TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 140, 18 September 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

TARANAKI.

Skirmish with the Natives. —On Tuesday last, the perfect lull which followed the abandonment of Oak lira (we might almost have said the light at Katikara) was a little broken by the natives attacking a party of soldiers near Hurford’s clearing towards the back of the Omata block. On that day Captain Bussell, 57th Regt., with GO men, went out to escort some settlers who wished to bring in some sheep which it is supposed had been drive!! by the natives across the Tapuae into the back bush clearing beyond, as nearer Kaitake and therefore more convenient for supplying their commissariat. The banks of the Tapuae, where it is crossed just beyond Hurford’s clearing, arc, on the seaward side, high and precipitous, and on the inland side low ; both, of course, covered with thick bush. Capt. Russell, with great judgment as the sequel proved, left 30 of his men, under Ensign Picot, on the high bank overlooking the ford, and then went on -with the settlers to the furthest clearing, a distance of two miles or more, and collecting all the sheep that could be seen, brought them down to the river. On the way up the remains of several which had been slaughtered were seen lying about in the clearings. Just as the men were beginning to get the sheep across the river —a difficult task at the best of times—a single shot and then a heavy volley was fired by the natives, who had crept up to the high bank ou the left front and flank—the reserve under Ensign Picot occupying the right. The first shot fired, wo believe, wounded Ensign Picot in the back of the head, which, for a time, stun-

ned him, but happily did no serious harm; and Private Hyland was shot through tKihand. the ball also passing through the stock oTms rifle and carrying off the lock. There seems to be little doubt that if, instead of leaving a reserve, Captain Russell had had the whole of his men in one body down on the low ground on the other side of the river his loss would have been very severe,as the enemy could in that case have occupied his front or high and most advantageous ground and partly turned both flanks. As it was, the reserve helped greatly to hold the natives in check, until the whole party had crossed. The men only expended four or five rounds of ammunition each, but the Maoris made no attempt to follow them as they retired, though waited for for some time in Hurford’s clearing. The sheep were left behind, though Captain Russell offered to return for them if the owners wished it, but this they declined “as they did not wish to sacrifice life for the sake of saving their property.” Two out of the three friendly Maoris who accompanied the party lost their horses, one of which was subsequently found shot at the tree where he was tied but the saddle of course gone. Some valuable horses belonging to Mr. Henwood and others which had previously strayed are said to be visible tethered outside the j/a at Kaitake. —Taranaki Herald , 29th August. Ahuivax of Volunteers from Oiaqo.—On Tuesday last, the paddle steamer Geelong arrived from Otago, bringing 118 men for settlement on the confiscated land at Oakura. The men, who received an excellent character from Capt. Boyd for their conduct on the voyage, and who mostly look well able to take care of themselves, are at present in the blockhouses about the town, in temporary charge of Lieut. Hirst and Ensign Kelly, T.M., who speak highly of their general good conduct and attention to drill.— lbid.