle, so that our hopes are at a lower ebb than ever. What can we do if we ever get back again, with nothing to shelter us, and no means of putting up a house for a long time?
