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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 10

Appendix A

Appendix A.

Extract from a Letter from the Bishop of Waiapu, dated Turanga (Poverty Bay), April 15th, 1864.

The Reports which are conveyed are of the most absurd character, such as you have had instances of in other quarters; that the losses sustained by the soldiers are something enormous; that the Queen will not send any more soldiers; that England is at war with America and Russia, and other parts of the world; that the soldiers have been driven out of Rangiriri and Meremere; that Auckland is nearly depopulated, and that the Natives of the coast have page 30 only to go there and take possession. The latest accounts which arrived while I was at Waiapu spoke of 150 of Ngatiwhakaue being killed, and the coast natives were invited to go and finish the rest, and drive away the soldiers from Maketu and Tauranga. It was to little purpose that I explained the onward inarch of troops to Awamutu and Maungatautari: my story was all English and one-sided. I pressed upon their attention the assurance of the Governor, that the lands of the Natives who remain quiet will not be interfered with but that those who go to fight will lose their land. Those who are gone to Waikato have held out threats against all who remain at home; that, on their return from destroying the "Pakehas," they will serve them in like manner, because they would not join with them."

Extract from a private Letter from a Missionary on the East Coast.

"The most absurdly exaggerated reports are in circulation about our losses at Waikato. When the poor "Avon" (Steam transport on the river) was injured, she had on board 1000 men, all of whom perished! The General must have more lives than a cat. He was killed at Waikato, and 20l. taken out of each of his boots. He went in disguise as a minister to one of the pas (I think Paterangi). The bell was rung, and he took his station in the pulpit, but counted each person as he entered. As the karakia (Church service) was proceeding, a Maori noticed some part of the uniform under the surplice; the alarm was given, and the unfortunate General was despatched. There are several other stories of the same character flying about, which are all implicitly believed."

Extract from a Letter written by W. Thompson to Natives on the East Coast, professing to report the engagement at Rangiaohia. (The actual loss to the Natives was above 100, and only one horse is said to have been killed on our side.)

"Those tribes then went on, and came to close quarters, the one with the bayonet, the other with the tomahawk. Twenty of the Pakehas fell. It was a hand to hand fight. Then came the cavalry. They now came upon our party. I called out 'fire'. One volley was fired, and every horse was killed; not one escaped. There was an end- Ngatiraukawa lost three. Urewera two, Tuwharetoa two, and Rangwewehi one.

"These were all our dead: as for the Pakehas, they had the bed (of death) to themselves.

"The General has proposed to make peace. It is ended.

"From Wi Tamehaua."

Extract from a private Letter from Cook's Straits.

"A man from Rangiaohia (Waikato) has come here. . . .He has damaged his cause by exaggerated statements. Among others, that 1500 soldiers were killed at Bangiaohia, and that Bishop Sehvyn was now second in commaud, and rode about with a sword at his side."