TARANAKI.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 45, 10 November 1860, Page 3

TARANAKI.

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS. [From the Taranaki Herald.'] Saturday, Oct. 13. —The advance-guard of the southern expedition reached town about 2 p.m., and were followed at intervals by the main body and rearguard. A serious accident happened to a private of the 65th, named Theobald, on the road. He was walking behind one of the hospital carts, when one of the bullocks of the train behind gored him badly. He is in a dangerous state. The following is a list of the wounded on the 11th inst.: — Royal Engineers —Captain Pasley, severely; Sergeant Howatt, dangerously. 65th Rcgt. —Drummer Greaves, slightly. 12th'Regt.—Private Denis Manning, slightly. Militia—J. Batten, slightly. The schooner Paranihinihi arrived to-day from Mokau. The master, Wetere, reports that 80 of the Waikatos, under Rcwi, had reached ;Mokau when he left, and were to leave immediately for Waitara. He says 200 more were believed to be on the way, to be followed by 500. The following General Order was issued on the return of the Southern Expedition “ Head Quarters, “New Plymouth, 14th Oct., IS6O. “ The Major General desires to express to both officers and men of all branches of the service, composing the field force engaged in the operations on the Kaihihi, his thanks for their steady and exemplary conduct during four days of hard and harassing duty. “ By Command. “ R. Carey, “ Lieut.-Colonel, “ Deputy Adjutant-General.” Sunday, 14.—Weather continues fine. For more than a week, vessels have been at anchor in the roadstead, and the steamers have been enabled to ply to and fro on the coast without let or hindrance. Mr. Drummond Hay (Native Department), accompanied by a native, rode into town this evening from Waitara, and returned again at 10 p.m. It is rumoured that he reports the arrival at Waitara of the advance body of the Waikatos, who have crossed the river. Monday, 15.—220 men of the 40th, under Capt. Hare, and Lieuts. Gibson and Clarke, with 2 24-pounders, marched at 6 this morning for Waitara, their baggage being shipped on board the Tasmanian Maid, which left about the same time with a party of the Naval Brigade, and a gun, from Mount Eliot. A party of friendly natives have been detached to-day to burn the fern and scrub north of Bell Block, which will be much facilitated by the continued dry weather. From Sell Black we learn that the statement made to us by the natives that three settlers were in the hands of Ihaia te Wharepa’s party, and detained as prisoners on Tuesday last, and released on the arrival of Hone and Tarurutangi, is incorrect. On the day in question no settlers were out. The followinglist of the natives concerned in the murders at at Omata, Henui Beach, and Avenue road, has been supplied by Hoera in jail. It will be observed that he has omitted his brother’s name, though he acknowledges that he was one of the party. Ford, Passmore, and Shaw were murdered by Perere (shot at Waireka), Rihara, Haneti, Minarapa, JRawiri Ngataierua, Ekeremeneta, and Karira Terangirunga ; the little boy Pote was

murdered, by .Ihaka, and Parker by Karira Terangirunga," Pene, and Wiremu TataLllurford, by Wiremu Tata, Karira Terangirunga, Panapa, Arama (Natiruanui), Tiejni ta Mira, and Te Hohtana; Crann, by Hopataia(Obadiah), "and Pepene (Hukangi native); Coad, by Wai? katos, amongst whom were several lads who have been some time employed by settlers— Paora Reretahanga, Haiminia, &e. The attempt to shoot the sentry on Fort Niger was made hj r the Waikato's, 80 in number, who are under the impression that he was killed by them. Tuesday, 16.—The Maid left this morning with the General and Staff for Waitara, and returned at 4 p.m. Various rumours afloat .to-day that the Waikatos have crossed the Waitara, hut the Northern mailman, who came up, in the Maid, reports that he left a party of Waikatos, under Rewi, atPukekohe, Nikorima’s settlement at Mimi. 11.M.5.5. Cordelia was in sight this morning, and anchored at 10 a.m., after having communicated with the Waitara. Our Auckland dates are to the 13th. The Cordelia anchored at Manukau Heads on Sunday night, and came out yesterday. Previous to the Cordelia’s departure, information was received that a settler at Waiuku, on the south shore of Manukau, had been murdered by the natives. It was rumoured that the outsettlers would be called in, as considerable excitement prevailed. The Cordelia boarded a full-rigged ship last evening in the offing; she was from Sydney, hound for Callao through the Straits. The following Proclamation was issued this evening:— “PROCLAMATION. “ The Major-General hereby gives notice that it is imperatively necessary that all persons should come within the lines of entrenchment at night-fall, and that in the event of alarm, all .women and children repair at once to Marsland Hill. It is also requested that lights ar.e then put in windows of all houses. “By Command, “R. Carey, “ Lieut.-Ccilonel, “Deputy Adjutant-Geireral. “ Head-Quarters, 9 “cNew Plymouth, 16th Oct., 1860,” Wednesday, Oct. 17.—H.M.S. Cordelia sailed for Manukau to-day. Weather dull.- A‘singular discovery of bullets in wheat purchased by Mr. S. Oliver from the Sea Gull, ex Wanganui, occurred the other day. . Mr. Oliver was passing the wheat through the smut machine, when suddenly it was stopped by some foreign substance, and on examination it was found to be choked by a bag of 400 bullets, weighing 15 lbs. The hag of wheat which had contained the bullets was bought at Wanganui from the natives. The following will show the necessity of removing the detonating powder from the nipples of firearms. On Saturday last, at the Omata Stockade, a musket, from which the cap had been often removed, by some accident received a blow on the hammer, ancl went off the bullet passing through the side wall of the surgery, in which Dr. Rawson was sitting, and giving him a slight bruise. A Court of Inquiry was held to day into the charges against Hocra Pirere, alias Big Joe, of complicity in the Omata murders and traitorous conduct, before Colonel Wyatt, 65th regiment (President), Capt. Shawe, 40th regt., and Capt. Miller, 12th regt. It commenced at 1 a.m., and was adjourned at 4 p.m. Thursday, 18. —Two natives rode in this morning from Waitara, and report that the Wai katos have not arrived at Waitara, hut are still at Pulcekohe, waiting the arrival of 200 who are daily expected. Wc hear that the Waikatos intend to hold a congress amongst themselves, the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui tribes, and Wi Kingi, to decide upon a course of action for the future. The usual muster in the trenches to-day. The force were inspected by the General. The Wonga steamed to Waitara this morning, and returned at 10 a.m. No boat could communicate with her, as the surf was high and the wind strong from the*N.W., but she signalled “No news of importance.” The different companies of the Gsth at the barracks in Brougham-street, Fort Niger, and in the tents at the Wesleyan Chapel, Ivawau pa, and rear of this office, were relieved to-day, other companies taking thenplaces. Friday, 19. —Last night, about 11, the report of fire was raised, and when the alarm bugles sounded the garrison fell-in at the different posts. The fire was seen to be near Marsland Hill Barracks, and illuminated the neighbourhood for a considerable distance. At first it was feared that the Military Theatre was on fire, but it was soon seen that the thatched whares in the rear of the theatre, occupied by the married men of the 65th, were inflames. Great efforts were made to prevent the fire spreading to ail the houses in the block, and a heavy rain falling soon afterwards, it was confined to four, which were completely destroyed. These were occupied by Sergeant Willis, Sergeant Speakman, and Privates Robertson and Richardson. The flames spread so rapidly that the inmates only escaped with their lives—nothing was saved. Private Richardson lost £3O which he had just changed into notes.' An inquiry into origin of the fire is to be instituted. The Maid came up from Waitara at noon. No news. The Waikato, 200 strong, arc still at Pukekohe. It was reported that a few had come on to Wi Kingi. Weather fine, but stormy. The Victoria and Wonga have not moved from the anchorage during the change of weather. The following notice was issued to-day:— “NOTICE. “ Any persons able to give evidence before the Court of Enquiry now sitting to investigate charges against ‘ Hoera Pirere ’ for aiding ancl abetting in the murder of certain Europeans in March last, are requested to send in their names to the Deputy Adjutant-General’s Office without delay. “ By Command, “ R. Carey, “ Leiut.-Uolonel, “ Deputy Adj utant-General.’" New Plymouth, October 19, 1860. Saturday, 20.—We hear this morning from Bell Block that a party of natives were last night on the block on a marauding excursion. 11. a.m. —We have been informed that Matiu, who visited Mataitawa on Thursday ancl returned last night, reports that from 600 to 800

Waikatos have arrived at Huirangi, under Rewi, Porokuru, Te Waro, and other chiefs. A large party arrived in the middle of the week, and the remainder yesterday. Our informant states that the Waikatos intend occupying the Waitara land, and have brought their women and children with them. Ngataiparirua and Kairoa will be rcoccupied, and a portion will occupy Te Puke and the Tima pas. Rewi intends visiting the camp at Waitara on Monday, to request the troops to move into town. The Ngatihaua, from Matamata, a Thames tribe, are amongst the Waikatos. Matiu saw the Waikatos and had an interview with them.

The detachment of the 12th regt. at Bell Block, under Gapt. Leeson and Lieut. Dudgeon, were relieved to-day by 80 men of the 65th regt., under Capt. Strange and Ensign Butler. 50 men of the 40th regt., under Ensign Morphy, embarked for Waitara on board the Maid, and left at 11 a.m. We have been informed that the northern tribes do not intend erecting pas, fearing the big guns, but to spread over the country in parties. It is also their intention to cultivate extensively the country on both sides of the Waitara. Sunday, 21. —The steamers Wonga and Maid from Waitara to-day bring no news. Very littleis known at the camp of the movements of the rebels. Monday, 22. —The Maid and Wonga left this morning for Waitara, the former with Colonel Mould and 1 rani: and file, R.E., and 100 rank and file 65th, under Lieut. Talbot and Ensign Pagan. The occupation of Puketakauere has been determined upon, and a blockhouse and signal station is to be erected on the site of the pa. This is a very proper step, for it will, independently of holding the ground against the enemy, enable the garrison to command the surrounding country and communicate with the Bell Blockhouse and head-quarters in the town by means of signals. During the day large fires have been seen in the direction of the Waiongana; we hear that it is caused by the Waikatos burning fern to dislodge the pigs. Fires were seen to-day on Messrs. Greenwood’s and Oxenham’s farms at Tataraimaka. The following notice from the Superintendent’s, Office was issued to-day : “The Deputy Adjutant-General having intimated that escorts will be provided to enable the owners of live stock to bring the same into town, persons desirous of availing themselves of this offer are requested to lodge their applications at this office in order that they may he submitted to the military authorities. The application must state the locality, and number of stock, and persons having stock in the same district should arrange to have them brought in together if possible. “ October 22, 1860.’’ Tuesday, 23. —Porikapa’s and the Poutoko natives in town this morning. From Porikapa we learn that communications have been had with the rebels since the attack upon Kaihihi. The natives are very reserved about their losses, and refuse to give a list of their killed and wounded. It, however, transpired that a man named Ituka was killed, and another named Hone, brother-in-law to Parenga Kingi, severely wounded by a cannon shot. Porikapa admitted that several were wounded, (ten, he said,) and three likely to die, or dead. The evaeuation of the pas was caused by Aperahama Reke, a chief of Warea, who at the close of the first day’s bombardment, fairly ran away with his ‘ hapu We asked several of the Taranaki natives for information regarding the affair at Kaihihi, but all (excepting Porikapa) refused to give any, and several (the wish being father to the thought) said they did not believe the rebels lost a man. Many of the Poutoko and Porikapa’s natives are closely related to the rebels, forming part of the tribe, and there is no doubt their sympathies are enlisted with them. Their friendship with us is only a matter of convenience. Indeed, as regards some of them who were in town to-day, it is difficult to account for their being “ friendly ” natives, knowing as we do that they are uncles, fathers and brothers of many of the rebels and murderers. Private E. Stead, 65th Regt., died this morning from heart disease. Matin, who has again visited the rebel camp, returned this afternoon. He reports that the Waikatos are still at Iluirangi, but only 100 strong. On askiug him what news he brought, he said, “ I have been to Wi Kingi’s pa and the camp of the Waikatos at Iluirangi, and bring an evil word. The Waikatos have settled upon a plan of operations, which is 1o repeat their former conduct, and plunder, destroy, and murder. Ere long they will be on our skirts.” At present the Waikatos are busy cultivating, and for a short time will be employed putting the potatoes. The Wonga Wonga sailed for Wanganui to-day. Wednesday, 24.—A reconnoitring party of 100 men of 'the 65th, under Lieuts. Toker, and Chevalier, 30 men of the 40th, under Lieut. Hobbs, and 20 men of the 12th, under Ensign LaTouche, started at 5 o’clock this morning to the sites of the Tima and Te Puke pas. On arriving at the Bell Blockhouse they were joined by a party from the stockade, under Capt. Strange, 65th regt., who took command of the whole. On arriving at the Tima, the troops commenced loading the carts with firewood and potatoes; a ton and a half of the latter were dug up and brought away. Several pigs were secured. Some natives were seen at a distance of‘Boo or 900 yards and a few shots exchanged. The force returned to town at dusk. The ketch Traveller’s Bride and schooner Jupiter arrived to-day from Manukau, but as both vessels were detained at the heads 7 days, we are in receipt only of one later paper than those brought by the Cordelia on the 16th inst., (the Southern Cross of the 6th). In this paper we learn that the murder reported by the Cordelia, took place at Patumahoe, where a native, (not a white man) had been shot by another native. Thursday, 25. —The following notice was issued by the Commissariat: — “NOTICE. “ Commissariat, New Zealand, “ Taranaki 25th October, IS6O. “ All applications for compensaion for loss of Cattle or Horses killed or captured by the enemy while in the employ of the Commissariat Department to the present date must he made in writing to the Senior Commissariat Officer on or before the 7th proximo. And in future no application for indemnification will be received if not brought forward within one month after the occurrence of such loss. “ H. Stanley Jones, “ Deputy Commissary-General.” Major-General Pratt inspected the garrison in the trenches at 4 p.m. Friday, 26. —The following Proclamation was posted in town this morning:— “ PROCLAMATION. “ Consequent on information just received, the Major-General cautions all individuals from moving beyond the protection of the outposts. “ By Command, “ R. Carey, “Lieut.-Colonel, “Deputy Adjutant-General. “ Head-quarters, “ New Plymouth, Oct. 26, 4860.” AVe have been told that a letter has been sent from Mataitawa to a friendly native informing him “that the Waikatos intend moving towards the town either to-day, tomorrow , or Sunday." 600 are stated to be at Huirangi, and 200 on their way, 10 miles this side of Mokau: The

letter also requests the friendly natives to join? the enemy or remain neutral, and that if they donot, and any of them are caught, they will be “ flayed alive." The Wonga Wonga from Wanganui yesterday, where she arrived on Wednesday, anchored in the roadstead at 1 p.m. She reports all quiet at Wanganui.' Mr. Hulke, arrested by the military authorities last Wednesday, on a charge of sending tobacco to one of Wi Kingi’s natives, was brought before a Court of Enquiry to-day. It appears that some time ago a native from Mataitawa forming one of a marauding party on the Bell Block, took away one of Mr. Hulke’s horses. Mr. Hulke wishing to recover the animal sent by Matin, on Monday last, 100 figs of tobacco as an inducement to the robber to give up the horse. Matiu returned without the horse, it having been sent to Ngatimaru. a tribe inland, but whether the tobacco was brought back or not we are unable to Saturday, October 27.—At 10 o’clock last night the glare of fire was seen in tlie direction of the Bell Block. This morning we learn that six houses on the Block belonging to Messrs. John, Joseph, and Richard Street, J. Hirst, sen., E. Hollis, and A. Ilosltin were burnt by the natives. Between 10 and 11 lights were seen in another house, when two shells were thrown from the Stockade by the 24-pounder howitzer which is supposed to have driven off the rebels and prevented the firing of this house.