THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
81

Leaving Lieutenant Simeon and his party
at the head of a large gully running up to-
wards the river, so as to keep open an easy
and direct communication in our rear, I moved
to the extreme right, seeing that some of the
enemy were retiring in that direction from
the old Maori pah (Waiari) on my left.

At about 4 o'clock p.m. our force was aug-
mented by Captain Doran, 50th regt., and
Ensign Campbell, 50th, with about 30 men,
who reinforced the skirmishers under Captain
Fisher. One of the skirmishers having
attracted the attention of others to a man of
the 50th, who was wounded and half drowning
in the stream, Captain Doran, 50th, hastened
to the rescue, lifted him out of the water, and
succeeded in having the man taken into camp
alive, where, I regret to say, he afterwards
expired. About an hour before dusk we were
again reinforced by the Forest Rangers under
Captain Jackson and Captain Von Tempsky.
I cannot speak too highly of the dashing man-
ner in which they behaved, and the assistance
they rendered, also the manner in which they
co-operated with me in covering the with-
drawal of the troops at dusk, as did also
Captain Doran, 50th regt., and his party. I
much regret that our casualties have been so
severe, but, from the nature of the skirmish,
and difficulties encountered through the for-
mation of the ground, and thick fern and
scrub in the gullies, they were unavoidable.

The loss of the enemy I estimate at about
35 killed and wounded, and the number en-
gaged at about 200.

Many stands of arms were captured by us;
also ammunition, pouches, &c., fell into our
hands.

It is with the greatest pleasure that I now
record the unparalleled gallantry and soldier-
like coolness exhibited by all engaged in the
affair, and the praiseworthy conduct of the
troops throughout, which was not to be sur-
passed.

I beg to bring to your notice the names of
the following officers-viz., Captain the Hon.
F. Le Poer Trench, 40th regt.; Captain Fisher,
40th regt.; Captain Doran, 50th regt.; and
Lieutenant Simeon, 40th regt.; who each, in
their different positions behaved in a manner
worthy of approbation. Also Lieutenant
Leech, 50th regt., who rendered me every
assistance in conveying orders, and Assistant
Surgeon Styles who, under a sharp fire, paid
every care and attention to the wounded, and
was ably assisted by Hospital Sergeant John
Hollett, 40th, regt.

I have, &c.,

JOHN BOWDLER,
Brigade Major 40th regt.,
Field Officer of the day.

To Colonel Waddy, C.B.,
Commanding Camp,
before Paterangi.

POSTAL.

Examination of Candidates for Employment in
Postal Department.

General Post Office,
Auckland, 15th February, 1864.
NOTICE is hereby given that in all future
cases of persons receiving appointments
in any of the chief Postal Offices (except
Messengers or Letter Carriers), the Candi-
dates will be required to undergo a previous
examination as to their general geographical
knowledge, and especially as regards the
geography of New Zealand and the Austra-
lian Colonies.

These examinations will be conducted by
the respective Chief Postmasters.

THOMAS B. GILLIES,
Postmaster-General.

POSTAL.

The Under-Secretary for Colonial Defence to
Frank and receive Letters Free.

General Post Office,
Auckland, 20th February, 1864.
HIS Excellency the Governor has been
pleased to authorize the Under-Secretary
for Colonial Defence, to Frank and Receive
Official Letters and Packets free of postage,
in terms of the Proclamation of the 12th
February, 1862.

WILLIAM FOX,
For the Postmaster-General.

TRIAL TRIP OF THE I.C.R.M. CO.'S
S. S. 'OTAGO.'

General Post Office,
Auckland, Feb. 8, 1864.
THE following correspondence respecting
the trial trip of the Inter-Colonial Royal
Mail Company's s. s. 'Otago,' is published
for general information.

WILLIAM FOX,
For the Postmaster-General.

H. M. S. 'Curaçoa,'
Auckland Harbor,
4th February, 1864.
SIR,-In pursuance of your Excellency's
request I directed the senior assistant en-
gineer on board to attend the trial trip of
the I.C.R.M.S.N. Co.'s ship 'Otago,' on the
2nd instant, and have now the honor to for-
ward his report thereon.

I have, &c.,
DUKE YONGE,
Senior Lieutenant and Commanding
Officer.

To His Excellency
Sir George Grey, K.C.B.,
&c.,
&c., &c.

H. M. S. 'Curaçoa,'
February 3rd, 1864.
SIR,-In compliance with your order of