The Sun.
London, England, 1860-06-13 00:00:00

2 0 0
1 0 0

• -

'

1/(4
• As
..ara • Ar •
, - I IP—Mrg 44
(90 ifrofflig%,y
• \\N.
, q": \ .4Thio et-"' - 4111""irlr'N1
ct''o6.4SL I Dip --"" iROIT
. , • , y„„..ts
~,,, • kc,•

_
/Z-te

/~

~~/

PRICE 4D. STAMPED, SD.

had come by the road, appeared on the inland side
of the gully, and, getting into pretty close quarters,
did considerable execution. In another hour they
were joined by a detachment from the 65th, who
also proved very useful. The greater portion of the
regulars were halted about three-quarters of a mile
off, and did not take part in the engagement. Not-
withstanding their losses, the natives were so nu-
merous that they managed to enclose the volunteers
and militia on two sides. The ammunition these
latter had brought with them was nearly
expended, and their position was getting criti-
cal. They sent a messenger to Colonel Murray,
to tell him how they were situated, but
without getting either sympathy or help. He
returned answer that his orders were to be home be-
fore dark, and that, as they had got into a mess
without his orders, they might get out of it; and
he forthwith sounded the recall, taking back with
him the naval brigade, whose commander, Lieut.
Blake, had been wounded at the commencement of
the action. The volunteers, thus left to themselves,
and expecting every moment to be "rushed," re-
served what little ammunition they had left, and,
thinking a retreat dangerous in the face of an ex-
pected attack, hastily protected their position as
well as they could by a low breastwork of logs and
straw. Shortly after dark they heard a great cheer-
ing, and could manage to see that the flag in the
pah was down. They were preparing to join in the
rush, but, there being no response to their own
cheer, their leader thought the whole thing a ruse to
withdraw them from their cover. It was, however,
no ruse, but a most fortunate diversion effected by
Captain Cracroft, of the Niger, and 50 of his men,
who, arriving late, "rushed" the pah with cutlass,
bayonet, and revolver, took the flags, and returned
on the road and overtook the troops, reaching town
with them at about half-past six, The natives had
been so astonished by the sudden assault that they
quitted their attack on the volunteers, and returned
in haste to the defence of their little stronghold.
The volunteers, finding themselves no longer
assailed, began at seven o'clock cautiously to effect
their retreat, bringing their wounded with them,
and reached home a little after midnight. About
half a mile from home they met a relief party,
which had been rather tardily despatched in search
of them. The number of the natives ongaged in
this contest is estimated at from 500 to 600. It is
thought that at least 100 were killed, and it is known
that ten influential chiefs fell. On the Euro-
pean side the loss was only two killed and 11
wounded. The effect of the engagement was in this
respect very decisive, though the immediate object
of bringing in the settlers was not achieved. That,
however, was effected safely on a subsequent day,
the natives having fallen hack into the bush.
The Governor has sent to Australia for help, and
his request has been promptly responded to. All
the vessels of war on the station have left for Tara-
naki ; the City of Sydney has started from here
with 120 men of the 12th Regiment, 40 artillery-
men, and six sappers, with a large supply of ammu-
nition. The City of Hobart has also been chartered
to take 215 soldiers from Melbourne. The force
thus concentrated will, it is hoped, be sufficient to
bring the war to a speedy conclusion.