AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 566, 4 January 1851, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

Ruapekapeka. — Lieut.-Col. Wynyard, C. 8., has just completed a model of Kowiti’s I pa at Ruapekapeka, which was by far the most lormidahle fortress ever constructed by native engineers. In form, this pa was something of an irregular parallelogram, with strong flanking angles. In height and thickness of its timbers it surpassed every former stronghold ; and in its interior defences, namely breast-works, ravines, undergiound chambers, stockades, and all the requisite accessories of desperate resistance, it was as perfect a war-burrow as the most determined besieger could imagine. Colonel Wynyard’s model being upon a considerably larger scale than that of Lieut. Balneavis, the peculiarities of construction are more easily discernible, whilst room is also afforded to man the works and line the bush outside with representative warriors of a larger bulk. The Colonel has performed his task with much ability. He has presented a graphic portraiture of those citadels against which infantry, or even light artillery, might spend their strength in vain. The breaches which were effected, on the day prior to its capture, have been distinctly shown —breaches, however, which, if rashly stormed, would have cost the assailants a frightful loss. The model is a very beautiful one —the stumps of trees, fallen logs, and native skirmishers planted around it, convey an excellent and, we doubt not. an accurate idea of native warfare; If the model be designed for exhibition in England, it will serve as another means of explaining the check to which the arms of England were subjected—to show that even British valour cannot by the mere lustre of its renown overcome such powerful defences, nor terrify into submission a foe not less gallant, and scarce less chivalrous than their besiegers. The model has been placed in the Library of the Albert Barracks, where, through the courteous permission of Colonel Wynyard, it will be open for inspection.— Southern Cross, Dec. 17.