CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 352, 8 March 1861, Page 1

CONTINUATION OF JOURNAL OF EVENTS.

{From the. Taranaki Herald.)

Saturday, February ,2.—A party of military and militia and volunteers escorted.supplies to-day to the Omata Stockade. 'Natives were seen in'force on Waireka Hill, arid danced the war dance oh observing the troops.-rWe. hear from Huirangi that the sap has steadily, proceeded, and yesterday.was about 50 yards from the main row ofrifle 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„pits, but no one waa.tKere. The eapis to be carried on to; the riflti-pits,'andnt is said thrqitgh the poach grove avenue. ;, lt is the general, opinion that the rifle pits are abandoned.

Sunday, 3.—A1l the available men in town fell. in to-day in the trenches at four p.ra., and were inspected by tho 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 that they are evacuated, tbey are. admirably constructed, and must have em- | ployed a large number of men for several weeks to to construct. These pits extend, with little or no j interruption, over a mile of country and run along I 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 50 or 60 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 in the small bush above named, arid on a mound overhanging, the. river. Waitara, on th.c left, which prevented their fiank being turned in,that direction. All the lines of rifla pits had i^ndergrburid communication with gulleys arid the'bush, and are dug very narrow, which accounts-for the little damage sustained- by the, enemy .from the, artillery practice, ;although the, shells 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 safetyj.at. any moment The.pits are of different forms,,spin.e straight, oftiers? 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. haye..accomodated whole families.— Natives are seen on the pah Te, Arar\ a few.houses; built on .the slope of they hill on which stood the' famous Pukerangiora pah^— Lance Corporal Howard [ 65th.Be'gt., wounded on the 23fd ult., died last night, i We ; are, informed; that this young man.is a son of Sir; William Campbell, Knt., of Tullichoven Castle, Dum- ; bartonshlre, Scotland, and that Howard waß an as- • sumed name. Previously to his death he sent for Lieutenant 'Urquhart, commanding his company, and revealed to him his name and history.

• Monday, 4.—A strong escort of-military and civilians, loft. early, this .morning for ; Bell Block and returned at noon. We regret to report the death by drowning of private Hughes, 65th regt., whilst oathing in a lagoon near the stockade.—The Tasmanian Maid from Waitara before daylight brings nothing of interesfc.—The:large wool shed of the Messrs. McKcller, on Major Lloyd's farm, burnt by the natives to-day. Tuesday, s.—From Huirangi we learn that the 65th under Colonel Wyatt, rn'oved from Sol 1 to N0..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 rjilepits, 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 iii a position to throw shell into the Arai pah, distant about 2500 yards. -Tlie 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 of labor has been expended oyer 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 seeiDg the sap steadily approaching and turning their flank, were compelled to evacuate their strong position. The Lord Ashley arrived from, Manukau ut 6 a.m., and left for Nelson at -6 p.m. Mr. G. Curtis's arid Mis. M'Kellar's houses burnt by the rebels this afternoon within gunshot of the Omata Blockade.

. Wednesday, 6.—The brig Kita from Nelson this morning. House burning continued to-day; Messrs Huiothouse's, It. Lethbridge's, and Broad rnore's houses burnt by tho natives. Towards evening .the rebels drove off a number of cattle and horses from Oaptuin W. King's farm, and a few shots were exchanged with theni from No. 3 Blockhouse; natives on Mr. Standrsb's farm an<i in the vicinity of the town. H.M. colonial steam sloop Victoria left"for Manakau for repairs, and .thevischooners Raven arid Parininihi, ( (root Manukau and Mokatt, arrived. Some natives in

the schooner irom Mokan report that several ;Waik,atoß have been carried to their homos, wounded in the attack on N0..3 redoubt;—natives driving off cattle from Mr. Good's farm at Omata,to-day, under a smart fire from, the stoukade. Tasmanian Maid proceeded to-day to reconnoitre the enemy's position,at Waireka, and was boarded .by the friendly, natives from tlie Pputoko. Vrom the natives we learn, that the Southerns have been carting flour and' potatoes for the Waikatos.

, Thursday, 7.—An escort ,of ; , 200, men of the 57th, ,65th, and volunteers and,milrtia lett for Mahoetahi today .with.provisions. ; They .returcd, 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 (a Taranaki) was severely .wounded in the breast by.the fire' front No. .3 Blockhouse yesterday, but ' ja not dead.? —,From Waitara we,learn that the .native* who havd left for their liSrxresja?e the'following 'Kawhift tribe* :'•< under JWiremu Hoeta; -NgatVnga,waero„ part of - •Ngatihinefcu; Ngatikrhowhako, and Ngatihikaii-0,, total 250. 150 of these -are certain not ..to return, but WO will rejoin the insurgents after liar--vest. .Te Kihirini, : a brother of Taiporutu'fl, was oarried .home severely, wouuded, .after.;.the: affair of the 23rd ult.—The troops have been engaged since Monday , in completing No 6 redoubt, andfeli.iiig the bush. Covering parties have., been.,thrown out every day to iirotect the workmen, , across the...avenue,,up the left of the avenue, and in ] front, of tlie bush, extended! to the cliffs overhanging the Waitara river. Individuals have walked through the avenue,,aiid round trie bush' to the open land in front of the Aral pah where the rebels are now seen in considerable numbers .fogging rifle pits on the right of the village, and on a mound on their right front. They appear determined itO niake ,a- standat this position *as at Huirangi. •''• From the appearance of the country the. troops can advance .several hundrerLyards without being exposed to ambuspades, ;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 tlie. Waikatos have left Waireka for Te Arai, as large ; parties hayo been seen from, the. Bell Blockhouse on their way northwards., The rifle pits; are being filled in by. the troops, and the bush,is beingßapidly'felled—bullocks dragging out the. fallen trees. ' The sceheiv/.from a: burial place on the extreme left,-on a cliff overhanging the river, is very beautiful.- The river winding through 4 country of the richest description, but infested •by thY Scotch thistle, •in many places 'covering acres of-land, and so thick and high' as to render it impossible to pass through.

'Friday, 8.-^The Tasmanian Maid, with her usual regularity,, from Waitara this, morning. Rumors that the Waikatos are stieing for peace—rujndrs which had credence since Archdeacon Govett Bnd the Bey. Mr. Whiteley have appeared on the scene. No aggressiye movement has been made against the natives at Wai-< tarasinceMonday.. ;At 2 p.m. yesterday,- the quiet which* has reigned over Huirangi for several days was disturbed by the sound of shots from the bush to the right of the avenue,,from tome whares standing a few paces amongst the^trees, , The garrison in No, 6 redoubt stood, to arms ■', and the,.. covering. , party stationed ori the,,left, of the. avenue, returned the fire, while the axemen,,, .ran towards, the, re-, doubt. It was aftevwards fpj^nd that Corirmodore SeytnOur, 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 forward during the moriririg,; fortunately missing the gallant officer, although five shot* <were fired at him from a distance of twenty yards.;.X: few. shots were afterwards fired at the covering party, and returned,-and no more was seen or heard, of the. rebelsWl'hrs afternoon, Captain W. C. King^ (Militia)..venfeured.out to hia .estateat. Woodleigh, arid was shot deadi^lThejiqfortunate gentleman was ohserved fr^ Margla^liill 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 Batapihipihi. His body was found pierced by six bullets, three through his head, two in the body, and one in the thigh. From the appearance of the wounds in the head he was fired into while lying 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 militia proceeded to Omata at 6 a.m.: with provisions.. The rebels are to be seen in force on Waireka hill, ii nd have strengthened their position materially. Rifle-pits are dug over tlie adjacent- lands,, and a pah and rifle pits command the road up the Wairrka hill. T>VO pahs are erected on the.ridgecommanding.Jury's ground, and for some,distance in rear,defences have heeri made. The efficacy of the Enfield rifle at a long range was proved a few ■. days sirice, when Lieut.' .Chevalier, .65th regt,,, fired . &. few rounds from, the; Omata Stockade at a jwdy of natives on W.&ireka, hill,, a distance of 2500 yards. The rifle was given suffi-. ciettt elevation by adding to the length of the sightj and.a steady aim taken.. Two shots we - are- tpld by the Poutoko natives, took effect, .wounding.two na-i fives—one (Himeona of Warea) having been so se-'» verely wounded, that he was carried to Warea. The; distance was s,o .great that,the natives neither hoard) the report of the rifle, nor know where the bullet came1 from.

Sunday, 10.—Firing heard at an early hour this \ morning, whioh continued thioughout the day. The' .Tasmanian Maid came up at ; l.l a.m.,.a»d in a note written yesterday from No 6 redoubt, it is stated.that \ 1" to-morrow (Sunday) we are to advance within rifle- ,; shot of .Pukerangiora, to be occupied.-by 4QO of the \ 40th. A fight is probable." This will,account for the firing heard. At 3 p.m. a telegram was received, an-. .nouncing that Capt: Strange, 65th regt, was danger, qusly wounded in taking,up the new. positi"ri 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 ; graveby,a, very large, number qf his fellow-settlers and military officers. The funeral was strictly private. ■">■■-■

Monday, 11.—We have heard from Epiha, a Poiitoko 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 fired, wounding the unfortunate gentleman and his horse, he dismounted, after endeavoring to make the horse leap a fence, and 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. iThe..two natives, intent only on one object, again..fired, and Mr. King fell. The ruffians ran lip 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 Tasmanian Maid brought up the.body of Capt. Strange, and several wounded in the .advance towards Pukeiangipra. The following was published 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 Vyaitara. General Pratt had resolved on constructing a" redoubt about a mile in advance of Redoubt No. t>, in the peach grove, and about 400 yards from Te Arei pah, near Pukerangiora. Tho ; pah is now in a fortified state, but there is a village of a few huts on the site of an old pah, halfway 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, 14th, 49th, and 65th Eegiments, and Artilj.lery, with the Royal Engineers, advanced at daybreak ! yesterday, WMJT^as irpmedia^ely «iet by fte»vy flri.os

from the enemy, ensconced in their pita. Our men were obliged to lie down, and theworkirig parties were covered chiefly by the fire of the artillery, as thej natives could only be seen at rare intervals.' ■ The rifles, however, were constantly in: readiness to fire atj tlie natives when seen. ■ The natives -were full .of determination, and at times, camewithin.: speaking , distance, iuviting. our. men to come on, ",who replied by recommending .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, Te Arei..« The 49th, and Captain-Strange'a and; Captain Turner's companies 65thj were extended, in front across jthe roads from the peach grore to Te Arei, the 40th on left, the 65th oh the right.. The; detachment of the 12th,- and|he light company 65thv kept the roa^.in the rear.oFthe >working ■ parties, extending from ,the ipeach grovetb near the newredoubt, v-Almost* ve«y litj:!^ emiriGnce and Vtni£*iges ofc th*^rsK-v»et^&*^. ,cupied by the, erieiny, one p^rty.a* near as 150 to '200 yards to the men of tlie 65ttt 'Wi-. the right frtnt. Captain Strange's,men. hadfomea'th^aiselvea little rifle pity, and .that gallant officer was lying ia one of these when hereeeived a wound, in the;. thigh, the bullet cutting thp femoral artery and .causing death by hemorrhage. Eleven others, were wounded; 3of the Royal Artillery, I of the 12th Regt., 1 of the 40th :5 of the 65th, arid 1 bullock-driver. 9of the bullopks were hit, but hot so as to injure them seriously. The wounds, except two, which are dangerous, are not; of a character to disablei themen permahently.' Captain Strange ..was- universally -esteemed; riot only in his regiment, but hyievery one who came iu-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 vextreme regret.-X N:0 soldier in Taranaki. had more, r^pectAiid goodj.will .fronJLthe settlers. At.presentpotbing is, known of the Maori 1055.,! .It is conjectured b!y a gopd authority .that they Aid, auflfer, and a rumor reached ,town..this, morning by : , a. native that two or more had! been filled. ', Little, however, was seen of them'during.the.'day.beyond the. smoke of their guns. One indiyidual.placed at the foot of tjhe hill is.said to have caused a large part, of the low km our sidey but though a great deal of attention' was paid him in consequence, he'seemed ttt escape. The whole of the redoubts bet ween Kairau and No. 6 are to jbe destroyed to-day. Colonel- Wyatt,was left iricoinmand'at the new position with-about 350 men. The, . following is a list of the casualties :—

KILLBD. Captain T. G. Strange, 65th Eegt. • '■■:'•'. ' Wounded.','";; '< '. "; Royal Artillery-? Gunner Arthur Fradgley,severely; Gunner. Johrt'Greeri,; severely; - " * ' \ 40th Regt. —Private Bichard Mangan, severely.' .. 65£/t- Regti—Env&ie William Davis, severely; Pii-' yate David o'Hagan,.'severely; Private James,Munroe,. dangerously •., (since, dead); Lance-Corporal • Samuel Evinson, severely. f .. "-. .■-•.-. •

t ...MilUiQ.^Priyake S. Bundle, severely. The Lord Ashley left'for Sydney at 8 p.m. j with the New Zealand Iwails, via this port.

Tuesday, 12.—Weather changed for wind and rain. , ELIVLS.S. .Cordelia put to sea, and the Tasmanian Maid is wind bound in the Waitara. We are therefore;without,intelligence.from the scene of operations. Captain : Strange, 65th Regiment, was buried to-day with, military honors., The procession started from the residence of Colonel Silleiy, D.Q.M.G. the deceased officer's father-in-law. at,3 SO.p.m. The firing party consisted of 100, men of the 65th Begt., under Captain Turner and Lieuts. Chevalier and White, and was followed by the band of the regiment and the Rifle Volunteers band. The corpse was carried;alter-, nately by soldiers and volunteers. The regimental color of the 65th formed .the pall, borne, by ,liieutilGolonel! Young, Pay-master Major Mai,shal,^LientV Bailfe, Lieut, and Adjutant A. H; Lewis; Colonel Sif lery, Captain Strange, -14th Regt. (cousin of the deceased), and Ensign St. Hill^ 65th Regt., were chief , mourners. . All the 65th in garrison, detachments of ,Bpy»l Artillery, and Royal Engineers, men from the 12th and 57th regiments, militia and rifle volunteers, aud 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 force from time to time placed under hia .orders. Firing heard at intervals in the direction of Waitara. lhara aud 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 interestinggdetails, of the proceedings : at Hxurarigi, and hear Hapurona's pa, Te Arei, which will be found in >another place. From a private letter -welearn 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,'4oth regt., is wounded ;in the .groirii. From a reliable native ;sourcei .we learn that, on ; Sunday and rM,Qnday the native^ loss was 4 killed, viz.:. Wi Bopat«,..one of Kingi fs leading men, and a man of considerable .influence in the, Ngatiawa;. Netana, a Waikato chief,, who was concerned in .Coad's murder j Hohepa, ja' Ngatiinaru; and one of the .Ngatimaniapoto,, Wej have not learned the loss iv wounded, but it is said to be considerable... ~ . ....-....;, -.-■■

... Friday, 15.—Several shot* 'were hoard- last night,. about .9 p.m.,. iv the. direction :btf Waiwakaiho. . Wei counted as many .as .twenty;; some double shotsjevi-i dently"..from .double.TbawelledJguns. Some; familiesi outside the; lines came .inside, but .the: Ifiririg rceased' about 10. This morning wo are. informed that jVlahan's' people, at Waiwakaiho, and the Henui natives, were j firing at six of their numbeivwho had gone over to the. enemy. The firing was at random, and was toex,-; press their anger at their traitorous conduct. Thbl Southern natives have not left, as was reported,; they I have been engaged plauting in the vicinity of .Puke- ; totara, 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 VVaikatowill 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 burnt several houses on their ijvay—Boberts', Olliver's, and others. We are informed that, in consequence of a rumor, circulated amongst the natives that some of the [prisoners in gaol had been executed, a'large force ; „ of the .So L utherna^>,. i ceeded yeaterday to' trie vicinity of the friendly pans | at Henui and Waiwakaiho, arid proposed to-join | them in an,attack on town, Six natives, three from |theHenui. and three, from the Waivvakaiho pas, with j their women and children, went over, the rest replyiing 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 ruirior has reached us that Tqpirie Te Mamaku, the ] Wangariui chief, is on his way to join the insurgents, j The.Tasmanian Maid, from Waitara, at noon, brings mo news of particular interest. ; The General has decided upon sapping up to Hapurona's pah at Te Arei, jwhich 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 their position, but. without effect. Our casualties on Monday land Tuesday were—

j Monday. — iOth Regiment.— Lance-Corporal James (Lawrence, killed; Captain T. B. Richards, slightly jwounded: Private Peter Cusack, ditto. j Tuesday.—4o*A Regiment.— Private Henry Daffey, jseverely wounded. iAbout 12 or 15 acres of maize, potatoes, &o, on the jbanks of the Waitara, have been destroyed. Mr. Carrington, who went down on Monday last, has surveyed jdurrng the week the country lying betweeu Kairaii and No 7 redoubt.

■ Snturday, 16—The Wonga Wonga, from WeUingtori «via Wanganui, anchored in the roadstead this morning. We have »ur Wellingtoa files to the 13th instant