REMARKS ON THE ENGAGEMENT AT WAIREKA.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 187, 19 April 1860, Page 4

REMARKS ON THE ENGAGEMENT AT WAIREKA.

[From the Nelson Examiner .j The settlers of New Plymouth, having had arms put into their hands and learnt how to use them, when they were told to rescue their too trusting neighbours, who had mistakenly hoped to jursue their peaceful life undisturbed, did not think it right to turn hack even when they were opposed by four or five times their own numbers, but most recklessly jeopardized their lives to bring assistance to others. Scandalized by such irregular proceedings, the gallant leader of the troops drew them up about three-quarters of a mile off, wondering what would come of it, and, moved by a very natural and we trust a pardonable impulse, detached a small party of his men to help them. In this state, matters seem to have gone on for more than three hours, the firing in front sharp, heavy, and sustained ; the military resting on their arms, and the officer in command carefully studying the situation; when his deliberations finally resulted in his recalling his detachment preparatory to returning into town by sunset. About this time must have come up the small body of sailors, less carefully instructed in the amenities of war, who rushed upon and stormed the pa, thus effecting a very seasonable diversion. This seems to have occurred just before or about the time that the information was received by the commander of the troojJS that the ammunition of the civilians was getting low, and must have been very shortly followed by his return to town, where he arrived safely at about half-past six o’clock, with his whole force, two only being unhappily wounded, probably when detached. There seems to have been much foolish excitement and many injudicious and intemperate remarks made by the friends and relatives of those who remained behind.

For although rescuing women and children may be all very right and proper in its way, tho first duty of the soldier is not to be out at night, but be home before dark; and to the officer who understands his duty, this consideration should be paramount to all others, even if it involves the necessity of leaving half his force enveloped with enemies, close in his front, hotly, engaged, sharply pressed, without food, and reduced to their last! cartridge. We think a ‘due consideration of the matter, if viewed in this light, would probably have induced our Taranaki correspondents to use language a little less harsh and condemnatory. It is plain that the military authorities and civilians have different notions of what constitutes efficiency and energy in action; we have, therefore, in the absence of any official report, thought it iright to suggest what may possibly be their

opinions ; but we "'shall look with much interest for the account of these operations in the Gazotto, which, considering the happy combination of daring gallantry with great caution, as shown in the operations of the various component parts of the force, will doubtless give the chief honour to Colonel Gold for his judicious orders, to Colonel Murray for his able disposition in carrying them out, will refer in terms of commendation to the gallantry of the blue-jackets, and possbly allude, not unfavourably, to Captain Stapp and bis Volunteers in the subordinate 1 parts entrusted to them, as not altogether without their use in contributing to the general result and the final defeat of the enemy.