CHAPTER XXII: THE TARANAKI WAR.
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CHAPTER XXII.
WE now approach the most eventful period in the history of Taranaki, when the artizan was called from his workshop, the shepherd from his pastures, the husbandman from the fields, and the bushman from the forest, to hold the land for the British Crown, and to repel the hordes of Maoris who came from all quarters to endeavor to drive the pale-faced Pakeha into the sea from whence he came. The change from the avocations of peace to the pursuits of war was not entered into without very serious thoughts as to the nature of the struggle that would have to be made. So far as the settlers were concerned there was no alternative to engagement in the strife. The Governor had come to the conclusion with his Council that it was necessary for the interests of the Colony, and also as a matter of justice that the land-league should he broken up, and that the imperium in imperio, established in the person of the Maori King should be subverted, and accordingly the district was placed under martial law. The settlers were led to understand that hostilities would be resorted to should Kingi continue contumacious, and they instinctively proceeded to New Plymouth to seek protection for their families. The pioneers who had witnessed the war dances of the Maoris in the early days of the settlement, who had received every kind of insolence short of personal violence from the Puketapu hapu after its release from Waikato slavery, and had witnessed the internecine feud of that family, who had been compelled to submit to the exactions and robberies of the Taranakis, and to cultivate the most broken and heavily wooded portions of the district, while all around them lay thousands of acres of fine fertile, level, and open land in a state of nature, felt how necessary it was for the sake of ultimate peace and prosperity to plunge into the war, and let the tyrannical barbarians learn once and for ever the royalty of the Pakeha race and the majesty of their laws.
The following document shows the feelings and intentions of the Government with regard to this subject at the commencement of the year I860:--
[Extract from the minutes of the Executive Council, held on Wednesday, 25th January, 1860.]
"Present: His Excellency the Governor, the Honorable the Officer Commanding the Troops, the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, the Honorable the Attorney-General, the Honorable the Colonial Treasurer, the Honorable Mr. Tancred.
"The Governor submits to the Council the question of the completion of the purchase from the native chief, Te Teira, of a certain block of land, situated in the Province of Taranaki, at the
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mouth of the Waitara, on the South and left bank, as a preliminary to which a survey of the land is necessary.
"The Council, after a full consideration of the case, advise:
"1. That Mr. Parris be instructed to have the land surveyed in the ordinary manner, and to take care that the native chief William King, is indirectly, but not officially, made aware of the day on which the survey will be commenced.
"2nd. Should William King or any other native endeavor to prevent the survey, or in any way interfere with the prosecution of the work, in that case that the surveying party be protected during the whole performance of their work by an adequate Military Force under the command of the Senior Military Officer; with which view power to call out the Taranaki Militia and Volunteers and to proclaim Martial Law be transmitted to the Commanding Officer at New Plymouth.
"3rd. That when the survey shall have been completed, the Officer Commanding at New Plymouth, shall, until further instructed, keep possession, by force if necessary, of the said land, so as to prevent the occupation of, or any act of trespass upon it by any natives.
"4th. That the Civil Authorities at New Plymouth be instructed to assist and co-operate, by every means in their power, with the Military Authorities in carrying out these instructions, and the Honorable Colonel Gold, and the Honorable C. W. Richmond are to give the necessary directions accordingly.
"F. G. STEWARD,
"Clerk of Executive Council."
Mr. Richmond to Mr. Parris.
"Office of Minister of Native Affairs,
"Auckland, 25th January, 1860.
"Sir:--I have the honor, by the direction of His Excellency the Governor, to inform yon that His Excellency with the advice of the Executive Council, has determined that the survey of Te Teira's land at Waitara shall be proceeded with without further delay.
"The survey is to be commenced in the first instance without any display of force, by a surveyor attended only by an ordinary survey party--all being unarmed--you yourself being present on the ground, or not, as may seem expedient.
"You are to take care that the intended commencement of the survey is publicly known; and in particular that Wiremu Kingi and his party are made fully aware of it, and of the firm determination of His Excellency to complete the purchase. You will, however, avoid any official or formal announcement which might wear the aspect of an irritating challenge to the opposing party.
"Should resistance be made to the survey, the survey party will quietly retire; and you are then to intimate to Lieutenant-Colonel Murray that the assistance of a Military Force has become necessary.
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"Military possession of the Block will thereupon be taken and kept by the Forces under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Murray, who has received instructions upon this subject, and the survey is to be prosecuted under the protection of the troops.
"As regards the payment of Te Teira's purchase-money before commencing the survey, or at any subsequent time, you are to use your discretion. The Sub-Treasurer at New Plymouth has been instructed to make the necessary advances on your requisition.
"The Governor relies upon your tact and firmness in the execution of the difficult service entrusted to you, hoping that matters may be so conducted as to obviate the necessity of resorting to force, but feeling at the same time that it is impossible for himself as Her Majesty's Representative to withdraw from the position which he had deliberately assumed in reference to this affair.--I have, &c,
"C. W. RICHMOND.
"R. Parris, Esq., New Plymouth."
The summer had been fine, and the settlers were busy harvesting their grass seed and other early crops assisted by a goodly number of natives from the South, when on Saturday, the 18th of February, the following notice was published by His Honor the Superintendent:--
PUBLIC NOTICE.
"Superintendent's Office,
"Saturday, 18th February, 1860.
"All persons are earnestly requested not to visit Waitara on Monday next, as a surveying party will proceed there on that day for the purpose of surveying the new block of land, and the presence of private individuals on that occasion would cause irritation among the natives.
"George Cutfield,
"Superintendent."
On Monday, the 20th, Mr. Parris, with Mr. Octavius Carrington and Mr. W. Hursthouse, of the Survey Department, and one of the armed police force, proceeded to Waitara. They were met at various parts of the road by parties of natives, but no obstruction was offered to their progress. Arrived at the land to be surveyed, a large number of natives, men, women, and children, were found assembled, and a party, apparently appointed for the purpose, attempted to obstruct the unpacking of the instruments, without success, but when the chain was thrown out and taken by Messrs. Parris and Carrington they effectually prevented their making any use of it. The obstruction was managed in the least objectionable way possible; there was no noisy language, and no more violence was used than was necessary to prevent the extension of the chain. They laid hold of the middle of the chain, and so disturbed the measuring, and the surveying party, finding it vain to persist farther, forthwith returned to town. Subsequently a communication from the authorities was
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made, giving the Waitara chief twenty-four hours to apologise for the obstruction offered by his people, and to notify his relinquishment of his opposition to the survey. To this an answer was received to the purport that he, Wiremu Kingi, did not desire war, that he loved the white people very much, but that he would keep the land, and that he and the Government might be very good friends if the survey were relinquished.
On the 22nd of February the following notice was published and posted in every district:--
PROCLAMATION.
"By His Excellency Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same, etc.
"Whereas active military operations are about to be undertaken by the Queen's Forces against natives in the Province of Taranaki in arms against Her Majesty's Sovereign Authority.
"Now, I, the Governor, do hereby proclaim and declare that MARTIAL LAW will be exercised throughout the said Province from publication hereof within the Province of Taranaki, until the relief of the said district from Martial Law by public proclamation.
"Given under my hand and issued under the Public Seal of the Colony of New Zealand at Government House at Auckland, this Twenty-fifth Day of January, in the Year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty."
By His Excellency's Command.
"E. W. STAFFORD.
"God Save The Queen.
"Published 22nd February, 1860.
"G. F. MURRAY,
"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Troops,"
HE PANUITANGA.
"Na te Kawana Colonel Thomas Gore Browne, Tino Rangatira, aha, aha, na te Kawana o tenei Koroni o Niu Tirene tenei Panuitanga.
"Ko te mea, meake ka timata nga Hoia o te Kuini ta ratou mahi ki nga Maori i Taranaki, e tutu ana, e whawhai ana, ki to te Kuini mana.--Na, ko ahau tenei ko te Kawana, te panui te whakapuaki nui nei i tenei kupu, Ko te Ture whawhai kia puta inaianei ki Taranaki, hei Ture tuturu tae noa ki te wa ka panuitia te whakarerenga.
"I tukua e taku ringa, i whakaputaia i raro iho i te Hiri Nui o te Koroni o Niu Tirene, i Akarana, i tenei ra i te rua tekau ma rima o Hanuere i te tau o to tatou Ariki, Kotahi mano ewaru rail e ono tekau.
"THOMAS GORE BROWNE, KAWANA.
"Na te Kawana i mea
"E. W. Stafford,
"Kai tuhituhi o te Koroni
"Tohungia E Te Atua Te Kuini."
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NOTICE
"It having become necessary to issue the Governor's Proclamation placing the district under Martial Law, I deem it advisable in order to prevent unnecessary alarm among the settlers to assure them that should events lead to actual collision with the natives that due notice will be given to enable them to provide for the safety of their families.
"G. F. MURRAY,
"Lieut.-Colonel Commanding Troops.
"Taranaki, 22nd February, 1860."
Shortly after the publication of this proclamation the country settlers began to move into New Plymouth. The little town had not room for half of them, much less for their goods. Many contented themselves with taking the most portable of their valuable goods and leaving the rest to fate. Others more wisely took their perishable goods to town and buried such as were not likely to be seriously damaged by the earth. The parting from the domestic animals was in many cases painful; pet lambs ran bleating after those that fed them as if foreseeing the horrible troubles that were coming on the land. Many of the domestic cats went wild and preyed upon the rats, mice and birds, but some lingered about the deserted houses till they perished with grief and starvation. The dogs fared much better, for they all accompanied their masters and appeared to thoroughly enjoy both the military parades and the actual engagements. Seeing the settlers crowding into town, an old Maori woman cried out in one of the streets, "Ah, you are leaving your houses and I shall shortly be applying a fireband to them," and then she chuckled, gleefully anticipating the mischief she was about to indulge in. All the dwelling-houses, warehouses and some of the places of worship were filled with fugitives and their effects.
On March 1st the s.s. Airedale arrived from Auckland with Governor Browne and suite, accompanied by Colonel Gold, a military staff, and 200 rank and file of the 65th Regiment. The same day H.M.S.S. Niger anchored in the roadstead.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES.
On Monday morning, March 3rd, at four o'clock, the troops of the garrison of New Plymouth to the number of over 400 officers and men, ordered for the occupation of Teira's land at Waitara, under the command of Colonel Gold, left the town with a long train of baggage and provision waggons, escorted by an armed body of mounted settlers, by the Devon line, and passed over the Waiwakaiho bridge and through the Hua and Bell districts, to the site of the Ikamoana pa, when they branched off to the left, pursuing a line about equidistant between the coast and the Devon line, where the country is more open. The troops after refreshment encamped on high ground, the site of an old pa commanding the coast line of the disputed land. The s.s, corvette Niger was lying off the mouth of the river when
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the troops arrived. During the following night a pa was built by the natives across the Devon line, but was found deserted on the arrival of an escort from town with the following letter:--
"To the Chief who obstructs the Queen's Road--
"You have presumed to block up the Queen's road, to build on the Queen's land, and to stop the free passage of persons going and coming. This is levying war against the Queen; destroy the places you have built; ask my forgiveness and you shall receive it. If you refuse, the blood of your people be on your own head. I shall fire upon you in twenty minutes from this time if you have not obeyed my order.
"T. GORE BROWNE,
"Camp Waitara, 6th March, 1860."
The following notice was posted at the Militia Office:--
"New Plymouth, March 5th, 1850.
"The natives of the Kawau pa having left it at the request of His Excellency the Governor, the pa is in charge of the Garrison of the town, and must with all the property it contains be respected by all persons accordingly.
"(By Order) C. STAPP."
On the same day was published the following Gazette notice of promotions:--
"His Excellency has been pleased to make the following promotions and appointments in the Taranaki Militia:--
"Lieut. H. Richmond to be Capt., vice Watt, resigned.
"Ensign J. H. Armstrong to be Lieut., vice Richmond, promoted.
"Thomas Good to be Ensign, vice Armstrong.
"W. B. Messenger to be Ensign, vice Blackett, resigned.
"Lieut. Chevalier, 65th Regiment, to act as paymaster.
"Charles Des Voeux to command the Volunteer Mounted Force.
"Alexander King to be supernumary Lieutenant, and to act as Aide-de-Camp to the Officer Commanding the Forces."
On Friday, March the 9th, twenty marines, thirty blue jackets, the first and second lieutenants, a midshipman, an assistant surgeon, and a gunner, with a 12-pounder howitzer were landed from H.M.S.S. Niger, and encamped on Mount Bryan, a hill on the east side of New Plymouth, which was temporarily re-named Fort Niger.
On Friday evening, March the 16th, it was reported to the officer commanding the forces that Wiremu Kingi's natives had erected another pa on the land purchased from Teira. Early on Saturday morning, the 17th, Mr. Parris was sent to ascertain whether or not it was within our boundaries. It was found to be two chains within the boundary, and about four from the Devon line. Soon after it was reconnoitred by one of the mounted escort, who reported that it was a very strong pa with double palisading, ditch and galleries,
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A letter was addressed to the natives by Colonel Gold ordering them to move off the Queen's land, and warning them of the consequence of refusal. This they would not even receive.
Subsequently Colonel Gold resolved to destroy the pa with rockets and 24-povmder howitzers. At half-past twelve, three companies of the 65th Regiment, under the command of Colonel Gold, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel Sillery, Captains Paul and Barton, 65th Regiment;, and six subalterns; six sailors from H.M.S. Niger, under Lieutenant Wells, with a rocket tube; two sergeants and seventeen men of the Royal Artillery, with one 12-pounder and two 24-pounder howitzers, under Lieutenant McNaughten; nine sappers and miners, under Lieutenant Mould; and twenty mounted volunteers under Captain Des Voeux. This force passed along the Waitara Road within range of the pa unmolested, when Lieutenants McNaughten and Mould were despatched with the mounted escort to find a suitable position for the guns and rocket tube. They fixed upon a little mound at the distance of 750 yards from the pa, from whence, as soon as the artillery and troops reached the position, a fire was opened, upon which the natives danced the war dance, hoisted their fighting flag, and returned the fire from the three faces of the pa. From the pa being placed in a hollow at the head of a gully, at first a few of the shells and rockets fell short, but the range was ascertained and the practice was excellent, the shells and rockets exploding in the pa and raising clouds of dust and smoke. After a short time it was found that the distance was too great. The Mounted Volunteers were extended on the right to threaten the enemy's line of retreat, and soon exchanged shots with some natives stealing up the gully to the pa, one of whom was wounded in the back and was toppled over. The guns moved to within three hundred yards of the inland face of the pa and with the rocket tube kept up a smart fire, making good practice and carrying away the flagstaff. The troops then took ground to the left, and the guns were fired at long intervals, when the enemy having ceased for more than an hour to reply to our fire it was supposed he had deserted the pa. Under this impression two or three of the volunteers made a dash at the flag, reached the palisade and were tugging away at it when a volley was fired from every face of the pa; the two at the palisade escaped unhurt with about two-thirds of the flag, but the third, who was galloping up, received a dangerous wound, fell from his horse, and after crawling a short distance was gallantly carried beyond the reach of fire by a sailor of the Naval Brigade and a private of the 65th Regiment. About this time two privates of the 65th Regiment were also badly wounded, one of whom afterwards died.
The guns soon silenced the fire of the pa, and finally took up a position within 200 yards of it. Night now approached and the gun ammunition was expended, the skirmishers were called in, and the troops formed in close column, the escort was despatched with the ammunition waggons to the camp, entrenchments were traced by the
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Engineer officer, and the trenches soon formed, where under cover of the guns the weary soldiers lay down under arms. During the whole of this time the enemy kept up a smart fire from rifles, of which he had several, and musketry, and bullets were flying about the ears of the troops like hail. The natives at dark having come out of the pa, the escort returning with the ammunition was under fire for ten minutes, but providentially escaped uninjured, and having completed their mission were ordered back to camp, and ran the gauntlet by creeping slowly along the road and under cover of their horses. The supperless soldiers remained in the trenches all night. Shortly before day-break the enemy fired three guns, and is supposed then to have vacated the pa.
At early dawn on the 18th, the guns and skirmishers advanced nearer to the pa, the sappers throwing up an earthwork in their front; the fire was opened, under cover of which another breastwork was completed within fifty yards of the stockade. The shot soon reduced to splinters the palisading at the south end, and through the breach Lieutenant McNaughten coolly entered, followed by the troops, who were chagrined to find the pa abandoned. The pa was somewhat in the shape of a capital L, about 110 feet long and 33 feet wide. The ditches were five feet wide, and four feet deep, and were covered with a framework of split timber, and about two feet of earth and fern in layers on the top. These communicated with chambers worked out of the solid red earth, and were snugly lined with fern. In them fragments of shells, whole shells used as solid shot, and grape shot were found scattered about, also two spears, a bugle, two mats, with a supply of potatoes, melons, prepared maize, dried mutton-fish, and other food sufficient for several days consumption. As it is positively known that there were not less than 80 men in the pa when it was attacked, it may be assumed that the casualties were numerous.
THE DEFECTION OF MANAHI.
On Friday, March the 23rd, news was brought to town of the defection of Manahi and his people at the Native Reserve called Ratapihipihi, on the Barrett Road. This old chief and his people had but recently sworn allegiance to the British, and were armed for their defence.
On the following day news arrived that several hundred natives of the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes were on their way to Ratapihipihi, and that the advanced guard numbering 70 men had already arrived and danced the war dance. It was reported that they intended to create a diversion in favor of Wi Kingi by menacing the settlement in that direction. In the evening, at about 9.30 o'clock, 250 troops from the camp at Waitara marched into town, bringing three field guns with them.
On Sunday, the 25th, at 4 a.m., 130 Taranaki Rifle Volunteers and Militia, with 200 men of the 65th Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Murray, marched to Ratapihipihi, the natives having already
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commenced to kill the settlers' cattle and sheep and to commit other depredations. The Volunteers, led by Major Herbert, formed the advance, and proceeded in skirmishing order under Captain Stapp within range of the rebels before they were observed. An order on no account to engage the rebels in the forest having been issued before the expedition started, the skirmishers fell back upon the troops in good order without provoking attack. The plan for this particular service was well laid, and would have cut off the natives and placed them between the fire of the troops and militia, who were to have reached the enemy by different roads.
On Monday, the 26th, firing was heard at Ratapihipihi, and was supposed to be salutes by the enemy welcoming the arrival of reinforcements. The enemy, with the intention of encompassing the town, commenced to build a pa on Burton's Hill, on the Barrett or Mountain Road. The volunteers and militia were busily engaged in erecting small stockades, digging rifle pits, and in strengthening the Kawau pa. The Niger arrived from Manukau with 30 men of the 65th Regiment. The Rev. Mr. Wollaston reported the death of Sarten. From the first his wound was considered mortal, the ball that struck him having entered near his left hip, passed through his body, and was cut out from his right breast. 500 Taranakis and Ngatiruanuis arrived at Hauranga.
On Tuesday, the 27th, intelligence was brought into town that Wi Kingi's natives were about to build two large pas, one on Teira's land, and the other outside the boundary. They were to be near to one another, and were to be built of puriri. About five o'clock intelligence was brought to town of the murder of three settlers at Omata. The victims were Mr. Samuel Ford, a saddler and merchant of New Plymouth; Mr. S. Shaw and Mr. H. Passmore, farmers of Omata. These persons while on their way to different parts of the block were shot down by natives concealed behind a furze hedge near to the Primitive Methodist Chapel, and were afterwards tomahawked. Mr. Ford was on his way to see some sheep on Mr. Grayling's farm, and had that morning ridden out to Moturoa with Mr. George and purchased six of his bullocks. Mr. Ford proceeded from Moturoa towards Omata alone, and on passing the stockade was by several persons warned not to go on. Mr. H. Passmore was out with his bullocks and cart for the purpose of obtaining some puriri fencing. His bullocks were both shot in the head and the yoke was taken off and thrown into the hedge. Shaw accompanied Passmore, and was supposed to have been going to his farm to milk his cows. Information was given to the men at the stockade by Mr. W. Gilbert, who, as he was riding along the road, saw a body lying on the ground, and at once galloped back and gave the intelligence. A party then proceeded to recover the bodies, and on arriving at the spot found three corpses lying within a few yards of each other, and they also saw a native in the act of taking off Mr. Ford's coat. They fired at the native but missed him, and he ran off. Ford and Passmore
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appeared to have died instantaneously, but Shaw had evidently struggled for some time. Passmore and Shaw were tomahawked about the head. Two boys named Pote and Parker were reported missing.
ENGAGEMENT AT WAIREKA
On Wednesday, the 28th, news arrived in town that the two boys, Parker and Pote, had been found by the Rev. H. H. Brown, dead and dreadfully tomahawked. No. 10 Company of the 65th Regiment, commanded by Colonel Murray, 25 blue jackets, under Lieutenant Blake, and 102 volunteers and militia proceeded to Omata with the intention of rescuing the Rev. H. H. Brown, his family, with other settlers who still remained out in that district. Before the departure of the volunteers and militia they were addressed by the Governor, who expressed a hope that they would do their duty. About noon two signal guns, fired from Marsland Hill, brought all stragglers from town, and Captain Cracroft, from the Niger, with 60 blue jackets and marines, and a 24-pounder rocket-tube and rockets. The troops proceeded along the road, and the volunteers and militia went by the beach, and proceeded inland diagonally from Paritutu towards the Waireka stream at Omata. They were engaged as soon as they came within range of the enemy, who came down from the hill on the south-west side of the stream to meet them. After the departure of the troops, volunteers, and militia from town, the Niger's men took up a temporary position near to the boat house, and an officer went to the truck of the flagstaff on Marsland Hill. As soon as he perceived that the engagement had begun he ran down Brougham Street without his hat, and with his cutlass at his shoulder, and at once led his men off to the scene of action. Intelligence soon arrived in town that Sergeant Fahey of the militia was killed, the gallant Captain Blake severely wounded, and that the volunteers were hotly engaged and were running out of ammunition, and were surrounded until succoured by the soldiers and sailors. The excitement in town was intense. When night closed in the soldiers returned, and also a party of the blue jackets with some of the wounded. It was then learned that the bluejackets under Captain Cracroft, after firing a few rockets into it, had gallantly stormed the pa on Jury's Hill, and killed many of the inmates and captured the rebel flags. About 8 p.m. the sailors came in bringing into town the flags, and were heartily cheered by the people. The volunteers were said to be surrounded by the Maoris, but to have possession of Jury's house near to the beach; it was also said that their ammunition was expended. A mixed volunteer force was despatched to their rescue at 11 p.m., but they had not long gone when great cheering announced that the forces had met each other.
Mr. Wellington Carrington, who resided at the time at Tapuae, and counted the Maoris as they passed his house towards Omata, gave the following particulars respecting them:--
"First hapu, Nga Mahanga, headed by Kingi Parenga and
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Paretene Kopara, numbering 66, struck off into the bush at Tapuae and went on to Ratapihipihi; this was on Saturday, the 24th of March.
"On the 27th, 64 natives of the Patukai hapu, headed by Paora Kututae and Aperahama passed on. This party went along the main road and settled themselves at Ratanui, a little above Mr. Jury's house.
"On the 28th, 200 went along the main road; they were the Ngatituwekerangi, Upokomutu, Ngarangi, Ngatihau and Ngatihaumia hapus, headed by old Hori Kingi, the head man of the whole Taranaki tribe, Wi Kingi Matakatea, Arama Karaka, and several other chiefs of lesser note. Those that I have mentioned were the whole of the Taranaki tribe engaged in the insurrection.
"In the afternoon of the 28th, 130 Ngatiruanui natives of the Ngaruahine hapu passed along the main road, and joined the others at Ratanui. They had hardly taken off their pikaus when the action commenced."
At Major Lloyd's farm, Waireka, the battle was fought by the Nga Mahanga, headed by Kingi, Paretene and Perere, the best fighting men of the tribe. The first was wounded, the two latter were killed. On Jury's farm the battle was fought by Ngatiruanuis, headed by Te Hanatau, the head chief of the tribe, who was killed. The main body was posted behind the pa they had erected at Ratanui, and a number were also in Mr. Armstong's turnip field. Old Paul was killed when the pa was stormed and the colors taken. From that time the whole of the hapus became thoroughly disorganised, and early next morning commenced their retreat. However, they carried off most of their dead and all their wounded. The road between their pa and Poutoko was strewed with all sorts of plunder. The number of dead positively ascertained is 17. This includes the principal chiefs, but more men of note fell and were buried at Omata. There were 450 more Ngatiruanui and some Ngarutu natives coming up, but meeting the broken taua at Warea and Kapoaiaia, they remained for a time at those places. Taking 330 as the number of the Taranakis who came up, and allowing 100 as the number of those who remained neutral, we arrive nearly at the strength of the tribe, 430. Adding 130 Ngatiruanuis to the 450 who were on their way up, we get 580 as the strength of the Ngatiruanui and Ngarauru tribes, which makes a grand total of 1,010 natives capable of bearing arms between New Plymouth and Wanganui.
The following is a translation of a notice posted at Omata by the rebels:--
"Listen! Listen! all the tribe. The road to our minister must not be trodden upon; also the road to his friends,--James who is from Kihi; to Emmanuel who is a Portuguese, to his children and wife; to Touet and his wife and children, who are French; let the thought of these three tribes be light to their farms, to their property; let it be light, because the word has gone forth from Paratene, Hoani,
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and Kingi Parenga to those people that we must strictly preserve them. Let there be no mistake; with us the three tribes of Taranaki, Ngatiruanui and Ngaraura; let it be light. That is all from
"PARETENE, From "KINGI,
"HOANI, "PORIKAPA."
The following are the official reports of the engagement at Waireka:--
"Lieutenant-Colonel Murray to the Major of Brigade.
"New Plymouth, 20th March, 1860.
"Sir:--I have the honor to report for the information of the Officer Commanding the Forces in New Zealand, that on the 28th instant I proceeded agreeably to orders in command of a force, as per margin, to Omata for the purpose of rescuing some European families stated to be in the hands of the rebel natives assembled in considerable force at that village.
"The plan of operations was, that Captain Brown, in command of the militia and volunteers, should proceed by the beach, keeping the sea coast, and passing in the rear of the natives, who had built a pa on the Waireka Hills,--whilst I should proceed by the main road with a view to dislodge a party of rebels reported to have taken up a position at a spot called Whaler's Gate, for the purpose of cutting off the communication between Omata and the Town. In the meantime, Captain Brown, should he succeed in recovering the European families, was to join me at or near this spot. On reaching the spot named, I found the road clear and no trace of natives anywhere near, accordingly I moved on leisurely with a view to sooner meeting Captain Brown; but on reaching the top of a hill about a quarter of a mile on the side of the Omata stockade, the sound of rapid firing, about two miles off and towards the sea, made it evident that the volunteers were hotly engaged. I accordingly pushed on to the stockade, when I dispatched Lieutenant Blake, R.N., with his men, supported by a subdivision of the company, 65th Regiment, under Lieutenant Urquhart, with orders to proceed in a direct line to the assistance of Captain Brown's party, whilst I continued along the road with the remainder of the force to a lane about a quarter of a mile beyond the stockade, which leads from the road down to the sea. About half way down this lane I turned into the fields and formed line of skirmishers, with the intention, also, of proceeding to the assistance of the volunteers, &c. The rebels, however, showed such a disposition to get round our left, and so cut us off from the main road, that I was obliged to abandon that intention, and manoeuvre to prevent it, keeping up a fire whenever they gave us an opportunity, as they were covered by a wood and deep ravine, out of which we attempted to dislodge them with rockets. I ultimately took up a position in the lane so as to secure the main road; and the natives seeing us retire came down through the wood and ravine, but such an effective fire was kept up wherever they showed themselves that they retired to the bush again. Considering my force,
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however, too small to keep our communication open, should they attack us in force, I recalled Lieutenant Blake's party and Lieutenant Urquhart's, particularly as the day was so far advanced and my orders were to return by dark. I continued to occupy this position until it became absolutely necessary to return, keeping up a frequent fire of rockets on the pa and any groups of rebels we observed. It became necessary, however, to detach Lieutenant Urquhart a second time to drive back the rebels, who were attempting to get up on our right, and between us and the volunteers, which, having accomplished, he rejoined me in time to return. I beg to add that nothing I can say could adequately describe the steadiness and gallantry of both officers and men composing my little force. I have but one regret in reporting that I was early deprived of the very able assistance of Lieutenant Blake, H.M.S.S. Niger, who was severely wounded.
"I enclose returns of casualties. I have received no report of Captain Brown's proceedings, who was too far off for observation, apparently in a gully, with the natives about him.--I have, &c.
"G. F. MURRAY,
"Bt. Lieutenant-Colonel, 65th Regt.,
"Commanding Garrison.
"The Major of Brigade, Taranaki.
[Force engaged.]
"Royal Navy--3 officers and 25 men. 65th Regiment--4 officers and 84 rank and file. Names of Officers--Lieutenant Urquhart, 65th Regiment; Lieutenant Whitbread, 65th Regiment; Surgeon White, Lieutenant Blake, R.N., H.M.S. Niger."
"Captain Cracroft, R.N., to Colonel Gold.
" H.M.S.S. Niger, New Plymouth, 28th March, 1860.
Sir:--In compliance with your requisition, I landed the force noted in the margin at 2 p.m. this day, and, at your request that I should advance to the support of Colonel Murray, who was represented to be hard pressed by the natives and short of ammunition, I proceeded to the Omata blockhouse, from which post I was enabled to obtain a good view of the country and of a pa constructed on the crown of a hill about a mile beyond, which displayed flags, and from which a continued fire of musketry was kept up upon Colonel Murray's force on my right, with whom I immediately communicated.
"It was now about half-past five, and as there was only half-an-hour's daylight left, I determined to attack this pa at once. I accordingly planted the 24-pounder rocket tube about 700 yards from it, and after a few discharges the men stormed this pa under a heavy fire in the most gallant style, William Odgers, leading seamen, doing duty as my coxwain, being the first man in it; and having captured the flags and destroyed everything living in the trenches, as far as could be ascertained in the dark, I returned to the blockhouse.
"In performing this service I am thankful to say that there were
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only four men wounded, which may be in some measure accounted for by the rapidity of the attack, taking the enemy completely by surprise, and giving no time for the usual Maori tactics, while the increasing darkness also favored our small force and prevented a good aim being taken by their sharpshooters. It is difficult to estimate the numbers opposed to us, nor could their exact loss be ascertained. Sixteen dead were counted inside the intrenchments, and several were lying in the road outside.
"After a short rest at the blockhouse I returned to town, placed the wounded in the military hospital, and re-embarked my men, as I did not consider the ship safe without them at this exposed anchorage.
"I cannot speak too highly of all engaged in this affair, and I should wish to recommend to your notice three of the volunteers, who accompanied me from the blockhouse and pointed out the road to the pa.
"I beg to enclose for your information the surgeon's return of casualties, and I have, &c,
"P. CRACROFT,
"Captain and Senior Officer,
"At New Zealand.
"The Honorable Colonel Gold,
"Commanding the Forces in New Zealand.
[Force engaged.]
"Lieutenant A. J. Villiers; Mr. Smith, acting mate; Mr. T. Gassiott, third mate; Mr. J. Carslake, third mate; Dr. W. Patrick, surgeon; Mr. W. H. Hyatt, assistant paymaster. Officers 7, seamen 43, marines 10: total 60, and a 24-pounder rocket and tube."
"Captain Brown to Major Herbert.
"New Plymouth, 29th March, 1860.
"Sir:--I have the honor to report what took place yesterday, from the time I left the town with the force under my command at half-past one, till my return at half-past twelve this morning.
"The officers and men who accompanied me were:--
"Captain and Adjutant Stapp, Militia; Captain H. A. Atkinson, Volunteer Rifles; Lieutenant McKechney, Militia; Lieutenant McKellar, Militia; Lieutenant Hirst, Volunteer Rifles; Lieutenant Hammerton, Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant Webster, Volunteer Rifles; Second Lieutenant Jonas, Volunteer Rifles; Ensign Messenger, Militia. Rank and File: Militia 52, Volunteer Rifles 98.
"After a quick march of about two hours we reached the stream Waireka, where it runs on to the beach. We here perceived that the natives were rapidly running down from their pa, about a mile off, on the Waireka hill, to meet us. We were, however, able to get into position without difficulty on the high land in the following manner, under Captain Stapp's direction:--
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"A Company of Volunteers, under Captain Atkinson, were thrown forward, and reached the high ground on the south side of the Waireka, driving back the natives; but greater numbers of the enemy coming on both flanks, Captain Stapp, who had joined and taken command, ordered a retreat on position No. 1, shown in the enclosed tracing made by the Provincial Surveyor, the position consisting of a house, stacks, and furze and rail fences on level ground on the brink of two gullies running out on the beach. From this point Captain Atkinson was moved on to No. 2, to cover the rear of the main body. Lieutenant Hirst with his Company occupied No. 3, and was joined by Lieutenant McKechney and myself, when I pushed Lieutenant Hirst forward to endeavor to occupy the bush in the Waireka gully, under cover of which the natives were swarming, and followed myself. Lieutenant Blake with a party of the Niger's men having thrown themselves in advance by another route, I directed Lieutenant Hirst to turn his attention to the natives on the lower and open part of the Waireka gully, whence they were annoying Captain Atkinson's party as well as our own. Lieutenant Hirst having done some execution, passed across the gully by No. 2, to Captain Stapp at No. 1. The natives soon made us aware that they possessed pieces of long range, against which our muskets were of no use, and I had to fall back on the scanty cover at No. 3, where I had not been long when Lieutenant Urquhart, 65th Regiment, with some 25 men joined me, as also some stragglers of the Naval Brigade, and some volunteers from the Omata Stockade, under Lieutenant Armstrong, Militia, and Lieutenant McNaughten, R.A. With their assistance we drove the natives out of sight into a straggling and slight line of cover in the gully that runs into the Waireka, and as I perceived the intention of the natives was to intercept our line of retreat to the Omata Stockade by occupying the cover of flax between Nos. 3 and 4, I requested Lieutenant Urquhart to leave me a few men, and with the remainder occupy No. 4, thus placing the natives creeping along the gully between two fires, and securing our communication with the Omata Stockade; to my surprise and regret Lieutenant Urquhart had not many minutes occupied No. 4 before I saw him and his men retire, recalled, as I am informed by Colonel Murray, by his orders. The position commanded my own, was uncommanded by any other, had open and level country between it and the Omata Stockade, and had excellent cover of flax at the edge of the position to seaward. When the natives saw them retire they called out 'Kia hohoro, Kia hohoro,' and boldly ran along the open part of the gully to the cover on the North side of the Waireka, bringing themselves under the murderous fire of Captain Atkinson, which dropped them in twos and threes about the ground. At this time finding my position untenable and valueless to the natives, I ordered our wounded and dead to be carried to Captain Stapp's position. These consisted of one of the marines of H.M.S.S. Niger, wounded in the head and since dead, one militiaman shot through the neck, and Sergeant Fahey of the Stockade at Omata shot dead,
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the first and last were shot by the same native, who was himself shot by Mr. P. Wilson with a fowling piece.
"I then sent my men to join Captain Stapp, while I went to see Captain Atkinson, who joined me in going to see Captain Stapp and conferring with him; when I saw the extensive defences we should have to maintain at this place and their weak nature, I was of opinion that the whole force should be concentrated at No. I. Captain Stapp and Captain Atkinson differed with me, and considered that No. 2 ought to be maintained to the last. I gave way to their opinions, and am happy to say their judgement proved correct, as Captain Atkinson from his position killed at least two-thirds of the natives that were killed. We then proceeded at No. 1 to make our position defensible by throwing up breast works of sheaves of oats and fencing, so as to enable us to enfilade our position. While thus employed we became aware of the diversion effected in our favor by the attack on the pa by Captain Cracroft, R.N., and his Naval Brigade, and which I considered enabled us to retreat after dark unmolested. Had my men been concentrated at No. 1, I would have endeavored to ascertain what had taken place at the pa with a view of joining Captain Cracroft; but under the circumstances, very few charges of ammunition being left, and believing that the retreat of our wounded by No. 4, the shortest route, would be open after dark, in consequence of the diversion effected, I determined to remain in our positions till the moon had set, when Captain Stapp took charge of the advance to No. 4, followed by the wounded, and thence on to the Omata Stockade. I told off the men by fours, and marched from No. 1, one four just keeping the other in sight; when the last four had left No. 1, I went to Captain Atkinson and directed him to follow with his men and eight men of the 65th who had been left with us, and who did us gallant service, also three men from the Naval Brigade and the party from the Garrison of the Omata Stockade.
"After resting a short time at the Omata Stockade, and reinforcing that post with 20 men, we resumed our march to Town, passing the Whaler's Gate without seeing anything of the support, which, according to my instructions, I was to expect there. We reached Town unmolested at about half-past twelve at night, bringing with us also the dead and all the wounded but two, who were left at the Stockade.
"Where every one behaved so well it would be invidious, not to say impossible, to recommend particular officers or men for particular notice. I will, therefore, limit myself to commending the gallantry and coolness of Captains Stapp and Atkinson, of Lieutenant Urquhart, 65th, and of Private Inch of the Volunteers, who shot two natives after he had himself received a wound across his chest. The casualties are as follows in my Detachment:--
"Killed--Sergeant Fahey, Militia.
"Wounded--Lieutenant Hammerton, Volunteer Rifles; Private W. Bayley, Militia; Private J. Climo, Militia; Private J. Hawken,
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Volunteer Rifles; Private Inch, Volunteer Rifles; Private Messenger, Volunteer Rifles; Private W. Oliver, Militia; Private Rawson, Volunteer Rifles.
"I am happy to state that the wounded, though not all out of danger, are all doing well.
"I have carefully estimated the number of the enemy killed at not less than thirty, besides wounded.--I have, &c,
"CHARLES BROWN,
"Senior Captain of Taranaki Militia.
"Major Herbert,
"Commanding Militia and Volunteers."
The village of Omata at the time of the war was situated at the junction of two roads at the foot of the Waireka Hill, and a little westward of the present church and school house. After the battle it presented a very sad appearance. In the centre lay a pair of fine working bullocks, dead and swollen, and near to them a dead horse. These animals were the property of the men who were murdered just prior to the battle. The houses had all been sacked, all the windows had been broken by the butt end of guns being driven through them, and such domestic articles as the rebels were unable to carry away were wantonly broken and scattered about. The children's dolls were derisively hung up by the neck on the fences. The curtains and calico linings of the houses had all been carefully taken away to serve as bandages for the wounded.
Much indignation was felt at the conduct of Colonel Murray in withdrawing his men at sunset, and leaving the volunteers to their fate, and men wondered why the advantages which had been gained were not followed up. On the day after the battle the Niger steamed down the coast and shelled the native settlement at Warea, after which armed parties went out and obtained as much of the crops as possible, and the natives commenced pillaging the farms and burning the houses of the settlers.
On Sunday, April the 22nd, three Companies of the 65th Regiment, with one brass howitzer and some artillery men, started on a reconnoitring expedition to Wareatea, and returned a few days afterwards without seeing any natives or effecting anything. In the meantime Hapurona had been strengthening his position at Waitara, and his garrison had been reinforced by a number of Waikatos.
NARROW ESCAPE OF MR. PARRIS.
A number of Taranaki and Ngatiruanui natives, who were on a visit to Potatau, the Maori King at Waikato, being desirous at this time to return to their homes, the Waikato chief, Rewi, went to the Rev. Mr. Morgan of Otawa, and expressed a desire to see Mr. Parris on the road, as his people were about to escort the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui deputations towards their homes. Mr. Parris accordingly started for the north on Friday, the 11th day of May. On reaching Urenui he was informed that the natives were expected to be between
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Tongaporutu and Mimi, but on arriving at Pukekohe he unexpectedly came upon the whole party, finding them seated behind the breakwind away from the pa. A Ngatiruanui chief having been the first to observe Mr. Parris, rose and shook hands with him, for which he afterwards received the censure of the whole of his tribe. The natives of Pukekohe--Nikorima's people--seeing Mr. Parris approach waved to him with their blankets to keep off from the war party. Mr. Parris at once rode to the pa, when he discovered that there had been no communication between the two parties. Here he remained a little time. The pa natives, according to custom, put out some potatoes and other food for the war party, after which some of the latter rose and said:--"This white man Parris has arrived and entered the pa, and therefore we suppose the pa belongs to him; in consequence thereof the food is tapu"--i.e. not to be accepted or eaten by them. This produced a discussion which ended in the Waikatos declining to agree with the others. The Ngatiruanui and Taranaki ate nothing but dry karaka berries brought by them from Waikato, but the Waikatos partook of some food from the pa. Wetini, a Mokau chief, entered the pa and informed Mr. Parris of the state of feeling amongst the natives being against him, advised him to be cautious, and added that the Mokaus had endeavored to keep the party back. Mr. Parris asked Wetini if he had any objection to return and to invite the heads of the Waikato party to come and speak with him. He consented, but said it would lead to nothing. He went and remained away fully an hour, during which time Mr. Parris recognised Hone Pumipi, a Kawhia chief, among the party. Mr. Parris asked a native of the pa to go and see if Hone would come and see him. Mr. Parris saw Hone submit the proposal to the natives, after which he came towards the pa accompanied by a body guard of four men armed with guns. Hone approached the side of the pa, and addressing Mr. Parris, said:--"I have come because you have sent for me, but the people are pouri," evil disposed. Mr. Parris observing an indisposition on Hone's part to converse-- probably owing to the presence of the armed natives--said, "I merely sent to see you and ask you how you are." Upon which one of the guard said "Let us return," and they returned. As soon as they rejoined the party the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki rose and fired off their guns, and started for Urenui, some few miles nearer town. The Waikatos remained. Shortly afterwards the head of the Waikato party, Epiha, came to the pa to see Mr. Parris, and made the following disclosure, He commenced with a regular scolding:--"You are foolish: you have brought your body upon us without sending a messenger or a letter to let us know you were coming; if we had met you on the march you would have been shot dead without our being able to save you. As it is you are dead." Mr. Parris interrupted him to explain that it was in consequence of being requested by Mr. Morgan and Rewi to meet the party that he had come, and he asked Epiha to explain what he meant by saying he was dead. Epiha replied, "It has been proposed to murder you.
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Shortly after your arrival this morning Erueti--one of Wi Kingi's natives--came to us Waikatos and said when he saw you his flesh shook, and that he was going to Urenui. Epiha asked, 'What for?' Erueti answered, 'to wait for Parris's return.' Epiha said, 'What to do? Erueti replied, 'To finish him.' Epiha observed, 'We have not come from "Waikato for any such thing as murder, and if you determine to do it we shall leave at once and return to Waikato.' Eureti was displeased and left for Urenui with three others---Hori, Paori and Taimona, all of Kaipakopako," This occurred before the Taranakis and Ngatiruanui started for Urenui. A long and anxious conversation ensued as to the course to be taken, which ended in Epiha stating that he would wait for Mr. Parris at Urenui and see him safely across.
After Epiha left it was arranged with Nikorima that a party of ten of his natives should accompany Mr. Parris as far as Waitara. Night was now setting in, and as the party approached Urenui they sang out to warn Epiha, who was across the river. In ascending the cliff the natives were found assembled near the top, the party halted, and Mr. Parris was asked to come to the front. A row of armed natives was on each side of the path. As soon as Mr. Parris had got clear of the armed men, Epiha ordered a halt, and requested the ten natives who had accompanied Mr. Parris from Pukekohe to return to their pa. This they refused to do, and as it threatened an unpleasant discussion Mr. Parris entreated them to return, as he threw himself entirely on the Waikato. Hone Pumipi thereupon stepped forth from the crowd and said, "Parris, I'll take charge of you." As Hone said this a man in a flax mat forced his way forward and rubbed noses with Mr. Parris. Hone observing this seized the, stranger by the chest and forced him back, when he explained, "This is my white man," and he proved to be a brother of Teira, of the Waitara. The situation was one of extreme peril. A large body of natives hustled Mr. Parris, and amongst the crowd, though they could not be distinguished in the starlight, were many of the conspirators.
The chiefs Epiha and Hone now called out to them to stand clear of the Pakeha, and the dark mass of Maoris fell back. It was communicated to Mr. Parris that the ambush party had gone on to Onaero. An armed party of Waikatos then fell in, a native on each side of Mr. Parris grasping him by the hand, besides a rear and an advanced guard; and in this way Mr. Parris was conducted to Waiau, about five miles, in the darkness of the night. On arriving at Onaero where the road passes through a piece of bush the party halted, one native remarking, "This is the spot in which they said they would kill him." Double files were here placed around Mr. Parris, and the whole were directed to keep close together. From Waiau to Waitara the road was on the beach. At the former place Mr. Parris was required to join in a clever extempore prayer for the King, the Queen's and his own safety. After which Mr. Parris separated from his preservers. Epiha, in reply to the acknowledg-
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ments made to him, told Mr. Parris not to attribute his deliverance to him, but to God; that he would yet meet him as an enemy by daylight, but that; he (Mr. Parris), had seen that he would not consent to his being murdered.
The Waikato escort was estimated at 150 natives, the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui depution at 50.
The Government apprehending the serious nature of the conflict in which they had become involved, sent pressing requests to the Australian Colonies for troops and warlike stores. In response to these requests the City of Sydney steamer arrived in the roadstead with H.M.S. Cordelia on the 16th of April, bringing of the Royal Artillery 1 captain, 2 corporals, 3 bombardiers, and 39 gunners; of the Royal Engineers, 1 corporal and 5 privates; of the Commissariat Department, Deputy-Assistant Commissary Dunn; of the 1st Battalion of the 12th Regiment, 2 captains, 2 subalterns, 1 staff officer, 7 sergeants, 2 drummers, 9 corporals, and 117 rank and file; with two 24-pounder howitzers, two 9-pounder guns, and six mortars, and a large amount of ammunition.
On Tuesday, the 24tli of April, the City of Hobart arrived with 230 officers and men of the 40th Regiment.
A strong stockade, well garrisoned, was maintained at Omata, and another at Bell Block, and temporary guard rooms were constructed on the Race course and elsewhere. Every night a cordon of sentinels kept watch around the town, many of whom were without any shelter, and the weather proved very wet. Naval Camps were also established in various parts of the town, and a strong force guarded the port, flagstaff, and the boats.
CAPTAIN RICHARD BROWN.
Richard Brown was born in Dublin in 1804, and was brought up and educated in that city by an uncle. In his youth he was employed in a mercantile house in Hobart Town, Tasmania, and at the age of 20 paid a visit to the Bay of Islands, and to the islands of the Pacific Ocean, in a Tasmanian whale ship. Shortly after the foundation of New Plymouth he came hither, and after conducting a coasting trade for some time ultimately became a merchant in the town, having for his place of business a long low warehouse near to the boat sheds.
In 1847 he had a quarrel with the natives about a horse, and striking one on the head with a heavy whip handle he nearly paid for his temerity with his life, for the natives came into town in large numbers, danced the war dance, and demanded that he should be given up to them. For his safety the authorities confined him in the town prison, around which the natives kept watch all night. In the morning the natives were pacified by the prisoner's consenting to give up the horse as utu for the damage he had done. For some time after this Mr. Brown engaged in whaling, employing a shore party at Moturoa, under the leadership of Robert Sinclair. Next he
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added to his business the profession of land agent, and eventually he super-added to it that of editor of the "Taranaki Herald." When the war broke out he received a commission as Captain of the Native Contingent, and proved himself to be an intrepid officer.
On Saturday, May the 26th, 1860, Captain Brown left the camp at Waitara for the purpose of seeking a straying horse. Riding along the beach towards New Plymouth, on reaching the ford of the Waiongona river he was surprised by three of Wi Kingi's natives, one of whom, a young man named Tawatihi, who had recently been in Captain Brown's employment, sprang out of a bush and fired at him. The first shot struck Captain Brown's revolver-cartouch-box and glanced off, the next penetrated his thigh, and the third passed through his left side and lodged in his body. After the first shot Captain Brown's horse swerved, and the succeeding shots struck him as he was turning. Captain Brown galloped back to the camp, and being observed to drop out of the saddle, was carried to the camp in a fainting state. Here he lingered, suffering with great patience and resignation, till the 21st of August, when death brought him release. Captain Brown was a person of education and of polite manners, a clever improvisatore, and convivial, but sober in his habits. He was singularly reticent as regarded his antecedents and business transactions. He was strictly just and pleasant in his dealings, but there was an inner intrenchment in his nature that was impenetrable and a fire in his eye that forbade too close an acquaintance. To a certain extent he lived and died a mystery. Dying intestate and without legal heirs his estate was escheated.
BATTLE OF PUKETAKAUERE.
After the ineffectual demonstrations made by several expeditions to the South, the British remained inert, waiting for the rebels to renew hostilities. Very many of the settlers' wives and children were removed to Nelson, where they were received with much compassion. The militia and volunteers aided the military and the blue jackets in guarding the town from the attacks which were constantly threatened by the enemy. Such of the natives as professed friendship with the British were armed, supplied with rations, and furnished with serge blouses marked with a large white bull's-eye on the back to prevent their being taken for rebels. The service of this contingent was of but little use to the British, on account of the ill-disguised sympathy of many of its members with their countrymen in rebellion. In the meantime house-burning and the plunder of cattle, horses, and sheep was going on in the country districts, and Hapurona was at work strengthening his position on the edge of the table land overlooking the Waitara Valley, between the Devon Road and the site of the present township of Raleigh, and receiving daily reinforcements from Waikato.
At length, on Saturday, the 23rd of June, a reconnoitring party of the 40th Regiment were fired upon from the enemy's works at Puketakuere, and the officer in command determined to make
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preparations for an attack on the pa. The enemy's works consisted of two stockades, one erected upon an entrenchment of an old pa. They stood upon a ridge formed by two small gullies, which met a little below the pa, and opened on to the swampy ground in the Waitara valley, forming a sort of long Y with the stalk towards the river, and the stockades in the fork.
On Wednesday, June the 27th, Major Nelson marched the troops from the camp in three divisions. The main body consisting of the grenadier and light company of the 40th Regiment, under Captain Richards, and 60 blue jackets under First Lieutenant Battiscombe of the Pelorus, with the Artillery, approached the pa by the direct road from the camp, and at 7 a.m. the guns were brought to bear and the men extended on the seaward side of the pa, the smaller gully behind them and it. With this division were Major Nelson and Captain Seymour of the Pelorus. A second division of about 50 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 bank and attempted to take the pa in the rear. The natives, from their position on the edge of the plateau, could observe every movement of the troops, while the British could see little but the palisading of the pas and the high fern. The firing of the enemy commenced on the rear of our troops, the natives at the time leaving the pas and seeking the shelter of the gullies in order to pour from thence volleys of musketry on our men.
Shortly after the commencement of the engagement large reinforcements of Maoris poured in from the inland villages of the rebels, who creeping in the fern, fired unseen, but at close quarters with the British, and the main body of the latter overlapping a dangerous gully, was exposed to a terrific fire from numerous rifle pits within it.
When the attack was planned it was arranged that Colonel Gold, with a large force and two 24-pounder howitzers, should co-operate with the Waitara force by proceeding from town and attacking the rebels from the plateau on the edge of which these works were situated. Had he done so the fortune of the day would have been the reverse of what it proved to be; but the Colonel after reaching the Mangoraka considered the river too high for the troops to cross, and marched back to town, leaving Major Nelson to do the best he could. The fire at this engagement was said by veterans to have been hotter than that at Feroszeshah and Sabraon, and a soldier of the Crimea declared it to be hotter than the attack on the Redan. The natives, as was their custom, used double-barrelled guns and loosely fitting balls, and in loading jerked the charge down the barrels by striking the butt of their pieces on the ground. So much pressed were the British at last that it was only by a timely discharge of canister shot that a retreat was effected. Finding that his expected reinforcements did not appear, Major Nelson ordered the retreat to be sounded, and the men withdrew, sadly harassed by the enemy, and by the swampy nature of the ground. So hasty was the retreat that
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many of the dead and wounded were left on the field, and quantities of ammunition were shot out of the carts into the fern to facilitate the flight.
Captain Seymour had his leg broken by a bullet, and Lieutenant Brooke of the 40th Regiment was barbarously killed in a swamp after surrendering his sword to the enemy. Three or four of the wounded men crept through the fern to the camp during the afternoon, and another was brought in after dark, after having crawled on one knee for four hours through the fern, the other knee having been shattered by a shot. One man escaped by swimming the river, and two others were drowned in attempting to do so.
"Major Nelson to Major of Brigade.
"Camp Waitara, 27th June, 1860.
"Sir:--I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Colonel commanding, that, in reference to your letter of yesterday's date, I moved out this morning at 5 o'clock, with the detail noted in the margin, to attack the new pas on the mounds of the South-East of the camp, and returned from thence at 11 a.m.
"The attack was commenced by the Artillery at 7 a.m., at a range of 400 yards to the North-West of the pas. A breach was, however, not made in the large pa of a sufficient size to justify me in ordering the men to assault it.
"During the time the Artillery was playing on the pa, large bodies of Maoris were seen advancing from the rear and occupying in extended order a ditch and a bank, about 400 yards in advance of our right flank, from which they kept up a constant fire.
"Seeing there was no means of entering the pa, I immediately ordered an advance towards the ditch and bank just mentioned, which was made in a most continued and gallant manner until the men reached a deep ravine with an intrenchment behind, and which they found it impossible to pass, it being defended by two, if not more, large bodies of Maoris, who were almost entirely concealed behind it, and another entrenchment in rear; as well as the very high fern.
"Here a desperate and destructive fire was opened upon us, and gallantly returned.
"Our skirmishers being far fewer in number, and exposed in a much greater degree than the enemy, I deemed it desirable to direct them to join the main body; and our ammunition being nearly expended, I withdrew the whole of the men, and returned to camp in regular order.
"I regret to report that the casualties have been numerous, but when, as it is supposed, the whole of Wi Kingi's natives came down to support the Waikatos in the pas, the whole amounting to about 700 men (foremost among whom was a European, who was shot dead), it cannot be considered that the number is great in proportion to the number opposed to us.
"Among the deaths I have to lament that of Lieutenant Brooke,
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40th Regiment, who fell in the noble discharge of his duty, and 29 non-commissioned officers and men of the different corps.
"Among the wounded, Captain Seymour, R.N., severely, and 33 non-commissioned officers and men of the different corps.
"I enclose a return of casualties.
"The loss of the rebels, from personal observations, must have been very great.
"I cannot speak too highly of the gallant bearing of the officers and men of all arms engaged, and I should particularly beg to mention the valuable services rendered by the several officers in command, viz.: Lieutenant McNaughten, R.A.; Lieutenant Battiscombe, R.N.; Lieutenant Morris, R.M.A.; Captains Bowdler and Richards, 40th Regiment.
"I would also desire to express my sense of the very valuable services of Captain Seymour, R.N., who was so good as to accompany me, and afforded me every assistance until he was severely wounded.
"I feel much indebted to Assistant-Surgeon B. Stiles, 40th Regiment; Assistant-Surgeon Edwards, R.N.; and Mr. J. N. Murray, Surgeon (attached to the 40th Regiment), for the very efficient services they afforded to the wounded in the field.
"The best thanks are due to Lieutenant Mould, R.E., who attended me, and to my Staff-Officer Ensign and Acting-Adjutant Whelan, Detachment 40th Regiment,--I have, &c,
"THOMAS NELSON",
"Major 40th Regt.,
"Camp, Waitara.
"P.S. 5 p.m. I have just visited the wounded in the whares and hospital tent. There are five dangerous cases; the remainder are doing as well as could be hoped for.
" T. N.
[Force engaged.]
"Royal Artillery, two 24-pounder howitzers, 1 officer, 1 sergeant, 19 men; Royal Engineers, 1 sergeant, 6 men; Naval Brigade, 4 officers, 50 bluejackets; Royal Marines, 1 officer, 10 rank and file; 40th Regiment, 10 officers, 245 men."
On July the 7th, the s.s. Airedale brought from Auckland 104 men of the Royal Engineers and 64th Regiment, and two breaching 56-pounder guns.
On the 8th, H.M.S.S. Cordelia came in from the Manukau, bringing Commodore Loring and 200 more blue jackets and marines from the Iris and Elk, also the Victorian Government s.s. Victoria. The Victoria's men only were landed and took up their quarters at Fort Niger.
On the 23rd, H.M.S. Fawn arrived with 112 officers and men of the 12th Regiment, and on the 24th the City of Hobart arrived with the head-quarters of the 40th Regiment, consisting of 11 officers and 233 men, under the command of Colonel Leslie,
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DEATH OF HUGH CORBYN HARRIS.
On June the 29th, Hugh Corbyn Harris, a Taranaki Volunteer, on service at the Waitara Camp, went out to the swamp in front of the camp unarmed, accompanied by two soldiers, who were also unarmed, for the purpose of getting firewood. Arriving at the swamp, some natives who had been lying in ambush rushed upon him, and placing a musket to his head shot him through the temple. The soldiers who were with him made their escape, and alarmed the camp. A party of soldiers immediately turned out, and the natives took to flight, leaving the bullocks and cart of the deceased. This young man was of exemplary character, the hope of his parents, and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. The body was taken by boat to New Plymouth for interment.
At this date a party, consisting of 200 men of the 12th and 40th Regiments, with Artillery and Engineers, under the command of Major Hutchins of the 12th Regiment, started from New Plymouth for the purpose of taking up a position on Waireka Hill, in order to check the advance of the southern natives.
On August the 3rd, H.M. Colonial steam sloop Victoria, Captain Norman, arrived from Melbourne, bringing General Pratt, C.B.; Lieutenant-Colonel Carey, Deputy-Adjutant General; Lieutenant Foster, R.A., A.D.C.; Deputy-Inspector General of Medical Department, J. Mouat, C.B.; Captain Pasley, R.E., and 50 men of the 40th Regiment.
DEATH OF JOHN HURFORD.
On August the 3rd, news was brought into town that on the previous day John Hurford, an old settler and a farmer at Omata, had left the Omata stockade to visit his farm, and had not returned. It afterwards was discovered that he had called at the newly formed camp at Waireka, and left there accompanied by three Artillerymen. It appeared also that after many hours absence two of the Artillerymen had returned by different routes to the camp, and reported that they had encountered a party of natives while searching for pigs on Hurford's farm, who had fired at them, and being unarmed they separated, and took to flight, and had great difficulty in finding their way back to camp. After an interview between Captain Burton in command of the Militia at the Omata stockade, and Major Hutchins in command of the camp at Waireka, it was arranged to send a guard of ten men from the camp with a party of Militia in search of the missing men. In the course of the afternoon this detachment returned, bringing with them the body of Gaffney, the Artilleryman, which they had found in a gully near to Hurford's house, mutilated to a frightful extent about the head and body with a tomahawk, but without any gunshot wounds. They were not able to find the body of Hurford, but had no doubt about his fate.
On Sunday, the 5th, another party went out, and after a long search found Hurford's body among some bushes, The unfortunate
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man appeared to have been shot in attempting to escape, and had fallen down a steep bank into the bushes. The ball had struck him in the region of the heart, and his death must have been instantaneous. There were no other marks of violence about his person. He left a wife and large family, who were at that time refugees in Nelson.
The town of New Plymouth was now entrenched in triangular form, the sea coast being the base, and Marsland Hill Barracks the apex, one side of the triangle being Liardet Street, and the other Queen Street. There were gates on the lines at the junction of Devon and Liardet Street, and at the junction of Devon and Queen Street. A strong redoubt around the Port flagstaff was held by the blue jackets, and Fort Niger was also held by the sailors, besides which there were blockhouses at the Henui, on the racecourse, ou the hill on the Carrington Road, and on the hill in Young Street, west of Dawson Street.
On Saturday, the 4th, the town presented a scene of great confusion, arising out of an alarm that the natives were in force on the Mangorei Road, near to the old Colonial Hospital, and were marching on the town. The alarm was sounded, and the guns from Marsland Hill thundered out the preconcerted notice to all persons outside to hasten into the town. Crowds of women and children were to be seen hurrying up Marsland Hill--the face of which seemed to be covered with them, while the men were falling in under arms. The confusion was happily speedily put an end to by further intelligence arriving to the effect that the natives had contented themselves with wrecking several houses, and had then retired across the Waiwakaiho.
The result of this alarm was the following--
PROCLAMATION.
"As it is indispensibly necessary that families should leave town, they must prepare to embark for such place as shall be decided upon.
"By Order,
"R. Carey,
" Lieut.-Colonel,
"Deputy-Adjutant General.
"August 6th, 1860."
On the 16th, the brig George Henderson, which was being fitted up for taking the families of the settlers to Nelson, was driven ashore northward of the Henui in a gale. A large party of blue jackets, in command of Commodore Loring, followed her course on the beach with a gun and a rocket, and when she grounded lent all possible aid. In town the assembly was sounded, and a large party of Militia and Volunteers were marched to the wreck to preserve it from being plundered by the natives.
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On the 20th, Ephraim Coad, an old settler, while proceeding from the wreck towards town, was shot dead on the beach near the mouth of the Henui by an ambuscade. At this time there was continuous skirmishing in the vicinity of the town, and the rebels burned the Henui village, leaving the church and chapel and the minister's house.
About this time, Henry Crann, while searching for his bullocks on the Avenue Road, was shot by a professedly friendly native of Puketotara.
The General Assembly being at this time in session, the native policy of the Government was endorsed in the House of Representatives, Members voting by a large majority in favor of the following resolution, which was moved by Mr. Stafford, the Colonial Secretary:-- "That in the opinion of this House the interference of Wiremu Kingi at Waitara, and his resort to force to prevent the survey of the land, that rendered the measures adopted by His Excellency the Governor indispensible for the maintenance of Her Majesty's sovereignty, and the welfare of both races of Her Majesty's subjects, peremptorily requires a vigorous prosecution of the war to a successful termination."
Early in September the troops were engaged in burning the old pas in the neighborhood of Bell Block, which had been erected during the Puketapu feud, also the pas on the edge of the plateau between Puketakauere and Huirangi, which had been deserted by the enemy. A blockhouse was also erected at Puketakauere. On the other side of the town marches were made to Burton's Hill on the Barrett Road, and towards Waireka, for the purpose of checking the advance of the Taranakis and the Ngatiruanuis.
On the 18th, a large force marched to Kaihihi, which destroyed several pas. The proclamation of the General demanding the removal of all the women and children was not only disobeyed, but in some instances resisted, the women positively refusing to leave their husbands and sons, choosing rather to suffer the miseries of the siege. A proclamation was then made offering a discharge from Military service to all married settlers who were willing to remove with their families to Nelson. To alleviate to some extent the misery of the besieged, a comic paper, under the title of the Taranaki Punch, was commenced. It was chiefly devoted to skits on the Military commanders,
THE ATTACK ON MAHOETAHI.
Mahoetahi is a hill a little to the westward of the Waiongona river, through which the Devon Road now passes. It is of volcanic formation, and is one of a series of small volcanic mounds in the neighborhood which are called collectively Ngapuketurua, and as we have already stated are the sites of the first settlements of the Ngatiawa tribe in the district. Kingi having appealed to Waikato for help, received a powerful reinforcement from that tribe.
Early in November, Mr. Parris received the following letter;--
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"To Mr. Parris:
"Friend,--I have heard your word--come to fight me, that is very good; come inland, and let us meet each other. Fish fight at sea--come inland and stand on our feet; make haste, do not prolong it. That is all I have to say to you--make haste.
"From Wetini Taiporutu,
"From Porukoru,
"From all the Chiefs of Ngatihaua and Waikato."
On the 5th of November, news reached town that the Waikatos had crossed the Waitara river in force, and that they would probably be in the neighborhood of Mahoetahi on the following morning. It was at once arranged by General Pratt that a force from New Plymouth, and another from the camp at Waitara under Major Nelson, should march so as to join early in the morning at that place. This arrangement was carried into effect, and on the forces arriving at the spot it was found that the main body of the Waikatos occupied an intrenchment on the crest of the Mahoetahi hill, in which were some entrenched whares.
The detachment of the 65th Regiment, which had formed the advanced guard from town, now formed a line of skirmishers under Lieutenants Bailie and Toker, at the base of the hill, and extended towards their right. This body was commanded by Captain Turner. The Rifle Volunteers continued this extension towards the left, under the direction of Major Herbert; and the 40th Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Leslie, were massed in columns, forming the reserve, while the detachment of the 12th Regiment, under Major Hutchins, which had formed the rear guard during the march, now remained in charge of the baggage and spare ammunition. The detachment of Artillery under Captain Strover and Lieutenant McNaughten, rendered, as usual, important service.
The whole force was commanded by Major-General Pratt, C.B., who throughout the engagement occupied a foremost place, and was much exposed to the hot and rapid fire of his determined enemy.
The Waikatos commenced the action by firing the first shots from an old entrenched position in the crest of the Mahoetahi hill. This was quickly returned by the skirmishers, and after a short fire the 65th and Volunteers rushed up the hill, and stormed that position. In performing this service they were exposed to heavy flanking fires, but it was not until they had entered the entrenchments that they experienced any loss. Within that confined space a heavy fire from entrenched whares laid low the gallant son of the Rev. H. H. Brown, a volunteer, not 16 years of age, and private F. Rooney, Light Company, 65th Regiment, while further towards the left Mr. Henry Edgecombe, aged 20, also of the Volunteers, received his mortal wound. Here Captain Turner was struck in the face by a musket ball, and Colonel Sillery slightly wounded. A rush was now made on the whares, and the bayonet speedily silenced all
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further annoyance. This service was accomplished by some 65th men and Rifle Volunteers. Some shells thrown into the raupo swamp caused the Waikatos to quit their lairs, and now commenced the work of extermination, for a detachment of the 40th under Major Nelson, and a company of the 65th, under Lieutenant Talbot, from Waitara (the latter advancing in skirmishing order), came up from the north side of the hill, and the Light Company of the 65th, led on by Lieutenant Urquhart (then forming a flank guard), closing on their centre, together with a good show of Rifle Volunteers. The rebels, who were almost surrounded, then dashed into the swamp, and a hand-to-hand encounter followed, the bayonet and the butt end of the rifle, when the bullet had missed, speedily convincing the brave enemy that the avenger was at hand. They commenced their retreat, still fighting with desperate valour, and in one of these encounters private McGivern met his fate, though not before the enemy had felt the effects of his prowess. They gradually got in the Huirangi road, followed by a part of the 65th, under Lieutenants Urquhart and Talbot, their retreating steps marked by pools of blood, and a storm of shot and shells bursting over and among them. In their terror they threw away their arms and pouches, and any articles of clothing that impeded their flight, and the pursuers followed them to near the Waiongona river, when fatigue alone compelled them to desist, for the day had been intensely hot, without a breath of air.
The melee in the swamp had been a succession of desperate hand to hand encounters, and many instances of courage were exhibited on both sides. Private Gilligan, 65th, shot one Waikato, and brained another with the butt end of his rifle. Many other daring acts were witnessed, but must remain unrecorded as the individuals could not be identified. But the bayonet played a conspicuous part in the exciting scene.
When all but the dead and mortally wounded Waikatos had disappeared, a reconnoitring party, under Major-General Pratt, composed of 12th, supported by 65th, proceeded to Ngataiparirua, and came in sight of a pa having a red flag flying, but it was speedily hauled down, and a white flag half-mast high succeeded it. The party then proceeded round by Puketakaure, and thence returned to Mahoetahi. In the course of the afternoon, after having buried in one grave some 28 or 29 Waikatos, the main body returned to the town (having left a strong force to retain possession of the field of battle), laden with Maori spoils, in the shape of double-barelled guns, ornaments, shawls, &c, &c, many battered and bloody, proving that they had not been parted with willingly.
On the force passing the town barrier, loud and continued cheers proved to them that their conduct was duly appreciated by their countrymen. The list of casualties proves who bore the brunt of the day:--65th Regiment, 2 killed, 10 wounded, 1 officer, wounded; Volunteers. 2 killed, 4 wounded; 40th Regiment, 1 wounded.
The following is an extract from Mr. Parris' report of this affair to the Native Secretary, dated the 6th of November, 1860:--
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"We left town this morning at 4 o'clock, six hundred strong, under the command of the Major-General, for the purpose of taking possession of Mahoetahi, and on our arrival found it occupied by the rebels. On approaching the pa the enemy opened fire upon us, which was warmly returned, and the seaward end of the pa soon taken. They at last went out of the pa into a swamp, situated on the inland side of the pa, and there remained until Colonel Mould arrived with his party from Waitara, when they were placed between two fires, the cross-firing wounding some of our own men. After they had lost about twelve of their number they ran away, under a heavy fire, along the road leading to Huirangi, and before they got to the Waiongona ford, ten or twelve more of them fell, and among them Wetini Taiporutu. We followed them to Huirangi, and found four on the road nearly dead, and there is no doubt but a great many have got away badly wounded.
"I recommended that the three chiefs, mentioned at the head of the following list, should be brought into town and buried, which the General sanctioned. We have brought in four prisoners badly wounded, one wounded in the leg, and one not wounded, from whom I obtained a list of the names enclosed. I believe there are as many more killed and wounded whom we have not yet found or heard of.
"The following is a list of Waikatos killed:--
"Wetini Taiporutu, Chief of Waikato; Wharangi, Chief of Ngatiapakura; Hakopa, Chief of Ngatikoura; Tamu, of Ngatiruru; Hikaraia, of Ngatihaua; Hakapo, of Ngatikoroki; Heneriko, of Te Urkopi; Wirihana; Wanganui, of Ngatikoriki; Pari, of Ngatihaua; Tamihana, of Ngatikoroki; Harawira, of Ngatihaua; Hirini, of Ngatikahukura; Tamihana, of Ngatiruru; Wharawhara, of Ngatihaua; Hemi Karena, of Ngatiruru; Harawira, of Ngatihaua; Hakopa.
"Besides these there were twelve whose names I have not obtained.
"Robt. Parris,
"Assistant Native Secretary."
On the night after the battle, the soldiers who held Mahoetahi were astonished to hear the Maoris dancing a war dance in token of defiance, and of their determination to be avenged for their loss on the preceding day. Some shots were fired from the hill in the direction of the spot from whence the noise proceeded, but nothing further transpired.
When the news of the affair at Mahoetahi reached Auckland, fears were entertained that reprisals would be made in the north by the Waikatos, and accordingly the Niger and Victoria were sent to fetch 400 troops from New Plymouth for the protection of that city.
In the neighborhood of the Waitara the enemy seemed exasperated at the loss he had sustained. Numbers of Waikatos poured into Kingi's pas, and small marauding parties issued forth to waylay and murder any European they might meet.
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THE DEATH OF JOHN HAWKEN.
On the day after the rout of the Waikatos, Mr. John Hawken, who had formerly been in business as a miller at the Blagdon Mill, and afterwards as a butcher at New Plymouth, but during the war had been engaged as contract butcher to the camp at Waitara, left the camp and proceeded towards Mahoetahi on horseback, probably for the purpose of seeking for cattle. As he did not return search was made for him, and his horse was found shot between Mahoetahi and Huirangi, and also a letter which had evidently been taken from his person.
On the 16th, his body was found, lightly covered with earth, about three-quarters of a mile from Mahoetahi on the road to Huirangi. The friendly natives say that a volley was fired at him which wounded him, and brought down his horse, and that before he could extricate himself he was tomahawked by Tamihana, of Kaipakopako.
On the 9th, eleven more bodies of natives were found about Mahoetahi, making the ascertained loss of the enemy to be 45 killed. It was said by the friendly natives that the loss was 71, several having died at Huirangi, and others in the neighborhood in attempting to reach it.
A blockhouse was erected on one of the Ngapuketurua hills, 800 yards in advance of Mahoetahi, which at that time was covered with a dense growth of karaka trees, Corynocarpus laevigata, which, have long since been felled for military purposes. Not far from this hill is another of a similar character, which was the tapu burial place of the chiefs of the hapu, and here during the war several relics were found. The most interesting of these was a trachytic boulder of oval shape, measuring about ten inches by six inches, with the top cut off so as to form a lid, and the centre hollowed out and containing a piece of red ironstone about the size of a man's thumb. This relic is said to be the memorial of the great ancestor of the tribe, who was buried on this hill, and it was the custom when any of his relatives died to uncover the stone, light a fire, and cook food near to it.
DEATH OF JOSEPH SARTEN.
On Tuesday, December the 4th, at 4 p.m., a lad named Joseph Sarten, who was at the Henui on horseback, seeking a bullock, was shot and tomahawked. A boy, named William Northcote, who was riding alongside him, witnessed the whole affair. A volley was fired and Sarten fell, and directly afterwards several natives ran from behind a furze hedge and tomahawked him. Northcote escaped and rode into town with the intelligence, and a party of Militia and Rifles, and the inlying picket of the 12th, with the Mounted Volunteers, proceeded to recover the body. It was found where he fell, in the lane running from the Devon Road past the Henui Church, towards the beach, about midway between the Henui and Waiwakaiho rivers. He had received three bullets in the back and sides, and was brutally
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hacked about the head and legs by tomahawks. The horse was led into town with a bullet through its neck. The mounted men brought the body as far as the Henui, where they met the troops; it was then put into an ambulance cart, and taken to the hospital. The shots in his body and in the horse showed that at least four persons were concerned in the murder, and from the character of the wounds they had evidently been posted within a few yards of where their victim passed. The poor boy was sixteen years of age, and was the second of the family who met a violent end from the rebels, John Sarten, his brother, being the first man who received a death wound in the war. A party of Waikatos were at this time located at Purakau, near Smart's farm, about half-a-mile from the Waiwakaiho river. A dense fog which hung over the district this day was taken advantage of by the enemy for the perpetration of this murder.
The Waikatos in large numbers now began to pour into the pas at Matarikoriko and Huirangi, on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Waitara valley, and leading up to the ancient fastness of the tribe at Pukerangiora.
In order to reduce these, General Pratt marched for the Waitara, where he encamped on December the 27th. The next day, with a force consisting of 1,000 men, with all the appurtenances required for a protracted siege, he advanced towards Kairau, where the enemy in great strength had formed an extensive series of field works, consisting of rifle pits connected with viaducts that led to gullies bordering the dense bush surrounding the Matarikoriko pa.
The following graphic account is from a letter written at the camp, dated December the 31st, 1860:--
TAKING OF MATARIKORIKO.
"The day we left town (28th), we arrived at Mahoetahi about 7 a.m., and halted for an hour for breakfast, after which we moved on by the road to the left of the blockhouse, and crossed the Waiongona at the prophet's pa, above the junction of the Mangoraka with the Waiongona. Fortunately the river was not too deep, but it would have been too deep the day before, and we arrived at Waitara at 10 o'clock a.m., and encamped near the pa. We got orders to move at 4 a.m. next morning, and got on the road at that hour, passed the site of the old L pa, and arrived at Ngataiparirua at 5.30 sum., moved on the advanced ground to Kairau, and commenced firing and throwing shells in the gully towards the pa at Matarikoriko. A working party commenced making a redoubt, and after a short time (8.30 a.m.), the natives crept up through the fern and gave us a volley. A sharp fight until 9.30, and then all quiet until 12.30 p.m. A heavy fire was then commenced and continued all day and night. One man of the 65th killed, and 1 sergeant and 3 men wounded; two 40th killed, and 14 wounded; one naval brigade wounded severely. The 65th fell in at 7 a.m., and marched back to camp (Waitara), with the Naval Brigade. Left the 12th and 40th
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in camp at Kairau, who were engaged with the enemy till 5.30 next morning. All quiet on Sunday.
"The fire all Saturday was most terrific, and well sustained on our side, which kept the rebels well in check. They fired out of rifle pits without showing themselves or taking aim, and the bullets went very high. Our people fired 70,000 rounds of ammunition, and about 120 shell and case shot.
"The Rev. Mr. Wilson went down to them yesterday morning, and there was a truce all day. Mr. Wilson's object was to get them to agree to spare the dead and wounded, and after a good deal of parleying, an agreement has been made to that effect; one old savage fellow (a chief) dissenting, but they will not mind him.
"In going over some of the rifle pits a splendid tomahawk, all bloody, and a pouch, a large knife and pipe were found, and various other articles. Two Maori letters were also found, one from Takerei Terangi to Wiremu Hoeta, Rewi, and others, in which he urges them to spare the women and children. This morning intelligence was received that the enemy had evacuated their pa and position, and two companies of the 65th, and a few of the blue jackets rushed into it, and hoisted the Union Jack--one the Colonel of the 65th had for the purpose. It was well and quickly done. We found the graves of five men, and one buried far down in the gully. A young fellow came over with Mr. Wilson to-day to show his father's and uncle's grave. It has been fenced in. The enemy is determined to fight. The following names were found carved on calabashes--'Namahuta,' and 'Mihi,' and in a rifle pit 'Kopuareti.' 140 men of the 65th have gone to garrison Matarikoriko.
"The Tasmanian Maid left for Waitara with stores, &c, and returned at midnight. The Cordelia also came up, bringing Colonel Carey, D.A.G., Dr. Mouat, and some wounded men, and returned again in the afternoon. Weather continues fine.
"The following is a list of killed and wounded on Saturday and Sunday:--
"December the 29th, 1860.--Killed: 40th Regiment--Private James Chinnery, Private Michael Lehan; 65th Regiment--Private John Cain. Wounded: Royal Artillery--Gunner William Smoker, twice in left leg severely, Gunner Jeremiah Wright, left arm, severely; Royal Engineers--Sapper Johnston, left arm, severely; Naval Brigade--Alfred Broome, A.B., dangerously; 12th Regiment-- Private Robert Dye, slightly; 40th Regiment--Sergeant Instructor of Musketry--Patrick Collins, slightly, Private Roger Lyons, dangerously, Private Richard Fitzgerald, severely, Private James Southwell, dangerously, Private John Sullivan, severely, Private Benjamin Greenwood, severely, Private William Caplice, dangerously, Private John McBren, severely, Private Thomas Davy, slightly, Private J. A. Fox, slightly.
"December the 20th, 1860.--Wounded: 40th Regiment-Sergeant F. Thale, severely. 65th Regiment--Sergeant William Speakman, slightly, Private James Haggan, slightly, Private Martin Kinsella, severely.
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"Accident.--Private John Weir, 65th Regiment, explosion of rifle, three fingers amputated."
On June the 14th, 1861, General Pratt again advanced towards Huirangi, throwing up No. 2 redoubt, about 570 yards from Kairau, and afterwards No. 3, a three-angled redoubt en echelon, and within three-quarters of a mile of the Huirangi rifle pits, from whence he ran the longest sap on record towards the enemy's position at the foot of Pukerangiora.
EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTH.
In the hope of diverting the General's attention from the north, the southern natives again occupied the Waireka and Burton's Hills, forming an extensive series of fortifications and field works so as to command every road, and lock up the British within the town and the stockades. In a very short time they had completed, in a direct line across the country, ten palisaded pas.
On Tuesday, January the 22nd, at about 3 a.m., 40 of the 12th, under Captain Williams and Lieutenant Dudgeon, 10 of the 40th, under Ensign Murphy, and 130 of the 65th, under Lieutenant and Adjutant A. H. Lewis and Lieutenant Chevalier, the whole under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Young, 65th Regiment, with one 24-pounder howitzer, left town to take part in a combined attack on Waireka hill, a party of 120 blue jackets from H.M.S. Niger, under Captain Cracroft, R.N., having left in boats during the night to land on the coast in rear of the rebels' position. At daylight, firing having been heard in the direction of Waireka, the bugles of the Militia were sounded, and 108 Militia and Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Major Herbert, mustered, and followed by the road taken by the military. Abreast of Mr. Langman's farm, where the furze fences offered great cover to an enemy, the advanced guard observed three or four natives running towards the road to fire at Major Herbert, who was some 200 yards in advance with a few mounted volunteers, with whom he was riding alongside. The rising sun prevented the natives from seeing the approach of the men, who after giving a shout or two, pushed through the fence at every gap, and in skirmishing order, firing as opportunity offered, drove the natives from their cover off the farm, across the road into Mr. Stephenson Smith's and Mr. P. Elliot's farm and finally into the bush, where they were left to themselves. This was evidently a party out for live stock, and but for the check received would have fired into the backs of the horsemen. No further incident occurred on. the road.
On reaching the Omata Stockade, where the troops were halted, it was ascertained that they had been fired upon by natives from John Wright's house (near the Whaler's Gate), and Hospital Sergeant Burnett mortally wounded. It is believed the natives suffered some loss from the fire of the troops. Sergeant Burnett died at the stockade. Large parties of natives could be seen crowning the
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Wairaka hill, and whilst a signal of the whereabouts of Captain Cracroft was anxiously looked for in that direction, a telegram was received from town that the gallant Captain had returned to his ship, owing to a difficulty in finding the proper landing-place. The land force then started homewards, and struck off the Omata Road through W. George's farm to the beach.
On their arrival in town, it was stated that in Mr. George's house was concealed a party of 50 or 60 natives, who probably not deeming it altogether safe to attack so large a force, remained out of sight until the road was clear, and they were seen from a hill top to leave the premises and go in the direction of Ratapihipihi. This party was probably on the look out for the Omata escort, which needed sufficient strength to repel attack. Whilst the force bivouacked at the Omata Stockade, Major Lloyd's house at Waireka was burnt by the rebels, and shortly afterwards Mr. W. C. King's large barn of hay, near the site of his house, burnt last September.
THE ATTACK ON THE HUIRANGI REDOUBT.
The 23rd of January, 1861, was a fortunate day for the settlement, for at its earliest dawn a blow was struck which virtually turned the tide of battle in the favor of the British, and led to the relinquishment of the struggle of Wi Kingi and his allies of the north, for the possession of the Waitara district. Before daylight ou the morning of this day, about 140 natives of the Waikato and Ngatiawa tribes, headed by Rewi, Epiha, Hapurona, and others, contrived to creep into the ditch of No. 3 redoubt, which had not been completed on the previous evening. It is said that the officer in command had given orders that the cry of "All's Well" should not be made, and that the greatest silence should be observed during the night. This, with the fact of the men having worked very hard at the entrenchments during the previous day, possibly led the enemy to think that the garrison was tired and asleep, and that the opportunity for attack was favorable. While in the ditch, in the darkness, the rebels were engaged in cutting steps in the embankment with their tomahawks. In the grey of dawn a sentry perceived one Maori--the last of his party--creeping to the brow of the ditch; he fired on him, and was immediately shot dead himself. The garrison, consisting of the greater part of the 40th Regiment, under Colonel Leslie, met the attack with great promptitude, and a scene ensued which baffles description. Sapper Chubb, striking a match in order to see to lace his boot, revealed himself to a Maori who was posted in the unfinished part of the redoubt, and was shot dead.
Our troops, as fast as they could load their rifles, fired down over the parapet, and the artillerymen, with great coolness, cut short the fuses of the shells, and lighting them pitched them over into the trench with frightful execution. Lieutenant Jackson, 40th Regiment, while in the act of firing at a native over the parapet with his revolver, was shot through the head, and fell mortally wounded. Some of the natives succeeded in getting so far up the parapet that
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they were bayoneted by the garrison. A soldier in the act of bayoneting a Maori overbalanced himself and fell in the trench among the rebels, but escaped alive; and a Maori on the embankment, transfixed by a bayonet, drew himself up and tomahawked the soldier who had bayoneted him. This sanguinary conflict was prolonged till daylight, when the support came up from Kairau. A party of the 65th, under Colonel Wyatt, attacked the rebels on their right flank, while the 12th attacked them on the left of the redoubt; here they met the rebel reserve who rose out of the fern, it is stated, like a flock of birds. These were charged by the 12th at the point of the bayonet, and those of the natives who could, turned and fled, leaving many behind them. It was all over before 6 a.m., and in the trench of the redoubt and around lay 49 bodies of rebels, 5 only of whom were alive, 41 were buried in a grave between Nos. 2 and 3 redoubts, others were buried by the friendly natives. Thirteen chief men were said to be amongst the slain, but many of the bodies were beyond identification. The wounded natives were all dangerously so. Our casualties were 5 killed and 11 wounded, viz.:--
Killed--Royal Engineers: Sapper George Chubb; 12th Regiment: Private Edward Archer; 40th Regiment: Lieutenant Jackson, Private W. Gilbert, Private Edward Gorray.
Wounded---Royal Artillery: Daniel Bushel], slightly; 12th Regiment: Captain T. E. Miller, slightly, Private Patrick Cahill, severely, tomahawk; Private Edmond Power, slightly; 40th Regiment: Private Henry Wakefield, severely, Private John Officer, dangerously, Private John Mullins, slightly; 65th Regiment: Lance Corporal James Howard, dangerously, Private Edward Smith, dangerously, Private Joseph Robinson, dangerously, Private Samuel Hamilton, severely.
On the same day as this memorable and decisive engagement occurred, the first instalment of the gallant 57th Regiment arrived from India, via Auckland. This Regiment had seen active service in the Crimea, and under its brave commander, Colonel Warre, was destined to render very important service to Taranaki in the guerilla warfare which was maintained by the southern natives for years after the capitulation of Wi Kingi's allies at Waitara. The detachment of this Regiment arrived in the ship Star Queen, Captain Barber, from Bombay, and consisted of Major Butler, Captain Brown, Lieutenants Baynton, Hasted, Thompson, Cox and Waller; Ensigns Clarke, Murray, and Clayton; Assistant-Surgeon Davis, 16 sergeants and 314 rank and file.
On the 2nd of February, Lance-Corporal Howard of the 65th Regiment died of the wound which he received at the attack on No. 3 redoubt. Before he died he sent for Lieutenant Urquhart, and revealed to him his history. It was reported at the time that he was a son of Sir William Campbell, of Tullicheven Castle, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, but this was afterwards contradicted,
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DEATH OF CAPTAIN W. C. KING.
On February the 8th, a profound sensation of grief and indignation was caused in New Plymouth by the murder of Captain William Cutfield King, of the Volunteer Rifles. Captain King had been in the habit of occasionally visiting his estate, known as Woodleigh, situated but a short distance from town, and in sight of the garrison on Marsland Hill, for the purpose of looking after his cattle. On the day in question, shortly after he had reached the place on horseback, he was fired at by a party of Ngatiruanui rebels in ambush, and wounded. Finding that his horse was wounded he dismounted, and was chased by two natives named Hori Kiwi and Hohepa. These two again fired and Captain King fell. His murderers then ran up to him, when he said, "I am badly wounded--leave me." This was answered by Hori Kiwi discharging both barrels of his gun at his head. The whole of the transaction was witnessed from the barracks on Marsland Hill. The Volunteers and Militia hastened to the scene, followed by the military, but they were too late to render aid to their young captain, or to intercept his murderers, who were seen decamping in the direction of Ratapihipihi. Captain King's body was found pierced by six bullets, three through his head, two in his body, and one in his thigh. From the appearance of the wounds in his head it seemed that he was fired at while lying on the ground. The horse was conveyed into town shot in three places, but the saddle and bridle were taken away by the murderers.
Captain King was the only son of Captain Henry King, R.N. He was born in Devonshire, England, and when but twelve years of age came out with his parents and the pioneer settlers in the Amelia Thompson. He had but recently been elected to represent the Grey and Bell districts in the General Assembly, and was a brave and promising man. He was 32 years of age when he fell, and left a young widow and two infant daughters. The only charge against him was one that reflects the highest credit on his memory--he refused to compel some of the females of the settlement to leave their husbands and embark for Nelson.
The General continued to push on his sap towards the position of the rebels at Te Arei. This sap was a work of immense labor, and was a very questionable piece of military strategy, for with the force at his disposal he could have stormed Pukerangiora, and have taken it with less loss than he sustained in extending the sap.
In fourteen days 1,200 yards of this sap, a demi-parallel of 21 yards, and three large redoubts were constructed under a heavy fire. During the extension the enemy frequently removed the sap roller in the night in spite of the vigilance of the sentinels. This piece of impudence was at length stopped by affixing to the roller a live shell fitted with a friction fuze. For the construction of the sap roller and gabions, the supple-jacks of the forest (Ripogonum parviflorum) were extensively used, and the friendly natives were employed in the
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service of procuring them. As an instance of the curious habits of these people, it was stated at the time that in this business the enemy co-operated with the friendly natives, and received a part of the price paid by the British for these canes.
On Sunday the 10th, the General advanced from No. 6 redoubt with the intention of constructing a redoubt about a mile in advance. The force consisted of a party of Royal Engineers under Colonel Mould, a detachment of Royal Artillery under Captain Strover and Lieutenant McNaughten, a detatchment of the Naval Brigade under Commodore Seymour, two divisions of the 12th Regiment under Major Hutchins, 100 men of the 14th Regiment, four divisions of the 40th Regiment under Colonel Leslie, and four divisions of the 65th Regiment under Colonel Wyatt. Four field pieces and two cohorn mortars, and a 24-pounder rocket tube accompanied the force. Lines of skirmishers were thrown out by each corps,--those of the 40th Regiment having the honor to cover the advance--and the whole force was quickly on the route towards Pukerangiora by the avenue through the belt of the forest, which at that period stretched across Huirangi. A few minutes' march brought the men to the open ground on the east side of the belt, and no opposition was offered until they reached a flat thickly covered with fern, situated about 500 yards from the hill on which stood Hapurona's pa. Here they received a sudden, but not unexpected volley of musketry from the natives, who were wholly concealed in rifle pits within short range. The bullets, however, whizzed harmlessly over the men, and the skirmishers returned the fire. The guns and rocket tube were at once brought into position, and the pa, the hills, and gullies around were scoured with shells and rockets. The 8-inch gun also opened fire from the Huirangi redoubt, and threw several shells into the very centre of the pa. This gun was manned by a detachment of the Naval Brigade, whose practice was always excellent. The Maoris, however, held formidable positions. Having long expected the attack they had spared neither labor nor ingenuity in their preparations for defence. Every available spot that a musket could be effectually fired from was entrenched and manned, and their defences formed a semicircle, extending from some ravines of the Waitara valley on the left of the British, to a dense bush on their right. They had also dug trenches around their pa, and the whole ridge of hills in front of the advancing force had tiers of pits, one over the other, from which the enemy fired as from so many little batteries. It was most annoying to the British to be able to see nothing of the rebels but their smoke and fire, and yet to be so near to them as to hear their taunts.
When the firing commenced the site for a new redoubt was selected by Colonel and Captain Mould. The Royal Engineers superintended its erection, and the men of each regiment in the force worked at it under fire with great zeal. The enemy finding he could not interrupt the work, nor silence the guns, endeavored by stratagem to turn the right flank of the British. To effect this he showered a heavy fire
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from the hills, and while the attention of the British was directed to this, he would open a sudden fire on their right rear from the forest. Every pass was, however, so well guarded by the skirmishers of the various regiments, that the Maoris were always frustrated in their attempts, and cut off every time they attempted to advance upon the British lines.
Several hours of the morning passed before any casualty occurred, but at length Captain Strange, of the 65th Regiment, was struck by a bullet in his thigh, which severed the femoral artery, and although he received prompt medical assistance he died from loss of blood, after several hours agony. In the storm of bullets which fell around the force several narrow escapes occurred. A man of the 65th Regiment had his ear pierced by a ball, and one of the 40th Regiment was touched on the crown of his head by a ball which passed through his cap; six of the working bullocks which dragged the guns were wounded.
About 6 p.m., the fort being nearly completed, a force of 400 men, composed of the 12th, 40th, and 65th Regiments, was left to garrison it, under the command of Colonel Wyatt, and the remainder of the force marched back to their respective camps--not to rest, but to mount guards and pickets until the morning's sun should call them again to labor or to fight.
The garrison of the new redoubt had no tents, and it required all their vigilance to keep the rebels out of it, firing being kept up till the morning.
Early on Monday a division of the 57th Regiment, and two divisions of the 65th Regiment, advanced to the new redoubt, and formed working parties and coverers. The firing was kept up all day, and a corporal of the 40th Regiment was hit within the breastworks. The poor fellow placed his hand on the part of his body where the ball entered, and walking outside the fort sat down and died before his comrades knew that he was hit.
The casualties in this affair were:--Killed: Captain Strange, 65th Regiment, and a corporal of the 40th Regiment. Wounded: 12th Regiment, 2; 40th Regiment, 2; 65th Regiment, 3; Artillery, 2; Militia, 1.
DEATH OF E. MESSENGER.
On Sunday morning, March the 3rd, E. W. Hollis (Sergeant), W. S. Ginger, J. G. Ginger, H. J. Hall, W. Harrison, senior, C. W. Hursthouse, J. E. W. Hussey, C. Messenger, E. Messenger, H. Newland, C. A. Pope, W. Smart, W. B. Walker, privates of the Rifle Volunteers, and H. W. Brewer, a civilian, started from town to Walker's farm, for the purpose of gathering peaches, Sunday being a day when the natives generally retired to their pas. Not finding any peaches at Walker's farm they determined to go to Mr. Hursthouse's orchard for some, and while on the road they passed through a hedge to cross Captain King's orchard at Brookland's in order to avoid a piece of bush directly behind it, and seeing some
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peaches there commenced to gather them. They had been so employed for a few minutes, when they were startled by hearing a shot tired at the farther end of the orchard, where two of their number were. Thinking it was fired by one of the party, they called out to know the cause, but before an explanation could be given a volley was fired at them by about 30 natives, within ten yards from a ditch immediately behind the trees, but which was concealed by a hedge, severely wounding W. Smart in the back. The Volunteers, including Smart, fired their rifles and ran for cover through the gap by which they had entered, but before they were all through a second volley was fired by the natives, and Edward Messenger fell shot through the head as he faced about to return his fire. On the rest getting outside the gap they halted to recover Messenger's body, and ran round to the front, then after placing three as sentinels to prevent them being surrounded, and despatching one to town for assistance, they gained cover behind a gate, and a few yards of hedge. The rebels thinking the party had gone, rushed to the body of Messenger for the purpose of tomahawking it, and obtaining the rifle and accoutrements of the deceased, but as soon as the foremost man, who was dressed in a friendly native's blue serge shirt with badge, perceived them, he exclaimed "Hallo," fired both barrels of his gun, and in the act of retreating was shot dead by three of the party. At the same time a second native was fired at while in the act of crossing the orchard hedge on the right, and appeared to fall. No more was seen of the rebels after this, and a small party of friendly natives from Fort Herbert, and six men of the 65th Regiment from the Carrington Road Blockhouse, under Lieutenant Bailie, coming to their assistance, Messenger's body was brought out and carried to town. Deceased was 17 years of age, was the best shot of a family of marksmen, and was emphatically a volunteer, being under age for compulsory service, and yet taking part in Waireka, Mahoetahi, and other encounters with the enemy. The attacking natives were 30 of the Ngatiruanui and Waitotara tribes.
DEATH OF LIEUTENANT MCNAUGHTEN, R.A.
On Sunday, March the 17th, the first anniversary of the Taranaki war, at about 3 p.m., Lieutenant McNaughten fell while laying a cohorn mortar at the head of the sap which had been pushed up close to Te Arei. The mortars had been doing great execution among the rifle pits of the enemy during the day, and while this intrepid soldier was standing with a plumb line in his hand, laying one of these pieces, a Maori from the brow of a precipice which commanded the sap fired, and the ball wounded his hand which held the plumb line and then entered his breast. An officer who was near to him exclaimed "McNaughten you are hit," but the Lieutenant smiled, and with his usual calmness replied, "Oh never mind, 'tis but in the hand." These were his last words. He stood, turned pale, staggered backwards, fell and died. The ball had severed the aorta. He fell on the anniversary of the day the Artillery opened fire on Wi Kingi's pa at the Waitara. He fired the first gun, and his death concluded the first chapter of the Taranaki war.
