E.-No. 3 .

I found the works of the enemy very strong and intricate. In the centre of the place is a deep well, .and I found large stores of potatoes. I have further to report, that I advanced to a place belonging to a man named McFarlane, about half way between the pas of Paterangi aud Pikopiko ; this mau, McFarlane, reported to me that the enemy had evacuated Pikopiko during last night, and that they had proceeded towards Eaugiaohia. The pa of Paterangi was evacuated at about seven o'clock this morning. I have, &c. E, W.VDDY, Colonel Commanding Forces near Paterangi. To the Assistant Military Secretary. COL. WEARE, 50in REGT., TO THE ASSISTANT MILITARY SECRETARY. Eaugiaohia, February 23, 18G4. Sib, — I have the honour to report, for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces, that with reference to his instructions, conveyed to me personally, for storming the enemy's works on the 22nd instant, I proceeded to carry out his directions in the following manner :— The enemy's works could only be approached by a narrow road, hemmed in on either side by high fern, through which it was impossible for the men to advance in line or skirmishing order, and necessitating the position being stormed with only a front of four deep, until within a few yards of the trench and rifle pits. This compelled me to advance the whole regiment in a column of four, at the double, over some 350 to 400 yards, under a very severe and concentrated fire from the enemy, most trying to troops in that formation. I ordered a small storming party of 20 men, under Lieut. White, 50th Regiment, to break cover, in the first instance, to endeavour to draw out the first fire of the enemy ; this party was almost simultaneously followed up by the storming party, consisting of _os. 1 and 10 companies, 50th Eegiment, under command of Captain Johnson and Captain Thompson respectively, and these three officers entered the enemy's works a 1 the head of their men, at the same time closely followed by the remainder of the regiment. The nature of the ground and formation left little for the commanding officer to do, but to place the men in the first instance, and leave the officers commanding companies to fight tlieir men; and lam proud to say that officers and men nobly did their duty, under very trying circumstances, and while exposed to a fire that must have caused a very large increase to the list of casualties had it not been for the dense dust raised by the men doubling, which partially concealed them. I beg to bring to the notice of the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces the names of Captains .Johnson and Thompson, and Lieut. White, 50th Eegiment. The Medical officers of the regiment, Drs. Davis and Dempster, accompanied the regiment into action, and shared their lot, attending to tho wounded as they fell. I much regret to say that Ensign Dovcton, 50th Eegiment, fell dangerously wounded by the side of Captain Thompson, while gallantly performing his duty. I have, &c. H. E. Weare, Colonel Commanding 50th Eegiment. To the Assistant Military Secretary.

NOMINAL RETURN OF KILLED AND WOUNDED OF THE TROOPS AT RANGIAOHIA, 21ST FEBRUARY, 1864.

31

THE NATIVE INSURRECTION.

Corps. Regimental No. Rank and Name. Age. Service. Date of Death. Place of Death. Nature of Injury. Result. (5th Eegt. - 3,658 Private Charles Askew Yrs. 32 Years. 13 Bullet wound entering right eye, passing out behind left ear. Wounded by slugs in the face. Penetrating wound of chest; lungs injured. Gunshot wound of head. Gunshot wound of head. Gunshot wound of . hand. Gunshot wound of body. Gunshot wound of abdomen. Mortally. !» 2,446 Private William Smith 38 18 Months 7 Severe. jolonial Defence Force Lieut. Col. Nixon 50 Rangiaohia Dangerous, >> Corporal Alexander ... 24 7 Feb. 21, 1864 Killed. ?) Private Alex. McHale SO 2 :) »> Killed. )» Private Brady ... 7 Slight. >» Corporal Dunn... Severe. Forest Bangers. Private John Bellender Dangerous, 'aptain Bal Assista J. MoiTAT, Inspector-Greneral, P.M.O. :er, it Militar Deput; Secretar