Model of Ruapekapeka Pah.

New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 489, 21 December 1850, Page 1 (Supplement)

Model of Ruapekapeka Pah.

We have derived much gratification and we may add, some instruction also, from an inspection of a model of this celebrated Pah, which has been constructed by Lieut -Colonel WViirYAßDwith an ingenuity, accuracy of plan and detail, and geneial completeness, which reflect the highest credit on that gallant officer, whom we are glad to see in these " piping times of peace " — fighting over again in such a bloodless manner as this, the battles in which — in the real brunt of war, — he distinguished himself, as he doubtless would do again, did a necessity unhappily arise. The folloiving descriptive statement is shown to visitors at the Library of the Albert Barracks, where, by the kind permission of Colonel Wynyard, the model may now be seen by the public. 'I his plan or model of Ruapekapeka, represents the appearance of the place on the evening of the 10th of January, 1846, when the natives challenged an attack by opening a fire on the British advance post— disap ■» pointed ot an assault from a paity paraded in the wood apparently for that purpose, and to receive which they had formed themselves as represented. Ruapekapeka was constructed for the express purpose of resisting the British troops, — was formed of large timbers many feet high, and established on the summit of a range of lulls, with a ravine on either flank, and a wood in front as well as rear. The approach to this stockade was up an ascent for sixty or seventy yards, broken with stumps and branches of trees, the interior was also stockaded, and in many instances undermined, for increased salety as well as increased means of defence; the supplies were kept and cooked in the wood in rear, where the bulk of the natives remained during the day, secure from the shot, but ready at any moment to man the pah. All minor damage done by the shot during the day was invariably repaired before the following morning; ; and the sentry on the flag-staff rung the bell frequently during the night, to keep all on the alert, and by his cries excite the natives. The Pah was taken possession of on the following morning at 10 o'clock, by a party of 50 men under Captain Denny, and a party of 50 men under Ensign Wynyard, entering each breach simultaneously, supported by Captain L-iye, Lieutenant Edwards, and Ensign Middleton, With the inlying picket and a proportion of seamen and marines, with a loss of forty-two killed and wounded. lluapekapeka was about 130 yards long by 120 wide, containing about 43 huts, capable of holding 450 or 50b men. The model is considerably larger than that by Lieutenant JBalneavis, to which we formerly invited attention. The scale, we understand, is one inch to six feet, — affording

scope for an ample development of the strength and structure of this remarkable foititi cation, of which the gallant Colonel has fully and very effectively availed himself. Viewed as a faithful representation of the obstacles against which our brave troops were called to struggle in the late war, and of the skill displayed by the Maories in the planning and erecting of their defences, it will well repay an attentive examination. We advise our readers to avail themselves of the opportunity of inspecting it which is now freely and liberally presented to them.

Coroner's Inquest. — On Tuesday last an Inquest was held at the Caledonian Hotel, before Dr. Davies, Coroner, on the body of a man found in the water at Soldier's Point. It was supposed to be that of the steward of the Emma, whose death by falling overboard, we reported lately ; but it was in such a state, that it was impossible to identify it. Verdict, — " Found drowned."