ARRIVAL OF THE WALLABI.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 403, 14 November 1868, Page 6

ARRIVAL OF THE WALLABI.

THE ATTACK ON OKUTUKU

FURTHER PARTICULARS

EEIENDLIES UNFRIENDLY,

By the arrival of the steamer Wal:labi, from Wanganui, we have latei particulars of the engage? lent at Okutuku, news of which was telegr tph I to us by our Wellington corres ion •dent. It appeal's that Col. Whitmore" had caused a breastwork to be thrown up at the edge of the bush, under ■cover of which the force advanced in comparative safety over the open ■ground. Nothing, in fact, which prudence could suggest to ensure success 'was omitted, but the Kupapas held back, with the exception of Kemp and his immediate followers, who behaved bravely, and our numbers were inadequate. Leaving the shelter of the breastwork Major Hunter led on the advance-guard and fell at the head of his column, while gallantly rushing the enemy's pa. The rebel lire was reserved until our men were close to. the palisading, and proved deadly ; our chief loss was sustained at this time ; but not a mau flinched from his duty, and the pa was entered. Had Col. "Wliitmore been able to bring up reinforcements, it is more than probable he would have managed to hold the position. As it was, he retired in good order, pursued by the Maoris to ■the edge of the bush, within about 1500 yards of the camp at Wairoa. The fight lasted from half-past eight to half-past one —fully five hours of terrible work. It was equally desperate ou both sides, and it is said that on our side there was no confusion, and the retreat, it is said, was made nearly at slow march. Major Hunter was ■mortally wounded in the femoral artery, and died while being carried off the field on a stretcher. His body was brought down to Wanganui on Monday night by the steamer Sturt, along with the body of a native named Hanita, and a number of wounded.

It is understood that the loss of the enemy was severe —even greater, so far as can be ascertained, than ours. During the night of the battle—while the storming party were taking cover and a heavy lire was being maintained on both sides — a most harrowing cry raised by,'it is supposed, the women and children was heard to proceed from the pa. It is rumoured that itwas a taugi over the fall of some important chief. The number of the enemy has been variously stated as between 500 and 700. Towards the close of the engagement, competent judges are inclined to believe there were fully 500 warriors opposed to our 300 men. One of the storming column who gained the flank of the rebel position states that the inside was one swaying mar of Maori heads.

Up 10 the hour of the Olironicle going to press on Tuesday, no further accounts have been received from the Front. Wo learn, however, that Col. "Whitinore has removed his bead-quar-ters from Wairoa to Wereroa, and

that onl} r the usual small garrison now remain at the former redoubt. If the men at AVereroa heard heavy firing on Monday morning in the direction of Wairoa, as it was reported in Wanganui they did, it must have proceeded from an attack by Titoko upon the redoubt. Capt Hawes, however, has always expressed his ability to hold out against any force the rebels could bring to bear against him.

Major Frazcr is left in charge of Patea with 175 men. The women and children have left Wairoa.

The most serious item of news is that the "Wanganui Natives have returned to the town, and positively refuse to take any farther action. They profess to be displeased with Col. Whitinore, and want to see the Governor. They are 450 strong, and they not only refuse to give up their arms, but are gradually dispersing.