The Sun. — 1846-09-29 (London, England)

MONDAY.—An inquest was held on the body of Andrew Gillespie, before J. Fitzgerald, Esq., M.D., coroner, and another jury of settlers, empannelled for the occasion. After receiving the evidence respecting the finding of the body, &c., the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown."  The foreman also gave the following letter:— "I, on behalf of the jury assembled on the body of Andrew Gillespie, do hereby state that it is our opinion that every attention and possible care was paid to the unfortunate deceased till the time of his death by Dr. Turnbull, M.D., of the River Hutt, and all other persons about them.  " April 6.  " On behalf of the jury, " A, LUDLAM, Foreman.  " To J. P. Fitzgerald, M.D., Coroner, Wellington." The body was brought-over and placed in the church, there to remain till the funeral.  At seven P m. her Majesty's steamer Driver, six guns, C. 0. Hays, with his Excellency Captain Grey and suite on board, and a body of the military, departed for Porirua. Her Majesty's ship Castor was compelled to remain at anchor, owing to the unfavourable S.E. weather.  Ensign Cervantes and party proceeded to Paramatta, the pah of Rauparaha. He delivered an address to his followers, of three hours' duration. About one o'clock the steamer hove in sight, and, on the anchor being dropped, Rauparaha went on board. He stated to Captain Grey his determination of taking part with the white men, and that if Rangihaeata would not give up the murderers, he would instantly go against him Rauparaha also told his .followers, that if they fought against the Europeans they would ultimately be entirely cut off. It is further stated, that from Wakanai to Manawatti the entire native population are prepared to join Rauparaha.  Rangiliaeata has left Taupo, and thrown himself into a fortification lately built by the Ngatirangatahi, about four miles from the Bay. We are informed that the position is admirably chosen for defenee ; however, we think the tiger will soon be driven from his lair. His associates are murderers and robbers—determined and desperate men, and the sooner these hornets' nests are destroyed the better for Port Nicholson. The Wairau murderers—the Hutt robbers—and subsequent murderers are amongst them. And Captain Grey, we trust, will hold no parley with these savages. Yesterday morning, her Majesty's ship Castor, 86 guns, Captain Graham, got under weigh, and proceeded to Porirua.  At one o'clock, the remains of the unfortunate Gillespie and son were interred in the public cemetery. The Rev.:R. Cole performed the funeral service. About one hundred and fifty of the inhabitants paid their last tribute of respect by following the funerals. From what we can learn, it appears that a party:of natives came down on the Hutt from Porirua, bent on sacrificing any unfortunate white man they might come across. That three or four crossed the river, and perpetrated the cruel deed we have above recorded, whilst the remainder covered the retreat of the murderers to the bush. Some blankets and a few trifling articles were taken from the house. The elder son of Gillespie had been sent down to the bridge on a message. Had he been present, there is every reason to believe that he would also have been sacrificed by the monsters. Gillespie has left a widow and one son to lament his untimely end. We are also informed that the natives visited a dwelling-house lower down the river, but that, fortunately for the owners, they were absent at the time. The Government must now take energetic means to protect the out- settlers. Since the murder, a body of natives have been observed hovering about the Hutt. In consequence, we believe, orders have been issued to the troops stationed there, under command of Captain Armstrong of th• 99th, to fire upon any armed body of natives who may make their appearance. Her Majesty's steamer Driver returned to port last night, and her Majesty's ship Castor this morning. Various rumours are afloat. We believe a combined movement will shortly be made against Rangihaeata.— Wellington Independent, April 8.