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Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 2, Issue 99, 23 November 1868, Page 282

The Westport Star says that several persons who recently left Addison’s Flat and Charleston for Auckland, have relumed by the steamer Charles Edward. They describe the Auckland rush as “ a complete swindle,’.’ and state that many more may soon be expected to return. , Benzine. —From the facility with which it remove's grease spots from fabrics, this substance is regarded . almost as a household necessity. .But few persons, however, are aware of its explosive character, or the dangers attending the careless handling of it. , Being one of the most volatile and inflammable products, it vaporises with great rapidity, so that the contents of a fourounce phial, if overturned, would render the air of a: moderate-sized room highly explosive. The greatest care should be taken in handling this substance, in proximity to fire; and it is important to remember that the vapour escaping from an uncorked bottle will oause a flame to leap over a space, of; several feet..

The Recent Attack on Okutuku Pa -—The Wanganui Evening Herald; writing on this subject says:—We have sustained a defeat; we attacked the enemy and were repulsed. The position of Okutuku is gf great natural strength. - The bush forms, around a pa constructed of pallisadihg nine feet height, a semicircle, the interior of which fades Wairoa, and the bush retires into deep gullies, penetrable only by steps which had been formed by' the natives with supplejacks. When Major Hunter' and his force attacked the pa on Saturday, .a volley was poured into them from between' the pallisading,-and from'the bush on .both flanks: Retreat-in such a position was inevitable—they were in’ worse than a Redan. Colonel Whitmore made a judicious -disposition ofj his force, and,;likea skiiful : commander, provided . for - defeat; Ah-earth'work;was thrown rip ; in twenty minutes; from; behind whidh a sharp fire was kept up' on ; the i enemy'and ! protection afforded to the men. attaok commenced at 9 a.m. and lasted for-two Hours before the retreat was- cothihenced; and Wairoa;; six. miles from Okutuku, was made at " half-pastone.;. The • retreat- was : : coh* dudled- with such icpnsuihma'tel ekill-ithat riot-bi man wa/fibst * infit; •Tliere< h wadhd stanjipedeandnodißorgahizati6n,alth'6tigh theehernyffillowedthefoi-cefiip-toWai-roa, 'ktepingceU- the.timevafc a respectful distance.