HOSTILITIES AT AUCKLAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 133, 31 July 1863, Page 3

HOSTILITIES AT AUCKLAND.

SETTLERS MURDERED. [The following appeared in our Extra of Monday last]. We extract the following from the papers to hand, our files extending up to the 23rd instant. A settler named Meredith and his son, 14 years of age, were found tomahawked on the 15th instant, in Shepherd’s Bush, near ryENGAGEMENT AT KOHEROA. We extract the following from the letter of the special correspondent of the Southern Cross, dated “Queen’s Redoubt, July 21.” On the 16th, the enemy were observed from the Koheroa camp to be assembling in force on the range opposite the camp, and apparently advancing their works on our

left front, with the object of coming close up to our position. This being reported to the General, he made a reconnaissance, and determined to dislodge them without loss of time. According, next morning reinforcements were marched from the Queen’s redoubt, and taken down the creek in boats, from the boating station to the land. About half-past ten, a.m., 200 of the 14th Regiment, commanded by Colonel Austin, moved out to the attack.

The 14th advanced for about two miles along the ridge, and the enemy retired from their first line of rifle pits, which, as I have said, were unfinished. The advance continued along the summit of the ridge, and in a short time the enemy’s skirmishers opened fire. The advanced guard then wheeled off to the right, driving in the enemy’s skirmishers. The main body, headed by the General, advanced by the left to the rifle pits, where the enemy were in force. When within range enemy opened an exceedingly heavy fire on our advance as they came up the slope to the attack. The first volley could not have been less than from 300 pieces. Our advance faltered. I believe it was their first time under fire ; hut it was only for a moment. General Cameron rushed forward at least twenty yards in advance of the men, and waving his cap in the air, cheered them on, calling on his troops to turn the enemy out of their rifle pits at the point of the bayonet. The order of the gallant veteran was instantly obeyed, and with a cheer the enemy’s position was rushed. Many stood in the trenches, and fought well, but that inimitable weapon in the hands of a British soldier —the bayonet—■ soon settled the business.

The main body of the enemy fled precipitately, their fire having slackened after the first discharge. They abandoned everything in the pits, and thought only of their personal safety. Crossing the ridge, they fled to the water, down a swamp, to get under cover of a belt of bush which borders the river. But here they fell into a trap. The supports of the 12th wheeled to the left, and opened fire upon them from the elevated ground, which completely commanded them as they crawled through the flax and tangled vegetation beneath, the pursuing 14th all the time continuing the work of destruction. The rout was complete. Never was vicover the Maories more decided. The enemy chose his own ground. He fought in open day in his elected position, which he strengthened by his favourite works, and in full view of his kinsmen, who looked on the fight from two friendly pas on adjoining eminences. He was attacked in that position by an inferior force of British soldiers, supported by artillery, and armed with guns like the Maori warriors, and was by them most signally defeated.

If we had bad the armed boats on the river on the morning of the battle, not a soul of the enemy would have escaped.

The casualties were 12, exclusive of Col. Austin, who was slightly wounded. Of these 1 (Smith) was killed in action, 4 dangerously wounded, 1 man (Gilligan) since having died of his wounds, 5 were severely, and 2 slightly wounded. The casualties entirely occurred amongst the 14th regiment. The officers of the 14th in action were— Col. Austin, commanding; Surgeon-Major Carter, Captains Phelps, Strange, and Me Iver. Lieutenants Armstrong, Glancy (adjutant), Lawrence, Langtry, and Harrington. Ensigns Green, Collins, Platt, Wood, and Houatt. The officers and men behaved gallantly. LATEST TELEGRAM. ENGAGEMENT OF THE TROOPS.— THE 18xn REGrT. SURROUNDED AT KERIKERI. TWO SOLDIERS KILLED, FIVE WOUNDED.—FIVE HUNDRED ARMED NATIVES AT WAIROA. (From the Daily Southern Cross, July 25.) Wo received the following important telegram from Drury, at half-past eleven o’clocklastnight:— (moil OTJE COEEESrONDEST.) The 65th and the cavalry, under Colonel Wyatt, proceeded to Mr. Ilayo’s house, Papakura, this morning, where an attack w*as said to be taking place, and one man was killed. They found James Hunt, a sawyer, shot in the back! After some time the 65th returned as far as Slippery Creek, not having effected much at Mr. Haye’s when Mr. Anderson, veterinary surgeon, rode after them to return to the assistance of the 18th Regt., who wore surrounded near tho Kerikeri, with one man killed and four wounded. The 65th have just arrived. One killed. Do not know how many natives were killed, as it was getting dark. They had warm work while they were at it. Tho body of James Hunt has been brought to camp. He was shot while helping to load a bullock dray in the bush. About 500 natives are landing at Wairoa, arm* ed ; they come from the Thames. The cavalry and artillery, under Lieut Rait, rode down from the Travellers’ Rest. Wairoft road, scouring the ranges round about,