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descent on the town of Wanganui, but were met and repulsed by a body of friendly natives from the lower Wanganui district. The main fight took place on the island of Moutoa, about fifty miles up the river, and a number of Maoris were killed on both sides. Dr. Featherston, as General Government Agent, was immediately on the spot and took steps to prevent a recurrence of hostilities. He armed the friendlies, fortified the river against further attack, established confidence among the settlers, and caused a handsome marble monument to be erected in the town of Wanganui to the memory of the brave men who fell at Moutoa. But, as will presently appear, Dr. Featherston has other claims to what one of his correspondents terms the "fidelity of the tribes to their absent chief." Major Kepa and Captain Aperaniko served with the Native Contingent under Major-General Chute in his celebrated Taranaki campaign; and the former of these chiefs received, as the gift of the Queen, a handsome sword, in recognition of his loyalty and valorous conduct in the field. This native force, composed of the best men of the Lower Wanganui, Ngatiapa and Rangitane tribes, was organised and commanded by Major (now Lt.-Col.) McDonnell; but this gallant officer was wounded at the commencement of the campaign, and the responsibility and control of the native allies then devolved on Dr. Featherston, who had accompanied the expedition as a Volunteer. The pen of the late Von Tempskey has described in graphic terms how Dr. Featherston kept the rival factions together and led them into action—