THE MASSACRE AT POVERTY BAY.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 403, 14 November 1868, Page 4

THE MASSACRE AT POVERTY BAY.

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

HORRIBLE CRUELTIES ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

DEAD BODIES THEOWN to PIGS

Telegrams, not so full as that which we received yesterday, but containing some further particulars of the massacre at Poverty Bay, have been received by the Nelson papers, and published in extra editions, copies of which we have received by the Charles Edward. The atrocities committed, it appears, were horrible. The place was sacked and burned by Te Kooti. The number killed is doubtful, but it is believed that twenty-eight Europeans and nine friendly .Natives have been killed. Women were burnt alive, and children horribly mutilated, and the dead bodies of some women were thrown to the pigs. The remainder of the settlers managed to escape by means of the schooner Success, which was at sea sailing by to Auckland. A boat intercepted her, and she returned to Poverty Bay, carrying all the settlers to Napier. The excitement at Napier exceeds description, and in Wellington the news has also caused a profound sensation. The attack took place at three o'clock in the morning, and was commenced four miles out of town. No ship was in port at the time, but a boat was despatched after the Success, seen on her way to Auckland. Besides those known to have been murdered, many are missing. Tnose who survived and escaped took refuge at Turangui. The others were taken by the schooner to Napier. Another attack was hourly expected, and the whole country is in a blaze. Still later and fuller particulars are contained in a telegram received by the Nelson Mail late on Thursday evening. The news is from Wellington, and is to this effect: —

Later news arrived from Napier today at 12.20, by the iEgle, which arrived from Waihia, bringing a large party of fugitives including Westrup and party. They report that three more settlers had been killed. The town was in mourning to-day, and business entirely suspended.

The s.s. St. Kdda has been dispatched with reinforcements to Poverty Bay, and the Ahuriri has gone to Opoki, for Morgan and the friendly natives. Military parades are being held, and volunteers are called for the relief of the Poverty Bay redoubt. The scene of the attack was Matewhere, a small settlement seven miles from Poverty Bay, near the residence of Captain Biggs. Firing was heard at Turangni; immediately an armed party started, and met fugitives on their way, who told them the sad tale of horror.

Most of the butchered bodies were found in the flax. They were shot while attempting to escape.

A lad in the employ of Captain Biggs reports that on the house being attacked the Captain rushed out in his shirt, and was shot down. His wife, who would not leave him, was also shot. The lad managed to escape through the flax. Mr and Mrs Mann were in bed with their infant child. Mr Mann was shot, and his wife dragged out, her clothes set on fire, and the poor creature was burnt to death after seeing her infant murdered. Horrors were enacted too numerous to describe. Suffice it to say that

houses were set on fire over the heads of the devoted inhabitants. Eight houses were in flames, and the rebels were busy in carting off the spoil. Archdeacon Williams reports the murder of 30 Europeans—men, women, and children—lo houses were burned, and 20 friendly natives killed. Lieutenant Gaseoyne has taken charge of the Europeans at the stockade, and can hold his own for the present.