THE NATIVE REBELLION.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 343, 22 January 1866, Page 2

THE NATIVE REBELLION.

IMPORTANT FPvOSI WAIROA!! SEVERE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE FRIENDLY NATIVES and HAU-HAUS I THE ENEMY DEFEATED WITH HEAVY LOSS ! I (feom otje own coeeespondent.) Wairoa, Jan. 16,1865.

The expedition which left the Tana on Friday pushed on towards Waikare Moana, within four or fire miles of it, when, as might reasonably hire been expected, they fell into an ambush at a place called Kaiahaka 5 aud it is matter of astonishment that any returned to tell the tale ; as it is, the Hau-haus may shut up for ever as a fighting people. The place, selected with every care, consisted of a pass commanded on two sides by cliffs, and at the far end by a trench, from which, if properly defended, not a soul could have escaped. The Government natives had no suspicion of what was in store for them, and it was not till fairly ambushed that they perceived their danger from the cross fire that was falling amongst them. As I before intimated, knowing but little of the hill passes to the Lake, they knew nothing of what was about to befal them. It is impossible to say why the Hau-haus made so little of their opportunity. They fired but at random—hid in the fern; lifted their guns above their heads, and snapped them into the valley. As it was, 11 of the Government natives were killed, and it is said upwards of 20 wounded, including Ihaka Whanga, who was twice shot through the leg. Drawing back they surrounded the pass, killing 25 of the enemy, and wounding doubtless a great number. Some men aud women were captured, and deeply I regret to say that four prisoners, namely, Hum Hum te Tautene, his nephew, Matenga (a mere lad), together with 2 men of the Uriwera, were slaughtered the following day (Saturday) in cold blood, with the sanction, it is said, of Major Fraser. This I cannot credit, as it would be an everlasting disgrace were it true. The Hau-haus, having command of the canoes, escaped to the other side of Waikare Moana. The information I am able to give you is derived from native sources—all other, owing to the courtesy of the officer in command, being excluded. (feosi anoxhee coeeespohdenx.) Wairoa, Jan. 17, 1866. The day that Major Fraser started from our camp at To Taua in pursuit of the rebels I do not know, but that he went up, with 350 friendly natives, I know for a fact. As far as our knowledge goes, the gallant Major and his Contingent were on a very heavy march for the whole night; and the following day came to “the Pass,” —a place where the road runs between two hills, riflepitted in terraces, and both on a gentle slope. Here the advance guard entered—only seeing one Hau-hau flag, which was on the top riflo-pit as they were marching up. The main body followed; and when the contingent had got well between the hills, a tremendous volley from three sides was poured in upon them by the Hau-haus, which knocked over five friendly natives; the remainder then took to cover, and kept up a spirited fire upon the enemy for about two hours, when they rushed the rifle-pits, and a fearful hand-to-hand conflict ensued, which resulted in the enemy being completely defeated. Lieut. St. George and Major Fraser, I hear, were among the first to enter the right hand pits. Sergeant Saunders (late of the Colonial Defence Force) who had been shipped as guide, was also present, and, I believe, behaved remarkably well. I must not forget to mention our old friend and ally, Kopu, who has proved himself a staunch supporter of the Government during these trying times. I am not quite sure, but I think the friendly chief Paora Aputu was also hard at it at this affair. The names of the killed and wounded I cannot give you, but I can say that there were five of the former and seven of the latter, on our side ; and that twenty-five bodies of the rebels were buried—this I saw myself. There were no doubt a great many more killed, and also a number wounded; but not being sure of the exact number, I will not protend to say how many. After their defeat the enemy separated into parties—one party crossing the Waikare Moana, and the other proceeding to a place at the head of the Waikare Kiver, the name of which I did hear but have forgotten. This is all I can learn of the recent engagement; and beg to impress upon your readers, in conclusion, that I cannot vouch for the truth of the whole of what I have written, —that I did not myself take any part in the engagement,—and that most of my information has been derived through native sources.