TARANAKI.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 36, 8 September 1860, Page 2

TARANAKI.

[From the Taranaki Herald. ] CONTINUATION or JOURNAL of EVENTS TO AUGUST 25. Saturday, August 11.—Owing to the general impression that the rebel natives contemplate an attack upon the town, the Royal Engineers, under the direction of Colonel Mould, commanding Royal Engineers, and Captain Mould, commanding the 6th company of that corps, proceeded to-day to erect breastworks and to lay platforms for two 82-poundcrs on the spur in rear of the Marsland-hill Barracks, to protect the south side of that position from any sudden rush of the natives. We omitted to mention in our journal on the arrival of the Airedale on her last trip from Manukau, that we had a most valuable addition to our military force in having an augmentation to the Royal Engineers of one sergeant, three corporals, and twelve sappers. By the number of medals worn by these brave fellows, it c.ould he seen that they were men of Turkish, Crimean, and China experience, especially amongst the senior members of the detachment. The Tasmanian Maid came up to-day from Waitara. Captain Seymour, R.N., has so far recovered from the effects of his wound as to he able to visit town, although the gallant captain still uses his crutch. Wo hear from Waitara that Walter Perry, the meat contractor's assistant, had a narrow escape yesterday from falling into the hands of the rebels. He was riding in quest of stock on the north bank of the river, when he was suddenly fired at by a party of natives in ambush, and was wounded by one bullet in his leg, his horse being shot through the body in two places at the same time. The gallant animal carried him. to the camp, and soon after died. Perry’s wound is described as severe, though not dangerous. M*Broadmore, on going out to his farm to-day, within two miles from the town nearly fell into the hands of a marauding party of natives, who were bu.sily engaged killing his pigs. He first heard the cries of the pigs, and then saw the two natives running along a ridge, and thereupon wisely returned. Mr. Silcock, who was out in the direction of the Avenue-road, was also surprised by the rebels, and was forced to make a precipitate retreat. A party of militia and volunteers, under the command of Major Herbert, Captains King, Watt, Stapp, and Atkinson proceeded to the camp at Waireka, where the rebels were in force on Grayling’s, Wilkinson’s, and the Rev. Mr. Brown’s farms, the rebels firing on the party; Sergeant Free, of the Volunteers, being hit on the knee by a hall, which fortunately, however, only inflicted a slight wound. The Victoria sailed to-day for Nelson, with 130 passengers. The militia and volunteers returned to-day from Omata, at nine, p.m. Sunday.—The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara to-day. Weather threatening. A portion of the Naval Brigade, and a body of the 65th and -10th Regiments, were sent to Omata to-day with provision carts. The rebels have thrown up strong entrenchments across the road, and have sunk a large number of rifle pits on Grayling’s and Harrison’s farms, some within four hundred yards of the camp. Several natives were seen in Wilkinson’s house, and a shell was thrown with beautiful precision into it, knocking down the chimney and bursting through the roof amidst the yells of the savages inside. The detachments all returned to town this afternoon. The engineers on Marsland-hill have carried on their work in a most spirited and cnergotiemanner, having completed the platforms and

breastworks by four o’clock this afternoon, in hat scientific way so peculiar to this useful corps, i Monday.—An escort of thirty men, under ' Captain Atkinson went out this morning to bring ‘ into town some property from the Avenue-road. Some little time after they left, firingywas heard in that direction, and great excitement prevailed in town on hearing that they were attacked by the rebels. The Light Company of the Goth, and a large party of militia and volunteers, were detached to their assistance. On reaching Captain Atkinson’s party, it was found that they had been skirmishing with some natives, who had apparently come from Captain King’s house at Brooklands with plunder, as several of the natives had “ pikaus ” on their backs. Captain Atkinson, fearing an ambuscade of a large number of natives, had retreated for support, and was followed by the rebels almost upon the racecourse, within the town belt. He then advanced upon the rebels in skirmishing order, killing one native, wounding another, and driving them into the bush. The bugle sounded the retire, and soon after the natives again advanced, setting fire to the house belonging to Capt. King and another supposed to be Mr. French’s, and then retreated towards Poketotara. No casualj ties on our side. Tuesday.—The Tasmanian Maid came up from Waitara. No news. A party of mounted volunteers rode out to-day to recover horses and cattle, and fell in with natives near Mr. Smith’s. It i 3 said one rebel was shot by Mr. Patterson. Wednesday.—The Maid returned to Waitara to-day. Weather fine. A large party of military, militia, and volunteers went up the Carrington road to-day with carts for firewood. No natives were seen. Several houses have been destroyed

and pillaged, Mr. V/. French’s house is burnt to the ground. Thursday.—During last night the raupo barracks, recently built near the Henui bridge, and until lately occupied by the light company of the Goth, were burnt, and also Mr. Flight’s'(the Resident Magistrate) and others in the direction of Waiwakaiho. Some fires were seen'at Omata last night. WcatheyS.tiTrmy, with heavy showers of rain. At noon the wind blew fiercely from the W.N.W., and as the brig “ George Henderson ” had not put to sea, great tears wore entertained, for her safety, anil she was signalled to put to sea, but for some reason or other, not explained, she continued to hold on, one or two heavy squalls with a heavy sea. about this time, parted one of her cables, for before I o’clock her ensign was hoisted union down, and she was noticed to be rapidly drifting towards the Henui beach, while the seas made a complete breach over her. She grounded all standing and broached to, the surf breaking completely over her. A large armed party of blue-jackets with one gun, and rockets, in command of Commodore Loring, military, militia, and volunteers were on the beach where she grounded, and a rope having been sent ashore by the captain, and attached to the beach, the crew all safely landed. Captain James being the last to leave his unfortunate brig. She came ashore at nearly low water, so that she cannot he stripped till to-morrow, when it is hoped she will he driven further up the beach and be left high anil dry at low water. We hear that the Government contemplated chartering the •* George Henderson ” to convey 1»0 passengers to Nelson, and was to be fitted up for the purpose. A large body of natives were seen in the vicinity of the Henui river soon after the vessel grounded, and the “assembly ” was sounded in town, and to-night a force consisting of military, militia, and volunteers have gone out to Henui and may probably surprise the rebels in an attempt to plunder the wreck during the night. There is no hope of the brig being got off. Friday.—Twenty carts with an escort of 40th and Goth Regts., and a party of seamen under Commodore Loring, proceeded to the wreck this morning, and have brought away her spars, canvass, running rigging, and a large quantity of sawn timber. About noon to-day, six heavy guns were heard fired from Omata. The natives are in great numbers on Mr. McKechney’s and A. King’s land, and in rear of the Hospital and appear to have made Mr. Shuttleworth’s house their head quarters. 120 were counted about the latter house, and sentries are to he seen stationed with fixed bayonets in the road. There is now no doubt that several of the friendly natives are wavering. It is said that Waka and his people have left the Hospital and gone over to the enem3 r . The rebels have visited Mr. O. Carrington's house, and were on Mr. Standish’s farm last night, within a mile from the barracks. The ! following notice was issued to day:— “ NOTICE. “ Much inconvenience to the Garrison, and danger to the individuals themselves, being caused by bodies of unarmed persons proceeding outside the lines, on the least cause of excitement. the Major-General directs that in the event of any unusual occurrence, all women, children, and persons not ordered out on duty, remain within the lines at their own quarters, and ho trusts he may not again witness a scene like yesterday’s at the wreck of the brig George Hnderson, wore a few of the enemy might have inflicted severe loss on the families of the residents whose presence could then only have hampered the exertions of the Troops. “ By Command. “ R. Carey, “ Lieut.-Colonel Deputy Adjutant-General. “New Plymouth, August 17, 1560.” We are informed that important alteration has been made in the duty of the Volunteers and Militia. They are to be excused from fatigues and piquets, in the stead of which they are to be alight reconnoitring party, who are expected to bo able to meet the natives in the bush. 6 r.M. —Militia and volunteer piquets were posted to-night at the wreck of the brig and at Hammerton’s house, overlooking the Henui heacli and surrounding country. At 7 p.m. great anxiety was felt in town on the receipt of intelligence that Mr. E. Coad who had gone out this evening to the wreck, and who was accompanied by Lieut. McKellar, had been fired upon ; that McKellar had escaped, but of Coad nothing has been heard. The only hope is that he may have reached the wreck. Saturday.-—H.M. colonial steam sloop Victoria arrived this morning from Nelson. On the return of the guard from the wreck this morning we learn that Mr. Coad reached there in safety, and shortly after left to return to town, since which nothing has been seen of him, hut his dog has returned home wounded, thus confirming our worst fears. The rebels fired a volley into the brig during the night. Between •'> anil 4 this morning, a blue light was hoisted on Fort Niger and the alarm bugles were sounded. The sentry at Fort Niger was fired upon by several natives at the distance of a few feet but who missed him. The guard, under Lieutenant Bent, R.M., turned out and gave them a volley, when they made a precipitate retreat.

11 a.m.—The body of Mr. Coad has been found n the Henui river about 200 yards from the ivreck. He received 4 bullets, and is supposed ,o have been shot on the beach, and his body washed up by the surf into the river. His body has just been brought into town. Saturday, August 18.—Several houses in rear of the town, in the bush clearings, are in flames this evening, supposed to be Rev. H. Groube s and others. It is reported by a native irom the Colonial Hospital that two i dels weewounded orkilled, by Lieut. Bent’s party, when the sentinel was attacked at Fort N iger. A hat ana a mat were picked up near the fort. The rebel partv about the Henui, who are busily employed, burning houses, are the Puketapu, IVi King l s tribe, Waikatos, and some Southerns. were on Pavnter’s, Hamblyn’s, and Barriball s farms this afternoon, destroying pigs, &c. Taimhana, and Teito, the prophet, are their leaders. A piquet of Volunteers are again stationed in Hamerton’s house and in the wreck to-night. Sunday. —There is no doubt that Waka and about twelve of his people have gone over to the enemy, and proceeded to Waitara. AV aka has for some time been more than suspected of encouraging W. Kingi in his rebellion, though for years the Government and the settlers had no stauncher ally. The Government notwithstanding, allowed him and his people to fortify a pa at Pukatotara, and afterwards armed and removed them to the Colonial Hospital at the Henui, in order that they might be at hand to afford their protection. It is needless to add that they have taken with them the arms and ammunition supplied by the ' Weather stormy and wet. 200 of the Goth Re - ment, under Captains Turner and Strange, Lieutenant White, and Ensign Muttit, 40 of thc 40th Regiment, under Lieutenant Hobbs, and a body of militia and volunteers, under Captains o. Brown and Atkinson, the whole in command ol Lieutenant-Colonel Sillery, marched this morning to the camp at Waireka, and escorted stores and provisions. They reached their destination without jnterruptiom jmd returned to town at O p.-Ttta- rr ; Monday.-—From an Carl}” hour this morning houses have been in flames at the Henui, ana before noon the following were destroyed Dr. Wilson’s, Mrs. Smith’s, Paynter s, Shuttleworth’s, Ibbotson’s, Hamblyn’s, and othera in the direction of the AY aiwakaiho and Hua. This morning Lieutenant Bent, R.M., and a small party of marines, went out from Fort Niger, and proceeded over the surrounding country for some distance. Although several houses were burning, no natives were met. These marauding rebels chiefly do all the mischief in parties of twos and threes, and on the appearance of a force of even half a dozen, hastily decamp. A few persons on Mr. J. T. Shaw’s farm, adjoining the Town Belt, were attacked by a party of Southern rebels, who fired a volley into the house 'where tlicY were. Their escape was a miracle. The natives followed them within 400 yards of the barracks, when a sentry on Marsland Hill fired across at them. The natives could be seen fiom the town on the hills near Pattimore s and Standisli’s houses. No. 4 company ot the 65th, in command of Captain Barton and Lieutenant Bailie, proceeded out against them, and w4re followed by the Light Company under Lieutenants TJrquhart and AVhitbread, as a support. At the same time No. 3 Company, in command of Ensign Talbot, went out by the Frankie) road. The whole force were commanded by Lieutenent-Colonel Murray. A party of blue iackets, under Lieutenant Hume, R.N., weic also ordered out as an additional support, and joined Colonel Murray on Smith’s farm. A skirmish over the country ensued, the nati\ es firing quickly, but with unsteady aim. The alarm was sounded in town, and every one was under arms for a time. The skirmish could he seen from Marsland Ilill, where a large number of spectators congregated. No. 4 Company and the Light Company attacked the rebels by the road leading out to Elliot’s and Smith’s farms. No. 4 Company being thrown out as skirmishers. No. 3 Company attacked the natives on their flank on Davis’s, Tatton’s, and Billings’ farms, where they did some execution, the rebels retreating quickly before the whole force into the forest. ° The rebels, in several instances, retired into wooded gullies on Smith’s and Elliot’s farms, whence they kept up a continued lire, but were speedily driven out by the skirmishers, who poured in volleys with effect. The rebel force was estimated at about 200. The troops all returned to town at 3, the rebels following them at a great distance discharging their pieces without effect. Notwithstanding the constant and heavy fire kept up by the natives, there was not one casualty on onr side. It was otherwise with the enemy. Several natives were seen to fall, and it is somewhat remarkable that Himeona, the eldest son of the head Taranaki chief Paora Kukutai, of AVarea, who was cut down at Waireka by the naval brigade, under Captain Cracroft, E.N., should have fallen. It is said that the rebels fired bullets made of puriri, aud Himeona’s pouch contained cartridges with pistol bullets in them. Himcona’s body was put on a liox'se, and it was intended to bring it into town for burial, but after carrying it a short distance the idea was abandoned, and it was left behind. Soon after the troops reached town, the rebels fired a house, supposed to be Mr. Langman’s. Weather stormy and wet. We understand that when the weather moderates, the A ictoria will proceed to Manukau with the General. An overland mail brought in this evening from Auckland by land. The AVaikatos have deferred crowning the new king. 400 of them are said to be on their way hither. Tuesday.—The weather still stormy and wet. The George Henderson has been completely stripped of rigging, masts, &e., and now lies waterlogged on the Henui beach. The natives have been observed this morning with glasses from Marsland Hill carrying away their dead and wounded inthe skirmishyesterday. It is believed that the)’' lost 20 in killed and wounded. Mr. Coad was buried to-day with military honors in St, Mary’s Ceurchyard—the hand of the A r oluntecrs playing the funeral march and a firing party of \ r olunteers preceding the body. Mr Caod was one of our earliest settlers, and lost his life off Friday last in carrying to a brother volunteer his supper and blanket on board the wrecked George Henderson! He owned an extensive brewery and was landlord of the Marsland Hotel. At the commencement of the war he joined the mounted escort under Captain DesA 7 ceux, but latterly quitted it for the Volunteer Rifles. At AVaitara and AVaircka Mr. Coad distinguished himself by great intrepidity and coolness, and was always at his post when an encounter with the enemy offered. He was a brave man, and his loss at such a time and in such a manner is felt far beyoud his own immediate circle. A large fire was seen in the direction of the Bell Block last night, which fo several hours illuminated the eastern horizon

We hear to day that it was C. Clare s two stone 1 h6use fired- by the rebels, and the Ninia p a burnt by a party from the blockhouse.. The Militia and Volunteers are to resume their outlying as well as inlying piquet duty. \ esterday, we are informed, the marauding party at lienui returned to Waitara with several cart. loads, and horses laden with plunder. On reaching Katere pa, they were turned back by the friendly native Kipa, who told them if they passed that way he would fire upon them. They, therefore proceeded by the beach. Unluckily, the Bell Block " forces were unaware that the rebels were passing in that direction. . Wednesday.—Weather moderating. W o hear from a reliable source that the rebels’ casualties on Monday were eight killed and ten wounded. ■ There is no doubt they met with severe loss, as they have not been seen since, and are no doubt tangi-ing over their dead and tending their wounded. Since Monday no natives have been seen near the town. From Bell Block we hear that a skirmish took place with the rebels on •Monday, when they were driven off the block, one Maori killed, the Ninia pa and a large quantity of wheat destroyed, and a lot of cattle brought off the Maori land. From Waitara we hear that the'greatest anxiety is felt therefor news, heavy guns having been heard in the direction of the town, and the sky illuminated night after night bv fires, supposed to be the acts ' of incendiaries. The anxiety was not lessened by ' the retnrn of the Auckland mailman from town without a single line from any one. Our correspondent’s letter (from which we quote) suggests that “ some intimation might be given by the Post Office of the despatch of an overland mail to this place. We uumber 500 in camp, and Rave many friends in Taranaki who certainly • -would not miss ah opportunity of writing to us by land when communication by sea is cut off by the weather." The trenches were manned to-day by the troops, militia, and volunteers, and again inspected by the General prior to his ' leaving for Manukau. The General is expected baek on Saturday. Thursday.—The Tasmanian Maid returned to *“• Waitara to-day. Aa escort of sixty men-of the 65th, in command of Lieutenant Urquhart proceeded to-day to Barriball’s farm at Henui to reconnoitre and bring in produce. Friday. —A force of 70 of the 65th and 30 militia, escorted earts to Mr. Richardson’s at Waiwakaiho, under Lieutenant Bailie, to bring into town produce for the commissariat cattle, and were supported by a party of GO men in command-of Ensign Talbot, who pioceeded in the first instance to the wreck of the George Henderson as a protecting party to.twenty of the naval brigade, employed in clearing the brig. We have again to record the murder of another settler by the natives. H. Crenn (militiaman), in company with four other persons, went out to-day up the Avenue Road. Crann is said to have parted from his companions on seeing a pair of working bullocks he was in search of in a gully inrearof S. James’ house, whenshortly afterwards a shot w:as heard. As Crann was not forthcoming the others apprehensive of danger to him at once reported the circumstance in town. A strong force of bluejackets, militia and volunteers immediately went out to ascertain his fate, when Crann was found by the blue jackets shot dead, and greatly mutilated by tomahawks! His body was brought into town. No natives were seen by the force that went out. Mr. Sarton was buried to day, a firing party of Volunteers and their band playing the funeral march, preceded the body. He died of apoplexy, and leaves a wife and a large family, who are at Nelson. The brig Hebe, from Nelson, and the brigantine. Ariel from Newcastle, N.S.W. arrived to day. Weather fine. The Fawn has not been seen since she put to sea on Sunday last. 4 p. m.—Tasmanian Maid unexpectedly made her appearance with her flag flying half-mast ■ high, and a signal that Mr. Richard Brown was dead. The immediate cause of his death, which •-' took place on Wednesday at 2 p.m., was influenza. Every respect was paid to his body by the troops at Waitara when it was put on board the steamer. The; bluejackets atMount Eliot, under Commodore Seymour, and a guard of honor, received the body and conveyed it to the deceased gentleman's residence *in tho town. When the coffin was placed on the gun, the guard carried arms, and the numerous assemblage fell in and joined in the cortege. An inquest on the body was held at Waitara on the 23rd instant. And the following verdict was returned: — “The Jury having considered the evidence, are unanimously of opinion that the deceased Richard Brown died on the 22nd of August, IS6O, from the effects of a gunshot wound, received on the 26th of May, 1860, while in the execution of his duty, near the Waiongana river; and have come to the conclusion that one native named Tawatahi, and two other natives(names unknown) are guilty of wilful murder of the said Richard Brown.” Saturday. Tho following Brigade order was issued this morning:— “ BRIGADE MORNING ORDER, “ 25th August, 1860. “ It!is with deep regret Colonel Gold, commanding the Forces in New Zealand, announces the lamented demise of ‘ Captain Richard Brown,’ of the Taranaki Militia, which took place on the 22pd instant. This officer was beloved and respected by all who knew him, and his conspicuous gallantry universally acknowledged. The loss of his services will be long felt. “ The conduct of the chivalric Captain R. Brown ever since the war began, at the Waitara, in the expedition to WaTea, and up to the period when the ruthless hand of a base assassin laid him low, has been beyond all praise. “ With reference to the foregoing order, the usual detail for this officer’s interment will be carried out under the direction of Major Herbert, ■commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers, “ His remains will be interred with Military honours, and as a mark of respect, the Colonel commanding the Force requests tho presence of all the officers of corps and departments (not on ■duty) on this mournful occasion. “ The procession to be formed in front of the residence of the deceased at 2 o’clock, p.m., on Sunday next. “ James Paul, Capt. 65th Regt. Acting Major of Brigade.” The friends of Mr. Brown will rejoico to learn that ho died free from pain. Wo have been favoured with the following extract from a private letter: —“ The doctor had just come to dress Mr. Brown and noticed a great chango in his looks as he turned him on his side to get at the wounds, and so he laid him again on his baek, and in a few minutes he was dead, without a groan or struggle. They opened him, and found the ball (which had occasioned so much anxious speculation) had passed round tho left lung, which was shrunk to half tho natural size, and then fixed itself firmly in the backbone.”