CONTINUATION Of JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 350, 26 February 1861, Page 4

CONTINUATION Of JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Saturday, February 2.—A party of military and militia ami volunteers escorted supplies to-day to the Omata Stockade. Natives were,seen in force on Wnireka Hill, and danced the war dance on observing the troop?.—We hear from Huirangi that the sap has steadily proceeded, and yesterday was about 50 yards from the main row of riiie pits. When the relief was going out to the working party at four p.m., Captain Messenger, _40th who commanded, was allowed to go into the pifc^, but no one was there. 'Die sap is to be carried on to the rifle pits, and it ia said through the . poach grove avenue. It i.s. the general opinion that the rifle pits are abandoned. Sunday, 8. —All the avaikblo men in town fell in to-duy in the trenches at four p.m., and were inspected by the Officer commanding the garrison, Colonel Sillery, D.Q.M.G.—The Tasmanian Maid from Waitara at one a.m. and returned at two p.m. The sap reached the rifle pits at two, p.m. yesterday which were found deserted by the enemy. It is a matter for wonder ithat they are evacuated, they are admiiably constructed, and must have employed a large number of men for several weeks to to construct. These pits extend, with little ov no interruption, over a mile of country and mn along the left of the small bush which forms the left of the peach grove avenue to the site of the pah Ko—te-wai-a-naha, skirting the bush to the right and left, but CO or CO yards distant from the bush in the avenue and from the Karaka grove in rear of the site of the. Huirangi pah. Several rows of pits were discovered an the small bush above named, and on a mound overhanging the river Waitara on the left, which prevented their flank being turned in that direction. All the lines of riflo pits had underground communication ■with gulleya and the bush, and are dug very narrow, which accounts for the little damage sustained by the enemy from the artillery practice, although the sheila and shot fell close to them the ground being torn up in all directions in front and rear. A storming party would have been exposed to a fire on both flanks, and from an invisible enemy, who could retreat into saffty at any moment The pits are of different forms, some straight, others curved, and all with numerous traverses, between which were dug underground habitations lined with fern, and covered over with slabs and earth; all had been recently occupied, and many must have accomodoted whole families.— Natives are seen on the pah Te Arai, a few houses built on the slope of the hill on which stood the famous Pukerangiora pah.—Lance Corporal Howard 65th Regt., wounded on the'23rd ult., died last night. We are informed that this young man is a son of Sir "William Campbell, Knt., of Tuilicheven Castle, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, and that Howard was an assumed name. Previously to his death he sent for Lieutenant Urquhart, commanding hia company, and revealed to him his name and history. Monday, 4.—A strong escort of military and civilians left early this morning for Bell Block and returned at noon. We regret to report the death by drowning.of private Hughes, 65th regt., whilst bathing in a lagoon near the stockade.—The Tasmanian Maid from Waitara before daylight brings nothing of interest.—The large wool shed, of the Messrs. McKeller, an Major Lloyd/a (euro, burnt by the natives to-day.

Tuesday, s.—From Huirangi we learn that the 65th under Colonel Wyatt, moved from No. 1 to No. 6 redoubt yesterday morning. The latter redoubt was commenced at an early hour In the morning, on the left of the sap, and over a part of the rifle pits, and in close proximity to the bush on the left of the avenue, which bush a number of axemen are cutting down. The redoubt is a very strong one, with a deep ditch, and with bastions at three angles, the 8-inch gun having been mounted in the bastion facing the avenue and in a position to throw shell into the Arai pah, distant about 2500 yards. The sap, which has not been proceeded with during the week, is in advance of the redoubt about 50 yards. This sap is described as a splendid specimen of engineering art, and an immense amount oflabor has been expended over it. It is a double sap, 800 yards in length, with traverses Nos. 4 and 5 redoubts are erected on the right and left of the sap, at distances of about 250 yards. From No. 6 redoubt the sap is a single one. The enemy seeing the sap steadily approaching and turning their flank, were compelled to evacuate their strong position. The Lord Ashley arrived from Manukau nt 6 a.m., and left for Nelson at 6 p.m. Mr. G. Curtis's and Mrs. M'Kellar's houses burnt by the rebels this afternoon within gunshot of the Omata stockade. • Wednesday, 6.—The brig Rita from Nelson'this morning. House burning continued to-day;' Messrs Hursthouse's, R. Lethbridge's, and Brpadmore's houses burnt by the natives. Towards evening the rebels drove off a number of cattle and horses from Captain W. King's farm,- and a few shots were exchanged with them from No. 3 Blockhouse; natives on Mr. Standish's ; farm and in the vicinity of the town. H.M. colonial steam sloop. Victoria left for Mauakau for repairs, and the schooners. Raven and Parininihi, from Manukau and, Mokau, arrived. Some.natiyes in the schooner trorn Mskau report that several Waikatos have been carried to their homes, wounded in the attack on No. 3; redoubt;—natives driving off cattle from Mr. Goodrs farm at Omata to-day, tinder a smart fire from the stocikade. Tasmanian Maid- woceeded to-day to reconnoitre.the enemy's position at Waireka, and was boarded by the friendly natives from, the Poutokoi •i'rorirthe natives we learn that the Southerns have been carting flour and potatoes for the Waikatoa:i • *■■-■ '■' ■■• •-"■■■ .. .Thursday, 7.— An escort of 200 men ofthesJth, 65th, and volunteers and militia left for Mahoetahi today with provisions. They relured without seeing any natives.—House burning again continued this morning in the vicinity of the Frankley road, Mr. J. Putt's house at Moturoa also burnt by the southern rebels.—lntelligence received that a native \* Taranaki) was severely wounded in the breast by the fire from .No. 3 Blockhouse yesterday,, but is not dead. —From Waitara we learn "that the natives who have left for theirhomes, are the following Kawhia tribes: —Ngatimahutu, under Wiremu Hoeta, Ngatingawaero, part of Ngatihinetu, Ngatikinowhako, and Ngatihikairo, total 250. 150 of these are certain not to return, but 100 will rejoin the insurgents after harvest. Te Kihirini, a brother of Taiporutu'-S, was carried home severely wounded, after the affair of the 23rd ult.—The troops have been engaged since Monday, in completing No 6 redoubt, and felling the bush. Covering parties have been thrown out every day to protect the workmen, across the avenue, up the left of the avenue, and in front, of the bush, extended to the cliffs overhanging the Waitara river. Individuals have walked through the avenue, and round the bush to the open land in front of the Arai pah where the rebels are now seen in considerable numbers digging rifle pits.on the right of the village, and on. a mound on their right front. They appear determined to make a stand at this position, as at Huirangi. From the appearance of the country the troops can advance .several hundred yards without being exposed to ambuscades, after passing through the avenue. A considerable extent of cultivated land, potatoes and maize, is taken possession of by .the troops'. It is reported that the Waikatos have left Waireka forTe -Arai; as large parties havo been seen from the Bell Blockhouse on their way northwards. The rifle pits are being filled in by the troops, and the bush is being rapidly felled—bullocks dragging out the fallen trees. ,'Tlte sceneiy from a burial place on the extreme ■ left, on a cliff overhanging the river, is very beautiful. The river winding through country of the richest description, bufc infested by the Scotch thistle, in many places covering acres of land, and so thick; and high as to render it impossible to pass through. Friday, B.—The Tasmanian Maid, with her usual regularity, from Waitara this morning. Rumors that the Waikatos are sucing for peace—rumors which had credence since Archdeacon Govett and the Rev. Mr. Whiteley have appeared on the scene. No aggressive movement has been made against the natives at Waitara since Monday. At 2 p.m. yesterday, the quiet which has reigned over Huirangi for several days was disturbedby the sound of shots from the bush to the right of the avenue, from some whares standing a few paces amongst the trees. The garrison in No. 6 redoubt stood to arms and the covering party stationed on the left of the avenue, returned the fire, while the axemen ran towards the redoubt. It was afterwards found that Commodore Seymour, who was walking some little distance in advance of the head of the sap, was fired at by an ambuscade which had but recently been laid, as several persons had been further forsvard during the morning, fortunately missing the gallant.officer, although* five shots were .fired at him from.a distance of twenty yards. A few shots were afterwards fired at the cover- ' ing party, and returned, and no more was seen or heard of the rebels.—This afternoon, Captain W. C. King (Militia) ventured out to his estate at Woodleigh, i and was shot dead. The unfortunate gentleman was observed from Marsland hill to ride smartly down, a slope followed by natives, who shot him with great ferocity. Volunteers and militia hastened to the scene, followed by military, but to late to render aid {or intercept the natives, who were seen decamping. in 'the direction of RatapiUipihi: Hia body was found rpierced by six bullets, three through his head, two in • the body, nnd one in the thigh. From the appearance !of the wounds in the head he was fired into while Hying on the ground. The-horse was brought in !though shot in three places, but the saddle and.bridle 'had been removed. ■ ; Saturday, 9.—An escort of military and mijitia 'proceeded to- Omata at 6 a.m. with provisions. The rebels are to be seen in force on Waireka hill; »nd have strengthened ..their ,\x>sition materially.■ Rifle pits are dug over the adjacent lands, and a; pah and rifle pits" command the road up the Wairrka hill. Two pahs are erected on the ridge commanding Jury's ground,, and 'for some distance in rear, defences have been made. .The efficacy of the-Enfield rifle at a long range was proved a few days since, when Lieut. Ohevalier, 65th regt., fired a few "rounds from the Omata Stockade at a body of natives on Waireka hill, i distance of 2500 yards. The rifle was-given sufli;ient elevation bf adding to the length of the sight uid a steady aim taken. Two shots we are told by, he Poutoko natives, effect, wounding two na;ives—one (Himeona of Warea) having been so seVerely wounded, that he was carried to Warea. The distance was so great that the natives neither heard the report of the rifle, nor knew where the bullet came from. Sunday, 10.—Firing heard at an early hour this morning, which continued thioughout the day. The Tasmanian Maid came up at 11 a.m.,-and in a note written yesterday from No 6 redoubt, it is stated that " to-morrow (Sunday) we are to advance within rifleshot of Pukerangiora, to be occupied by 400 of the 40th. A "fight is probable." This will account for the firing heard. At 3 p.m. a telegram was received, announcing that Capt.- Strange, 65th regfc, was dangerously wounded in taking up the new position this morning. A second telegram was received reporting the gallant; officer's death. Captain W.C.King was buried to-day at 5 p.m. in St. Mary's Churchyard, followed to the grave by a very large number of his fellow-settlers, and military officers. The: funeral was Strictly private. Monday, 11.—We have heard from Epiha, a Poutoko native, who passed through the enemy's lines into town, particulars regarding Captain W. C. King's death. He was fired at by a party of Ngatiruanuis in ambush, from the Manuhiakai hapu,- from; Okaiawa, inland of Waimate. A volley was firejii,- wounding the. unfortunate gentleman and his horse, he dismounted, After endeavoring.to make the horse leap & fence, arid . ran down a slope. He was chased by two natives, named Hori. Kiwi and Hohepa, the rest of the party staying to steal the saddle and bridle. The two natives, intent only on one object, again fired, and Mr. King fell. The ruffians ran up to him, when Mr. King said: "I am badly wounded—leave me." Hori Kiwi answered by discharging both barrels of his double-barrelled gun into his head. On returning to Waireka, and recounting their murderous deed, Hoani, of Tataraimaka, is reported to have accused the Ngatiruanuis of killing his pakeha without provocation, and he and the Taranaki condemned their proceedings. The Ngatiruanuis answered by laughing at him, and said they should do as they pleased, and cared not for the displeasure of Taranaki; The Taemanian Maid brought up tha, body of Capt, Strange, and several wounded in tM ac^vaocQ towards

Pukciangiora. The following- wasrpublished to-day in our Extra,for the English mail:— * ' ... The Tasmanian Maid just arrived in the anchorage, brings us intelligence respecting the heavy firing heard yesterday at JVaitara. General Pratt had resolved on constractinpa redoubt about a mile in advance of Redoubt iji^p in the peach grove, and aboul 400 yards from !ul Arei pan, near Pukerangiora. The pah is,now in a fortified state,-but there is a village of a few huts on the site of an old pah, half way up the slope of a ridge. There are many rifle pits on several eminences around ; the ground is covered with fern, in some places very high, and there is a deep gully between the position chosen for the redoubt and Te Arei pah. A force consisting of about 1200 men of the 12th, Hth, 40th, and 65th Regiments, and Artillery, with the Royal Engineers, advanced at daybreak yesterday, and was immediately met by heavy firing from the enemy, ensconced in their pits. Our men were obliged to lie down, and the working parties were covered chiefly by the fire of the artillery, as the natives could only be seen at rare intervals. The rifles, however, were constantly in readiness to fire at the natives when. seen. The natives were full of determination, and at-times came within speaking distance, iuviting our men to come on, "who replied by recom- [ mending them, to stand out." Several old women were vociferous in encouraging the enemy. The redoubt was constructed on a small hill crowned with fern trees, commanding the gully, and within, easy shelling range of the village or pah, To Arei. The 49th, and Captain Strange's and Captain Turner's companies 65th, were extended in front across the roads from the peach grove to Te Arei, the 40th on left, the 65th on the right. The detachment of the 12th, and the light company 65th, kept the road in the rear of the working parties, extending from, the peach grove to near the new redoubt. Almost every little eminence and the edges of the bush were occupied by the enemy, one party as near as 150 to 200 yards to the men of the 65th on the right front. Captain Strange'smen had formed themselves little rifle pits, and that gallant officer was lying-in 'one of these when he received a wound in the thigh, the bullet cutting the femoral artery and causing death by hemorrhage. Eleven others were wounded: 3of the Royal Artillery, 1 of the 12th Regt., 1 of the 40th sof the 65th, and 1 bullock-driver. 9of the bullocks were hit, but not so as to injure them seriously. The wounds, except two, which are dangerous, are not of a character to disable the men permanently. Captain Strange was universally esteemed, not only in his regiment, but by every one who came in contact with him in the whole force. The civilians in the Bell Block, where he was long in command, will hear of his death with extreme regret. No soldier in Taranaki had more respect andgood will from the settlers. At present nothing is known of the Maori loss. It is conjectured by a good authority that they did suffer, and a rumor reached town this morning by a native that two or more had been killed. Little, however, was seen of them during the day beyond the smoke of their guns. One individual placed at the foot of the hill is said to have caused a large part of the loss on 'our side, but though a great deal of attention was paid him in consequence, he seemed to escape. The whole of the redoubts between Kairau and No. 6 are to be destroyed to-day. Colonel Wyatt was left in command at the new position with about 350 men. The following is a list of the casualties:— KILLBD. Captain T. G. Strange, 65th Regt. WOUNDED. Royal Artillery— Gunner Arthur Fradgley, severely; Gunner John Green, severely. • 40/ A Regt. —Private Richard Mangan, severely. . 65th Regt.— Private William Davis, severely; Private David O'Hagan, severely; Private James Munroe, dangerously (since dead); Lance-Corporal Samuel Evinson, severely. Militia.— Private S. Rundle, severely. The Lord Ashley left for Sydney at 8 p.m., with the New Zealand mails, via this port. Tuesday, 12.—Weather changed for wind and rain. H.M.S.S. Cordelia put to sea. and the Tasmanian Maid is wind bound in tho Waitara. We are there-. fore without intelligence from the scene of operations, j Captain Strange, 6oth Regiment, was buried to-day with military honors. The procession started frpm . the residence of Colonel Sillery, D.Q.M.G. the deceased officer's father-in-law, at 330 p.m. The firing party consisted of 100 men of the 65th Regt., under Captain Turner and Lieuts. Chevalier and White, and was followed' by the band of the regiment arid the Rifle Volunteers band. . The- corpse was carried alternately by soldiers and volunteers. The regimental color of the 65th formed the pall, borne by. Lieut,Colonel Young, Pay-master Major Marshal, Lieut. Bailie, Lieut, and Adjutant A. H. Lewis; Colonel Sillery, Captain Btwtnge, 14th Regt. (cousin of the deceased), and Ensign St, Hill, 65th Reg!;., were, chiefmourners. All the 65th in garrison, detachments of Royal Artillery, and Royal Engineers, men from the 12th and 57th regiments, militia and rifle volunteers, and the officers of all ranks in the garrison, and civilians formed the procession. His body lies next to the remains of Lieut. Jackson, 40th Regt,, who fell in action on the 23rd ultimo. The deceased officer was justly the favorite of his regiment, and equally so of the civilian foroei from time to time placed under his orders. Firing heard at intervals in the direction 6t Waitara. lhaia and two natives arrived in town by land this evening, and report that yesterday the troops were again engaged with the enemy in the rifle pits,, '■ and had one man of the 40th killed, and one wounded. Captain Richards, of the 40th was slightly wounded Thursday, 14,—Weather fine. The Tasmanian Maid came to an anchor at 1 p.m., and brings up seven wounded men. We have our correspondent's letter containing interesting details of the proceedings at Huirangi, and near Hapurona's pa, Te Arei, which will be found in another place. From a private letter we learn that it was intended to assault the pa to-day, but the intention was abandoned, and the troops will sap to it. Another letter says the troops will advance to-morrow (Friday), Captain Richards, 40th regt., is wounded in the groin. From a reliable native source we learn that on Sunday and Monday the native loss was 4 killed, viz.: Wi Ropata, one of Kingi's leading men, and a, man of considerable influence in the Ngatiawa; Netan'a, a Waikato chief, who was concerned in Coad's murder; Hohepa, a Ngatimaru; and one of the Ngatimaniapoto. We have not learned the loss in wounded, but it is said to be considerable. , • Friday, 15.—Several shots were heard last night1, about 9 p.m., in the direction of Waiwakaiho. We counted as many as twenty.; some double shots, evidently from double-barrelled guns. Some families outside the lines came inside but the firing ceased about 10. This morning we are informed that Mahau's people, at Waiwakaiho, and the Henui natives, were firing at six of their number who had gone over to, the enemy. The firing was at random, and was to qxpress their anger at their traitorous conduct. The Southern natives have not left, as was repotted;? they i have been engaged planting in the vicinity of Puketotara, and have kept quiet in order to draw settlers outside the outposts. 100 more NgatirUanuis are on their way to Waireka, and it is believed that the Waikato will move this way v.hen driven out, of their present position at Te Arei. This morning, at seven large parties of natives were seen passing along the edge of the bush towards Waireka. from Waiwakakaiho. They bnrnt several houses on their way—Roberts', Olliver % and others. We are informed that, in consequence of a rumor,-1 circulated amongst the natives that some of the prisoners in gaol'had been executed, a'large force of the Southerns proceeded yesterday to the vicinity of the friendly paha at Henui and Waiwakaiho, and proposed to join them in an attack on town, Six natives, throe from the Henui. and three from the Waiwakaiho pas, with their women and children, went over.the rest .reply-? ing to the wish of the rebels by firing at them. Natives are seen busily employed fortifying several positions on the land adjoining the Waireka hill A rumor has reached us that Topine Te Mamaku, the Wanganui chief, is on his way to join the insurgents. The Tasmanian Maid, from Waitara, at noon, brings rip news of particular interest. The General has decided upon sapping up to Hapurona's pah at/Te Arei, Which will be a work of 10 days if fine weather continues, The sap was commenced yesterday morning. The natives continue to keep up a fire from theirpbsi^ tion, but without effect. Our casualties on Monday and Tueßday were— Mondak.— 4tQth Regiment. —Lance-Corporal James Lawrence, killed; Captain T. B. Richards,, Blightly ■ wounded: Private Peter Cusack, ditto. Tuesday.—4ofA Regimtnt.—l?vi\ 7&tQ Henry Daffey, severely wounded. About 12 or 15 acres of maize, potatoes, &c, on the banks of the Waitara, have been destroyed, Mr. Carrington, who went down on Monday last, has surveyed during the week the country lying between Kairau and No 7 redoubt. Snturday, 16.—The Wonga Wonga, from Wellington via Wanganui, anchored in the roadstead this morning. We have owx Wellington files to the. 13th instant (Wednesday),