380
• THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

by which we had advanced on the place. As, from
the heavy and incessant firing, it was evident that
strong reinforcements of the enemy were hurry-
ing up, and we already had three wounded, I
determined upon retiring by another track which
led across the Inaha River, and which I made
some prisoners we had taken, show me. I accord-
ingly extended the whole force along one edge of
the clearing and kept the enemy in check, whilst
I collected the wounded. I sent three of them and
the prisoners down the track I was about to return
along, under a strong escort in charge of Sergeant-
Major Hall, W.Y.C. I shortly passed the rest of
the wounded (who by this time had increased to
seven) to the front, and I formed a rear-guard
under Captain Leatham, W.D.F., and sent out flank
skirmishers to the left under Ensign Poma, N.C., and
to the right under Captain Kemp and Lieutenant
Wirihana, N.C. These officers did their work so
effectually, that the rebels were completely foiled in
their attempts to outflank us, and cut off our retreat.
They were repeatedly driven back, and lost several
of their men, and their leader, who was shot by Poma,
and some of their guns; and in a short time they
retired altogether, and the firing ceased. On reaching
the open, I made stretchers for the wounded, who had
hitherto been carried on blankets, and recrossing the
Inaha proceeded to Waingongoro. Here I cannot
speak too highly of the attention and kindness shown
to us by Captain Noblett, 18th Royal Irish, command-
ing the Waingongoro Redoubts, and Assistant-
Surgeon Spencer, 18th Royal Irish.

Captain Noblett sent us carts to convey our
wounded across the Waingongoro River, and pre-
pared tents and beds for them, and Dr. Spencer gave
his valuable assistance in dressing their wounds. As
I have no hospital accommodation at Te Whenuku,
and to save the wounded the fatigue of the journey
to this post, Dr. Spencer has kindly undertaken to
attend to them.

The three men returned as dead, expired soon after
we reached Waingongoro, where they were interred
with funeral honors the following day. Giving the
force an hour's rest, I resumed my march to Te
Whenuku, which I reached at 2.30 p.m.

I enclose a list of casualties. In Farrier-Sergeant
Duff, W.Y.C., the country has lost a gallant soldier,
and I one of my right-hand men. His conduct was
always most conspicuous, and I deeply regret him.

I have conveyed to the force engaged on this occa-
sion, my hearty thanks for their gallant and steady
conduct; and I now beg to submit for the favorable
consideration of the Government the names of Ensign
Northcroft, P.R.; Cornet Hirtzell, W.Y.C.; and
Surgeon Cambell, W.R., for coolness and intrepidity
in removing the wounded under a galling fire to the
rear, in doing which Cornet Hirtzell, W.Y.C., and
Volunteer Wright were wounded. Private Econo-
mides, W.R., for gallantry in connection with the
capture of the prisoners; and Ensign Poma, N.C.,
and Volunteer Sergeants Rushton and Wright for
conspicuous conduct in the repulse of the flank
attack. The behaviour of Captain Leatham and his
detachment of the W.D.F. was most praiseworthy.

Of Captain Newland, Patea Rangers, I cannot
speak too highly; he was foremost in every part of
the field, in the surprise of the village, the removal
of the wounded, and the repulse of the enemy.

The loss of the enemy I estimate at 30 killed; 21
were counted, and others could not be counted, as
they were buried in the burning ruins of the houses.
Eight men and one lad were taken prisoners, and
20 or 30 stand of arms taken or burned in the
whares. Some casks of powder were also seen to
blow up.

The prisoners are in custody at Te Whenuhu, and
I hope to get valuable information from them.

I have, &c.,

THOS. MCDONNELL,
Major Commanding Colonial Forces,
Patea District.

Captain Holt, Under Secretary,
Colonial Defence Office, Wellington.

List of Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and
Men wounded at Pungarehu, on the morning of the
2nd October, 1866.

Wounded (since dead).
Sergeant Duff, W. Y. C., right neck, mortally, since
dead.
Private Green, W. R., chest, mortally wounded,
since dead.
Volunteer Wright, rightknee joint, mortally wounded,
since dead.

Wounded.
Cornet Hirtzell, W. Y. C., right shoulder, severely.
Trooper Noonal, W. Y. C., hip, severely.
Volunteer Spencer, both legs, severely.
Private Monehira, N. C., left thigh, severely.

J. B. F. SUTHER, M.B.,
Assistant Surgeon, Local Forces,
Patea District.

Ketamaria, 3rd October, 1866.

Printed under the authority of the New Zealand Government, by GEORGE DIDSBURY, Government Printer, Wellington.