Taranaki.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 5, Issue 218, 17 January 1861, Page 3

Taranaki.

Another engagement has taken place, resulting in the capture of the Matarikoriko pa, with a supposed loss to the Maoris of 135 killed (including 25 women), 70 wounded, and 15 missing; and to our troops of 3 killed and 22 wounded. The heavy'rains had prevented earlier action; but on their ceasing, Major General Pratt left New Plymouth on the morning of the 28th. ult., with about 600 rank and file, which-were joined" at JFaitara by other 300 from the camp there. At 3.30 a.m. of the 29th, the whole force left JFaitara, passed ...the.. site of the L pa, and arrived at Ngatiparirua at 5.30. Advancing to Kairau, they thereopened (ire on the Matarikoriko pa, which is three miles from the mouth of the Waitara, on its s.mth bank, on an elevation, protected .by deep gullies - on the south and east, and"by a swamp and bush on thcndriu and west. The firing began at 6 a.m., and was kept up with more or less vigour by' l jot h sides foi twi'lve hdurs, iduring wliiclf 70;000 rounds of rifle ammunition'and about 120 shell and canister shot were used by 'our troops. Our men were for a long time without cover, except what was afforded by the nature of the ground, while the enemy were ensconced in rifle pits, in some' cases within 40 yards of our position, but the shot and shell sent among them by the Artillery seem to have cut them up severely. A great quantity of blood is said to have been found in some of their rifle pits, and 70 bodies were found in one hole. The firing ceased a little before sunset,. and after a hard day’s work the officers using the shovels in making breastworks as well as the men, and exposing themselves with great sang froid to the fire of the enemy, the 65th and blue jackets were withdrawn to Waitara in the evening, leaving the 12th and 40th detachments to keep the entrenchment. A, constant' firdwas kept up till 4 in the morning, in which three cf the 40th were wounded. Daily in the morning the 65th men returned and the maoiies asked a cessation of hostilities during the day, to allow them to bury their'dead, which was granted. Early on the morning of Monday, the 31st, Colonel Wyatt, with two companies of the 65th and some sailors entered the pa and found it evacuated.

The pa was about 200 feet long and 45 wide, with a double row of palisading round it, behind which, on the side exposed to our fire was a row of rifle pits, some of them covered, and all communicating with each other aud with trendies that led out of the pa on the other side. The defences were skilfully constructed and very formidable. The Viaikatos fought with great coolness and resolution, but as they did not take aim. out of their pits, not caring to expose themselves, their bullets generally went too high. The General in his Despatch to the Governor says, that lie lias not ascertained the exact loss of the enemy, but that at least five chiefs have been killed, amongst whom are To A\ litana and Ivarira of Ngatiamaniapoto, the latter a chief of high rank. Our casualties are Killed —40th Regt.: Privates JamesChunnery ami Michael Lelian. ! 65th Regt: Private John Cain. Wounded—Royal Artillery :—Gunner Win. Smoker, twice in left leg, severely. Gunner Jeremiah Wright, left arm, severely. Royal Engineers: , /Sapper Johnston, left arm, severely. Naval Brigade: Alfred Broome, A. 8., dangerously. 12th Regt. : Private Robert Dye, slightly. 40th Regt.: Sergeant Instructor of Musketry Patrick Collins, slightly. Privates : Rogers Dyons, James Southwell and William Caplice, dangerously. j

“ John Sullivan “ John Smith “ Benjamin Greenwood and “ John.il/oßren, severely “ Thomas Davy and “ J. A. Fox, slightly, Sergeant F. Male, severely, 65th /?egt.: Sergeant Wm. Speakman and Private James Haggan, slightly. Private Martin Ivinsella, severely. 'ihe ltev. Mr. Wilson a Missionary, ha* had several interviews with the enemy, y/fc his request theyhave with two exceptions agreed in future to spare the wounded and prisoners, lie represents them as much disheartend, ami considers their loss must have been great; but they intend to continue fighting and seem to expect large reinforcements. 2‘he number of the Waikatos at present is 500. The Matarikoriko pa. has been further-strengthened and is occupied by a detachment of the 65th, under the command of Capt. Strange. In. commands Wi Kingi’s pa at iluirangi, which is to be attacked next, and at which the enemy is strengthening Isis defences. Shells have been thrown amongst them from our position, so that though resistance was to be made to the uttermost-; the attack to be made on the7til or Bth will no doubt have been successful if the stormy weather lias not interfered, with the operations. ; The Cordelia bad been sent up to the Whire Cliffs to shell a body of Waikatos 1000 strong coming down the coast to Waitara. On the South the Ngatiruanuis have come to Warea. They intend to unite with the Taranakis and take up a position at Waireka. 7’his is their last attempt they say. If they are defeated again, they will not return.

SCOTLAND.

(From our own Correspondent.)

I think, if I mistake not, / wrote you last on the morning after Lord Brougham’s address, in the City Hall, at the commencement of th*

proceedings of the Social Science Association. The week which was begun by Brougham’s

grand oration was one of the busiest I have 1 seen an G lasgow. There was a general meet- ' ing in the morning of each day, at which one of the presidents of departments or sections delivered an address on a topic bearing on his

own particular department. 7’he departments . were, Jurisprudence, Education, Reformation of Criminals, Social Economy, and Public. Health, and the respective Presidents were Lord Advocate Moncrielf, Rir James K. (Shut* tleworth, //on. Arthur Kinnaird, Eir James Emerson Yennent, and Edwin Chadwick, Esq. These addresses were all marked by great ability,, and were full of valuable information. After the general meeting the association began its work in sections, and it was curious, at the end of the presidential address, to see the members hurrying away to the division ~in~which each was most interested. Many of the papers read, and the. discussions consequent on the reading, vere important; but perhaps the most valuable were those on the subject of education and on trades’ unions. The discussion on education, in which many of our most distinguished Scotch speakers both lay and clerical took part, was very exciting, and I question if the subject b*as been debated with anything like the same amount of varied ability in either house of Parliament. There was abundance of hard hitting on all sides, but the combatants with scarcely an exception kept their temper, and displayed much gentlemanlike courtesy. In the discussion on trades unions the mischief of strikes was established by a great array of evidence, and something was done towards the settlement of what is becoming the most momentous social question of the day—the satisfactory arrangement of capital and labour respectively. To this question John Ruskin has been applying his great talent, in the Cornhill, aud although many affect to sneer at what they call his ignorant and amiable and benevolent maunderings, they will possibly find that he has more of good sense and Christian truth on his side than they are disposed to admit. We have had recently a visit from Dr. Cheever, of America, who has been well known in this country for many years by his lectures on the Pilgrim’s Progress. It seems that by his strong and frequent denunciations of American slavery be has made his place in New York too hot for him, and knowing our abhorrence of the “institution,” he has ccme here for sympathy and pecuniary aid. We have also had a Dr. Delaney, a man of African descent and black as a raven. He has been lately exploring the district of Liberia, and he thinks, that by opening up a trade between this country and that part of the west coast great commercial advantages would be gained, and much good would also be done to the coloured races. His scheme is very feasible, and he has accordingly met with considerable support and encouragement If his statements are reliable, there might be from the country he has visited an almost unlimited supply of cotton.

Our harvest operations are hardly yet over in the higher and colder parts of the country, and there is no doubt that in these parts a large proportion of the crop will be greatly damaged. In the agricultural counties, however, —I mean in Berwickshire, Haddington, Midlothian, &c. —the crop has been well secured on the whole, and as I have said in previous communications, the yield is likely to be fair, and the quality too. There has been a capital crop in America, and that fact will prevent prices from becoming exorbitant, even though our home crop should prove slightly deficient. Affairs on the continent of Europe are still exciting great interest here. That a great European war will ultimately spring out of these Italian revolutions is, I think, very likely, for the despots of the north are in great wrath, and Prussia seems to think, that though a German kingdom under a Frederick or Frederick William would be a fine thing, an Italian kingdom under a Victor Emanuel is not to be borne. How are you getting on with the Maories ? We are beginning to think you New Zealand colonists are a set of spoouies decidedly slow. BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Victoria, Vancouver’s /sland, August 9. —From British Columbia the mining news continues to be of the most cheering character. New mining localities are being continually discovered, which afford good prospects; the increasing, and the public revenue sensibly augmenting. It is impossible to ascertain t, lie -“yield” of gold, from the scattered character and roving propensities of the mining population ; but we have abundant evidences that the miners are doing well. The gold dust which arrived in Victoria in the month of July and in the first week of the present month amounted in value to 260,000 dollars as returned; but a large amount must have been carried by private hand which was not reported.

The members of the municipality of New Westminster, the capital, were elected two days ago. This is the first “ representative institution” of the new colony, and the citizens expect great tilings from its future labours. The Government Assay Oifice in New Westminster is now in operation. In Vancouver’s Island matters progress satisfactorily. Victoria, the capital, is growing steadily, and its improvements are of a permanent .character large edifices of brick, constructed to resist fire—a calamity, by the way, from which the place has most providentially escaped hitherto. The town will soon become a good field for English fire insurance companies

We were threatened lately with some trouble

from the Indian tribes, great numbers of whom came down to Victoria from the north coast and Queen Charlotte’s Island ; but the influence and good management of the Governor, aided by the prompt co-operation of the Ad miral in lending both naval and military assistance, have overawed the savages, and have removed all fears of a collision.

For some little time we had a strong squadron in Esquimault harbour, presenting a sight for which / trust .England will always keep herself pre-eminent. Her “ wooden walls ’' were represented by the Ganges, flag-ship, Admiral Eir R. Lambert Braynes, whose newly acquired honour of a K.G.B. afforded universal satisfaction both afloat and on shore ; the Topaze, the Satellite, the Termagant, the Alert, the Plumper (surveying ship), and the two gunboats Grappler and Forward. The squadron is now dispersed, but the gunboat Grappler is stationed in Victoria harbour, as a “ demonstration” against the northern Indians encamped on the shore, and to disarm them as they arrive. General Harney has gone at last. His conduct towards- the Hudson’s Bay Company was so outrageous that his Government repudiated his proceedings, and promised to make amends for the injury he inflicted upon the company. In fact, the authorities at Washington appear to have become ashamed of him, and lie has been recalled, it is said, to undergo “an inquiry.” Yhe American force on San Juan remains as he left it. Our marines are also still stationed on the island, and it is much to be regretted that they cannot be spared to be placed on poiuts of Vancouver’s Islaud where their preseuce is rendered necessary to protect our settlers from the Indians. The savages, it is true, have not as yet molested any of the whites, but their frequent fierce and bloody frays among themselves terrify the settlers. PRINCE OF WALES IN AMERICA.

On Tuesday, the 18tb, the Prince bade adieu to the Falls of Niagara, and drove down to the Queenstown //eights. Here a demonstiation awaited him perhaps more interesting than any he has received on the American continent. The greater number of the few survivors of the American war of 1812 had assembled to receive him. The spot was well chosen, both for its natural beauty and the historical associations connected with it. Down these heights the handful of British troops and Canadian militia drove the American army, and most of those assembled had shared in that struggle, or had there lost some friend or relative. Many were so enfeebled by age that they required assistance in walking. They had served the Crown faithfully, when the Crown was not very faithful to them, and now had come from their homes in happier times to welcome the heir of that throne they had so bravely defended. Many quaint old uniforms of faded hues had been taken from their long concealments, and somewhat rusty swords had been furbished anew for this occasion. Many were the greetings and hear ty the shakings of the hand. Friends long unseen here met with those who had fought side by side with them on these grassy slopes many long years ago. Inquiries were made for those whom the trumpet will call no longer to battle. Old stories were told, and memories of the past recalled. The sight was deeply touching, and the thought rery mournful, that when they had this day separated they would in all human probability meet again, no more. A detachment of militia was on the ground, and innumerable volunteer officers to command them. Militia and other officers had come from all parts of the country to join iii the reception, and the grounds were glittering with silver and gold lace. Farmers had come with their teams and waggons from long distances. Steamers had brought many from Yoronto, and the American side of the river contributed its thousands. The day was all that could be desired, and most favourable for seeing the magnificent view, of which a previous letter may have given you some idea. A raised platform was erected a little to the east of General Brock’s monument, from the centre of which rose the Royal Standard. A large chair was placed at the foot of the standard for the Prince, who arrived punctually at eleven o’clock. Yhe party were conducted to the platform through two lines of veterans. An address was then presented by Air J. B. Robinson, bart., Chief Justice of Upper Canada, who had himself served as a common soldier in the American war. The Prince, accompanied by the Chief Justice, then ascended the monument. v His Royal Highness was attired in the dress in which he is best known to the people of Canada—namely, a while hat, turned down collar, purple silk neckerchief, blue paletot tightly buttoned, lilac kid gloves, light trousers, and Wellington boots He is familiarly spoken <sf by the people as the “ little chap with the white hat.” The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duke of Newcastle, visited the grave of George Washington, and the grandson of George 111., with head uncovered, paid a graceful tribute to the memoryof thef American berg, by planting a cypress tree over over the dead chieftain’s last resting-place.

On the afternoon of the 11th October the Prince of Wales and suite arrived at New Fork amid the boomiug of cannon and cheers of thousands. He was received by Mayor Wood aud other notables. After reviewing the militia which he did in colonel’s uniform, he proceeded up Broadway in an open barouche, drawn by six coal black horses. The most unbounded enthusiasm prevailed. Broadway was densely packed with human beings of all classes—-bouse windows packed to overflowing, housetops completely covered and every square inch occupied. The demonstration, entirely eclipsed all. others. The

Atlantib cable, and Japanese celebrities canot be compared with it; half a million of people lined Broadway, and there was a splendid military display. The Prince looked well and was apparently in good spirits, continually bowing to the people. The weather was fine, —a lovely day. Seats sold on Broadway for from five to twenty dollars each. It was a grand sight to see the waving of handkerchiefs ; there was : a good display of British flags. The Return of the Prince 9F Wales.— A portion of the Channel fleet will, it is expected, be despatched to meet the Prince of Wales on his return from the United States. His Royal Highness will not, as at first intended, visit the island of Bermuda, but will sail for England direct from New York. Yhe 17th November has been named as the day of departure.

: PRINCE ALFRED. Prince Alfred’s Future Residence. — The Allgemeine Zeitung, states that Prince Alfred, who, in right of his father, is the future Duke of Coburg, will soon take up bis fixed residence in the duchy. A Frolic of Prince Alfred.— A story has readied us from Paarl showing that “boys will be boys” even though they'be the sons of royalty. The bed-chamber of the young Prince and his two companions, Mr. Grey and Mr. Jocelyn, both of the Euryalus, was in an opposite part of the building to Eir George Grey’s. His Excellency, being fatigued, retired early, but it was not to im mediate rest. His Excellency was about to make himself comfortable for the night—when, instead of lying upon feathers, he found fierce knobs indenting his ribs. Turning from one side to the other afforded no relief; there was nothing left but to remove the bed linen, when a good sprinkling of naartjes and walnuts was found beneath the sheets—-placed there, it was generally believed, by the young prince aud his middies. —Cape Monitor . Colonel Armstrong writes from Graham’s Town : “ Her Majesty will not be displeased when she hears an account of part of the Priuee’s Body-guard. Seventeen ladies, well mounted, well equipped, and first-rate horsewomen, each wearing blue rosettes, with silver anchors, formed his Guard, a daughter of mine having had the honour to belong to this corps, which ILR.H. named ‘ Prince Alfred’s Own Body guards.’ Being a retired cavalry man, I thought I could not be more honourably employed than in taking command of the lady corps. On our road out to meet H R. II. / practised them in forming threes and wheeling into line, and found them a most willing and obedient escort. I formed them next H.R.H.’s escort of the C.M.R. They escorted him to the quarters provided for him at the Lieut.Governor’s private residence; there they were presented, and received his most gracious acknowledgments. Next day there was a grand rural fete given at Oatlands. His Royal Highness requested the lady guards to escort him to the fetes, which they did in the most orderly and uniform style.” CHINA.

Occupation of Pekin. —On the 6th October the advance of our troops resulted in the taking of the //ueng Minguer or summer palace of the Emperor, which was looted, and afforded immense spoil; but a part of the treasure taken is to be divided among the French aud English. The entire British share is estimated at about 90,000 dollars. On the 12th everything was prepared for the first great event of the war—the assault on Pekin, the capital of China. 7'he siege guns and other artillery were in a position to bombard the town, unless it should surrender by noon on the 13th inst. Immediately before the time given for the period of surrender expired, Hong Cha came out' and said that our demands were acceded to. No resistance would be made, and the gate was at our disposal. Thereon, the outer ami inner gates were immediately taken possession of, aud a portion of the allied force was quartered on the wall of Pekin. The wintering of the whole force either at Pekin or at Tien Z’sin is now resolved upon. The Earl of Elgin and Baron Gros are at military head-quarters. 2'he Emperor is rumoured to have fled to Tartary. The Chinese Repels. —The Times publishes a narrative from the Rev. Joseph Edkins, the well-known missionary, who has recently paid a visit to the Tai-piug insurgents in China. Mr. Edkins states that for some years these rebels had been declining in power, but 1860 has proved to be the epoch of a remarkable improvement in their prospects. Early in this year they made a strong attack on the Imperialist forces at Tanyang, a place which lies on the Shanghae side of the ancient capital, and has been occupied with a large army by the Imperialist generals for a considerable time past. Fortunately for the rebels, the two commanders, Chang-kwoh-Z-iang and 110-chun, were at variance. A victory was won. Ho-cliun died, and his colleague committed suicide in the approved Chinese method by swallowing gold. After Chang-kwoh-Ziang’s death his troops, to the number of 20,000 or 30,000, deserted to the rebel cause, and added their strength to the devastating torrent that now swept down the banks of the Grand Canal, to overwhelm the inhabitants of Chang-Chow, /tfoochow, and other cities. At the end of June last a party of five, chiefly English missionaries,.including Mr. Edwins;,-paid a visit to. the 'rebel stronghold, in order to obtain, information, respecting the insurgents’ peculiar religious creed,. Himwang, the second in command, had, some time ago been, received into the Christian church by baptism, and acquired, from a,, missionary the information embodied in a book called. “ Z'he

Visions of Hung-sin-tshuen,” containing, according to Mr. Edkins, “our best lights on the early history of the rebellion,” “ vindicates satisfactorily , its religious origin, and shows that while the founder has erred iu regarding himself as the subject of immediate divine inspirations, he is a sincere believer in Christianity” One chief, Ho-sin-i, when questioned “ respecting the religion of the party to which he belongs, excused himself from entering into particulars by stating, that being a late adherent, and not having devoted his time to anything but military operations, he could not do more than repeat the elementary formal se of the Tai-ping‘foreed.” Another chief, who was an “ original adherent ” of the movement, confined himself to remarking that, “ the Chinese and foreigners should be in harmony, seeing that they worship the same Heavenly Father and 7/eavenly Brother (Jesus), and profess the same religion.” The missionaries were further informed that the rebels “ perform baptism by rubbing water on the chest, and the rite is called ‘ entrance to the holyalso that there are now about fifty publications authorised by the Central Government at iVankin, including the entire New Testament. A new brother is taught to repeat a few sentences of praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and is then received. The following account is given of the interview with Chungwang, the “ Faithful King,” at Soo-ckow :

The “ Faithful King,” is a man of small keen features, is thirty-seven years old, wears spectacles with large circular lenses, and appears anxious to maiutain a suitable dignity, while he is evidently good-natured and benevolent in disposition. He is the conqueror of Chang-kwoh-liang at Tanyang, and the subjugator of Changchow, Aoochow, and Kia hing. In addition to his military successes, he bears the character of a good man', opposing the excesses of the troops under his command, and protecting the people from injury and insult. It was to be expected that this man would behave in a friendly manner to his English visitors. The conversation then commenced by his asking whence we came and for what object? Answer: “..Faithful King may you live a ' thousand years. We come from Shanghae, and belong to the great .English nation. We have heard that your religion is Christian, like our own. We worship, like you, the i/eavenly Father. We have, therefore, come to make inquiry respecting this.” He replied : It appears, then, that your honourable country, also professes, like us, to believe in Jesus the Eaviour of the world. We are of the same religion and are brethren. At present, Bien Fung’s empire is approaching its end; we have one-half of the ‘ mountains and rivers ’ for the celestial dynasty. Having now only recently taken Soochow, we have not erected a church, otherwise you might enter it with us and join in worship.” After this conversation vve left the palace with the same salute as on entrance, and were escorted on horses, provided by the direction of the King, to the residence of Zieu, a high officer of amiable disposition, who entertained us hospitably enough for the rest of the evening. Iu the course of conversation with the Cantonese Lieu we enquired why the city had been so easily taken, lie stated that it was for no reason but that several tens of thousands of Imperial troops (he said 80,000) deserted to them, and gave the city into their hands. We asked why, if the city was taken with little bloodshed, the number of the - dead was so great. He replied that the far greater part were suicides. With this statement agrees the too common fact, that on the approach of danger the Chinese, in a multitude of instances, lose all hope, and throw themselves into the nearest well or stream of water.

The Times, commenting on this narrative savs:— >

“ IThat the insurgents have little claim to our sympathy is proved by the continual disorganisation of the provinces which they have already subdued. Their morality appears to be that of ordinary marauders, and their internal administration as barbarous as that of Tartars. In spite of their sanctimonious proclamations they maltreat the peaceful inhabitants unmercifully. But it is their attitude towards the ‘ outer barbarians’ with which we are concerned, and, as inhospitality is no part of their creed, we shall be wise in cultivating non-official relations with them through missionaries and traders. Perhaps in the end we shall gain as much by conciliating the insurgents as by coercing the Imperial Government.”

The Sanatorium at the Cape of Good //ope. —A number of skilful artisans and mechanics have been selected from the companies of'Royal Engineers at head-quarters, Chatham, with orders to embark at Southampton for the Cape of Good Hope, to assist in the erection of the Sanatorium, which the Government has decided on establishing at that station for the sick and wounded troops from India and China.