“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30958, 14 January 1966, Page 8

“The Press” In 1866

January 14 WANGANUI WAR.—On Saturday, the 6th inst, the force under command of Major-General Chute, marched from Makotuhu to attack a rebel pa in the neighbourhood of Puti. About 11 a.m., the troops arrive ’ at a hill about a mile from the pa, and encamped. Soon after the Hau-hau flag was hoisted half-mast high in defiance, and about one hundred and fifty paraded in front of the pa. In the afternoon about thirty of them crept through the bush to within easy range of the camp and opened and kept up a continuous fire on the camp, which was ably and well returned by a detachment of the Native Contingent. . . . 1

the force left the camp, and after four hour's heavy march arrived in the neighbourhood of the pa. . . The troops charged the pa most gallantly, and the rebels, evidently thinking that the only force opposed to them were the Forest Rangers and a few friendly Maoris, became confused and retreated down the gully to at the rear. The Contingent gave them chase, and were soon followed up by the military and Forest Rangers. . . When the firing ceased thirteen dead rebels were found, but their loss must have been much more than that. The casualties on our side are comparatively small, being only one killed and six wounded. (“Wanganui Times,” Jan. 9)