THE WAR IN THE NORTH.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 55, 7 November 1863, Page 6

THE WAR IN THE NORTH.

■ II I J 11A1V XXI JL 1,1. I J 11VAVXXX> SERIOUS ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN NATIVES AND VOLUNTEERS. MURDERS NEAR AUCKLAND. OPENING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (From the New Zealander, Oct. 24.)

The following was received by a special messenger f r om our Drury correspondent: — Friday, 10 a.m.—During this afternoon a messenger arrived at the camp from the Manukau, with accounts of a large body of Maoris having been seen near the Bald Hills, and on a clearing about a mile from the Maukau Church. The colonel in command, Colonel Chapman, speedily sent 80 men of the 4th Waikato Regiment. On the arrival of the troops at the stockade it was found that a serious engagement had taken place between the natives and a body consisting of the Manukau Volunteers, and Pitt's Volunteers, in number 70. The rebels had chosen good ground, and had evidently been firing volleys to entice the men out, knowing that their body was not large, and in that they succeeded. A warm engagement then took place, in which, unfortunately, Lieutenant Percival of the Ist Waikato Regiment (late H.M's. 55th) was shot, and almost immediately expired. Four others were seen to be shot, belonging to the Volunteer forces, and twelve others were missing shortly before the messenger left, but five came in previous to his leaving. It is certain that a considerable number of the rebels were killed, but no time was left to ascertain the number, as the Volunteer force was so inadequate for the large number of the enemy, roughly estimated at 500. Three settlers have arrived in Auckland reporting that two children of Mr Trust, at Kennedy's farm, have been tomahawked by the Maoris, and one shot through the heart. One hundred natives were at Kennedy's farm Major Peacocke had just started with a force for the scene of the murders. The men who bring the information were fired on by Maoris between Church's and Kennedy's farms; and one of them, Coursenay, was shot through the leg. The Miranda is just starting with 200 Volunteers to endeavor to intercept the natives if they retreat. The Pioneer and Eclipse have got into the Waikato. The Eclipse remained inside the Heads, and the Pioneer was proceeding onto the Bluff, where she was expected to arrive at 4 o'clock D.m. to-dav.

DRURY. Intelligence has reached Drury that at least twelve Maoris were shot in the engagement yesterday. There is one officer and three men still missing. Major Ryan had reached Mouku with 100 of the 70th and 100 of the 18th. A portion of the defence force was also there under Colonel Nixon. These reinforcements took place at an early hour this morning. Startling reports are hourly reaching Drury, and our forces are eager to be engaged. General Assembly was opened by the Governor in person. There was a large muster of members. In his speech the Governor referred to the abandonment of the Waitara, and to the engagement of military settlers and the construction of roads as most important steps in terminating* the last war with which he hoped New Zealand would be afflicted.

Taranaki news unimportant All quiet at Wairoa. Lieutenant-Colonel Havelock warmly received at Camp.