WAR AT TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 131, 17 July 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

WAR AT TARANAKI.

ATTACK OK THE OAKURA REDOUBT.

[Erom the correspondent of the Daily Southern Cross, July 4.] Ist July, 4 p.m. A mounted orderly lias just riddeu into town to announce the somewhat startling news, that the natives from the Kaitake ranges had come out in force, it was supposed to storm the Oakura redoubt.

He was followed by another mounted orderly, a short time afterwards, who announced that an attack on our position had really been made by the natives. I did not see the orderly, but the statement having been confirmed by several gentlemen to whom I spoke, I have no reason to doubt its truth. The Harrier had just left with the Armstrong guns, and also my letters on board, and as the Abeona was on the point of starting with baggage for Manukau, I lost no time in going off to apprise the Auckland public of the fact, by the earliest opportunity. Through the courtesy of Captain Fairchild, I have written this despatch in the cabin of the Abeona.

r i here were 100 men in the Oakura, the greater strength being at Tatara engaged dismantling it and removing stores. It is stated that the natives were so near that grape shot was used against them. The firing was not heard in town owing to the wind, which blew southerly. This may turn out to be only a demonstration on the part of the natives, on account of the removal of the troops and the shelling of Saturday.

Should I receive fuller details in time for the Abeona, which is chartered for Government service, I will not fail to communicate

2nd July. I have learned to-day the particulars of yesterday’s firing. It appears that the natives came down when Tatara was abandon, ed, and took possession of the block yesterday. The troops burned the whores, but the ditch was left untouched.

The natives fired a few shots on the troops coming up, without doing any damage. These shots were returned.

The natives subsequently showed in considerable force at the Wairau river, where the murders were committed. They danced a war dance, and fired their pieces at the redoubt. On our part the natives were treated to a few shots from a four-pound howitzer, and fire from the rifles. I have heard of no casualties.

The Taranaki chief Abraham lias died of the wounds received at Tatara on the 2-lth June. Parenga Kingi is the only great chief left among the Taranakis. The natives look upon our retiring as a defeat, and the demonstration reported was a consequeuce of it.

The half-caste (Hori) has been returned ■for trial, and true bills for murder, shootiim at with intent, and receiving stolen goods” has been found against him. The Criminal sittings of the Supreme Court are going on.

From the Waitara I have just heard that 300 of the Ngatiraukawas are coming from Otaki, and may shortly be expected, with 100 from Taupo. 170 of the Waikatos are coming down with William King, accompanied by Hi Kaka, a Waikato chief.

They do not intend to take Te Ai first, but begin at Waitara. The natives say, “ Waitara first—Te Ai afterand the various settlements are to be attacked in turn. This is from a Maori source, and argues a general rising.

The Mataitawa natives (King’s) have not decided to attack Taylor or Bell Block. Opinions are divided. Ihaia, Te Wharepe, and Te Patukakariki wish to attack Te Teira, but Hapmrona and William King’s son, Te Patukakariki, and little Paul, and Epiha, are going in for Bell Block.

They are fortifying some of the old positions and preparing for war. A native named Harry, returned from x atara, and says they are disorganised, and short of food , - and reports a loss of 24 including 3 women at Kaitakera. Abraham Eakuwai, a Taranaki chief; Hori Te Kaioroto and Mohu Kiho, Wanganui chiefs, were killed.

The natives are very insolent and seem bent on fighting.