THE FIGHT AT RANGIRIRL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3020, 21 November 1891, Page 2

THE FIGHT AT RANGIRIRL.

Yestbhday, 20th November was the 28t.h anniversary of the capture of Raugiriri, one of the most memorial incidents in the Waikato campaign. As perhaps there are many of our readers interested id this event we give a short account of the attack taken from the despatch forwarded by General Cameron to Sir George Grey, the then Governor of the colony. The attacking force consisting of 853 officers and men under General Cameron marched from Meremere in the morning arriving at Rangiriri about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The steamers Avon and Pioneer and four gun boats under Commodore Wiseman, Bart., which were to co-operate in the attack arrived at the same time, Rangiriri was one of tha strongest of the native fortifications in the district and was manned by many hundred Maoris. The fight was commenced at five o'clock and continued until dark, the troops remaining all night in the several positions they had gained, it boing the intention to continue the fight in the morning. Shortly utter daylight, however, on the 21st, the white Hag was hoisted by the Maoris, of whom 183 surrendered unconditionally, gave up their arms, and became prisoners of war. General Cameron concluded bis despatch as follows:—"It will afford me tho greatest gratification to report to the Right Honourable the Secretary for War, and to H.R. H. the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, tho admirable conduct of the troops ongaged on this occasion, and to bring to their especial notice the names of those officers and men who more particularly distinguished theinsel ves.' 1

One of those who took part in this battle was Mr William Peacock, who is now residing in Hamilton. He was at that time a member of t,hei 40th Regiment, which took a prominent part in the assault. No doubt there are many others in tho district who have vivid recollections of the incidents connected with the 20th November, 18U3.