THE FIGHT WITH TE KOOTI.

Southland Times, Issue 1155, 27 October 1869, Page 3

THE FIGHT WITH TE KOOTI.

The following is Colonel McDonnell's official despttch on the resent engagement with Je Kooti : — Camp Poittotj, Oct. 5.

Sir, — I have the honour to state for the information of the Q-overnment, that on Saturday, the 12th inst., I left this post, accompanied by the Mounted Constabulary under Captains Bichardson and Handley, to join the Arawa and No. 2l division, A. C, for Kotukutuku, leaving instructions with Major K*»mn. Captain M'Donnell, and the other chiefs, to march from here on Sunday night and join me at Papakai on Monday morning. The two forces joined at Papakai. The enemy was plainly visible about two miles further on, having built a redoubt on the edge of the bush in a strong commanding position at Papakai. The force halted for breakfast, but a short time was allowed for this necessary meal, as word was brought in from our outlying sentries that the enemy was moving out to attack. On receipt of this intelligence, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Herrick with No. 2 A. C, Major Kemp with Captains M'Donnell and "Wirihana and Hare Tauteka's men, to advance and take possession of the *ange nn the left flank, whilst I moved out with the Ngafcikahungu and drew on th© rlghtj tL.© mounted division bringing up the rear. The whole force advanced in this order for about a mile. Kemp's party came into contact with the enemy's skirmishers, who were now in position about half-a-mile in front of the redoubt, and quickly dislodged them, following them up wildly, and driving them back on their main position in confusion, and with some loss. The Ngatikahungu and the Arawas were also successful in forcing the enemy to evacuate a small earthwork, used most probably as a picket-station, and some broken ground on the opposite banks of the Wanganui, where several of the enemy fell. Our natives, stimulated with jealousy of each other, were ripe for anything, and advanced with a steadiness and deliberation such as I have never seen equalled. The Wanganuis set the example by charging up the face of the hill on which stood the redoubt, closely followed by the Ngatikahungu and Arawas. Though exposed to the galling fire of the enemy, who fought well, they had in a short time taken the trenches by the front and right of the redoubt, undermining the parapet — jumping up and firing into it. I deeply regret to state that Capt. St. Q-eorge was killed within a short distance of the redoubt, charging with No. 2 division. The Arawas shortly afterwards charged and the redoubt was taken by storm, in which we lost three killed and three wounded. Twenty-seven bodies of the enemy were found inside the redoubt and in the trenches, and ten more bodies were found on the field ; making a total losa on their side of thirfcy-seven as seen by us. Over twenty women and children were taken prisoners, and one man belonging to Taupo. I regret to say that Te Kooti escaped, as I know for certain that he was in the pah. Some of the women are severely wounded. I have much pleasure in testifying to the gallantry displayed by No. 2 Div. A.C., under the command of Sub-Inspectors Scannell and Northcroft, and also by Major I Kemp, and Captains M'Donnell and | Wirihana, and the Wanganui natives | under their command, who on this, as on every former occaaion, behaved adI mirably. My thanks are also due to Eenata and Hare Tomoana of the Ngatikahungu and Hohepa Tamana, Paora Hapi, and Kepa, of the Arawas, ! for the courage displayed them in leading on their men. My thanks are more especially due to Lieut-Col. Herrick, for the able assistance which he rendered to me during the day in the furtherance of ray plans. The cavalry succeeded in recapturing a large number of the horses taken by Te Kooti from Henare Tomoana, at Tauranga some time since. I sent a force out this morning under Henare Tomoana to try and find out the present position of the enemy. I have brought No. 2 Division here, as our rear is open, and I fear that Te Kooti may attempt to escape in that direction. I have also come down myself for the purpose of

getting more ammunition, and intend returning to Papakai to-morrow. I append a list of our killed and wounded. Te Heuheu and Matuaha have sent me word to-day that they have had enough of it ; and have left Te Kooti, and will surrender themselves to-morrow.— I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell.

List of killed at Pourere, Oct. 14, 1869. Captain Q-eorge, gunshot wound through head ; Ensign Winiata, gunshot wound through head. Wangaaui Contingent — Eusign Komini, gunshot wound through chest ; private Tape, gunshot wound through head. Wounded : — Lieutenant Turei, Wanganui Contingent, -gunshot wound through chest, dangerous; Renata, Chief, Ngatikahungu, injured eye; Hori, N^gatikahungu, gunshot wound in ear, slight ; Ngatikahunga, gunshot wound in arm, severe. Total : killed, 4 ; wounded, 4. T. Murray GHbbs, surgeon.