From our own Correspondent On Board HMS Pioneer 1863
As we watched the shells bursting over the Maoris redoubt we on board the gunboats in the river cheered and clapped as we would a grand play.
We saw the skirmishers thrown out for the assualt, planks and ladders were so skilfully placed that the troops crossed the big ditch without difficulty, charged in, cleared the rifle pits and pushed on for the centre of the works.
Presently to our great surprise, we saw there was a check in front, the Maoris keeping up as a hot a fire as ever and down came an orderly in fiery haste with word that General Cameron wanted the Bluejackets up at front.
This time we thought surely nothing can stand up against the charge, but again we saw a recoil and still the Maori fire continued as hot and steadt as ever. Wounded men pale and bleeding lying fainting on stretchers or staggering blindly in the arms of their comrades began to drop in frightfully fast.
The Maoris were holding their ground as firmly and cooly as the finest troops in the world.
It was now dark
and nothing more could be done, but at daybreak a white flag was seen and immediately afterwards the troops rushing about and cheering tremendously, told us that the Maoris had given in and that the place was ours.
Contributed by the New zealand Herald Centennial Record November 13th 1963.
