THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 43

was impossible to approach them and cut off the
retreat of the enemy. The whole clearing, of which
this pa formed the stronghold, was surrounded by
bush, and is situated on one of the high points of
the range of mountains running nearly in a north-
westerly direction from Weraroa. It would be
difficult to exaggerate the obstacles opposed to the
advance of the troops to such a position, or the
spirited manner in which they were overcome by all
concerned.

The defences of the pa, whares, &c., having been
burnt and completely destroyed, the troops returned
to camp.

I am much indebted to Major McDonnell and the
Native Contingent for their services on this occasion.
Dr. Featherston, Superintendent of this Province,
who accompanies the field force, was present at the
assault on Okotuku, and I have every reason to be
obliged to him for his assistance on all matters con-
nected with the Natives.

Previous to my departure from Weraroa, I sent to
the Officers commanding at Patea, Manawapou, and
Waingongoro, informing them that it was my inten-
tion to proceed northward by the inland track,
pointing out the probability of the rebels retreating
in that direction, and instructing them to patrol the
country in the vicinity of the bush near their posts,
with the view of intercepting and cutting them off.
Colonel Warre, C.B., commanding at Taranaki,
has also been instructed, if possible, to clear his
district of rebels, more particularly in the vicinity of
his Southern outposts, and to prevent their retreat
by Mataitawa, should they take the road at the back
of Mount Egmont.

On the 5th January, the Native Contingent desiring
rest, the troops were occupied in destroying culti-
vations.

On the 6th January, the force marched to the
Wenuakura River, and encamped on some high land
to the southward and front of the rebel stronghold
of Putahi. I purposed attacking the pa at once, and
had directed 200 men from the Patea to advance on
it at the same time from the side next the river, but
the only information I was enabled to obtain regard-
ing the tracks to it was so meagre that I was obliged
to wait until the following day.

On the evening of the 6th, while reconnoitering
the position, a small party of the Native Contingent
were fired upon by the enemy's scouts, resulting in
a skirmish in which we had one man wounded.

Putahi is situated on a clearing about half a mile
in diameter on the top of a hill, rising abruptly on
all sides from the river plain to the height of about
500 feet, and covered to the crest with dense bush.
The usual approach is from the side on which we are
encamped, and was one the rebels evidently antici-
pated we should attempt, having, as I was informed,
erected stockades and other impediments in the
bush to assist them in its defence-information
which I found to be perfectly correct.

Knowing that by this route the pa could only be
taken with a loss of many men, I decided on attack-
ing it in rear, and having succeeded at a late hour
on the night of the 6th in obtaining the services of a
guide with a tolerable knowledge of the country, I
marched at 3 a.m. on the morning of the 7th, with a
force,* crossed a tributary of the Wenuakura by a

• Royal Artillery-officer, 1; sergeants, 2; rank and file, 28;
  under Lieutenant Carre.
  2nd Battalion 14th Regiment-officers, 6; sergeants, 9;
  drummers, 3; rank and file, 204; under Lieut. Colonel
  Trevor.
  2nd Battalion 18th Regiment-officers, 5; sergeants, 4;
  drummers, 2; rank and file, 89; under Major Rocke.
  50th Regimat-officers, 4; sergeants, 4; drummers, 2; rank
  and 90; under Captain C. Johnson.

bridge constructed the evening before, and passing
over a plain of about half a mile, ascended a steep spur,
which brought us on an isolated plateau, lying to the
left front of the pa, about two miles distant from it in a
direct line. Descending this, the march may be de-
scribed as one continued struggle through a dense
primeval forest and bush, over ravines and gullies
which could in most cases only be ascended and de-
scended by the aid of supplejacks, and then only
with great difficulty. The extreme distance to be
traversed could not have exceeded four miles, but
the obstacles and obstructions opposed to us made it
a severe task of four hours.

When we arrived at the clearing the Native Con-
tingent, who had led through the bush, formed to the
left and on the edge of it; the Forest Rangers were
opened out in skirmishing order, and lying down to
cover the formation of the remainder of the force,
who, as they emerged one by one from the bush, were
extended with supports; the 2nd Battalion 14th
Regiment being in the centre; the 2nd Battalion 18th
Regiment on the right, and the 50th on the left; the
Native Contingent forming a reserve. The formation
occupied more than an hour, under a desultory fire
from the pa, from which we were then distant about
400 yards, and when complete I gave the order to
advance. The rebels now opened a heavy fire; but
the line did not charge until they were within eighty
yards, when, with a cheer and a rush, they carried
the position, the rebels retreating to the bush beyond,
to which I immediately sent the Native Contingent,
who followed them for some little distance. The
whole of the troops behaved admirably, and, though
working through high fern, conducted the attack as
steadily as on an ordinary parade.

The flagstaff, whares, &c., were all pulled down
and burnt. The work of destruction being com-
pleted, and the formidable pa of Putahi, hitherto
considered impregnable on account of its inaccessi-
bility, being levelled to the ground, I ordered the
troops to be marched to camp.

Their loss has probably been very severe, though
sixteen bodies only were found in and around the pa.
From information I have received, the garrison
appears to have consisted of about 200 rebels of the
worst character.

I enclose a return of our casualties, by which your
Excellency will observe we had one man killed and
seven wounded. Among the latter, I am sorry to say,
is Major McDonnell, who, as usual, was most active
and zealous, not only in directing the march through
the bush, but in pursuing the rebels in retreat.

Where all have behaved so gallantly, it is difficult
to select any names for favorable mention; but, of
the Colonial Forces, I beg especially to bring to your
Excellency's notice Major Von Tempsky, Command-
ing Forest Rangers; Major McDonnell, Commanding
Native Contingent-as also Ensign McDonnell of
the same force.

I had directed Colonel Weare, C.B., to send 100
men from the Patea to the right bank of the Wenua-
kura River, and to the right flank of the pa, in order
to intercept rebels retreating by the inland route
towards Kakaramea. I beg to forward a copy of
this officer's report of the proceedings on the occasion.

I have, &c.,
J. CHUTE,
Major-General.

His Excellency Sir G. Grey, K.С.В.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.

Forest Rangers-officers, 2; sergeants, 2; rank and file, 38;
under Major Von Tempsky.
Native Contingent, &c.-officers (including Natives), 10; rank
and file, 200; under Major McDonnell.
Total-officers, 28; sergeants, 21; drummers, 7; rank and file
649.