RIOT AT LAMBING FLAT, AUSTRALIA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 9, 29 August 1861, Page 3

RIOT AT LAMBING FLAT, AUSTRALIA.

By way of Auckland we have Sydney news to the 18th ult. The Gold Diggers and the police had come into fatal collision. Troops had been despatched from Sydney, together with a detachment of Blue Jackets from 11. M. ship Fawn. The following are the particulars TATAL COLLISION BETWEEN RIOTERS AND POLICE. IT3O p. m. Collision with the Force.—About 1000 men crossed the creek and made for the camp. A deputation of four arrived, and requested to see the officer in command of the camp. Captain Zouch and Mr. commissioner Griffin received them. They asked if any, and what number had been arrested with respect to the late riots. They were informed that three were arrested ; they then stated that they were requested to demand their release. Both C'apt. Zouch and Mr. Griffin firmly, yet coolly, declined to release the prisoners, informing the deputation at the same time that the law must take its course—that the parties arrested would bo brought before the Court on Monday morning, and, exhorting them to return, impressed upon them t he necessity of using their endeavours to disperse the mob. Scarcely had this taken place, and before Capt. Zouch got back to the camp, a volley was fired from the mob, and I became aware of the dangerous position I was in, as two or three bullets passed close to mo. Mr. Griffin read the Biot Act. The mob still approaching the camp, with erics of “801 l up,” “Release the prisoners.” Every endeavour was made, and caution given, to induce them to desist. Orders were at last given to fire. One volley was fired over their heads. This did not seem to intimidate them, and at last the mounted troopers were ordered to the front. They had scarcely drawn up when a volley was fired, and two of the troopers' horses fell. The excitement now became intense ; the troopers were now ordered to charge, but mot to fire. Shots were fired in continual succession at them, and great credit is duo to the troopers for the cool way in which they, under these circuinsiancc-s, obeyed their orders. The mob now closed in, and approached the camp. They were again cautioned. Heedless of this they endeavoured to make a rash. Orders were

given, and the foot police fired two volleys ; orders at the same time being given to the mounted men to charge. This was done, and the crowd was driven across the creek. Sergeant Eremin of the troopers was wounded, a bullet entering his arm ; two other troopers are wounded, four horses were shot, one having four bullets in him. The troopers in their charge did great execution with their swords. At the present time it is impossible to say to what extent. Several are known to be wounded, and one man killed. The body lies at the Empire Hotel, he having been shot threw the head, from the darkness of the night, as it was raining at the time, it is impossible at present to get a correct account of the wounded. I have had occasion to speak of the proceedings that have taken place hero on several occasions ; but in this instance I wish to be distinctly understood that the officers in charge here deserve the thanks of the colony for the cool and determined way in which they endeavoured to prevent these unfortunate prececdings, and, finding it impossible to prevent a collision, for the manner in which they allowed the crowd to disperse. I cannot particularize one more than another; I was present through the whole proceedings, and wish to state that for upholding the law and endeavouring to stop these illegal proceedings, all the officers, commissioners, and men engaged- on these fields deserve the thanks of all classes im the colony. The Government will now, it is to bo hoped, be fully alive to the state of this place and will find that the accounts I have been obliged to send have not been exaggerated. Monday, 3a. in. —All at present is quiet. Reports say that another ‘roll-up’ is to take place early this morning. -1 he forces here are still under arms. r lhe mob came on the camp at a quarter to eight last night, after sending in four delegates to speak fo Commissioner ; demanded the release of the prisoners, and gradually moved forward, evidently intending to rush the place. A division of patrol under Mr. M’Leria was ordered to clear the ground, aud was immediately fired upon by the rioters. The patrol charged well, night though it w r as, and drove numbers over the banks of the creek. The foot patrol firing into the mob, hut it was not until three charges had been delivered, and the firing at intervals continued for more than two hours, before the rioters withdrew, livery man did Ins duty as well as men could do it. Three men of the patrol were wounded—two gunshot wounds in one arm and one contused; one horse which dropped was recovered with four balls in him, and two horses missing wounded. Of the rioters we know of one killed aud several wounded. As soon as I can ascertain losses, T will inform you. The darkness prevented our making any prisoners. All quiet now ; night very wet and dart.