(4)

about a mile, we suddenly discovered that the
enemy had established himself in a stockade on
the spur of a hill which was not only excessive-
ly steep and precipitous upon each side, but so
narrow in places that only a few men could
proceed abreast.

The stockade that was visible appeared evi-
dently very strong, composed of heavy logs of
timber placed horizontally one over another,
with loop holes to fire through.

Some of the enemy having appeared in front,
a heavy fire was opened on both sides they
made repeated attempts to turn our left flank,
but were driven back with great loss to their
position.

I regret to state that in the action our loss
was severe, having two killed and nine wounded,
as will be seen by the annexed return. I parti-
cularly lament the loss of a most promising
young officer, Ensign Blackburn 99th regt.,
who was acting Brigade Major, and who evin-
ced the greatest zeal and gallantry on the
occasion. The firing lasted till dark, when find-
ing my position unfavourable to occupy at night,
I left 2 officers and 120 men to assist our na-
tive allies to watch the enemy, and again took
up the post I had left in the morning.

The enemy admitted to have lost five killed
and two wounded, among the number one chief
named "Te Oro," and "Tapuke," the murderer
of Richard Rush at the Hutt.

On the 8th inst., having been reinforced by
a captain, subaltern, and eleven of the Royal
Artillery, with two small mortars under the di-
rection of Captain Henderson of that corps,
I again advanced towards the position, although
I found great obstacles in using shells from the
loftiness of the trees, which intercepted our
view of the enemy. We, however, succeeded in
throwing a number into the stockade, and so
continued to harrass them throughout the day,
The enemy kept up a fire upon us during the
whole time. His position having been thus
felt and ascertained to be defended by strong
entrenchments thrown across the steep and
narrow ridge of a lofty and densely wooded hill,

The rebels being in retreat, there was every
reason to believe that their intention was to
pour a few destructive vollies into our men as
they advanced, crowded as they must have been
into so narrow a space along the steep ridge,
and then to fly into the woods in the rear, thus
abandoning without loss a position, which, from
the want of supplies, it was impossible for them
to retain for more than a few days. It did not
appear expedient to incur so large a sacrifice of
life to attain a post useless in itself, and which
must soon have been ours without any loss;
moreover the destruction of so many of her
Majesty's troops without an equivalent propor-
tion on the part of of the enemy, would have been
regarded by the natives as a great victory on
the side of Rangihaeata- might have produced
a bad impression on the country generally-and
have destroyed the effect of our previous suc-
cesses. Taking into consideration also the great
want of facilities for provisioning so large a
force, I at last accepted the offers made by the
friendly chiefs, to permit them to remain on the
ground and locate themselves in temporary pas
whilst they cleared the scrub and erected round
the enemy a palisade after the Maori system of
warfare, so as to cut off his means of obtaining
either water or provisions, and thus either cap-
ture him or force him to fly from his position.

In addition to the before-mentioned obstacles
opposed to me, the rear of my position was
subjected to constant floods, I therefore deemed
it right to make arrangements for withdrawing
my force from the Horokiwi valley to the pa of
Panhatanni and Porirua Point, leaving the na-
tive allies to carry out their own plans, and
reserving the troops for further operations
when required.

Your Excellency having seen our position,
and being well aware of all the difficulties and
impediments, as well as hardships, to which the
force under my command have been subjected,
I need not dwell further in describing them.

I cannot close this report without expressing
my particular obligations to Major Arney, 58th
regiment, my second in command, for the ad-
vice and assistance he at all times rendered me.
To Captain Armstrong, 99th regiment, com-
manding the 2nd division-Captain Henderson,
commanding Royal Artillery-Lieut. Elliott,
99th regiment, acting Engineer-and to Ensign
Servantes, 96th regiment, interpreter to the
forces, my best thanks are due.

I must thank Captain Stanley of H. M. S.
Calliope, for his assistance in forwarding the
operations: I also received the best aid from the
officers and seamen of H.M.S. Calliope and
Driver; Lieutenants Thorpe and Connolly, and
all under their command deserve the highest
praise...

The wounded received the best attention from
Dr. Galbraith, and the other medical officers
under his direction.

I have every reason to be satisfied with the
exertions of the Commissariat Department; and
I must not omit to mention the meritorious
conduct of Captain M'Donogh, and the militia
under his command, as well as that of all the
officers, non-commissioned officers, seamen,
soldiers, and police force, employed on this oc-
casion.

It further affords me pleasure and satisfac-
tion to speak of the great service the native
allies from Port Nicholson rendered me, as well
as the friendly portion of the Ngatitoa tribe
who joined us, and beg to thank the chiefs of
the several parties for the zeal and exertion of
themselves and followers.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency's most obedient,
humble servant,

EDWARD LAST,
Major 99th Regt.,
Commanding the Troops
Southern Division.

His Excellency
Governor Grey,
&c., &c.