JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 283, 6 July 1860, Page 3

JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Saturday, June. 16.—The admission amongst us of the rebels headed by Karipa has been marked by the general disapproval of the settlers. It is sa id—indeed, we know from personal conversation with some of the loyal natives, that they highly disapprove of Wi' Kingi's late allies being allowed to be at large in our midst. Mahau, in particular, a staunch friend of the Europeans, is very indignant, if we are to believe his.own words. Our fear is that a precedent has been established which may be made use of by many of the insurgents to suit their own ends. That Karipa and his followers are rebels is, we'think, established by the fact that they deliberately, alter choosing which side they would serve, went over to Wi Kingi, and, since the 20th March, have been with him at Mataitawa, and not at the Ninia. Whether they have actively assisted Kingi matters not; their alliance gave strength to tlie enemy, and their coming over is no evidence of change ojf seutiment.. The submission of rebels is a very proper step, and is the proper atonement for misconduct; but the universal rule is to receive such as prisoners of war, and to deprive them for the time of the liberty they might otherwise abuse. It is reported that the traitor and well-known character Tamihana (the late Katatore's right-hand man) is also wishful now to be a"friendly native.' This, man is intimately connected with W. King, and has been open and consistent in his opposition to our advancement from the time he and others bounced Governor Fitzroy out of his wits—now 17 years since. From the South we hear that the rebels have destroyed all Porikapa's cattle, numbers lying killed about the country. Jj Shaw, private, 65th Regt., died on Thursday from consumption, and was; buried to-day. Mrs. R. Foreman dieu^esterday from low typhus fever, a son aged having preceded her by a few days; v Thi'ee other'children are lying in a dangerous state.., The Tas'manian Maid returned to Waitara this evening; Weather—wind from S.E., and wet and cold. :

i Sunday.— -Weather still wet and cold, a counterpart of Sunday week and Sunday fortnight. The same bleak and wet S.E. wind. This weather 3s very trying to the piquets and patrols. " 3fonday.—'We hear from Tatraimaka that the .rebels have erected a pah within a short .distance of the camp, arid on the banks of the I^atikara stream, and that they are 400 strong, and that . some soldiers who were, out, ;were nearly 'cut off , by an ambush of 100 natives, and were, saved by a -. native named Epiha, who discovered the ambuscade, and ran only just in time to give them warning. Epiha is one of the friendly chief Porikapa's natives, and we trust that this substantial proof of his fidelity will be brought under the notice of the Governor, as services of this nature^ at such a time, should not pass unrequited. The Shamrock, brig, sailed to-day for Manukau. Tuesday.—rk- large number of ; friendly natives 'came in town to-dayj principally to get shell-fish from the reef, it being spring tides. Karipa and * Haeana were in town to-day!

; Wednesday. —The Tasmaiiian Maid came up this morning from Waitara. Before she anchored the signal; was run up ;'*How is Mr. Brown? 1' The answer was " Same." We hear that he has passed two bad nights and ia in a very low state, evidently sinking. The names of the natives at present known to have fired at Mr. Brown are Tawati (already named), Wi Paki, Hori. (a ,|iumpbacjc), Bare ? son of Harp a relative of W.

King!, Rangjkopinga, and a native from Onairo. We are promised written particulars from Waitara by a native chief by an early opportunity. The rebel natives are still busily : employed on their pa near the government land, described to be, a very strong one, about 1700 yards from the camp, quarter of a mile inland of the Devon line, and in op_eri country; it is confidently expected that they will erect a pa on our land as soon as the present one is completed. An overland mail from the north was .brought; up in the steamer from Waitara, bring us Auckland papers to the 11th inst. From Waitara proceeded to Tataraimaki, to land an escort that came up the day before overland. A daughter of Mr. Ri Foreman was buried this afternoon, the third visitation- on' this -afflicted family within a few days. ..:< ■,>'■■•:.;■•'■

Thursday.— The Tasmanian Maid returned from Tataraimaki this morning .haying. accomplished her mission. No news. . From the Bell Blockhouse we hear that a number of natives were seen last night on the block with tortures. A great nianj' sheep have been killed; and worried by dogs belonging to the rebels. '

Friday.— The Tasmanian Maid steamed to Waitara this morning. We have been informed that a messenger has reached W. Kingi from Ngatiruanui informing him that the whole of that tribe, mustering 800, have started to join the Taranaki tribe, who will come up to Waireka to fight where their relatives fell. This intelligence was brought into town by a native who has been to Mataitawa with a coffin for a deceased native. We have heard that the Ngatiruanuis have reached Warea, and it is said if not prevented by the troops at Tataraimaki will march up to Ratapihipihi and Waireka. A son of Mr. Billing's buried to-day." . -/-■ '■' :• ■•' "'; : ! '

Saturdayj June 23.—We omitted to mention in last.week's journal that the light company of the! 65th (Colonel Murray's company) relieved, on Monday last, the 40th at Henui, removed to Wai-' tara. The troops are housed in a large hut, constructed of raupo and thatched with toetoe, and are comparatively comfortable. Lieutenants Urquhart and Whitbread are in charge of this detachment. We also omitted to mention that" Lieutenant Chevalier was thrown from his horse on Wednesday last, when riding on the beach, and broke his collar-bone. We are glad to hear that. he is'progressing favorably.' Private P.'Flannigari, 65th regiment, died at Tataraimaka yesterday from gastic fever. An escort went down to-day to bring the body up to town for interment in the Roman Catholic cemetery. The Airedale arrived this: morning from the South, but without the English. mail. The Lord Ashley, after waiting for several days in Sydney, had come down without it;. and it was supposed that some detention had occurred' to the mail steamer between Aden and Melbourne. Weather changed to wind from the north-east and rain., The Airedale steamed against a strong gale, and will have a rough passage to Mauukau. |"iriqg heard at Waitara during the day—artillery and small arms. It was also telegraphed from the Bell Blockhouse that firing was going on at Waitara. The weather, we fear, will prevent the steamer from coming up and reporting. . Sunday.— lt blew very hard last night from the north-east and north-west, but lulled this morning. Mrs. Ashton, aged 85, died to-day. The Rev. Mr. Whiteleycame in to-day^ from Waitara, and we are informed that a skirmish had taken place between the 40th and the rebels on the Government land. It appears that a number of natives came to our land, when Major Nelson sent out a party to reconnoitre, The trpops were fired upon by the natives, which was returned, arid a fire kept up for some time, and the natives were ultimately driven off the land. No casualties ascertained on either side. We hope to have full particulars by the steamer. .

Monday. —Weather wet and gloomy; windS.E The Taamanian Maid arrived from Waitara at 3 p.m., and confirms the news brought up overland by Mr. Whiteley. We are told that on Saturday a party of natives were seen fro;o the camp coming down to a bush on the Government land, about 500 yards in rear of the camp, in detached parties, supposed to be coming for timber for their pa at Puketakauere. A party (50) of the 40th, under Captain Messenger, and 8 natives, including Teira and Hemi, proceeded to reconnoitre, when they were fired upon by some natives in ambush. The troops fired and retreated, hoping to induce the rebels to come up nearer to the camp. The natives chased the soldiers till they got within 5?50 yards of them; when a shell was fired from tfye camp, which was seen to fall amongst them and disperse them in all directions. It is supposed that some rebels were killed by the explosion. A bullet struck a soldier's rifle, hitting it near the muzzle, and carrying away, about an inch of the barrel. A bullet glanced off another's shoulder, and another knocked off a breast button. Several shells were fired over where the natives were supposed to be lying. A white flag has been flying at the rebel pa since Saturday. We are informed that on Sunday Hapurona, leader of the rebels^ sent a message to the camp, informing the Major that he will be ready to fight in 3 days. Private JTlannigan, 65th Regiment, buried to-day, with military honors. '. Tuesday. —The Maid returned to Waitara to-day and steamed against a 1 north-wester. Weather looking very threatening, with thunder, and get in for rain, The steamer takes down a number of men of the 40th, 2 guqs and 10 bullocks. This little steamer does her duty admirably, going in and out of Waitara without any difficulty, and, we hear, has not yet even bumped on the bar. She is extremely useful, and, indeed, her services could not be dispensed with. Rumours of an intended attack upon the rebel pah at Puketakauere at Waitara. Great secrecy has been kept regarding the intended operations. The light company of the 65th, and the detachment of the 12th, marched to Bell Block to-day, and the remainder of the 40th and 60 blue-jackets, under Capt. Seymour, R.N., marched overland to Waitara. A number of loyal natives also were taken to Manhau's pah to act in concert with the troops. It is generally believed that an attack will be made on the rebel pah at daybreak to-morrow by Major Nelson, commanding 40th detachment.

Wednesday.— Early this morning the firing of artillery was plainly heard, and smoke seen rising from Waitara. Great excitement prevailed in town, and general anxiety felt for intelligence. The outlying and inlying pickets were ordered to remain under arms, and during the morning 60 more blue-jackets marched to Bell Block. From the constant firing heard, it is believed the forces are hotly engaged. In consequence of a telegram from Bell Block, where Colonel Gold and the ■ troops in reserve are, 50 more men of the 65th. and two 23-pounders howitzers, were forvyarded on, in command of Captain Barton, 65th regiment. These left the town about 3 o'clock, with the guns and ammunition carts, in the midst of-a heavy storm, but it was cheering to notice how eager the men were for service in the field. About this time the: Militia and Volunteers were assembled under arms, and paraded on Mount Eliot, when strong outlying pickets were told off, and, sent to their respective posts. An order was also issued that all should remain under.arms during the night. During the day no intelligence came in to relieve the minds of the people, and it was dusk when rqmprs reached town that the forces engaged at Waitara had suffered a repulse. This, although it naturally left an unpleasant impression on the minds of men, was absolutely discredited, mas-m---uch as it was through the same channel announced that the Commander of the Forces, with his powerful reinforcement, including two 34- ---.. pounder howitzers and the remainder of the Naval Brigade, was, on, his.way to town,, after having halted at. Mahoetahi (Mahau's pa] at Waiongona; high ground commanding the enemy's position just If miles distant. The force returned during the evening, when it was ascertained, in addition to the above, that from Mahoetahi a white flag was observed to be flying, from the rebel's pah, which indicated that it had notbeen taken. ! The news did not relieve the uneasiness, and much anxiety is felt for intelligence from the camp at Waitarai and as the weather is very stormy (squalls aud showers from S.W.) we' fear we may not have the steamer up for a day or two. We must

depend the poor chance of a mounted courier from Waitara. We arc very glad to hear that it is m contemplation to burn the rebel pa in the vicinity of the Bell Block and Wi Kingi.s stronghold. Sergeant Marjouram's telegraph was kept going to-day, signalling with Bell Blockhouse, showing how extremely useful it is; wo would recommend that a similar apparatus be erected at Mahoetahi and Waitara, when a complete line of telegraph would be established between town and the camp at Waitara. This ia very necessary during this . inclement season when no communication can be had by sea, and tho rebels hold the, road. In»consequence of the return of the troops the inlying and Henui Militia and Volunteer piquet were dismissed from duty for the night. •■■■■•■■'■■

Thursday.—-We are kept in painful suspense regarding the attack: on the rebel pa yesterday. Rumors of all kinds are afloat, and it is generally feared that the attack was not successful, as it is stated that firing was seen from the pa after the attacking force suspended their fire. The weather still boisterous.' The Maid may succeed, however, in getting up in the course of the day. The troops had a wearisome march through the muddy roads, yesterday, and came home fagged. 12 noon.—News of the most painful nature just received by a mounted volunteer from Waitara, and which exceeds the worst apprehensions entertained. 29 killed and 33 wounded of the different corps engaged during yesterday's at lack, including Lieut. Brooke, 40th Regt., killed, Capt. Seymour, R.N., wounded, severely. Lieut. Brooke is said to have been entangled in a swamp and tomahawked after having put several to the sword. The/fasmanian Maid came up at dusk this evening, but lias.not brought up any of the wounded, as was expected. Captain Richards, 40th, who was in the engagement on Thursday, has come up in her. Many of the wounded are in a dangerous state, and those who have since died of their wounds make the total number of killed 32. We are told that the dead were left on the field, but that twenty rifles were recovered. The fight is described as being of the most sanginary nature—in many instances hand to hand, and that our forces (347 of all lanks) were outnumbered by the rebels, numbering, it ia said, from 800 to 1000 men, who attacked the troops in flank and rear. It is believed that between 100 and 150 natives were killed; the dead were lying in heaps on the ground, and the execution by grape and canister was immense. Daring deeds of valor are recounted. One af the Grenadiers of the 40th (we hope to get his name) it is said, was attacked by three natives. The brave soldier fired at one and shot him; retired loading, turned and shot the second, and bayonetted the ihird. Another soldier, in face of several hundred natives, in a gully, deliberately shot several before he retired. Some artillerymen wera killed and wounded at their guns, several attempts having been made by the natives to take the guns. In retreating the rebels in a mass followed and closed on the troops when Lieut. McNaughten flred a round of common case which had a most destructive effect upon, and caused them to retire in confusion. A man, who feigned to be dead when lying on the ground wounded, arrived in camp last night in his shirt. Two sailors wounded also succeeded in crawling into camp. The natives since the attack have been going over the ground, and yesterday fired several vql]eys into, the. camp. They still hold their position, and a white flag has been flying since halfinast high. We are informed that this white flag is not an emblem of peace, but is the king's flag, and hoisting it half-mast is to call all the rebels together. We shudder to think of the fate of any wounded men that may have been left behind. We are told that men who have been in hottest fire in India and elsewhere have not been under a worse fire than that kept up, by the rebels during the engagement. Officers and men fought like lions against overwhelming numbers, Captain Seymour and Major Nelson being in the thickest of the fight. It is believed that a part of the Ngatiruanui must have been in the engagement. A European was seen heading a party of natives and leading them in skirmishing order, and he was shot dead. We are glad to say that Captain Seymour's wound is not so serious as was sup-1 posed. A bullet entered the calf of his leg, and has been extracted. Mr. R. Brown has been delirious for two or three days, and suffered much from excitement during the firing of the heavyguns. The Tasmanian Maid reports that Major Nelson proceeded to-day with a force of 50 men to recover his killed, but the fire of the rebels rendered it advisable to abandon the intention for the time. :

We have tjeen informed that the attacking force were divided into three divisions; the Ist commanded by Capt. Bowdler, the 2nd by Oapt. Messenger, and the third by Oapt. Richards—the whole commanded by Major Nelson. The second division under Capt. Messenger were guided by Ihaia to cut off the retreat of the rebels. The Ist and 3rd divisions, with the naval brigade formed the main body, excepting a party of the Ist division with Gapt. Bawdier who were posted in the rear. After firing far an hour in was found that the guns were unable to make a breach and Major Nelson did not think it advisable, to make an assault, and as the 'natives were advancing upon their rear and flank in large numbers and had occupied a ditch and bank from whioh they kept up a most destructive fire, he ordered an advance upon the ditoh, which was done in a most gallant and dashing manner, but they were intercepted by a deep ravine with a raupo swamp at the bottom. Captain Messenger's company was hard pressed in their position by overwhelming numbers, and obliged to give way. when Lieut. Brooke fell* while gallantly leading his men. Capt. Bowdler now came to the support of both divisions, and after a hard contested fight of four hours and a half, they-made good their retreat to the entrenched camp.

We are sorry to be unable to publish a nominal return of the-losses of our troops. It appears to be the practice in the army that such returns can only be published through the War Office in London.

Friday.— -An express just arrived in town that the southern natives have attacked the camp at Tataraimaka and, have burnt the houses of the settlers, and that the troops Were fighting their way back into town. Firing of artillery and small arms heard. Militia and Volunteers fell in under arms. The light company 65th and the 12th marched down to render assistance, if needed, and 60 blue jackets were posted in the church with their brass 12-pounder. Great excitement in town.-:-;.

.7 p.m.—The troops from Tataraimaka and the relief arrived in town. Three houses on the Tataraimaka were in flames and a-slight skirmish had taken place before the troops left. No casualties on our side.

We are informed. that this morning about 70 rebels moved along a ridge in front of T. Bayly's house, when Capt. Turner in command of the detachment ordered the artillery to fire on them with shell which drove them back ; and the detachment suffered no molestation, and arrived in town abou| 7 p.m. Messrs. Thcis. and Wm. Bayly's, and Mr, McDonald's houses were in flames, we are told, after the troops left. Two 9-pounder howitzers with ammunition and ten 'artillerymen were left at the Omata stockade. The steamer left for Waitara with ammunition, and some remaining soldiers of the 40th. ■■'.-.

We hear from JBell Block that the : rebels have been seen very busy strengthening their , position at'Puketakaue're, since the fight on Wednesdays and the pa is now describedto be a very strong one. ■It does not appear by this that the rebels are: dispirited at their losses. It is doubtful if we shall ever know, what their loss was, and can only conjecture from the sanguinary nature of the, engagement that it must have been very heavy. ;, ; ; 7 p.m.—Mr. Whiteley came up from the camp at dusk after having visited the rebel pa. The rebels would not allow him to enter;the pa, and told him that they had buried eight soldiers, and would search .for the rest of the dead and bury .them if. Major kelson would hoist a white flag. The rebels were in an excited state, and,refused to give the huiijber of thdr loss, .