WANGANUI.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 106, 5 June 1847, Page 2

WANGANUI.

[From the Wellington Independent, May 15 J The cutter Catherine Ann, Cemino, master, arrived in port on Thursday from the Manawatu. By her we learn the following particulars :— The natives were expecting the arrival of troops,, and were determined upon resistance in conjunction with Rangihaeata. The whole of the natives had left the mouth of the .river, and located themselves in the neighbourhood of Pofoutawao. The natives bad taken possession of Mr. Kebble's place, and a. strong guard of armed men is constantly Jcept there. They had done so in order to prevent the troops making, use of the mill as a barrack. Rangihaeata from his position can observe any vessel arriving in the river by the aid of a telescope. The natives stated they had no wish to injure the settlers, but that on the arrival of troops they could not answer for their safety. The whole of the natives in the neighbourhood of the river are determined to support Kangihaeata. la fact, Government can look for but little aid from the aborigines. Most of the settlers are about leaving; the Manawatu. Several arrived in the cutter, and the remainder of the women and children, together with several males, were on board the Sarah and Ann r bound for this port. We now look forward for the reinforcement of military with considerable anxiety. Rangihaeata,. backed by a force like that which lie can collect from Manawatu, Otaki, and Rangitikei, is not a man to remain quiet. Joined to this the presence of TeKaramu, Ngapara, and Maketu at the Wanganui, an* Government will have enough on their hands. We* are confident every effort will be made to breuk up> and disperse the hostile uatives. At preient, the extensive and fertile.tract of country from Waikauae to* Wanganui is entirely useless, owing to the threatening attitude assumed by the above named chiefs. The rebel encampment destroyed, and the hostile uatives dispersed, we can occupy the country with safety, and the advancement of this section of the colony will be in proportion to the ills^vhich we havehitherto suffered.

Since our last, we have received intelligence from Manawatu and Wauganui of' a most distressing nature. The settlement of Manawatu is entirely broken up, the inhabitants having been compelled to come into Wellington, and six houses at (Huron have been, burned to the ground. Fortunately life has not been, sacrificed, but the, unfortunate settlers have lost nearly the whole of their property. At VVanganui "affairs* are still in. a more embarrassing position. The whole<

of the tribes, including the so-called friendly ones, have joined together, and are now, in open arms, and carrying destruction in every direction. The rebel force was estimated at about six hundred strong, and Mamuku, or Te Karamu, was en route, at the head of three hundred men, to take command of the combined hostile force. Our correspondent's letter, dated 6th May, will be found in another column. Since the date of that communication, the following additional circumstances have transpired: — On the Bth, it was asserted that the hostile natives ■were employed making covered ways in all directions, in order to approach the Stockade. They also contemplated taking possession of Mr. Harrisons premises, situated some short distance on the north end of the town, but tins movement was prevented by the firmness of Captaiu Laye, who, at the head of a strong force, marched out and destroyed the buildings, without losing a man. On Monday, the 10th May, another murder was jcommitted. It appears that a private soldier belonging to the 58th regt., named Scuhhorpe, went out in the direction of Mr. Harrisons farm iur the purlose of obtaining poultry. The rebels, who have taken up positions in every direction, were soon aware of his presence. A party of them surrounded and murdered him, mutilating his persou in a shoekino- manner. The unfortunate man's head was covered with wounds, the under jaw cut away, and the back and left thigh broken. Two or three of the Putiki natives succeeded in carrying in' the body, which was interred in the Cemetery ou the same day. Shortly afterwards, a strong party of the rebels approached within a short dibtdiiceol the town, with the evident intention of attacking the Stockade. On observing the position occupied by the military, they retreated, but this it appears was a feint for ttie purpose of drawing out the the troops, they having planted an ambuscade of about two hundred men. Capt. Laye proved too good a general, for on this, as well as on auo her occasion, wheu they attempted a similar ruse, he remained within the fort. On the illli, a party appeared on the south bank of the river, and after firing a volley acioss the water commenced the war dance. The gun taat, under the command of Lieut. Holmes, of H. M. S. Calliope, and the military and armed police from the lower position, immediately opened a fire on them, sending in grape and canister, as well as musket bullets. The enemy retired, with a loss, it is said, of four men. On the 12th, the rebels likewise approached the town, but retired so soon as the guns opened fire. On the 13th, a reinforcement of natives arrived and joined the hostile natives. Duiiug the day they took possession of Dr. Wilson's extensive premises, situated about a mile and a half to the north-west of the town. It was evident they contemplated blockadiii" 4 the town, and the airival of Te Karamu would no doubt bring matters to a crisis. The enemy have likewise posted men at the mouth of the river, lor the purpose of cutting off boats, and preventing communication. The party who have taken Dr. Wilson's premises belong to the Taupo tribe, and the lemam<ler of that body under the commaiid of Iwikau, or as he is called TeHeu Heu,are no doubt ere this in the neighbourhood of the settlement. It was anticipated that an attack would be made on the night of the 13th. The Scotia left on the morning of that day, so that we know not the result. The enemy have driven off the cattle belonging to Messrs. M'Gregor, Bell, Nixon, and others, after killing seventeen of them for food, 'lhe soldiers were to lie put upon salt provisions, the rebels having the whole having the whole of the country in their possession, thus effectually stopping supplies of fresh meat and vegeFrom the above it will appear that one British settlement has been abandoned, and another is virtually so, being now nothing but a military garrison. We have long felt convinced that the natives were meditating upon a combined movemeut against the British. It is ■use-less to assert that the hanging of the four murderers produced the present turn-out. The natives have been long busily employed gathering in provisions and preparing for an outbieak, and .the outrage at Kapiti, and the murders at Wanganui, were but signals for ■commencing. . Troops are urgently required. Every day will swell the rebel force. Already the inland natives are marching down, and far from being enabled to drive them back, we can barely hold our own. Two-thirds of the Artillery proceed in the Calliope this day for Wanganui. Every precaution has been taken which prudence could suggest. Captain Laye has strenuously exerted himself to secure his post, and protect the inhabitants. Dr. Hees' house has been fortified, together with Mr. Nixon's- These are situated within a short distance of the stockade. The women and children have retired to the fortified houses, and the males keep guard all night, ready to oppose the foe should they make an attack. Twenty-seven women and children arrived in the Scotia, Jiaving been brought into Wellington through the kindness of Mr. J. Jones. Several other women and children were to follow in the Edward Stanley, which vessel was to leave on the 15th ult. Our Sydney cotemporaries will, perhaps, believe us when we say that troops are urgently required. We give them credit for warm feelings j we think they exhibited spleen on a late occasion more from a decrease of Government expenditure, than owing to the mere withdrawal of the military. But will the above not convince them that a powerful force must be maintained for years to come in these islands. British supremacy lias yet to be asserted, and nothing can save the beveral settlements, except vigoious and decided measures. But an aggressive movement with a small force will prove baneful in the extreme. Partial successes will prove as bad as defeats. To use the words of the Times, "we must have no little wars," we must have a force strong enough to quell these maiauders, and convince them of the hopelessness of future resistance. Let our Sydney friends take into consideration the miseries we have so long endured, and the troubles still in store for us, and if they do so, instead oi quarrelling with Government for sending down troops, they will give us their valuable aid in demanding more. Stern necessity compels us to cry for assistance — we trust our brethren in Sydney will never have to raise that cry.— lndependent, May 19.

[from our correspondent.] May 6, 1847Dear Sir, — Since my letter to you of yesterday, circumstances have materially altered. Mr. Matthews, in attempting to go up the river this morning, to gain intelligence, was met by some of his friendly natives, and desired to return immediately ; consequently, he did not get up so far as the position of the Taua, but he learned that the natives from all parts are joining it, even the Christian Maoris, and that Mamuku is en route to join them. Maketu, Ngapara, and Pehi Tutoa, (Pakaro) are the present leaders. The soldiers from the Scotia landed yesterday, and form .a seasonable reinforcement, but it is probable more will be required effectually to check the enemy. Mr. M. thinks they will be able to collect about a thousand, but I should doubt if they can get so many — however, it is best to be prepared for the worst. Captain Kaye has just offered a free passage in the Scotia to the women and children, and she will sail to-morrow morn*

ing for Wellington. We are anxiously looking for the Calliope, or any other vessel capable of biinging in assistance. This is of all places, in New Zealand, probably the best suited for the British to give the fellows a hearty drubbing, but I confess that, with all their threatening attitude, I am very doubtful if they will come to the scratch — however, others aie of a contrary opinion, but I have no high opinion of Maori valour. Mr. Matthews is clearly of opinion that they will venture down, and he knows more of their pluck and likely intentions than any of us. A second stockade is forming at the north end of the town to-day, and will be in tolerable readiness by tomorrow for the troops to occupy. 7p. in. Finlher intelligence states that Iwikau and the Taupo natives are expected to join this I presume is only bas»d on probability, as the«distance is too great for them to have been able to communicate. Our Putiki natives are too much at case not to be suspected of having formed some treaty, at least of neutrality, with the Taua, and our old friend E Rangi Tauira may be considered as more than doubtful. Il is said to night that some ol the Pakehas mean to embark in the Scotia and Hero, for your port and Nelson. 1 hope thpt it is not true, and that Captain Laye will not permit it. I have Ixo tiiae to add more, and remain in haste, Your very obedient servant, P.

[From the Independent, May 22.] The Edward Stanley arrived in port on Thursday from Wanganui, having left on the 14th inst. We call attention to our correspondent's communication and to a letter written by John Nixon, Esq., in answer to the charges, against the Wangnuui settlers, put forward by an anonymous correspondent in this paper, under the signature of A. Things remain in the same stale at Waugauui. The rebels were ranging the country in ail directions. A powerful iorcc is requited to check and punish them. The juiuciple hostile encampments are fixed at Mr. Bell's farm, and in the neighbourhood of Mr. Harrisons late premises. The settlers were busily employed in strengthening the fortifications. H. M. S. Calliope, '26, Captain Stanley, and the sclioouer Edward Stanley, sail to day ior YVanganui. Captain Henderson, Sergeant Russell, and nine men of the Royal Artillery, proceed in the Calliope.

May 14, 184?. [From our Correspondent.] Dear Sin. — Since my last, per Scotia, we have been in a very uncertain state, and several acts have been committed, by the Taua, which eventually must be expiated. They have burned down Mr. Alexander's and M'Gregor's Farms, killing a considerable number of cattle, and, finally, four clays ago, a soldier of the 58th, having unfortunately gone iv disobedience of orders some mile or two into the country, was met and murdered. His body was brought iv to day in a sadly mutilated state. We are not aware of the numbers, and we can trust little to reports, these being varied and vague. Mr. Churton came down the river two nights ago, but being under the protection of the chief Pelii Turoa's brother, he was permitted to pass unmolested. Mr. C. had been to Auckland. From some rumours of a night attack on the town being meditated, Captain Laye recommended all our inhabitants, two nights ago to abandon their dwellings, and to resort to two or three houses which are partially fortified, viz., those of Messrs. Rees, Nixon, and Smith. This recommeudation is accordingly observed nightly. There is a letter in your paper of the sth signed A., which I trust will be noticed by some one here. It is vilely unjust aspersion on the character "of all here, and shows its busty author to be more a man of words than of sense to guide them. Do advise him for the future to waits tor facts before he pours forth his deductions, and above all things not to mistake his own malicious conception for truth. The only two 1 have spoken to on the subject of A's letter are Dr. Rees ond Mr. Nixon, and both were volunteers togo on the instant to Mr. Gilfillan's farm— but your wise-ucre should be told that it is six or seven miles of intricate road from town and in a{ dark night, as that was, of very doubtful journeying. Therefore, our IJesideut Magistrate, Captain Laye, knowing that hours had passed, and suspecting there might be more general confederacy, very wisely withstood the desire of the inhabitants to go out, till morning. Let me advise you to use with caution the future lucubrations of so mendaciously disposed a correspondent. I write this in great haste for I have just been apprised that the Edward Stanley is to leave early iv the morning. I am dear Sir, Your very obedient Servant. . P.

[From the Spectator, May 22.] The disturbances at Wanganui would seem to indicate the existence of wide spread disaffection and hostility among the neighbouring tribes and of their acting upon an organized plan. The sudden collection of so large an armed force, the union of rival tribes, the destruction of settlers' property, and the attempt to blockade the troops, argue a determination and confidence on the pait of the rebels which must proceed Irom a consciousness of strength and the certainty of mutual co-operation. The motives which actuate them on the present occasion are also different from the causes ot last year's disturbances ; this is no land question but a settled opposition to the authority of the Government. It is impossible to say how far this disaffection may spread, how much of individual suffering und misery may be caused before this spirit of insubordination is finally quelled.— Oue thing is certain, that the maories are the aggressors, that they have wantonly provoked the contest, and that no lasting peace can be established, no security can exist for the outsettler, until an ample chastisement has been inflicted for* these unprovoked aggressions, and the maories are made to feel that the Local Government has the power and is determined to punish these outrages. Mildness and forbearance have been exhausting— severity becomes the only alternative, Iv endeavouring to reduce the natives to subjection a great accession to the force at present stationed in the Southern district will be absolutely required. From the resolute manner in which they have commenced hostilities it is clear that they will not be daunted by slight reverses, and the harassing guerilla warfare pursued by them is likely to protract the contest for a lengthened period unless we have an overwhelming force which will effectually put down all opposition. Everything must be calculated with a view to this end, no auxiliary means must be neglected which can conlribute to success. One of the most powerful of these is expedition in the movement of troops, and in conveyiug supplies to the disturbed districts, and we would ventuieto suggest for this purpose the purchase of a small steamer for the service of the Southern district. Such a vessel, of the same size and draught of water as tliose which

trade between Sydney and the Hunter river, would be well adapted lor this service. Her draught of water would enable her to enter the Manawata and Wagnanui rivers, and ascend them from a considerable distance from the sea, and render effectual assistance in harrassing the enemy. This is the kind of duty for which a steamer would he invaluable in a war with the natives in this country. Such a vessel might either be purchased or chai tered in Sydney and would most effectually contribute in bringing hostilities to a speedy termination. The Inflexible from her gerat size and draught of watei'j is not adapted to tills service, and being the only steamer on this station, is often necessarily absent from the Southern settlements. If any objection wcie made on the score of expense, this might be easily obviated by the sale of LllC Government brig, for which such a steamer would be^ a most efficient substitute. In the struggle which lies before us time is cv«;ry thing ; if the present rebellion is pi otracted, the rebels will gain fresh strength and confidence from delayjwhile from the connextion existing between the different tribes they might by degrees be brought to unite with each other, until at length they form a confederacy of the Southern tribes and ultimately involved the Government in a war of extermination. It is t in the earnest hope of averting such a catastrophe that we desire to see such vigorous measures adopted as may lead to the subjugation of these tribes, and such a punishment inflicted" on the leaders of this movement as may deter others from imitating their example. We would fain hope,' too, that some compensation will be granted to the "unfortunate settlers who have so long struggled against adverse circumstance, and exerted themselves to establish the settlement and finding their hopes suddenly blasted, are now obliged to leave the fruit of their labours as the spoil of these savages, while they seek an asylum for their wives and families in Wellington. Jt is hard to have spent unprofitably so* many years of their existence, but it is harder still to be obliged to begin the world anew with tho loss of all their substance, and we trust that the Government will by timely assistance alleviate the severity of their misfortunes, and put them in a position to begin again under more favourable auspices. The latest accounts received from Manawatu describe the natives on that river to be quiet, and desirous that the settlor's should return. The natives under Taratoa say that while the settlers are under their protection they need be under no apprehension of danger. Mr. Kebble's mill was quite safe, and in the charge of Taratoa and his natives ; the cattle also belonging to Capt. Robinson and Dr. Best had not been injured, and we believe it u the intention of their owners to allow them to remain in that district. The natives say the houses on the long reach of the river weie burnt down to prevent their alibi ding shelter to the soldiers. There was a rumour current that Kangi'iaeata intended to go with his followers to "Wanguaui to join the rebels there, which would be by no means an unlikely occurrence,—Spectator, May 26.

His Excellency the Governor arrived yesterday in H. M. Steamer Liflezible, from Auckland, having called at Wanganui on his way hither. His Excellency on the occasion of his present visit is accompanied by Mrs. Grey. The Inflexible left Auckland on the 20th inst , and arrived off Wanganui last Monday morning, when his Excellency left the Steamer and proceeded up the river in the boats of the Steamer with the grenadier company of the 65th Regt., under Captain Wolfe and Lieuts. Bernard and Trafford, and the small arms men from the Inflexible, making altogether a force of one hundred and eighty men : there were six boats altogether, two small boats containing his Excellency and suite, Captain Hoseason, Col. Wakefield, and the Rev. R. Taylor, two large boats, each having a gun in its bows, and the two paddle box boats, each armed also with a 12-pounder. On his way to the town the Governor landed at Putiki pa with the Rev. R. Taylor, who had proceeded from Wanganui overland to Auckland, and had returned in the Inflexible. He was very warmly received by these natives, who fired their guns, waved their caps, and gave other demonstrations of their satisfaction at his arrival, and claimed his protection. His Excellency afterwards proceeded to the town. The following day an expedition of gun boats under the command of Capt. Hoseason, proceeded up the river, accompanied by the detachment of the 63th under Capt. Wolfe, which marched along its banks ; several shots were exchanged with the rebels, but they cautiously avoided coming to close quarters, and the expedition returned in the evening without having succeeded in bringing them to an engagement. The rebels are said to be about 700 strong, and arc acting under Mamoku and Ngapara, they have commenced building a large pa about four miles from the stockade, on the same side of the river. They have obtained possession of upwards of one hundred head of cattle belonging to the settlers, which they are killing and appropriating to their own use. Some of the cattle which had been driven across the river had been bayed from falling into their hands. They have commenced a regular system of plundering and destroying the houses belonging to the settlers. On a recent occasion (previous to the arrival of the Inflexible) a parly of them under Maketu were engaged in plundering Mr. Churton's house in the town, when a lire was opened upon them from the lower stockade, by which Maketu and another native, a relation of Mamoku, were killed, and three others were wounded. Maketu was shot through the head, and his body was found in a sitling position. This chief who possessed considerable influence among the Wanganui natives, was one of the leaders in the disturbances last year under Rangihaeata, and, on making his submission, had been pardoned by Major Richmond on his late visit to Wanganui. He has seized the first opportunity of again taking up arms ' against the Government, and has shewn what little faith was to be placed in his professions. Besides the principal stockade, two other smaller stockades have been erected, one of them was formerly the Hotel, which has been well barricaded and rendered musket-proof. It was from this stockade that Maketu was shot. 33r. Rees house has also been stockaded and strengthened for the reception of the settlers and their families. The company of the 65th regt., under the command of Captain Wolfe, amounting to 100 men, have been left as a reinforcement to the garrison /it Wanganui, but Captain Laye is still in command as senior officer, and the judgment and decision displayed by him during the late disturbances, show that he is well qualified to dischaige the arduous and important duties entrusted to him. Te Wherowhero, the chief of the Waikatos, with Te Kate, his younger brother, Tamate Waka, John' Hobbs, and some other chiefs of minor importance, are in the suite of the • Governor. Te Wherowhero is a middleaged man, very much tatooed on the face, and with a slight stoop or bend. He is clad in a blue shirt, but his brother and Tamate Waka are each habited in a suit of blue cloth. They all wear blue cloth caps with gold bands. Te Wherowhero is a chief of the greatest authority in New Zealand, and his presence in this district and his decided attachment to the Government, cannot fail to have a favouiable effect on the minds of the Natives, in disposing them to peace and submission to British authority. He is said aheady to have written to the Ngatiraukawas, apprizing them with laconic conciseness, of his visit to this district, and of the part he intends to take,

The Calliope had reached Kapiti, where she remained until Thursday, when she sailed for "Wanganui. The i Inflexible left Wnngahui on Thursday evening. Th» Governor Grey was still at Wanganui when the biflexible left. The promptitude which his Excellency has shown in visiting Wanganui, and in bringing additional reinforcements, entitles him to the gratitude of the settlers, and cannot fail to produce a deep impression on the minds of the rebels, and this impression will be still further increased by the Calliope's visit with ammunition and supplies. It will convince them that the Governor is determined to exert his authority in putting down this rebellion, and with the means at his disposal he has tha power to concentrate such a force there as will speedily crush their opposition, and punish them for the outl ages which they have committed.— / Spectator, May 29,

[Prom the Independent, May 29.] The following letter from Wanganui, has been kindly furnished us by a gentleman of this place :— Dkar Sik,— We had a beautiful skriminage yesterday, the first time since the troops have been in Neto Zealand, from the right side of the palings. The rascals came on yesterday 500 strong, scattered all over the country, so that we could scarcely see half-a-dozen of them at the time — they got into the houses on the outskirts of the town, and lined the sand-banks, hills, and gullies with an eye to country that would have delighted a red-Indian. "Whenever a fellow thought himself in a good position for a pot-shot, he immediately dug a hole for himself, and then blazed away with perfect impunity; whenever there were half-a-dozen of them together they run up a small breastwork, and they had scouts and flanking parties in all directions. The nature of the ground afforded them beautiful cover, and they showed lots of pluck— as skirmishers it is impossible they could be surpassed,— however, thanks to our fences and defences, we have titivated a few of them, among others our lately pardoned friend Maketu. The raspal headed a party that took Churton's house, from which they were dislodged by the fire of the lower Stockade, ,md Mr. Maketu was carried out a decided body, with a ball between the eyes. Another was killed in the same house, and a nephew of Ngapara's wounded. Some others must have been touched from the upper Stockade, but with long shots and high fern it is impossible to guess at what mischief may have beeu done. The Putiki people, who looked on from a hill above their own pah, and had a beautiful view of the whole fight, say that ten were hit; and I should be rather inclined to think the estimate under-rated. The taua at any rate is frightfully disgusted. They were dancing war dances, and declaring their intention to " pukeru te Oia" all night, but they have not a stomach for the fight this morning apparently— as they are sitting on a hill about a mile off, looking very reproashfully for us. The Putiki people say that to-day will'be appropriated to tangi and lamentations for the spiffioated, but that we may look for them to-morrow to get utu. Mamuku, Pehi, Ngapara, Te Oro, and all the principal chiefs were in the light ; in fact, I suspect we had nearly the wliolo force a-field. Our artillery and munitions of war are moM; .wretched, the mortar has only thrown three shells— the first pitched a yard from the gun-boat, instead of going a quarter of a mile further, the second nearly blew up the church, and the third made a felonious attempt to destroy the largest house in the town— the howitzer won't work for waut of a screw —the gun carried away the knees of the gun-boat, and is gone to hospital to repair damage— -tha shells burst only when the fit takes them, and generally go so wide of the mark, that the Maoris appear to think them sent for their amusement, and slap their south-west sides (as H— — calls that part of the body corporate) with glee. We have fired dear^knows how many rounds point blank' from our great guns, and yet I don't believe that a single man of the enemy has been hit with round shot, canniater, or shell, of grape the most useful delicatesbe, we have none. Small vessels coming here had better look out, for it will be most dangerous work getting up the river, and they should be well armed, as in case of getting aground they will be sure to be at* tacked.

The Coal Trade.— This branch of traffic is increasing, aod several vessels are now regularly employed between this and Massacre Bay. The schooner Ocean returned to port on Thursday, with another full cargo, and the Royal William sails immediately to load with coaU The' Mary Ann, Hero, and Carbon, are likewise going in the trade, besides two or three vessels belonging to Nelson. The coal is visibly improving, and we can state that there is now not the least doubt of its success. The Government will require a considerable quantity for the use of H. M. steamer, and as in all likelihood a private steamer will be employed on this coast, our merchants can with safety continue to embark money in the coal trade. A few vessels of about 60 or 70 tons burthen, diawiiig a light draught of water, are much required at the present time, and their owners would be sure to meet with good and constant employmant.—Wellington Independent, May 15. Massacre Bay Coal.— We are informed that the further trial made by the Iriflexible of the Massacre Bay coal on her last passage to Auckland, has proved so satisfactory that Captain Hoseason has again reported must favourahly of them to Captain Graham, and that in consequence an order for a large amount for the use of the Inflexible, will shortly be given. This is all that is required to bring these coals into general use, and now that their value is practically established on the best authority, we have no doubt that the works at the pit will be curried on with great spirit, and that in the course of a few months the coal from Massacre Bay will be introduced into general consumption iv this district. — Spectator.