The troops had advanced to within range of Kawiti's pah, into which they had thrown several shells, by which some of the natives were slain. The day before the Aurora left Hokianga, a report was brought in by one of the New Zealanders, that Kawiti's pah had been taken by the troops and burnt, the tribe having receded to Honi Heki's pah. This, however, was held as a fabrication, and the general opinion was, that Colonel Despard was merely keeping them in check until the pioneers had cut passages through the dense scrub. H.M.S. Osprey had been sent round to Hokianga to protect the settlers there.

SG & SGTL ; 24 Jan 1846 ; Page 26

23 Jan 1847 The schooner John Bull reports that a vessel had arrived at Auckland from the Bay of Islands, bringing intelligence that Heki had collected followers and again commenced hostilities ; also, that the Driver had been dispatched for the Bay with troops to quell the insurrection.

SG & SGTL ; Vol 4 ; Page 27

19 May 1847 HMS Racehorse.- This fine sloop-of-war has made rather a lengthened passage of nineteen days from Auckland, having encountered a succession of strong south-west winds and much bad weather since leaving that port. She is the bearer of despatches from Governor Grey, requesting that more troops may be immediately sent down. The Racehorse left Port Nicholson only on the 21st April, and made a fine run to Auckland of four days, from whence she was immediately despatched to this port. HMS Calliope was at Wellington when the Racehorse sailed and Governor Grey would proceed there from Auckland in H. M. steamer Inflexible on the 30th April.

SG & SGTL ; Vol 4 ; Page 147.

Naval Intelligence.- Extract of a letter from Auckland, dated 19th December [1847]:-

"The Dido is about starting for the Fegee Islands, in consequence of some murders lately committed. The Bishop goes in her to visit those islands. She sails on Tuesday, 21st.

The Inflexible starts shortly for the Bay of Islands, and, I believe, Wellington and other places, with the Governor, General Pitt, and Colonel Mundy; she has been surveyed and found defective, and recommended by the Surveying Officers to proceed to be docked at Madras or elsewhere, but not to run more than three months without being repaired.

The Calliope still stationary, and no immediate prospect of her going to China, as her services, which have been so frequently and beneficially tested, are still in demand. Her crew are yet under canvas, and the ship painting and refitting."

SG & SGTL Vol 5 ; p 12 [1848]

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