The cavalry was brought into requisition, and the retreating
natives were headed and turned. Thus hemmed in the
swamp, the work of destruction went on with vigour ; one
hundred and twenty of those poor wretches were killed, of
which twelve were women and several children were wounded.
A fine half-caste girl was picked up amongst the flax, with
her arm dreadfully fractured by a ball ; she was brought into
the camp and recovered.
The feeKngs of our foes were forcibly expressed by those
few words which they uttered : —

Heoi ano, ka mutu, ka whawhai tonu matou ake, ake, ake.
This is all we have to say, we shall fight on for ever.
The Colonial Government had already determined to
occupy Tauranga, regarding it as an important place on
account of its harbour. Troops were sent there ; it is difficult
to say why ; one thing was evident, that the first line of
confiscation did not give satisfaction, it was thought better
to extend it to Tauranga.
It was not long, however, before hostilities commenced.
The Gate pa was attacked by a large force, naval as well as
mihtary. It was spoken of as being in some respects
more strongly fortified than Eangiriri j yet the assault was
so impetuous, that the first line was carried. The men
fancied the place was taken, and immediately commenced
looting, when suddenly a party of Maories rushed out of
some neighbouring rifle pits, uttering one of their fearful
war cries, which caused such a panic amongst our men, that
in spite of all the efforts of their officers they fled with a loud
yell, abandoning them to their fate ; they nobly stood their
ground, and died bravely fighting. Colonel Booth fell mor-



144 KING MOVEMENT.
