TARANAKI.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 27, 8 January 1864, Page 2

TARANAKI.

(FEO2I OUE OWN COBItESPOJrDBKT,) . , '~ -, ... Dec. 26, 1865. ■■> An attempt was made on -Wednesday, the 23rd inst., to take possession of the ' rebel forts at Katlka, situate in the immediate vicinity of Oakuriiror the scene of the massacre of the 4th May,, but, I regretto Wy, owing to some mismanagement on the part of some or other of the officials engaged, resulted in smoke, and the usual "waste of ammunition. "Nevertheless, the artillery occupied a very imposing, position on the W.a-.. raiu plain, and displayed some ability andj precision in shelling the pahs. The rebels' mustered strongly and returned the flre from their rifle-pits, but with little effect,' as out troops were not within their range. Being an. eye- witness, I am of opinion that our combsned forces were sufficiently strong to have routed the enemy if permitted to do so, and I assure you the Taranaki and Otago ..men. .were only too anxious to measure bayonets with the brownskins, and were sadly disappointed when diiected to return to their respective quarters at 5p m. An. early- attack on the aforesaid stronghold is anticipated, and. the only gleam of satisfaction in this unfortunate contretemps is, the settlement of the point that the natives South are still in arms a-jainst us. It is indeed to be regretted tliat our men were not permitted to take the fortress, as the Maori forces have been greatly increased, since then, and I fear a vast number of casualties will have to be recorded on our part, ere such an opportunity of again storming this port offers. I believe there .were no' more than one hundred rebels in the pah at the time. A further contingent of recruits arrived from Nelson on the 17th inst, and we are daily expecting an augmentation from Southland or Otago. The Mounted Corps are becoming daily more efficient, and the greatest amount of credit is -due to their worthy Troop Sergeant, Mr. -Johnson, for his untiring attention to , the' wants of ' his men, together with the unflinching zeal and ability displayed by him in the "discharge of his duties. The appointment of this officer to the sole command of this distinguished troop would be hailed with general satisfaction by the whole of the settleis of this province, as all consider Johnson a fit and proper person to hold a situation of trust and responsibility, and besides, he is entitled to the post by senioiity of rank and service, The Captain commanding this corps holds two appointments, being also a Captain commanding JSTo. 6 Company of Infantry, and is a mere myth in the estimation of any experienced cavalry; man, as he is quite incapable of handling his men, owing to his having no experience in cavalry evolutions .or movements. The sooner he hands over the command to a more experienced man, the better; for the.community at large ; and it 13 to be hoped the commanding officer will pay more attention , than what he has hitherto to this very , important branch of the service. Our commissariat department is sadly managed, and I regret being compelled to postpone some startling facts connected with this department to a future date. I regret hay- ' ing to report the demise of one of our oldest and most respected citizens, Peter Wilson, ( Esq., M.D., which took place at his residence Devonline, on the 21st inst.' The deceased . had held the appointment of Colonial Surgf on in this Province for the last sixteen years, and was much, respected. , 1 Our representative, H. R. Attinson, Esq., ■ .rendered, an account ot\ his stewardship to [ his constituency on Saturday evening last,fat t the Masonic hotel. The meeting was numerously attended, and all unanimously approved of Mr Atkinson's discharge of his duty. He has proved himself , the, right man in the right place, and it is to be hoped that your i sapient Doctor-will follow his example which I very much doubt. The whole" of the electors present awarded Mr Atkinson a vote of thanks for his unswerving attention to the wants of his people in the Legislature. One of our Bell Block volunteers was acci- , dentally drowned whilst bathing in a lagoon [ on the 23rd instant, and his remains were interred in the New Plymouth Cemetery on the 25th with military honors. A private of ' the Otago Contingent, named James Heath, had his leg accidentally broken on the 2oth ' instant, at the Hen vi, and but little hopes 1 are entertained of liis recovery, as rnortincat tion is setting in. . I regret being compelled > to conclude this communication in : such an . abrupt manner, but other matters interfere.