EAST COAST.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 243, 18 April 1866, Page 1 (Supplement)

EAST COAST.

Camp, Opotiki

Feb. 21st. — Colonel Lyon, with about 300 men, marched for the gorge of the Waioeka, atthe entrance of the gorge, and about eight miles from camp. The whole force halted and set to work building a redoubt. The men worked with a will, and by sun-down the next evening had completed a redoubt about sixty feet square, which is called " Lyon Eedoubt." Soon after daybreak ofthe 23rd the whole force started for the upper gorge, about fifty men having marched from camp to hold the redoubt, which was raised as a sort of store depot. The marching out force took with them three days' rations, audit was generally the opinion that the Colonel intended forcing his way up the gorge, and thence across the mountains into the Uriwerea country. The party pushed on across the same wretched falls, most of which were waist deep, and over those wretched boulders, up to the night of the engagement of the 19th inst. Here we halted for a while, when te our surprise who should ride up but Colonel Haultain, who had'arrrived the evening previous in the Sturt from Napier. About one o'clock we pushed on, the Defence Minister returning to Opotiki. About three miles further up the gorge, and just as we were turning a bend of the river, we espied a. native position on the hill side, and facing us. The first division, under Colonel TLyon, turned off into the bush to the right, the remainder, under Maj or St. John, advanced straight up the gorge. The stones here were very large and loose, and the river which we had to cross very rapid. However, on we rushed in the face of the enemy's fire, and scrambled up the hill into their position, to find it empty. The Arawas had got in a little before us, and -in their desire for loot had rummaged out an old man, about seventy years of age, whose infirmity had prevented his escage.

This poor old wretch they were hauling about with a rope, which was fastened round his neck, and would shortly have ended his miserable existence had not some of our men interceded and prevented them. [The more we hear of the Arawas the more we have cause to despise them. In the field they are of no use, as they lack courage ; in the camp they are despised as thieves. These men who have been called tne noble Arawas are about the most contemptible lot of men amongst the tribes of New Zealand.] -An old woman about the same age as the man was also found. The rest had evidently fired a volley and bolted. Captain TNewland followed them np the gorge about five miles, suceeding in wounding one. -There was also about 2001bs. of powder destroyed. For some reason the force did not proceed as anticipated, but returned to the depot, Lyon Eedoubt, on the evening of the 24th, when we learned thatthe Sturt had left with the Defence Minister for Tauranga. Another expedition has been starting every day, but iri consequence of the inclemency of the weather, and the flooded state of the rivers, we are in a state of statu quo. On the morning of the 2nd of March a messenger came into'camp from Opapa, where Wi King is stationed, and stated that they had taken several prisoners, and wanted to know what to do with them. A party of troopers, under command of Lieut. M'Pherson, with Captain Wilson, was at once despatched, and returned the same evening with eight Inale prisoners, five women, and some children, and five guns. The prisoners stated that they wished to become Queen natives, and that they were tired of Hau-hauism. They also stated that Kereopa and Patara were in the gorge on the 19th when we engaged the enemy, but had since left for Taupo. intending to push on for Taranaki. They also say that there are about fifty natives in the hills who wish to surrender.

The Sturt arrived this morning (3rd) from Auckland and Tauranga, bringing the Defence Minister, who appears more desirous than ever to promote a cessation of hostilities.

sth March. — About seven this morning a gun was heard outside, which proved to be the Eclipse, with his Excellency: on board. The Sturt soon got steam up, went outside, and fetched the G-overnor into the river. The native Te Ua, the high priest, of Hau-hauism, also accompanied his Excellency. Every Maori in the place had something to say to the Governor, and the Arawas, who are still here, greeted Te Ua with marks of hatred. About eight p.m. his Excellency left in the Sturt, and proceeded to Whale Island, there to embarked on board the Eclipse for the Kawan. The Sturt returned to Opotiki on the evening of the 6th, after having visited several places along the coast. Several natives went up the gorge of the Waioeka to-day to bring down their Hau-hau friends, who are losing faith in Pai Marirism. Fighting is considered almost over here. Wi Tamihana is to have an interview with Te Ua, who, it is said, will show him the folly of his ways.