BELL BLOCK

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 300, 4 September 1860, Page 3

BELL BLOCK

been going on in the town during the war through Waka's friendly espionage. Most of Te Waka's pakeha neighbors and friends were by this time fully impressed with his guilt of treason, but the native department, with a blind credulity in his professions and explanations, placed us under his dangerous guardianship, the colonial hospital, in the town belt, having been assigned to him and his followers in order that he might be near at hand to aid us against the enemy. In offering the above observations, we have no thought of excusing Te Waka's perfidy. He has, with the fullest knowledge of the justice of our quarrel, cast his lot on the side of the rebels, after they had aggravated the, original offence by every excess, and he must abide the consequences which sooner or later will by the help of God and our own endeavors, overtake them for their crimes. Our object is simply to render justice to the loyal natives by placing before the reader all we know of Te Waka, and the reader will agree with us that there is nothing in the present case which should shake our confidence in their fidelity. Events have left us comparatively few friends amongst the natives, but for this reason the alliance in the face of wide spread disaffection is a bright spectacle in this dreary war. Let us value the alliance aright, entertaining a thorough appreciation of the native on the one hand, and withholding our confidence in him when it ceases to be deserved. — Aug. 25.

(from our own correspondent.) August 17, 1860. Since my last communication nothing of importance has occurred up to Tuesday, when a party of the enemy, in number about fifty, were observed leaving the Tima pa, skirting the edge of the bush, in an old war-path on the north side of the Mangoraka river. They were heavily laden, and were supposed to be carrying provisions to the enemy in the town districts. On it being represented to the commanding officer that they could be surprised by a party lying in ambush, as the path they were supposed to be pursuing lay through a bush clearing at the back of the block, in a very few minutes a party of sixty soldiers and a few settlers as guides were under arras and off direct under the command of Captain Leeson and Lieutenant Richardson, and at the pace at which they went were not long arriving at their destination. The party of the enemy had not passed that route previous to their arrival, and they lay patiently under cover for two or three hours without a foe appearing, when it was considered advisable to return, as it was evident the natives had taken some other route. On Thursday morning, at two o'clock, two houses were observed by the sentries to be in flames, which proved to be Mr. Hoby's and Mr. Sampson's. "We'are well used to such scenes— blazing homesteads and blackened ruins occasion no surprise and scarcely call forth a remark; Friday morning, August 24, 1860. On Tuesday morning last, a party of 20 of the enemy with four laden horses were observed skirting the bush coming from the direction of the town. A party of settlers and troops, under Lieut. Richardson, went from the garrison to endeavor to cut them off. On passing in the rear of Mr. Collins's house, on the Henwood road, which they fired, the enemy proceeded round by Mr. Greenway's, burning a stack of hay, then through Mr. A Willis's clearing. By this time the troops had passed beyond the Paraiti pah. A few men having advanced to the abandoned camp of the 40th, on Mr. Northcroft's hill, occupied the trenches and heard the enemy talking behind a thin belt of bush in their front; some more men having been seen advancing, the men in the trenches crept forward and occupied some bush 300 yards in advance, and quietly took cover, waiting patiently for the enemy to shew themselves; very shortly they came leading the horses, but catching a glimpse of some of the men who had just come up. they dropped the reins of the horses and ran to cover, they were evidently taken by surprise ; they fired a musket shot, to which, on some of them showing themselves, the rifles replied, and one of the enemy was said to be hit. After firing commenced, little of the enemy was seen, and very few shots were fired by them, —being laden with plunder they wished to get off as quietly as possible. The retire was sounded, and on our leaving the hill the abandoned horses were galloping about a few hundred yards off. On returning to the camp, the danger signal was flying from the stockade, and our 3-pounder doing its best to kill or frighten to death some of the enemy in the act of burning Mr. Clare's house. We now steered off in this direction, the smoke rising in a massive column, direct to our front, from the doomed building, soon bursting the brittle glass, huge tongues of flame leaped from the windows mounting the roof which soon fell in with a crash, again burst forth the flames triumphant, and in a few moments all that remained was a mass of smoking ruins. Joseph Street's house was also burned down, and two others were attempted, but were extinguished by Lieutenant Richardson's men. A few natives were seen and fired at, but they made good their retreat, and shortly after drove off a large herd of cattle to the head quarters at Waitara. The huts in the Ninia pah were fired by a party of troops under Captain Leeson, and some of the settlers' cattle driven in. A few scouts having been out in the bush at the back of the Bell Block, report that the enemy have abandoned that district, and they discovered a well-beaten track along the edge of the bush just out of sight of the stockade. On Thursday night a few scouts went out to the Tima pah, and on creeping up to within 50 yards, found it was occupied, no sentinels were on the look-out. Under the circumstances it was not deemed advisable to attempt firing it, they retired, went to the rear of the pah and fired some stacks of corn belonging to the enemy, and made good their retreat to the blockhouse without being discovered by the enemy. The fire illuminated the whole plain during the night and no doubt caused the enemy considerable uneasiness.

August 30, 1860. The past week has been one of unusual quiet. The enemy have not shewn themselves on or near the block, but the smoke of their camp fires have been observed rising out of the bush adjoining the Tima pah several mornings since the destruction of their wheat stacks, and it is thought that apprehending a similar attempt being made on their pah, are lying in wait close at hand to offer a little obstruction if the force would riot be thought too large. Yesterday, six mounted settlers rode up to the Ninia pah and drove in a herd of 60 cattle, comprising bullocks which had been driven from the Town districts, cattle belonging to the enemy, and others belonging to settlers in this district. We were surprised yesterday evening by observing large quantities of smoke rising from the Puketakauere pah. On examining it with glasses, the greater part of the palisading appeared to be down, and burning in heaps, and what appeared to be the troops busily employed destroying the remainder. Not having heard any firing, it is supposed to have been deserted by the enemy, and the troops finding such to be the case, took the opportunity to destroy it. The planting season for potatoes having arrived, and the enemy being for a time almost glutted with plunder, our indefatigable foe have, it seenis to me, retired, or are about retiring for the present to plant their crops, secure their plunder, rest awhile and recruit their forces, and then pay us another visit when it suits the purpose. This morning the Puketakauere pah is destroyed.

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS. Saturday,' August 11. — Owing to the general impression that the rebel natives contemplate an attack upon the town, the Royal Engineers, under the direction of Colonel Mould, commanding Royal Engineer, and Captain Mould, commanding the 6th company of that corps, proceeded to-day to erect breastworks and to lay platforms for two 32-pounders on the spur in rear of the Maryland Hill Barracks, to protect the south side of that position from any sudden rush of the natives. We omitted to mention in our journal on the arrival of the Airedale on her last trip from Manukau, that we had a most valuable addition to our military force in having an augmentation to the Royal Engineers of 1 sergeant, 3 corporals, and 12 sappers By the number of medals worn by these brave fellows, it could be seen that they were men of Turkish, Crimean, and China experience, especially amongst the senior members of the detachment. The Tasmanian Maid came up to day from Waitara. Capt. Seymour, si.N., has so far recovered from the effects of his wound as to be able to visit town, although the gallant Captain still uses his crutch. We hear from Waitara that Walter Perry, the meat contractor's assistant, had a narrow escape yesterday from falling into the hands of the natives. He was riding in quest of stock on the north bank of the river, when he was suddenly fired at by a party of natives in ambush, and was wounded by one bullet, in the leg, his horse being shot through the body in two places, at the same time. The gallant animal carried him into the camp, and soon after died. Perry's wound is described as severe, though not dangerous. Mr. Broadmore, on going out to his farm to day, within two miles of the town, nearly fell into the hands of a marauding party of natives, who were busily engaged killing his pigs. He first heard the cries of his pigs, and then saw two natives running along a ridge, and thereupon wisely returned. Mr. Silcock, who was out in the direction of the Avenue-road, was also surprised by the rebels, and forced to make a precipitate retreat. A party of Militia and Volunteer, under the command of Major Herbert, Captains King, Watt, Sfapp, and Atkinson, proceeded to the camp at Waireka, where the rebels were in force on Grayling's Wilkinson, and Rev. Mr. Brown's farms, the rebels firing on the party—Sarjeant Free, of the Volunteers, being hit on the knee by a ball, which fortunately, however, only inflicted a slight wound. The Victoria sailed to-day for Nelson with 130 passengers. The Militia and Volunteers returned to day from Omata at 9 p.m. Full particulars of the expedition to Omata will, be found in our correspondent's letter. Sunday.—The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara to-day. Weather threatening. A portion of the Naval Brigade, and a body of the 6oth and 40th Regiments, were sent to Omata to-day with provision carts. The-rebels have thrown up strong entrenchments across the road, and have sunk a large number of rifle pits and Grayling's and Harrison's farms, some within four hundred yards of the camp. Several natives were seen in Wilkinson's house, and a shell was thrown with beautiful precision into it, knocking down the chimney and bursting through the roof amidst the yells of the savages inside. The detachments all returned to town this afternoon. The Engineers on Marsland Hill have carried on their work in a most spirited and energetic manner, having completed the platforms and breastworks by 4 o'clock this afternoon in that scientific way so peculiar to this useful corps. Monday. —An escort of 30 men under Captain Atkinson went out this morning to bring into town some property from the Avenue Road. Some little time after they left, firing was heard in that direction, and great excitement prevailed in town on hearing that they were attacked by the rebels. The Light Company of the 65th and a large party of Militia and Volunteers were detached to their assistance. On reaching Captain Atkinson's party it was found, that they had been skirmishing with some natives who had apparently came from Captain King's house at Brooklands with plunder as several of the natives had pikaus on their back. Capt. Atkinson, fearing an ambuscade of a large number of natives, had retreated for support, and was followed by the rebels almost upon the race-course, within the Town Belt. He then advanced upon the natives in skirmishing order killing one native, wounding another, and driving them into the bush. The bugle sounded the retire, and soon after the natives again advanced, setting fire to a house belonging to Capt. W. King, and another supposed to be Mr. W. French's, and then retreated towards Puketotara. No casualties on our side Tuesday.—T he Tasmanian Maid came up from Waitara. No news. A party of mounted volunteers rode out to-day to recover horses and cattle, and fell in with natives near Mr. J. S. Smith's. It is said one rebel was shot by Mr. Patterson. Wednesday.— The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara to-day. Weather fine. A large party of military, militia, and volunteers went up the Carring - ton road to-day with carts for firewood. No natives were seen. Several houses have been destroyed and pillaged. Mr. W. French's house is burnt to the ground. Thursday. —During last night the raupo barracks, recently built near the Henui bridge, and until lately occupied by the light company of the 65th, were burnt, and also Mr. Flight's (the Resident Magistrate) and others in the direction of Waiwekaiho. Some fires were seen at Omata last night. Weather stormy, with heavy showers of rain. At noon the wind blew fiercely from W.N.W., and as the brig George Henderson had not put to sea, great rears were entertained for her safety, and she was signalled to put to sea, but for some reason or other, not explained, she continued to hold on, one or two heavy squalls with a heavy sea, about this time, parted one of her cables, for before 1 o'clock her ensign' was hoisted union down, and she was noticed to be rapidly drifting towards the Henui beach, while the seas made a complete breach over her. Great excitement prevailed in town, and crowds of people hastened to the beach, hoping to render assistance to the crew of the helpless brig if possible. In less than an hour she drifted more than a mile, and on nearing the beach was seen to have two anchors out. At 1 she was abreast of the Henui cliffs, where she was within the breakers, and straining fearfully at her anchors. At 2 the wind suddenly veered to the west, and abated considerably. The brig, although in fearful proximity to the shore, seemed at last to have found good holding ground, for she remained stationary for some time, and some hopes were felt that she might yet be saved. She was signalled from the shore, and told to set her fore-and-aft sails, but this was impossible in such a sea, and after the lapse of half-an-honr she again dragged, and soon after was seen to slip her cables and hoist her jib, when she steered for the low sandy beach near the mouth of the Henui river, about a mile and a half from town, where she grounded all standing and broached to, the surf breaking completely over her. A large armed party of blue-jackets with one gun and rockets, in command of Commodore Loring, military, militia, and volunteers were on the beach when she grounded, and a rope having been sent ashore by the captain, and attached to the beach, and the crew all safely landed, Captain James being the last to leave his unfortunate brig. She came ashore at nearly low water, so that she cannot be stripped till to-morrow, when it is hoped she will be driven further-up the beach and be left high and dry at low water. We hear that the Government contem plated chartering the George Henderson to convey 150 passengers to Nelson, and was to be fitted up for the purpose. She is almost a new vessel, belonging to Captain James, and is only insured, we regret to say, for half her value, A large body of natives were seen in the vicinity of tbe Henui river soon after the vessel grounded, and the " assembly " was sounded in town, and to-night a force consisting of military, militia, and voluuteers have gone out to Henui, and may probably surprise the rebels in an attempt to plunder the wreck during the night. There is no hope of the brig being got off. Friday.— Twenty carts with an escort of 40th and 65th Regiments, and a party of seamen under Commodore Loring; proceeded to the wreck this morning, and have brought away her spars, canvas, running rigging, and a large quantity of sawn timber. About noon to-day, six heavy guns were heard fired from Omata. The natives are in great numbers on Mr. McKechney's and A. King's land, and in rear of the hospital, and appear to have made Mr. Shuttleworth's house their head quarters. 120 were counted about the latter house, and sentries are to be seen stationed with fixed bayonets in the road. There is now no doubt that several of the friendly natives are wavering. It is said that Waka and his people have left the hospital and gone over to the enemy. The rebels have visited Mr. O. Carrington's house, and were on Mr. Stanclish's farm last night, within a mile from the barracks. The following notice was issued to day:—" Much inconvenience to the garrison, and danger to the individuals themselves, being caused by bodies of unarmed persons proceeding outside the lines, on the least cause of excitement. The MajorGeneral directs that in the event of any unusual occurrence, all women, children, and persons not ordered out on duty, remain within the lines at their own quarters, and he trusts may not again witness a scene like yesterday's at the wreck of the brig George Hen-

derson, where a few of the enemy might have inflicted severe loss on the familes of the residents,—whose presence could then only have hampered the exertions of the troops.— : By command, R. Carey, Lieutenant-.-Colonel, Deputy Adjutant-General.—" We arc informed that important alteration has been made in the duty of the volunteers and militia. They are to be excused from fatigues and piequets, in the stead of which they are to be a light 'reconnoitring party, who are expected to be able to meet the natives in the bush. 6 p.m.—Militia and volunteer picquets were posted to-night at the wreck of the brigs and-at Hammerton's house, overlooking the Henui beach and surrounding country. At 7 p.m. great anxiety was felt in town on the receipt of intelligence that Mr. Coad had gone, out this evening to.tho wreck,-and who was accompanied by Lieut. McKellar, had been fired upon; that McKellar had escaped, but of Coad nothing has been heard. The only hope is that he may have reached the wreck. Saturday. —On the return of the guard from the wreck this morning we learned that Mr. Coad reached there in safety, and shortly after left to return to town, since which nothing has been seen of him, but his dog has returned home wounded, thus confirming our worst fears. The rebels fired a volley into the brig during the night. Between 3 and 4 this morning, a blue light was hoisted on Fort Niger, and the alarm bugles were sounded. The sentry at Fort Niger was fired upon by several natives at the distance of several feet but who missed him. The guard, under Lieut. Bent, R.M., turned out and gave them a volley, when they made a precipitate retreat. 11 A.M—The body of Mr. Coad has been found in the Henui river about 200 yards from the wreck. Hereceived four bullets, and is supposed to have been shot on the beach, and his body washed up by the surf into the river. His body has just been brought into town.

Saturday, August 18.—Several houses in rear of the town, in the bush clearings, are in flames this evening, supposed to be Rev. H. Groube's and others. It is reported by a native from the, Colonial Hospital, that two rebels were wounded, or killed, by Lieut. Bent's party, when the sentinel was attacked at Fort Niger. A hat and a mat were picked up near the Fort. -The rebel party about the Henui, who are busily employed burning houses, are the Puketapu, Wi Kingi's tribe. Waikatos, and some Southerns. They were on Paynter's, Hamblyn's, and Barriball's farms this afternoon, destroying pigs &c. Tamihana and Teito, the prophet, are their leaders. A piquet of Volunteers are again stationed in Hammerton's house and in the wreck to-night. The Victoria, from the unsettled state of the weather, has put to sea. H.M.S. Fawn, from Manukau, appeared off the anchorage, and after exchanging signals, steamed out owing to the state of the weather. Sunday. —There is no doubt that Waka and about 12 of his people have gone over to the enemy, and proceeded to Waitara. Waka has for time been more than suspected of encouraging W. Kingi in his rebellion, though for years the Government and the settlera had no stauneher, ally. The Government, notwithstanding, allowed him and his people to fortify a pah at Puketotara, and afterwards armed and removed them to the Colonial Hospital at the Henui, in order that they might be at hand to afford their protection ! It is needless to add that they have taken with them the arms and ammunition supplied by the Government. Weather stormy and wet. 200 of the 65th regt., under Capts. Turner and Strange, Lieutenant White and Ensign Muttit, 40 of the 40th regt., under Lieutenant Hobbs, and a body of miiitia and Volunteers, under Capts. C. Brown and Atkinson, the whole in command of Lieutenant Colonel Sillery, marched this morning to the camp at Waireka, and escorted stores and provisions. They reached their destination without interruption, and returned to town at 5 p.m. The Fawn has not been seen since she put to sea yesterday. The Victoria came to the anchorage to-day and remained till 4 p.m., when she again put to sea. Monday.— From an early hour this morning houses have been in flames at the Henui, and before noon the following were destroyed:—Dr. Wilson's, Mrs. Smith's, Paynters, Shuttleworth's, Ibbotson's, Hamblyn's, and others in the direction of the Waiwakaiho and Hua. This morning Lieutenant Bent, R.M., and a small party of marines went out from Fort Niger, and proceeded over the surrounding country for some distance. Although several houses were burning, no natives were met. These marauding rebels do all the mischief in twos and threes, and on the appearance of a force of even half a dozen, hastily decamp. A few persons on Mr. J. T. Shaw's farm, adjoining the Town Belt, were attacked by a a party of Southern rebels, who fired a volley into the house where they were. Their escape was a miracle. The natives followed them within 400 yards of the barracks when a sentry on Marsland Hill fired across at them. These natives could be seen from the town on the hills near Pattimore's and Standish's houses. No 4 company of the 65th, in command of Capt. Barton and Lieut. Bailie proceeded out against them, and were followed by the Light Company under Lieuts. Urquhart and Whitbreed, as a support. At the same time No 3 Company, in command of Ensign Talbot, went out by the Frankley-road. The whole force were commanded by Lieut.-Col Murray. A party of blue-jackets, under Lieut. Hume, R.N., were also ordered out as an additional support, and joined Col. Murray on Smith's farm. A skirmish over the country ensued, the natives retiring and firing quickly, but with unsteady aim. The alarm was sounded in town, and every one was under arms for a time. The skirmish could be seen from Marsland Hill, whero a large number of spectators congregated. No, 4 Company and the Light Company attacked the rebels by the road leading out to Elliott's and Smith's farms, No. 4 Company being thrown out as skirmishers. No. 3 Company attacked the natives on their flank on Davis's, Tatton's, and Billings' farms, where they did some execution, the rebels retreating quickly before the whole force into the forest. The rebels, in several instances, retired into wooded gullies on Smith's and Elliot's farms, whence they kept up a continued fire, but were speedily driven out by the skirmishers, who poured in vollies with effect. The rebel force was estimated at about 200. The troops all returned to town at 3, the rebels following them at a great distance discharging their pieces without effect. Notwithstanding the constant and heavy fire kept up by the natives, there was not one casualty on our side. It was otherwise with the enemy. Several natives were seen to fall, and it is somewhat remarkable that Himeona, the eldest son of the head Taranaki chief Paora Kukutai, of Warea, who was cut down at Waireka by the naval brigade under Captain Cracroft, R.N., should have fallen. It is said that the rebels fired bullets made of puriri, and Himeona's pouch contained cartridges with pistol bullets in them. Himeona's body was put on a horse, and it was intended to bring it into town for burial but after carrying it a short distance the idea was abandoned, and it was left behind. Soon after the troops reached town, the rebels fired a house, supposed to be Mr. Langman's. Weather stormy and wet. We understand that when the weather moderates, the Victoria will proceed to Manukau with the General; An overland mail brought in this evening from Auckland by land. The Waikatos have deferred crowning the new king. 400 of them are said te be on their way hither. The Tasmanian Maid is detained in the Waitara by the weather. Everything is quiet there. Tuesday. —The weather still stormy and wet. The George Henderson has been completely stripped of rigging, masts, &c, and now lies water-logged on the Henui beach. The natives have been observed: this morning with glasses from Marsland Hill carrying away their dead and wounded in the skirmish yesterday. It is believed that they lost twenty in killed and wounded, Mr. Coad was buried to-day with military honors in St. Mary's Churchyard—the band of the Volunteers playing the funeral march, and a firing party of volunteers preceding the body. Mr. Coad was one of our earliest settlers, and lost his life on Friday last in carrying to a brother volunteer his supper and blanket on board the wrecked George Henderson! He owned an extensive brewery, and was landlord of the Marsland Hotel. At the commencement of the war he joined the mounted escort under Captain Des Vœux, but latterly quitted it for the Volunteer Rifles. At Waitara and Waireka Mr. Coad distinguished himself by great intrepidity and coolness, and was always at his post when an encounter with the enemy offered. He was a brave man, and his loss at such at a time and in such a manner is felt far beyond his own immediate circle. A large fire was seen in the direction of the Bell Block last night, which for several hours illuminated the whole of the eastern horizon. We hear to-day that it was C. Clare's two-storied house fired by the rebels, and the Ninia pah burnt by a party from the blockhouse. The Militia and Volunteers are to resume their outlying as well as inlying picket duty. Yesterday, we are informed, the marauding party at Henui returned to Waitara with several cartloads and horses laden' wit plunder. On reaching Katere pa, they were turned back by the friendly native Kipa, who told them, if they passed that way he would fire upon thorn. They

therefore proceeded by the beach. Unluckily, the Bell Block forces were unaware that the rebels were passing in that direction. Two deaths occurred to day—Mrs. Dixon and Mr. E. Sarten. Wednesday.—Weather moderating. We hear from a reliable source that the rebels' casualties on Monday were eight killed and ten wounded. There is no doubt they met with severe loss as they had not been seen since, and are no doubt tang-ing over their dead and tending their wounded. Since Monday no natives have been seen near the town. From Bell Block we hear that a skirmish took place with the rebels on Monday, when they were driven off the Block, one Maori killed, the Ninia pah and a large quantity of wheat destroyed, and a lot of cattle brought off the Maori land. The Tasmanian Maid from Waitara and the Victoria from sea anchored this afternoon. From Waitara we hear that the greatest anxiety is felt there for news, heavy guns having been heard in the direction of the town, and the sky illuminated night alter night by fires, supposed to be the acts of incendiaries. The.anxiety was not lessened by the return of the Auckland mailman from town without a single line for any one. Our correspondent's letter (from which we quote) suggests that "some intimation might be given by the post office of the despatch of an overland mail to this place. We number 500 in camp and have many friends in Taranaki, who certainly would not miss an opportunity of writing to us by land-when communication by sea is cut off by the weather." The trenches were manned to-day by the troops, militia, arid volunteers,' and again inspected by the General prior to his leaving for Manukau. The Victoria sailed this evening for Manukau. The General is expected back on Saturday. Thursday.— The Tasmanian Maid returned to Waitara to-day. An escort of 60 men of the 65th in command of Lieut. Urquhart proceeded to day to Barri. ball's farm at Henui to reconnoitre and bring in produce. Friday.— A force of 70 of the 65th and 30 militia escorted carts to Mr. Richardson's at Waiwakaiho,: under Lieut. Bailie, to bring into town produce for the commissariat cattle, and were supported by a party of 60 men in command of Ensign Talbot; who proceeded in the first instance to the wreck of the George Henderson as a protecting party to 20 of the naval brigade employed in clearing the brig. We have again to record the murder of another settler by the natives. H. Crann, (militiaman), in company of four other persons, went out to day up the Avenue Road. Crann is said to have parted from his companions on seeing a pair of working bullocks he was in search of in a gulty in rear of S. James' house, when shortly afterwards a shot was heard. As Crann was not forthcoming, the others apprehensive of danger to him at once reported the circumstance, in town. A strong force of blue jackets, militia, and volunteers, immediately went out to ascertain his fate, when Crann was found by the bluejackets shot dead, and greatly mutilated by tomahawks! His body was brought into town. No natives were seen by the force that went out. Mr. Sarten was buried to day, a firing party of Volunteers and their band playing the funeral march, preceded the body. He died of apoplexy, and leaves a wife and large family, who are at Nelson. The brig Hebe, from Nelson, and the brigantine Ariel, from Newcastle, N.S.W., arrived to day. Weather fine. The Fawn has not been seen since she put to sea on Sunday last. 4 p.m —Tasmanian Maid unexpectedly made her appearance with her flag flying half-mast high, and a signal that Mr. Brown was dead. The immediate cause of his death, which took place on Wednesday, at 2 p.m., was influenza. Every respect was paid to to his body by the troops at Waitara, when it was put on board the steamer. The blue jackets at Mount Eliot, under Commodore Seymour, with a gun carriage on the beach, and a guard of honor, received the body and conveyed it to the deceased gentleman's residence in the town. When the coffin was placed on the gun, the guard carried arms, and the numerous assemblage fell in and joined in the cortege. An inquest on the body was held at Waitara on the 23rd inst. Present—Major Nelson, commanding the Field Force at the camp, Waitaia. Commissariat Staff—J. P. du Moulin. Royal Artillery—Lieut: M'Naughten. „ Engineers— „ F. Warburton. Naval Brigade—Lieut. Battiscombe. „ „ „ Kelly. „ „ „ Morris, R.M.A. { „ „ „ Midshipman Wadlow. 40th Regt.—Captain Bowdler. „ „ „ Richards. „ „ Lieutenant Armstrong. „ „ „ Dowman. „ „ „ Rees. Mr. William Batten, Interpreter. Mr, J. P. du Moulin was elected foreman, and the following verdict was returned:—"The jury having considered the evidence, are unanimously of opinion that the deceased Richard Brown died on the 22nd of August, 1860, from the effects of a gunshot wound, received on the 26th of May, 1860, while in the execution of his duty, near the Waiongana river; and have come to the conclusion that one native named Tawatahi, and two other natives (names unknown) are guilty of wilful murder of the said Richard Brown —For self and fellow Jurymen, J. P. du Moulin, Foreman—Camp, Waitara, 23rd August, 1860. Saturday.— 'The following Brigade order was issued this morning:—" It is with deep regret Colonel Gold, commanding the Forces in New Zealand, announces the lamented demise of Captain Richard Brown, of the Taranaki Militia, which took place on the 22nd instant. This officer was beloved and respected by all who knew him, and his conspicuous gallantry universally acknowledged. The loss of his services will be long felt. The conduct of the chivalric Captain R. Brown ever since the war began, at the Waitara, in the expedition to Warea, and up to the period when the ruthless hand of a base assassin laid him low, has been beyond all praise.—With reference to the foregoing order, the usual detail for this officer's interment will be carried out under the direction of Major Herbert, commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers. His remains will be interred with military. honors, and ps a mark of respect, the Colonel commanding the Forces requests the presence of all the officers of corps and departments.(not on duty) on this mournful occasion. The procession to be formed in front of the residence of the deceased at 2 o'clock, p.m., on Sunday next.—James Paul, Captain 65th Regiment, Acting Major of Brigade." —The friends of Mr. Brown will rejoice to learn that he died free from pain. We have been'favored with the following extract from a. private letter: " The doctor hud just come to dress Mr. Brown and noticed a great change in his looks as he turned him on his side to get at the wounds, and so he laid him again on his back, and in a few minutes he was dead, and without a groan or struggle. They opened him, and found the ball (which had occasioned so much anxious speculation) had passed round the left lung, which was shrunk to half the natural size, and then fixed itself firmly in the backbone'

Saturday, August 25.—A party of natives, are occupying Puketotara, and have also erected a pah, we are informed, on Devenish's land, at Mangorei. Teite and Tamihana are at their head. It was a party from Puketotara who murdered H. Crann yesterday. Sunday. —Capt. R. Brown was buried to-duy in St. Mary's Churchyard. A general desire was manifested to pay every respect to his memory. The procession formed opposite the deceased gentleman's residence at 2 p.m,, and marched in the following order: — A firing party of 50 Taranaki Volunteer Rifles 65th Band 40th Band Volunteer Rifle's Band. THE BODY Drawn on a Gun Carriage by 50 Blue Jackets, the Pall, a Union Jack, borne by Captains of Militia 30 Blue Jackets, as a guard of Honor, with carried arms, in command of Lieut. Hume, R.M. Chief Mourners The Mount Egmont Lodge of Freemasons, in Masonic Costume The Militia and Volunteers Military Officers of the Garrison The weather was very showery, and the roads in a bad state. The Bands played the Dead March in " Saul" alternately, as the procession moved to the Church. The. Rev. G. Bayley, Chaplain of the Mount Egmont Lodge, read the burial service. Monday.—We hear from Waireka that Aperahama, a chief of the Taranaki tribe, and of considerable influence, was shot dead on Saturday by a shot from the camp; since which the rebels have left their trenches and rifle pits, and disappeared. Communication has been had with the Poutoko pah, and Tamati Wiremu and his people found not to have been attacked. Their cattle and horses, and other property were taken by the rebels before they left the neighborhood. A great deal of sickness prevails amongst the friendly natives, from influenza. It is believed that the enemy have not escaped the epidemic. It is now said that Himeona was not shot on Monday last in the skirmish on that

day, but a man named Hoani, of the Pakakohe tribo (Ngatiruanui hapu). We cannot ascertain the names of the other killed and wounded. The Anne Longton, from England via Nelson, where she has been four months, arrived to-day; also the schooner Sea Gull from Wanganui. From Wanganui we hear the influenza is raging amongst the natives. Everything is quiet there, and there is no apparent intention of the natives in that locality joining in the present rebellion. H. Crunn, of the militia (murdered by the natives lust Friday) was buried to-day at St. Mary's Churchyard, with military honors. The Volunteers furnished a firing party, and their band attended. This family has been visited with unusual affliction—one son, we understand, was burnt to death before they left England ; another was drowned in the offing in attempting to swim ashore from a vessel he had shipped in ; and a daughter in the Waiwakaiho river in attempting to cross to town in a flood. An escort of 42 Militia and Volunteers, under Capt. Richmond, escorted provision carts to Ornata, and 50 of the 65th, under Lieut. Urquhart, escorted stores to Bell Block. . Tuesday and Wednesday.— Nothing important has transpired. Thursday. —An escort of military, under Capt. Barton, Lieut. White, and Ensign Mutitt; and 50 Militia and Volunteers, under Capt. King and Lieut. Morrison, escorted provision carts to Bell Block, and brought in a quantity of produce for the Commissariat. A party of blue jackets, in charge of Lieut. Hume, R.N., and 8 artillerymen under Capt. Strover, R.A , took out a sixpounder gun, and brought into town the three-pounder from the blockhouse. A muster parade at 3 o'clock pm. in the trenches. From Ropata Ngarongomate, who has been unable during the time the rebels occupied the country adjacent to the Poutoko, to visit the town, we hear that Aperahama, the Taranaki chief, has been taken to Okawa for burial, and that the removal from Waireka was in consequence of his death. He was shot while in the trenches, and was at a considerable distance from the camp. The fact of a stray bullet killing their chief man made a great impression upon - the Taranaki rebels. He was hit fair in the forehead, the ball passing through his head. Ropata says they only know of one man killed in the skirmish on Monday week—a man named Hoani, a young chief, of Manawapou, not Himeona of Warea, who has been seen since the skirmish. Hoani was brought to the Poutoko burial ground for interment. His body was buried by Tamati Wiremu. Several are wounded—some badly. Minarapa is laid up with his wounds—the ball having passed through both thighs, but without touching the bone. Karira (one of the murderers of Ford), Wi te Tata, and another, were the murderers of Hurford, the Omata farmer, and Gaffney, the artilleryman. It is said that Wi te Tata attacked Gaffney first, but was nearly overpowered by the brave artilleryman, who warded off the first blow of the tomahawk with a stick, and then wrenched the tomahawk out of Wi's hand, when Karira rushed up and felled Gaffney from behind. They all three then fell, closed on him and cut him to pieces. STORMS.. We are only following our contemporaries in the notice of the continuous and terrible storms of the present year, and in urging the duty of providing against their effects. But the public voice cannot be raised too loudly or unanimously on this subject. The gale which began the week just past was as clearly indicated by the fall of temperature and the barometrical signs as the coming on of a shower by the first drops and the heavy clouds in the wind's eye. It is suggested that some central office should communicate by telegraph to the coasts, when such signs occur, and advise publicly that fishing-boats and all craft in port shall keep in harbour. We think the plan a good one; in fact, the only promising one. If it be left to the foolhardiness of each to watch for himself, if the trust in good luck and the fear of being laughed at for cowardice or over-caution be left unbalanced by the guidance of a common public authority, we shall still have as much rash venture as ever. There was nothing to prevent experienced men from absolutely knowing that the late fatal tempest was approaching; and from calculating the very quarter from which the fatal wind would blow. And yet mere habitual trust' in luck led to a needless braving of peril which has cost hundreds of most valuable lives. By all means let a public office put an extra and proved responsibility on such unhappy daring. Again, vessels with their crews have been lost in view of shore by the parting of anchors. Ten shillings a ton in chain-cables, Mr. Trotman tells the public, is the difference, in price between the trustworthy article and the treacherous one; and yet shipowners are found, not in single instances but in the mass, so cold-heartedly, so inhumanly, so murderously covetous, as to condemn their crews to death by drowning for the sake of the forty shillings difference on the entire cable. Where such callous barbarism exists nothiog but government inspection is left by way of remedy. The interference is as natural and proper as to provide by law that a house wall must be built so many bricks thick, in order that it may not fall and crush the inmates, or to punish bakers who sell bone-dust and chalk instead of wheaten flour as nutriment in bread. The average of bad chain tested at Liverpool is no less than 82 per cent. This is tested at only 11 ½ tons to the square inch, when good iron ought to bear a tensile stretch of 28 tons, and nowhere but in Liverpool arid Sunderland is chain-cable for the merchant-service I tested at all. It remains not to call attention, for that of itself will be too painfully excited, but to remark on the lamentable delay in launching the life-boat at Yarmouth. It should seem that the very hope of reward had raised a contest for the employ. The coxswain claimed a turn ; the crew would not go with the coxswain, and one hour was thus sacrificed while lives by the score were perishing. We have so often rejoiced to applaud the exertions of British seamen vying with each other to risk their lives for the preservation of those in danger, that this vile dispute about gain seems like a slander on our bravest and most generous class of fellow-citizens. The one thing wanted was an imperative port authority to order the work to be done first and the money reward to be settled afterwards. The wretched obstinacy of at least one party has deprived the Yarmouth seamen of probably saving .the lives of threescore sailors. No words can add to the disgrace or, as we hope, to the remorse of the offenders.— Despatch.

Ice.—Considerable interest has been, felt in scientific circles by the experiments which have been going on during the week at the works of the Liverpool Ice Company, in Boundary-street, in the production of ice by steam power. It is not easy to explain the mode in which the ice is produced, but it is nevertheless so simple, and apparently inexpensive, that the machinery which produces it must find a locality in all hot climates. The patentees adopt the converse of the well-known principle that heat can be converted into powder, by the" employment of power to abstract heat, and the process is entirely mechanical. Volunteers. —A letter from Rome in the Union, says:—"Among the numerous volunteers who come to offer their devoted services to the Papacy, is one deserving of particular notice. A young Turkish officer, once an aide-de-camp to the celebrated Omer Pasha, has offered his sword to the Papal Government, earnestly soliciting permission to. erve in the Pontificial army. The persons to whom this application was addressed, though highly gratified by a devotedness so unexpected, gave the young Mussulman to understand that Christians only could aspire to the honor of defending the Holy See. Some few days afterwards the Ottoman captain presented himself again, and said that what he had seen at Rome had made him most anxious to be baptised a Catholic. This new soldier of the Pope has accordingly been placed under competent instructors, and will soon be in a state to receive the sacrament of baptism." The Court of Queen's Bench on Monday decided in the case of Mr. Herford, of Manchester, that coroners have no right to hold inquests as to the origin of firef. The functions of their office are limited to homicides.

T^e Anne Longton.—We hear that some cargo short delivered from this vessel while at Nelson, has been found and sent on by the Airedale which arrived yesterday. The ship, is lying off New Plymouth discharging cargo as well as may be under the pressing demand there appears to be for the services of cargo boats in other directions.

.THE EDUCATION REPORT. ihe cost of the schools aided by the government, 5387 in number, with 808,036 scholars in them, is borne as follows :—On an average there is paid for each scholar about 18s. Gd. a yea r from local sources, 43 per cent, of which was supplied in 1852 by the school fees: 72 per cent, of the the scholars are paying less than 3d. a week, and the education of the Privy Council remark in their report that they doubt whether to so great an extent as this the parents are able to pay more than 2d. a week and that the less eleemosynary a school the better, so long as the means of ordinary laboringmenarenotexceeded. Of thepublic grant the : sum spent on direct education amounts to 11s. 6d. a scholar, making the direct cost of education about 30s. a year. Besides this, there is the expenditure for inspection and in training teachers, amounting to nearly 4s. Bd. per scholar to be taught, of which all but Bd. is paid by the Government; and, if we add 5 per cent, on the capital sunk in. land and buildings, it will bring the cost to a total of 40s, a year per scholar, of which the state provides 17s. But the council say, in reference to this last item, that the average cost of the last few years has been fictitiously 3wollen by the exaggerated value usually put upon sites purporting to be given as voluntary contributions. Concerning the quality of the education the.children get, the inspectors consider that the scholars in the first class get a good elementary education— ihe lower grade of tradesmen, skilled mechanics, and small tenant farmers—and fcr these. the trained teachers of the present day are admirably fitted. But the first class is but a fouith or fifth of the school. One of the inspectors, Mr. Brookfield, put two questions .in 53 schools, containing 6890 children, of whom rather less than a fifth were in the first class. One question was, " What is the cost of 5 doz. eggs at 5 for 2d?!" and it was answered by only 19 in 100 of the first class. He observes, that had the question stood as the.teacher would have set it on the black board, " What is the .cost of 60 eggs at 4d. for every 10?" it would have been answered by nearly all the first class, but his putting it more in the market form required more thought than they were accustomed to exercise. His other question was ♦What do you mean (in catechism), by ; ' that state of life into which it shall please (jod to call you?' always adding, 'To what state of life are you likely to be called ?' and the like. Only two in one hundred answered this question, only eleven in one hundred of the first class. The homely common sense answers of one lad of 11, living on the banks of the. Thames, are worth giving. • Tell me of any state of life to which it may perhaps please God to call you ?' • A'waterman.' ' Well, how would you do your duty in that stat; 2' ' Take no more passengers than the license says.' *Well, anything besides? 1 'Be-' have civil to the passengers.' ' Anything else ?' * Land 'em dry on the other side.' 'Anything else V ( Ask no more than the regular fare.' { Anything else ? ' * Keep some of the money for my father and mother.' * Anything more ?' « Try to lead a good life.' But as to three-fourths of the children who pass through these schools the accounts are far from satisfactory. Sudden Death op a Clergyman.—lt is our painful duty, says the Essex Standard, to record the death of the Rev. William Streatfield, vicar of East Ham, which took place last Sunday evening, while in the performance of the duties of his .sa- " cred office. It appears that the rev. gentleman was preaching in the National School-room, which is used for divine ser»ice on Sunday evenings, wheu he was seen to lean forward, and stop in his address. The cause was apparent, and assistance was promptly given, and Mr. Streatfield was removed into the vestry-room, but before medical aid could be obtained, the vital spark had fled. The deceased had been vicar of East Ham for a period of 33 years, and till recently was rural dean,' which office is now discharged by the|vicar of West Ham, the Rev. A. J. Ram. Horrible Affair. —A frightful event at Cadiz has plunged the whole place into sorrow and confusion. One of the Moorish prisoners, in confinement at the hospital in that town, cootrived to slip from his moorings during the night, and to seize a long sort of bowie-knife. Armed with this terrible weapon he rushed upon all who came in his way, spreading death and destruction around him, at times not stopping to complete his work, leaving his victims writhing in their gore whilst he pounced upon others. He rushed out of the hospital, and, plunging his knife into two soldiers, at last encountered a serjeant with a file of men, who quickly despatched him. It was then found that he had horribly mutilated 22 men in an incredibly short space of time. Four were slain outright, and of the remainder several are so frightfully wounded that no hopes can be entertained of their recovery. The gloomy fanatic who had wreaked this terrible vengeance on his foea was stung to madness by their breach of good faith in refusing him the liberty which was his due. Crinoline.—A lady, whe styles herself Artiste en Corsets, Fournisseur de sa Majeste la Reine Victoria, advertises a "Jqpan Medium." The thing called " Jupon " has for a long time presented a shocking exception to the rule which declares that there is a medium in everything. There has,, of late years, been no medium in the dimensions of that article of female apparel, which have indeed exceeded all bounds. Henceforth, however, a man may hope to he enabled to sit at dinner without being obliged toshaie their clothes, which now generally spread out on each side so as to meet in front of him, and, superadded to the garments proper to his knees, are uncomfortably warm ia summer. In wiping his mouth after eating asparagus, no gentleman in future, thanks to the Jupoa Medium, will ever, perhaps, he entrapped into the mistake of using the flounces of one of his fair neighbors instead of, his table napkin. If the Jupon Medium Is a pattern of the golden mean, success to it. May it be patronised by the aristocracy, and then like a fashionable spirit-rapper, it "will be what you may call an example of the happy medium. Deaf and Dusib.—The deaf and dumb, and those who are interested in their welfare, will be glad to learn that they have now an ordained minister, whose special work it is to preach to the deaf and dumb in their own language, viz., the Rev. Samuel Smith, Chaplain of the Association in Aid of the Deaf and Dumb, 15 Bedford-row. Mr. Smith is the first who has been ordained specially for this work, and a building committee is now being formed in order to raise the means to erect a suitable building, which is to comprise a place of worship for the deaf and dumb, as well as a home for the aged and infirm, to which object Lord Ebury has contributed £$0, and Samuel Gurney, Esq., M.P., £21. A public meeting will shortly be held, and an appeal made to the benevolent for assistance in bo necessary a work.