TARANAKI.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 266, 8 May 1860, Page 2

TARANAKI.

(From the TarqnaU Herald, April 28.) [FROM 088 OOBRESPONPENT AT THE CAMP.] On Sunday [22nd April] three companies of the 65th in light marching order, with 2 guns and 2 ammunition waggons, 2 ambulance carts, and 1 cart with povisions, made a reconnoisaance as far ag Wareatea. Komene's pah was seen about 3 miles inland, but no natives were observed. On Monday a party were employed in thrashing out the Tataraimaka wheat, destroying the crops of the natives engaged at Waireka. On Tuesday the troops still remained encamped at Tataraimaka employed in thrashing Mr. Greenwood's wheat and getting wood and potatoes; Wednesday the weather was very unfavorable, the troops remained under qover.^ On Thursday at 6 a.m. struck tents, and at 7 the: who!« .force moved on towards Wareatei'. Tb^ light company of the.fs ; ih, and a portion of the naval brigade, uflder Captain Seymour^

furnished the advanced guard; Captain "gernon and his blue jackets bringing up the rear. The forces arrived at Wareatea at about 4 p.m. Captain Seymour and a few mounted men entered Komene's pah, when Mr. 6. Lethbridge found the saddle of our murdered townsman Mr. Ford! A j reconnoitring party, headed by Captain Seymour, consisting of the light company of ' the 65th regt.,/ and a party of blue jackets proceeded to the mill in the vicinity 4f which about 30 armed natives were seen, i-ho, however, deemed discretion the better part of valour and cut across the river to the inland pah. This pah is about 2 miles inland on the town side of the mill stream, situated in the forest apparently on a cliff with a swamp on .the seaward -side. • The partf rendered the mill useless by removing a portion of the iron* work and some cogs: from the wheels. Friday morning the pah was pulled down, the houses destroyed and a quantity of wheat and oats scattered about. !The forces marched at 8 o'clock for Warea. r [FROM OUR OWH CORRESPONDENT AT OMiTA ] . Omata, April 18th, 1860. In continuation of my observations of Saturday last I write again to call attention to the subject of the improvement of our lands. Oftentimes difficulties and troubles tend to. jncreajie,, in place of causing decrease, in the/ commercial prosperity of a country1. Scbtland has to thank her sterile noils, in connection" with a determined people, for having enabled her to enter into competition with other parts. The inhabitants of Taranaki Having shown themselves determined and stedfast in the battle-field in defence of the Queen's rights, let me trust that they will now so far consider themselves as to use thought and prudence, ere it is too late, in arranging for the supply of food requisite for the host that is gradually assembling around us. ~No season must be suffered to pass without its peculiar agricultural requirements being properly and thoroughly attended to; that is, so far as they may be linked with the production of food. My object in this communication is to impress the necessity of means being used to husband winter and spring food for our cattle and sheep. We shall more particularly suffer tins winter, not alone from the failure of turnips caused by drought, but also from those which have prematurely been destroyed by the cattle, through the breaking down of fences prior to the last conflict with the savages. With all humility I would recommend that steps in various parts of the settlement be taken to save grass setd for the season of want, and, at the same time, further arrangements be made for sowing a considerable quantity of land with grass seed, so that spring feed may be in readiness to restore the condition of the stock after the winter. To effectually carry this object out, the fencing that has been destroyed by the ruthless savages will require replacing, with addition, may be, of some few extra cross-fences for the protection of the wheat lands. Some law- should also be enacted against the pigs, which at present, from the j unavoidable absence of the owners, are wandering at large through the adjacent farms, doing a great deal of mischief. Without steps of this kind are immediately taken, the military authorities will find themselves much hampered for the want of working bullocks, which, from the deficiency of food during the winter months, will be incapable of fulfilling their allotted duties as heretofore. Practice has shown that grass seed to succeed must be sown either early or late in the season. In carrying into effect all this, practical men who thoroughly understand not only the theory of the earth's productions, but who are, at the same time, versed in the practical use of agricultural implements, should be employed. The consumption of meat at present may be calculated at about 2500 lbs. a day; this will, averaging the cattle at 600 lbs. each, cause a consumption of, say, allowing for contingencies, such as the arrival of a man-of-war, &c, &c, of 1600 head a-year. Allowing the present stock of cattle to equal 6000, one-third of which ate fitted for the shambles, we shall have sufficient to last us barely 18 months. In addition to this Our sheep may be calculated at about 14,000, one-tbird of which may be considered marketable by the butcher. If care at the present period is taken, we shall not suffer from the heavy loss that most accrue to us immediately the importation of food for daily consumption commences. From our stockade I have but little news to impart. All is quiet around, notwithstanding Maories are reported as again moving towards us, the particulars of which have not yet transpired. You may depend upon it that if they again pay us a visit they will find us both ready and willing to give them a warm reception. W.I.G.

CONTINUATION OP JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Saturday, AprU 21.—The Airedale arrived this morning, and brought a rumour to the effect that Captain Cracroft'a orders had been countermanded, and that rumours of peace with W. Kingi were current at Auckland. The bare thought of this occasions a depression of spirit such as has never before been seen in Taranaki. Great relief was afterwards afforded by an intimation that no despatches had been received by the Commander of tile Forces of sudh an unwelcome nature. From the South we hear that the Forces had encamped at Tataraimaka, and that, a reconnoitring party, with two guns, had been sent out as far as Hangatahua, a river about 8 miles this aide of Warea, and that a pah was observed inland, in a strong position, and apparently difficult to get at. None of the rebels had been seen.

Sunday. —A Pelorua' sailor was brought in today badly wounded from the accidental explosion of a rifle The piece fell from a pile of arms, and went off, the bullet inflicting a flesh wound in the thigh of this sailor, afterwards passing through two tents, and narrowly missing a militiaman standing near. We are told it is the intention of the Colonel to secure the crops at Tataraimaka, and thresh out the wheat in sacks, of which there ar« about fiOQQ bushelc, before moving against the rebels^ Mr. Parris returned from Tataraimaka last evening. Both this officer and Mr. White, also of the Native Dejartmeat* atfe indefatigable

in their exertions, and relieve each other in the camp; the public service requiring that one should always be in town. Monday.— The forces South have been taking up a lot of potatoes belonging to the rebel Taranakisat Wairau, Parenga Kingi's kainga. We hear that it. is the intention of the Taranakis to face the troops; they have had plenty of time to prepare, but we fear it is not likely they will measure strength with-us after their defeat at Waireka. They are busy about their pah inland of Wareatea.

Tuesday.-r>The weather changed for wind and rain. A gun fired this morning announced the arrival of a steamer. A boat witn some difficulty got off to her, and found her to be the expected City of Hobart, with 2&0 of the 40th Regiment on board. After the boat communicated with her she stood out again, landing only a few papers, containing English news to th» 18th February. It is unfortunate she was not sooner here, as since the arrival of the Cordelia and Peloru9 they have never moved anchor until this day. The Traveller's Bride, 11 days from Auckland, arrived. The light company of the 65th inarched to Tataraimaka to join ,the forces there, which make the total number 650, exclusive of militia and volunteers in charsre of tbe team«.

Wednesday.—-Hhe City of Hobart returned to the anchorage, the wind having shifted to the S.W., and the sea rapidly going down. She has landed 215 men of H.M. 40th Foot, in command of Capt. Messenger. We hear from Tataraimaka that the troops intend moving forward to-morrow morning. A quantity of powder was sent down this evening under escort. A ball-proof screen was also sent down to-day, with which it is intended to protect the engineers in carrying on their works.- >■••' ■ '■• ■ ..-

ihursday^The Airedale arrived from Nelson with "the Februarf English Mail, and the Tasmanian Maid from Waitafa, after.her accident. The men-of-war returned to the; anchorage. The weather again calm and beautiful. The noval sight of five steamers gave a striking appearance to tha roadstead. From the camp South we learn that thai the Forces were on their way to attack the first rebel pah inland of Wareatea. The latest intelligence is that they had got as far as Wareatea, near the river Hangatahua. The first pah is 20 miles from town, and is described as bai.ig surrounded on the inland and part of the South side by a raupo swamp—the forest bordering upon the swamp. We also hear that this pah is strengthened by a double row of terraced palisading and rifle pits, the inner row being elevated above the outer. Another pah is situated inland of Warea, near the forest, about 8 mitea farther on, named Tapuinikau. This pah is one in which the remnants of the Taranaki tribes were formerly taken by the Waikatos and slaughtered. The Natives have collected great quantities of provisions, for a protracted siege; and in their vicinity are the cattle, sheep, &c, stolen by them from the Tataraimake farms. It is reported that W. King! has burnt his pah at Mataitai, and retired upon Kairea. This looks as if he was taking alarm at the movement south. The Airedale sailed for Manukau and the City of Hobart Town for Melbourne. Friday,— At 4 a.m. the Cordelia steamed for the Taranaki coast under orders, and a few hours later she was followed by the Tasmanian Maid. The greatest interest Is felt for news of the expedition, and we shall keep the journal open to the last moment.

8 p.m.—-Cordelia just returned to her anchorage. From Mr. Woon's account (who proceeded in the ship by request of the authorities,) a boat landed and communicated with the forces at Hanga Tahna, at 8 a.m. They were just moving for Warea* Cordelia followed in their rear and anchored off Warea; could not land—very rocky. Before the troops reached Worea, 3 guns were fired at the village, and the advanced guard of the Pelorus, under Captain Seymour, went through the pah, but no natives to be seen. Shortly after Cordelia anchored signal was made, ' Return to town,' —as she was leaving, the forces fired Warea—first the flagstaff was pulled down, and afterwards the whole village and pas were in a sheet of flame. Saw the strong-hold of the natives inland of Warea in the forest. Left Tasmanian Maid at Warea.

Saturday, April 28,—Great anxiety felt for news from the expedition south. It is believed that if the weather is fine an attack will be made upon Tapuinkau, supposed to be four miles from Warea, where the forces had camped last night. This stronghold of the rebels was distinctly seen from the Cordelia, and appeared to be in a well chosen position, on an eminence surrounded by bush. There is a good cart road up to this pah, but it traverses country covered with flax, toitoi, and light bush. The Warea mill is two or three miles up the Warea river, which we hope by this time destroyed. This mill is used by all the Taranak.is south of Mokotunu, and as they have a large quantity of wheat in grain, a great object would be attained by burning this mill, as it would cut off their means of supply in the shape of lillipi and wheaten cakes. About 3 p.m. this day several persons arrived in town from the camp, and it was a matter of surprise how they succeeded or how they had run the risk of coming through the enemy's country from such a distance. We were soon tpld that the expedition had returned to Tataraimaka, an advanced force having first reconnoitred the enemy's position, and the main body of the troops, and the naval brigade, were returning to town. This intelligence astonished as well as disappointed us all, and we could not hear any satisfactory reason assigned for the abandonment of the campaign in that direction without striking a blow. We were informed that a portion of the naval brigade endeavored to find the Warea mill todestroy it, but had not succeeded in doing so; that soon after a return to Tataraimaka was ordered; that the troops struck their tents and marched back, and readied Tataraimaka at 12 this day; that while leaving Warea, a lew natives had fired upon them; that on reaching Komene's kainga, (settlement,) they discovered about 70 oi 80 natives who were viewing the ruins, who opened fire upon the military; that a brief skirmish had taken place, when it was believed one native was killed, as he was seen to be carried away after he fell; that the firing wasat a range of 900 to 1000 yards; and that the expedition had arrived at Tataraimaka without molestation. We are also informed that every village on the coast south of Kaihihi, Porikapas village, had been burnt; all canoes cut up and burnt; and some horses and cattle driven up. On the arrival of the expedition at Warea, as seen from the Cordelia, a few natives were observed about the village, who opened fire, and that the three guns fired into the village was in conse. quence, which had driven them back into the bushTbe blue jackets, under Captain Seymour, then entered the village and took possession and set it on fire, respecting the church, which was not touched. Many are the opinions expressed as to the cause of the return of the expedition without doing anything further than what is mentioned above, and all feel disappointed that something more was not done.

Sunday.—The report that W. King had burnt his pah at Mataitawa is incorrect. He is still quiet there, anl as he boasts is ready to engage the troops whenever they may feel disposed to encounter him. The Taaraanian Maid returned from Warea.

Monday.— The Victorian Government steam sloop Victoria, arrived to-day from Hobart Town, with 120 rank and file of H.M. 40th Regiment in command of Captains Bowdler and McCarthy. She made the run from Hobart Town in six days. We are indebted to the courtesy of Captain Norman for complete files of Tasmanian and Melbourne papers. At 3 this afternoon, the expedition from the south arrived in town with their train, leaving 200 military at Tataraimaka. The naval brigade marched through the town begrimed with dust, and were embarked at once on board their respective ships. We have heard it assigned as the reasou for the return of the expedition that the attack upon the rebel strongholds would have been attended with great losaof life without a corresponding advantage, as so soda as the natives found the place too hot for them they would retire into the bush and retreat upon some other Btroßghold,

where the same trouble and loss would be repeated in following them up. The.Victoria sailed at 8 p.m. for Nelson. The Tasmauian Maid also left for Waitara. There was the usual monthly parade of Volunteer Rifles and Militia this morning at 10. After which the rifles marched into town preceded by their band voder the excellent leaadership of Mr. Manby. The band used their new instruments on this occasion, a complete set having just been received by the Blue Jacket from England. Considering that the majority of the members had little or no previous knowledge of music, Mr. Manbys self-imposed exertions have at the end of twelve months been crowned with a signal success, and the community are largely indebted to this gentleman for having added in this way to the popularity of the volunteer service. The volunteers halted opposite the Militia office where their ammunition was inspected and made up to the proper complement. Tuesday.— ll2 men of the 40th marched out to the Bell Block stockade. A detachment of the 12th also were stationed at Henui. The new disposition of troops is made to enable the Militia to take advantage of the sowing season; and therecent increase to the military force has lessened the heavy duties which have hitherto devolved on the Militia and Volunteers, most of whom are now enabled to have two nights at bed. The Sea Gull arrived from Wanganui this evening with sheep. She has lost several, and was bound to Manukau, but has sold them here. Prom Wanganui our correspondent writes, on the 26th ultimo.: " The Natives are still quiet. We are, however, drilling almost every night in the week, but have not got any rifles, so that should the Natives rise we should not have the opportunity of distinguishing ourselves like your company at Waireka. The Wonga Wonga has just come in from Wellington, via Nelson, and brings Captain Cooper, who is to command the Militia and Volunteers of this district. The Militia are to be called out by him immediately." Wednesday. —The weather has changed from beautiful calm to wind from the N.E. and rain. The Pelorus and Cordelia weighed at 1 p.m., and put to sea. We omitted to state that the Pelorus, in pdtting to sea on the 24th ult., ran over the buoy rope attached to her anchor, cutting it in two. Boats were engaged on Friday sweeping for it, and succeeded in recovering the anchor and chain. The Sea Gull sailed for Wanganui.

AUCKLAND,

We received papers from Auckland by the Airedale on Saturday last. The New Zeahnder gives the correspondence on the subject of "a resolution passed 6y acclamation at a public meeting of the people of Auckland," thanking Captain Cracroft for his gallant conduct at Waireka. The brave captain replied by assuring them " that the officers and men under my command, join with me in highly appreciating such a very flattering record of my services rendered when employed, in conjunction with the military, local volunteer force, and militia."

Under the influence of idle rumours, " some oTthe settlers in the Raglan district have, we regret to hear, left their homes and come into Auckland."

Wi Tako, an influential chief of the south, has addressed the Waikato chiefs and declared that " this sin is King's. Another sin has been committed by Taranaki greater than all the evils that have been done in the land," referring to the murders. Potatau simply condemned the Ngatiruanui for taking ihe " course of murdering boys." He said " let not the pakehas be afraid who dwell in the midst of the Maories at Whaingaroa, at Waikato, and at Waireka. That would be an imputation on me." We'(New Zeahnder) are authorized to state that, relying implicitly on the above assurance, the Rev. Mr. Ashwell, whose acquaintance with the Waikato tribes is of many years standing, has left his family at the Mission station, and is about to visit the Melanesian Islands."

On the subject of protection for the districtof Kawhia and Raglan, some correspondence has taken place between the Superintendent and the Colonial Secretary. The latter calls quitting of there homes by some settlers a " needless desertion," and says: —" The government is not in possession of any information which would justify them in recommending the settlers to remove from Raglan and Kawhia." A confidential officer has been despatched to these districts to inquire into "the actual state of matters." " The Government have within the last few days received from Potatau the most positive assurances, in which they place entire confidence, of his continued good-will." In the same letter it is said—"l have to state that as soon as the arrival of reinforcements at Taranaki was ascertained, the Airedale was despatched with special instructions to the Colonel Commanding the Forces, directing him to adopt rigorous measures without further delay." This letter is dated 20th April. The same paper says—" self interest will suggest to the settlers the danger of leaving their homes and property unprotected—a temptation to plunder for vicious individuals of either race." Speaking of the Waikato people it says:—" Men so politic as the chiefs of the Confederation have shown themselves, are not likely, in a cause of which they cannot approve, to provoke a power which, as they know, is strong enough, if roused, to scatter them like leaves in autumn."

The Eik, Captain Campion, has left Auckland for England. Before her departure he organized a "volunteer naval brigade, furnishing five boats' crews, and mostly mariners or boatmen by profession." He also left behind *« part of his crew, four heavy guns, and other arms and ammunition to aid in preparing the harbour defences." Commodore Loring of the Iris will now command the naval volunteers. "The extent to which the arming of our settlers has gone, and the completeness with which they are fully aware it will be carried out, hare had the effect of already making the Waikato natives see the necessity of weighing well their steps before they commit themselves to any overt acts of hostility against the British crown. The natives of Auckland district seem still less disposed to take up the cause of the Taranaß insurgents—thoir commercial interests as we.l as their long and friendly intercourse with our European settlers having convinced them of the importance of the preservation of amicable relations with us."

(From the New Zealander.)

The Auckland Vomjntker Yeomanry Cavawiy,—The iaaia divjaieo of tliiß force met at

Qtahuhu, in. Mr. John Fairbura's paddock, for. general exercise. About 98 or 100 well-mounted men mustered, consisting chiefly of farmers of the country near to Otahuhu, and amongst them we noticed many of the oldest as well aB the most respected settlersofthat district. The force was divided into two squadrons of about 50 each, and went through a number of mannuvres, amongst which we observed them execute with capital precision the various formation and movements of "threes'* —right, left, and about; together with single and double file marching, and wheeling; advancing and retiring, through intervals, &c.; the whole under the orders of Lieut. Colonel Nixon. The horses all seemed to be in good command, and the men, as might be expected from the composition of the corps, quite at home in their saddles. The whole inspection gave promise of a high state of efficiency being attained by the time the services of the corps may be seriously required.

Awfully Sudden Death.—On the 18th instant an inquest was held at the "Greyhound Inn," on view of the body of John Russell, who died suddenly on the previous evening, while tngaged in giving a lesson in the sword exercise to a class composed of members of the "Auckland Volunteer Cavalry Guards." Deceased had been for a considerable time the subject of pulmonary disease and while discharging the duties of his new appointment (that of instructor of the force above mentioned), had been observed to manifest signs of weakness and of oppression of the chest On the evening in question, he spat up some blood and was unwilling to begin the lesson. A few minutes after the commencement of the drill he exclaimed, " I am going to faint," and immediately sunk into fatal syncope. Mr. Earle, sergeon, by desire of the Jury, made a post mortem examination of the body and found several pounds of blood, extravasated in the left pleura, which was traced to a ruptured bloodvessel in the substance of the lung. The heart was not ruptured nor was there any aneurism. The verdict of the jury was in accordance with the above facts, and was accompanied with an expression of strong sympathy for the bereaved and destitute widow and children, deceased having fallen as it were at his post of duty, in the act in serving his Queen and country.

Sudden Death.—On the 24th instant an inquest was held at the Windsor Castle, Parnell, on view of the body of James Brown, aged 18 years, who died suddenly on the day before, while employed in excavating a bank in the vicinity of the Scotch Church. A post mortem examination was made by Dr. Shiell, who discovered an ossified state of the valves of the aorta, and an enlarged state of the heart. The jury returned a verdict of death by " the visitation of God, from disease of the heart." It may be observed that the disease in question was quite unsuspected during life, and deceased was apparently in perfect health up to the time of his awfully sudden death.— New Zealander.

Excursion to Waiheke.—A large party of ladies and gentlemen proceeded to Waiheke in the Emu, and having dined on the beach of one of the beautiful little bays which that island abounds, they returned to Auckland, after a day of much enjoyment. The proceeds of the excursion were, through the liberality of Captain Kreeft, given to the fund now collecting for a church on the North Shore.

Immigration and Esimigration.—Last month the balance of immigration amounted to 595 louls in favor of the Province; this month there is a balance of 115 against it. This however, is perfectly intelligible, when it is borne in mind that there have been no direct arrivals from England, but one, small brig, from Launceston; and that one of the three vessels from Sydney was a ship of war. The account stands thus; by these two vessels and the three from Sydney of 1906 tons, but 27 passengers arrived; whilst by four vessels for Sydney, one for Newcastle, and three for Callao, together of 4153 tpns, 155 passengers departed. From the other Provincesof New Zealand, the arrivals were 20 vessels of4olstons, with 68 passengers ; the departures were 17 vessels of 3523 tons, with 55 passengers.