KAWITI'S PAH.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 28, 13 December 1845, Page 2

KAWITI'S PAH.

We are obliged for want of space to postpone the insertion, until our next number, of a ground plan engraving of Kawiti's present fortified position, at Ruapekapeka. The plan was drawn on the spot by a- friendly native — a distant relative of Kawiti's, — and is thought to be pretty correct by some who have visited the pah since its occupation by Kawiti. This pah is situated about twenty-five miles from Kororarika. The route is by the Kawakawa, up to Otuihu — the pah occupied, until lately, by Pomare — which is situated at the confluence of the rivers Kawa-kawa and Karetu. After passing Otuihu, the Kawa-kawa is navigable by boats, only at high water, up to the head, where the landing place is at the pah of Tamati Puku Tutu — a loyal chief. From this place to Kawiti's pah, the distance is about ten miles, by a most difficult road for waggons. — The pah can be approached, without discovery, as near as five miles ; but within that distance, the only approach is perfectly open and visible from the pah. — This only access to the pah is on the south-eastern angle of it. The pah is situated on an eminence^ and has been constructed with posts and timbers, much thicker and heavier than those of the former one, evacuated by Heke and Kawiti on the 11th July. Around the outward defences the ground is cleared and cultivated. On the southern side, below the pah, is a large swamp ; and on the west, north, and north-east, a dense forest surrounds the pah. Kawiti can muster about 800 fighting men : six hundred being of his own and Hekes tribe— the remainder consisting of the tribes of Morenga, and Papahia, and stragglers from various other tribes. Thfc natives have cut intersecting lines of road through the woods, leading to the pah at Ruapekapeka : and from very good source of information we learn, it is their intention, on the approach of the troops, to post themselves in separate bodies, on the different roads, near the principal point of intersection, and from their ambuscades to' pour in a destructive cross fire from all sides. Pomare has gone to a pah at the head of the Karetu, about ten miles to the westward of Kawiti's pah. The fortification of Pomare is described as more inaccessible, and much stronger than that of Kawiti — having steep, perpendicular sides, excepting one part, and that has deep embankments and ditches, with large strong stockades.

Wesleyan Native Institution. — On Friday His Excellency Governor Grey visited this Institution, and after much laudatory comment, on its objects, and management, most generously made the donation of five guineas to its funds.