Engagement at Okutuku.

1868

Hocken Pictorial Collections - 13,397

a264

Lower centre (l.c.) in ink: Engagement at Okutuku; label in ink in Dr Hocken’s hand: Sketch of the second attack on Otukutu, 7th Nov. 1868, drawn by a soldier who was present. The fight, which took place about 8 miles east of Patea, is sometimes spoken of as the repulse of Moturoa. In the sketch, troopers, or the Armed Constabulary are shown falling back from the palisade. The wounded, including Major Hunter who was wounded mortally were carried out but the dead bodies were abandoned. (Note- Major von Tempsky had been killed two months before at Ngutu-o-te-Manu); obscured label in ink in Dr Hocken’s hand: This picture was drawn by Major von Tempsky who has introduced his own likeness (marked with a x). It well-represents one form of bush-fighting during the war on the Taranaki or West Coast where the natives have erected a rough, strongly palisaded pa from the forest trees. The fight took place on Jan 3rd 1866. Von Tempsky, the bravest of soldiers & founder of the celebrated Forest Rangers was killed at the fight of Ngutu-o-te-Manu on Sep 7th 1868. T.M.H.

394 x 135 mm

pen & ink on paper

Dr T.M. Hocken’s Collection.