CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO NATIVE DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1868 Session I, A-08

A.—No. 8.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO NATIVE DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.'

WELLINGTON.

1868.

A.—No. 8.

No. 1. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 31-2.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir,— Carlyle, 11th April, 1868. I have tho honor to report, that yesterday (10th instant), complaint was made to me by a man named Henderson, who lives at Mokoia, to the effect that he and another man named Luxford have bought land from military settlers near the bush inland from Mokoia, and not far from a Native village called Whakamara, and that they had been turned back three times by Hauhaus from Vhakamara, when going to their land for the purpose of preparing it for cultivation. On that day (10th instant), the Natives had waylaid them close to the village of Mokoia, had taken from them a bag of grass seed, and, after pulling them about for some time, had forcibly turned them back. When this statement was made to me, I requested the Officer Commanding Volunteer Militia to send fifteen men of the Volunteer Militia, who had previously been placed on pay, together with two mounted men of the Armed Constabulary, to tho blockhouse at Mokoia. I decided on this course of action as the Natives were aware of the departure of the Armed Constabulary from this district; and 1 was afraid that if their opposition to settlers occupying their land was allowed to pass unnoticed in this instance, we should soon probably have further trouble. This morning early I went to Mokoia, and proceeded thence, in company with the two men, Henderson and Luxford, across the Hingahape Biver, and towards their land. "Wo found that a bridges at the usual crossing place had been broken down. After crossing the river, a young chief named Bangihacata, from Mokoia, rode on to give information to the Whakamara Natives. On arriving at the boundary line of Henderson's land, three men and one woman (Hauhau from Whakamara) met us. They sat down on each side of the pathway, and requested us to stay where we were. I immediately passed through the line they had formed, and sat beyond or inland of the Hauhau, thus placing myself and the two men in the position of owners of the land, and the Hauhau (who were seated seaward) as our guests. The Natives appeared very surly, and a young man named Tumoana asked me what I had come there for. I answered I had come there for the purpose of accompanying the men who were with mo to their land. Ho (Tumoana) replied with the usual arguments of tho Hauhau, that we (the Government) had first made peace with them (the Maoris), and after lulling them into security, were now, in time of peace, trying to steal their land from them. He requested me to return and locate European settlors seaward of the Hingahape Stream, but that the Maoris would never consent to settlers occupying land near the bush ; that the Hauhaus would continue to oppose settlers in the occupation of that land, and that they should burn down any fences or whares the settlors might erect,—arguing, at the same time, that they should bo destroying their own property only, the timber, &c, having grown on their land. I told the Natives that they were well aware that the land had been confiscated, and that ample reserves (the boundaries of which they knew) had been made for the Pakakohi hapu; that these men were intending to live quietly and peaceably on land which had been given by Government for service done ; that I was there as a servant of the Government, and that I was determined that these men should occupy their land and build their houses upon it. Tumoana said, "We never gave you our consent to the confiscation of this land. "We protested against the survey, a,nd sent back the surveyors several times ; and we only allowed the surveyors to finish their work, when you wrote a letter to us, because the word had gone forth that there should be peace in this district, but we will not allow Pakehas to come here. If, as you say, you are determined to bring these men on their land, if you bring with you the force you have brought to Mokoia to carry out this determination of yours, let us know when you intend to come, that I may collect some men hero to meet you." I said, " Peace has been established in the district for a considerable time, and it will not be broken by me; say the word and I will take the Militia back to Patea to-night, at the same time understand, that these men are to work unmolested." Tumoana said, ;' Take back the Militia to Patea." I replied, "They shall go back to-night if you give your consent that the men shall occupy their land unmolested." He said, " Take away the Militia and these men also." I said, "If you send these men with the Militia, I shall on the other hand have to bring the Militia here with the men." By this time they had talked themselves into good humour ; I therefore left them sitting, and went on some distance further. On my return, I shook hands with the Natives and told them the white men would return to their work, and I hoped they (tho Natives) would make friends with them. After we had returned to the blockhouse, Bangihacata, who in tho morning had been violently opposed to the occupation of the land inland of the Hingahape Stream, told me that if the white men insisted on going to their place the opposition would cease, and pressed me to take back the Militia. I thought it best, however, to leave them for a day or two, in case tho Natives should show any further opposition. The Natives with whom I hold the conversation have not yet had any communication with Europeans. I have, &c, James Booth, To the Hon. tho Native Minister, Resident Magistrate, Wellington. Carlyle, Patea.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

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No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 35-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic— Carlyle, 13th April, 1868. I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a letter received last evening from Inspector Hunter, A.C., together with my reply thereto. I have, &c, James Boom, The Hon. the Native Minister, Besident Magistrate, Wellington. Carlyle, Batea.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. (No. 258-1.) Copy of a Letter from Mr. Hunter to Mr. Booth. Sic,— Patea, 12th April, 186 S. I have the honor to request you will inform me whether you consider tho services of the Volunteer Militia any longer necessary, as I have been instructed by the Government to disband them at once, should you not think they are required for the protection of settlors iv this district. I have, Ac, J. Booth, Esq., Besident Magistrate, W. Huntee, Inspector A.C. Batea. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Booth to Mr. Huntee. (No. 32-2.) Besident Magistrate's Court, Sic,— Carlyle, 13th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, number and date as per margin, and in reply to state that I consider the services of the Volunteer Militia, at the present time stationed at Mokoia, to be absolutely necessary for the protection of settlers who have in vain attempted to occupy their land situated at the edge of the bush not far from Whakamara. Two men named Henderson and Luxford were turned back no less than three times by the Whakamara Natives. The last occasion was on Eriday last, when the Natives came out as far as the village at Mokoia,. waylaid the two men above mentioned, pulled them about a good deal, and forced them back. I have, &c, Inspector Hunter, No. 3 Division, James BooTn, Armed Constabulary, Patea. Besident Magistrate, Carlyle, Patea.

No. 258, 12th April, 1868.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to tho Hon. J. C. Biciimond. Resident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, Bth April, 1868. I have the honor to report that the Natives in this district are at present all quiet, the only exceptions being first in the case of a Mr. E. Bayloy, who wrote a letter complaining that the Natives had ejected him from his land at Kakaramea, and second, in the case of several petty thefts which have been committed in the district by individual Natives. I have the honor to enclose letters showing the steps taken by me with reference to the affair with Bayley. I have further to state that orders came here for the removal of tho Armed Constabulary on the same day that I had written the enclosed letter to Major Hunter, that since that time a number of men (about forty) have volunteered to serve as militiamen, and that I have sent a message to Mr. Bayley, who has gone to Taranaki, to advise him on his return to go on to his land and recommence his work there, and that a number of militiamen, with two or three mounted constables, will be sent to protect him. I have also given orders, through the Inspector, that the constables are to apprehend any Natives who may be found destroying property belonging to settlers, or who are determined to oppose settlers in the occupation of their land. Yesterday, at Waihi, Katene, the late guide to the Colonial Eorce, was convicted of having stolen property from the whare of two men, named Butherford and Pope, of the value of £14; I sentenced him to six months imprisonment with hard labour. He has not returned any of the property. Yesterday I went with a man, named Hiscock, who has been robbed inland of Ketemarae, to try and identify the thieves, but he failed to do so. The Natives were perfectly civil and obliging everywhere, and the settlors, one and all, speak very highly of the kind treatment they receive personally from their Maori neighbours, with tho single exception of Mr. Bayley. I have, &c, The Hon. tho Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

Enclosure 1 in No. 8. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to Mr. Htjntee. Sib,— Batea, 29th March, 1868. Complaints haying been made to me by Mr. E. Bayley, of Kakaramea, that Natives have forcibly ejected him from his land, and also from Mr. Winchcomb and others near the township of Wairoa, that the Natives in that district are stealing all their moveable property :

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I have the honor to request that 3 rou will send to each of the above-mentioned places (Kakaramea and AVairoa) a few armed constables, Avho will patrol the country and apprehend any Natives Avho are determined to oppose the settlers in occupation of their land. I have, &c, The Officer Commanding Armed Constabulary, James Booth, Patea. Resident Magistrate.

Enclosure 2 in No. 3. (No. 241-1.) Copy of a Letter from Mr. Huntee to Mr. J. Booth. Sic— Patea, 29th March, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day's date, requesting me to send a few of the Armed Constabulary to Kakaramea and Wairoa, to patrol in those neighbourhoods, and beg to inform you that I have complied with your request. I have, &c, James Booth, Esq., Besident Magistrate, W. Huntee, Patea. Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to Mr. Bolleston. No. 33-2. Resident Magistrate's Court, Sic,— Carlyle, 13th April, IS6B. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, number and date as per margin, stating that reports have been received at the Defence Office, from which it appears that I had requested that a party of about fifteen men might bo sent to Kakaramea, and a similar number to Oika, and to express surprise that no report should have been received from me, and also asking me to explain the reasons which induced me to apply for parties of the Military. In reply, I have the honor to state that I did not apply for Military, but for Armed Constables, about eighty of whom were living in Patea without any employment whatever. At tho time that I made tho application I had just returned from Whanganui, where I had been in attendance on the Pokaikai Commissioners, and had to go off in great haste up the country to attend a Native Meeting at Te Ngutu-o-tc-Manu, and being very much hurried, I had not time to write a proper report. Arriving at Waihi in the evening, we (Major Hunter, Captain Pago, and myself) stayed at that post for the night, intending next morning at daylight to go on to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. About midnight an orderly arrived at Waihi with a letter stating that the Armed Constabulary were ordered to Hokltika. I therefore returned to Patea at once, but next morning I had again to go go up country about a theft that had been committed near Turuturumokai. When I returned to Patea I wrote a report which has been forwarded. The constable who has been acting as Clerk to the Court had to go with the force to Hokitika. The Militia were called out by order of Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, who told me that he had authority to do so from the Defence Office. I have, &c., James Booth, W. Bolleston, Esq., Under Secretary, Besident Magistrate, Native Department, Wellington. Carlyle, Patea.

No. 150-2, April 4, 1868.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 35-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 14th April, 1868. I am sorry to have to report that robberies by Maoris in the neighbourhood of Turuturumokai and Keteonetea are become of frequent occurrence. Last week a Waitara Native, named Patu, who was fortunately seen by some lads from Matangarara, broke into the house of a man named Lcnnon, and took three looking-glasses therefrom (these being the only articles ho could at the time lay hands on). Patu has gone off to the bush inland of Keteonetea, but there is a probability that he may again appear. I have sent to Sub-Inspector Boss, A.C., at Waihi, a warrant for his apprehension. Sub-Inspector Boss also reported yesterday that on Saturday last (11th instant), the house of a man named Cameron, between Turuturumokai and Matangarara, was broken into during tho owner's absence, and every article the house contained taken away, including a Government rifle and ammunition. Most of these thefts are supposed to have been committed by Waroa Natives who attended the Native meeting at To Ngutu-o-te-Manu, and are now roaming about the district. There is at the present time only one mounted constable stationed at Waihi; patrolling is therefore out of the question. In tho meantime, I have advised tho settlers living near the bush to have some central place in which to deposit their stores and any valuable articles they may have, and, in turn, to keep guard over them. Hitherto, settlers have placed every facility in the hands of intending thieves by building merely temporary raupo whares near the bush and leaving them sometimes for days unprotected. I have, &c, James Booth, The Hon. the Native Minister, Besident Magistrate, Wellington. Carlyle, Patea. 2

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No. 6. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 37-2.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 14th April, 1868. Referring to my letter of the 11th instant, reporting that two men, Henderson and Luxford, had been sent off their land, I have the honor further to state that the same men went yesterday by my direction to cut fern, &c, and prepare their land for cultivation. They worked unmolested until between three and four o'clock p.m. when eight Natives (seven men and one woman) went to them and obliged them to return to Mokoia. The woman tried to wrest a fern scythe out of Henderson's hand which he refused to give up. A man named Tokorangi then rushed forward, and used most abusive and threatening language in broken English, at the same time flourishing a tomahawk in the men's faces. They (the Natives) became at length so violent that the two white men were glad to get away, and they say that nothing will tempt them to go to their land again, as they are afraid that the Natives when excited will injure them. Baraone (Brown), of Manutahi, was one of tho Natives who sent the Europeans back. They say he was very firm in ordering them back, but that he did not attempt to use violence. To-day I saw Tokorangi, at Mokoia, and had a long conversation with him. He says he has from the first protested against the land being surveyed, and that he has several times spoken his mind on the subject before yourself and Mr. Barris, and that now the Pakakohi Natives are quite determined that no white man shall occupy land near the bush. Beyond the occupation of the redoubt at Mokoia, which I have already reported, I have refrained from taking any steps whatever in this matter until I have instructions from you. The Natives, with the exception of Tokorangi, aro perfectly civil to me, but at the same time they are very firm in their opposition to the occupation of the land in question. In conclusion I may mention that the two men, Henderson and Luxford, are the first Europeans who have attempted to occupy the country inland of Mokoia. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, . Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 7. Copy of Letter from Mr. J. Boom to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 39-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 25th April, 1868. I have the honor to report that on Monday evening last (20th), I left Patea in company with Mr. Inspector Hunter, Capt. Page (Volunteer Militia), and about thirty men, for the purpose of giving protection to the two men, Henderson and Luxford, who had been turned off their land by the Pakakohi Natives. I had previously written a letter to Mr. Inspector Hunter, copy of which 1 have the honor to forward. We arrived at Mokoia at about 10.30 p.m.; the men had a few hours sleep, and at 4 a.m. we were again on the march, Henderson acting as guide. We passed the Native village of Mokoia in silence, crossed the Hingahape Stream, which was about knee deep, and just at break of day we took up a position on the land in question, at a place called Matakara. We found a shed which had been put up by the Whakamara Natives when they determined to prevent the settlers passing to their work. At daylight the reveille was sounded and camp fires were lit, when the Natives in the village (Mokoia) below first became aware of our movements. About an hour afterwards a man named Tokorangi, who had assaulted Henderson, as already reported by me,* arrived in our camp from Whakamara,; ho was taken quite by surprise, not expecting to find anyone there. I made him a prisoner on the charge above mentioned. Several other Natives came and went during the day from Whakamara, Mokoia, and other places. In the afternoon, Paraone, from Manutahi, arrived in camp ; I also made him prisoner on the same charge as that against Tokorangi. Wharematangi and several others, arrived in the evening from Putahi. In reply to a question as to why I had come there with an armed party, I stated that I had come solely for the purpose of giving protection to the settlers who had been repeatedly sent off their land by tho Pakakohi Natives ; that I did not intend to make any attack on the villages or property of Natives, but that I intended to stay where I then was, with the Militia, until I had a promise from them (the Pakakohi) that they would not further molest the settlers in the peaceful occupation of their land. Thursday, the 23rd, was the day appointed on which all the hapu would meet at the camp Matakara, to talk over this matter. Paraone and Tokorangi were liberated, at Wharematangi's request, and on their promising solemnly that for the future they would make no further opposition. On Wednesday we had visits from several Natives, who were very friendly, and supplied us with vegetables. On Thursday afternoon, about thirty men, besides some women and children, came into the camp at Matakara, and after a long talk they by degrees gave way, first stating that they were willing that European settlers should go where they pleased in the country, but they should not cultivate. Second, they would allow settlers to cultivate their land, but that it should be called Native land ; and at last they withdrew all opposition and accepted my terms, namely, that settlers should be allowed to work, each one on his own land, without molestation from Natives. On my part, I promised to withdraw the Militia from Matakara and from Mokoia, which was done on the following morning. The settlers are now quietly at their work, and the Natives will not, I think, give any further trouble in this neighbourhood. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

* No. 37-2, April 14, 1868.

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A.—No. 8.

Enclosure in No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to Inspector Huntee. (No. 38-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic— Carlyle, 20th April, 1868. As the Natives in tho neighbourhood of Mokoia and Whakamara are still determined to resist every attempt on the part of European settlers to occupy their land, and after consulting with Mr. Parris, Civil Commissioner, on the subject, I have the honor to request that you will, as soon as convenient, send a small body of men across the Hingahape Stream, inland from Mokoia, and so place them as to give protection to tho settlers Henderson and Luxford, who have as previously reported by mo been ejected from their land. The post to be occupied will bo on Government (or confiscated) ground, and the men composing the force are to understand that they are simply to protect settlers from insult or violence at the hands of the Natives, and if a disturbance should arise in consequence of this movement, the Natives must be allowed to take the initiative. I have, &c, Inspector Hunter, Armed Constabulary, James Booth, Patea. Besident Magistrate.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to tho Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 41-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, sth May, 1868. I have tho honor to report that late on Sunday evening (3rd), a man named Smith, who keeps an accommodation house at Waingongoro, came to me and complained that two horses belonging to him and one belonging to Mr. E. McDonnell, which were stolen a week or ten days ago, were known to be in possession of the Natives at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, that those Natives refused to give them up, and declared that they would take any horses or other property they could lay hands on. At daylight yesterday, I left Patea, and went to Waihi. I then sent a message to Waingongoro, to ask Mr. Smith to come up at once. After breakfast I started for Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu in company with Captain Boss, Sub-Inspector, A.C., in command at Waihi, Mr. Smith, and two mounted constables. To Ngutu-o-te-Manu is about ten miles inland from Waihi, the most part through dense bush ; on our way we were overtaken by some Natives from Hatepe, who tried to pursuade me to go back, as they knew the horses would not be given up, and they were afraid that I should be shot if we went on. On arriving at the village, we found that Titokowaru was very ill, and not able to see me. I went to his whare, but did not see him. Toi, a young chief, then came out of another whare, ho looked very sullen and refused to shake hands, merely saying " there is the house (the large new house recently built) I suppose you have come to look after thieves." After a short time I went into the house, a fine weather-boarded building eighty feet long. After sitting in silence for a short time, I stood up and spoke, first saluting them all, and then speaking of the new whare. I reminded them of my last visit to the place and all that had then passed between us, that they and I had each pledged the other that peace and goodwill should for tho future be between us. In confirmation of their good feeling they had presented me (Government) with a gun, and that the gun had been stamped upon by Toi and Titokowaru ; my part of the peace contract had been faithfully kept, but judging from Toi's words to me, I should say that their part of it had been broken. After a great deal of whispering together on the part of the Natives, Toi stood up and said, " We have the horses you have come in search of, I have them, and I do not intend to give them up ; one, a mare, was mine originally, the others are the property of Europeans ; I intend to take the horses and other property of Europeans whenever I can." I said, " What is the cause of this change, I have kept my word ; we Europeans have not molested you in any way. Why have you committed this great wrong, and gone about like rats to a potato pit to steal away property by night; you dare not attempt, like men, to take away anything by daylight." Toi then said, " You are doing great wrong to us, so great that you do not see it." On asking him to what he referred, he said, stamping on the ground, " You must find that out." I said, " I recollect your saying to me at the meeting to which I have referred, 'Wo have presented you with a body, it is for you to furnish this body with flesh, blood, and bones.' To which I replied, ' The flesh, blood, and bones for the Ngaruahine is tho land between Waingongoro and Kapuni.' After that explanation by mo, you stamped on the gun and then presented it to me. You knew what the terms were before you made peace." A young man, whose name I did not hear, then said, " The flesh, blood, and bones meant all the lands which you have taken on this side the Waitotara." I then said to Toi, " Give me back the horses, rifles, and other property which you have stolen." Toi said, " When you and tho rest of the Europeans go back across the Waitotara Biver, we will talk about giving them up." I repeated my demand three times, and Toi gave me the same reply, " Go back across the Waitotara." I then got up to come away ; Toi said, "Do not go in anger." I replied, " There is nothing further to say." We then returned to Waihi, and I came on to Patea. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 43-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 15th May, 1868. I have the honor to report that on Sunday evening last I received a private letter from Mr. Carrington, Chief Surveyor, informing me that whilst laying off a line of road between two Native

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reserves at Ihupuku ho had been stopped by a Native woman named Karo, who had pulled up his signal staff and removed the chain. Mr. Carrington was of opinion that if I could go and speak with the Natives a little explanation would make it all right. I went accordingly to Mr. Carrington's camp on Sunday night, and at daylight next morning wo went to Ihupuku whore we saw the Natives, and after explaining to them the nature of the survey they expressed themselves perfectly satisfied, and promised that if in future they were at all dark about the survey lines they would not attempt to stop the surveyors but apply directly to me. I then returned to Patea, and proceeded thence to Waihi, to which place Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell had gone with all the Armed Constabulary and a number of Volunteer Militiamen. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell had a warrant from me for the apprehension of Toi, Hauwhenua, and other Natives implicated in horse-stealing. My previous action in the matter I have already r reported to the Government (sth instant). At about 8.30 p.m. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, with about one hundred men and officers, left Waihi for To Ngutu-o-te-Manu. Tho force arrived at tho village at about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, the Natives were taken by surprise. I believe they treated Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell and his party with every kindness and gave them food. In the afternoon of Tuesday the force returned to Waihi bringing one Native, named Tauke, as a hostage, but not bringing any of the actual thieves or stolen property. On the evening of the same day I sent Natanahira, a young friendly chief from Matangarara, with a message to tho chiefs at To Ngutu-o-te-Manu demanding the restoration of the stolen horses and other property, together with the men who had stolen them. On Wednesday (13th), at about 11 a.m., Natanahira returned bringing with him two mares and a foal, which the Natives told him were all they had. The revolver had been sent to Taranaki. Erom information received during Natauahira's absence I knew that several horses were still at or near Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. I therefore'asked Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell if he woidd again go out with a few men to try and get the rest of the horses, and if possible, some of the thieves. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday about eighteen horsemen went out under command of Mr. Inspector Hunter, a reserve of men on foot went under the command of Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. I went with Inspector Hunter's party. When wo arrived at the Tillage we saw two of the horses of which we were in search; there could not have been less than one hundred men in the village when wo entered it, tho children had been all sent away; the men were for the most past armed and had their cartouch boxes on; they seemed to be very much alarmed at our appearance, and ran off to the bush as fast as possible. I tried in vain to restore confidence and get them together to talk ; they were afraid that an attack was going to be made upon them. We made prisoner of a man named Ihaka, against whom an information, had been laid, that he had broken into a settler's house at Waingongoro and had also stolen a horse. Two other men were also taken prisoners. These men, with the two horses, were brought into Waihi. Tauke (the hostage) was released. The Natives, a few of whom stayed in the village, were very much excited, and the Native guides became alarmed and bolted. Ido not think, however, that the Natives had any intention of attempting to cut us off I took the opportunity of showing them the folly of their conduct, and that they had only themselves to thank if trouble ensued; that I had, as they knew, tried fair means ; that afterwards when Colonel McDonnell went out they did not give up the horses, I had then sent out Natanahira and they had even then kept back several horses, two of which I had just caught. I also warned them that if the rest of the stolen property was not sent into Waihi they must not be surprised if we went again to look for it. Tamati Hone said, " Why did you not come alone? Why bring an armed party?" I reminded him that I had tried that course already, but without effect. As some of our party had gone away with prisoners, and we were now only about eight or nine in number it was thought advisable to return, which we did, and got back in safety to Waihi. Yesterday (14th), I examined the prisoners, two were liberated, the third, Ihaka, was remanded for one week until further evidence can be produced. I sent a letter by the two men who were released to the chiefs and others at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu demanding the restoration of the rest of the stolen property in their possession. Yesterday a report was brought into camp by Natanahira that the Waikato chief More, with about thirty followers, was at Ahitana's place, Te Ngacre, and that they had said they had come to make inquiries about friendly Natives, and if they found that if they (friendlies) were leasing land, allowing roads to be made, or working for Europeans, they intended to go back, raise a larger force, and come again to fight. More and his people slept at Mawhitiwhiti last night. More condemns the Ngutu-o-te-Manu Natives, and says wo (Europeans) have done quite right in seeking to recover our property. Last evening a Native, named Pepe, came from Araukuku, inland of Kotomarae, to say that the Araukuku Natives had been persuaded by the Ngutu-o-te-Manu people to adopt the system of stealing, but now they saw the trouble it was likely to bring on them, and they were very anxious to give up whatever they have taken. Pepie was sent out to-day, and when he gets the things he is to hand them over to the officer in command at Waihi. It is intended that Waihi shall for the present be the head quarters of the Constabulary. The Militia returned to Patea to-day. I have, &c, The Hon. Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 10. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 44-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 26th May, 1868. I have the honor to report that there have been no further cases of horse-stealing in this

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district since my last report was sent in, No. 43-2 ; and that the articles stolen by the Araukuku Natives from Europeans have been given up according to promise. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 11. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 9th June, 1868. I have the honor to report that the Natives of Ketemarae, or the neighbourhood, have this afternoon murdered a settler by the name of Cahill, late a Sergeant in the T.M.S. This morning, early, Captain Boss and myself visited Araukuku, a village on General Chute's road. I had been invited to visit the place by tho Natives, who had returned some stolen property. On our way through the bush we were met by about twelve men, all armed ; these men tried to turn us back, but I determined to go on to the village. On arriving there, however, my suspicions were aroused and we immediately returned, and on our arrival at Waihi, Tukino, from Matangarara, cautioned me against going any more amongst the Hauhaus as he knew for a fact that they intended to kill me. I told Captain Hunter, Inspector of tho Armed Constabulary, that I had been cautioned, and that the caution extended to us all. He at once cautioned the troopers, but I suppose there had not been time to take a message to poor Cahill. I believe this murder has been committed in consequence of a message from Tokangamutu, brought by More. I enclose copy of a note received from Mr. Inspector Hunter half an hour after I got home. I think it is very necessary to call out the Militia, as I am more than afraid the Pakakohi Natives will join the outbreak. 9 p.m.—Captain Cumming is just sending off an orderly to Whanganui for Colonel McDonnell. lam just sending a messenger to bring in Natanahira, and to try through that chief to secure the loyalty of the Pakakohi. In great haste. I have, &c., The Hon. the Native Minister, Jambs Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

Enclosure in No. 11. My deae Booth,— Waihi, 9th June, 1868. The Natives have killed old Cahill ; let Cumming come up at once with all the men. In haste, W. Huntee.

No. 12. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 50-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 11th June, 1868. I have the honor to report that when I sent my last hurried letter to the Government, at the same time I wrote a letter to the chief Natanahira, who was staying at Oika on the Whenuakura; I also included the Pakakohi chiefs Taurua, Wharematangi, and Te One Kura. This was to inform them of the murder which had been committed at Ketemarae, and to ask them to come to Patea at once. I sent off the letter at midnight by Ihaka, the Native policeman. My reason for sending for these chiefs was, that I might if possible secure their allegiance to the Queen. Early yesterday morning the leading chiefs came in, viz., Natanahira, Taurua, Wharematangi, Paraone, and Bangihaeata, and we had a long talk at this office, and the event proved that I did right in sending for them, as they one and all, on behalf of themselves and their followers, professed allegiance to the Government, and volunteered to take tho responsibility of giving protection to the wives and children of all the settlers in their district. I told the chiefs that their good words had made my heart glad. I had sent for them in the night that they might at once have an opportunity of declaring themselves ; and if they wished to join the murderer Titokowaru and his tribe I should not have prevented their going; but as they had expressed horror at the foul murder which had been committed, and had volunteered active protection of women and children, I felt sure they would keep their words and not betray their trust, as I was willing to place the lives of women and children in their hands. I then wrote letters for them to His Excellency the Governor and to yourself, which, with translations, I have the honor to enclose. At the request also of the Pakakohi chiefs I issued a notice to the settlers —copy enclosed. These notices are now posted up in different parts of the district. About one p.m. yesterday I left with Natahanahira for Waihi. At Kakaramea we met Mr. Gudgeon who informed us that three poor men had been murdered, viz., Cahill, Squires, and Clarke, and that the murderers were ten men from Te Ngutu-o-tc-Manu. At Kakaramea I met some influential men of the Pakakohi tribe who have hitherto been what are called outsiders, i.e., although friendly they are still professed Hauhau. These men were even more vehement in their protestations of loyalty and of their readiness to give protection than Taurua and the others had been. I went to Matangarara and had a long talk with the Natives of that village, and proceeded thence to the redoubt at Turuturumokai, which is now again in the occupation of the Armed Constabulary; whilst 3

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there a man named Hiscox, who has a house at Keteonetea, reported that himself and Milmoe (another settler) had that afternoon left their houses in charge of an old man named Griffiths; that during their absence fifteen armed men had gone to the house and asked Griffiths if he owned any land there; he said, No, I am a poor man and have no land; they replied you are the same as the Maoris, they aro poor men and have no land. On learning that Hiscox and Milmoe were absent, they sent a message to them to say that if they came back they would be killed; they then told Griffiths to go away, and left the place. Griffiths says that either seven or eight of these men were armed with revolvers, one of which, with the holster, was perfectly new. I then proceeded on my way and reached Waihi about dusk, and there heard particulars of tho deaths of the poor men above mentioned, and learnt that Ihaka, the escaped prisoner, was one of the murderers. The escape of Ihaka I reported last week. To-day I held inquests on the bodies of the three murdered men, and afterwards buried them. Eour of the murderers are known, namely, Ihaka, Hauwhenua, Te Iki, and Ngana. The murderers were committed with the knowledge and consent of Titokowaru and the rest of Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu Natives. After the inquests I had a meeting with the Natives and secured tho allegiance of the neighbouring hapu, viz., Hatepe, Mawhitiwhiti, and Kauwae; Ngahina has promised for himself and tribe that ho will give protection to all Europeans between Manawapou and the Tawhiti, and coastwise to Waingongoro. Wi Hukanui and Beihana are to send ten men armed from Kauwae to Waingongoro to assist, with ten of the Armed Constabulary, to give protection to the settlers. They are also to give protection to travellers. Signals between the camp at Waihi and Mawhitiwhiti have been agreed upon. I can now speak positively as to tho numbers of these murderers. When I was last at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu I'saw in the village I suppose about one hundred armed men. Some men from Araukuku, not more than twenty may join them. Ahitana's people are at Te Ngaire, and it is very doubtful whether they will remain neutral. Ahitana's men may number from eighty to one hundred —this, however, is a mere guess. Tho rest of the Natives from Kauwae to Waitotara are, I believe, to be depended on. In my speech to the Natives at Waihi to-day, I said that the Government nowr looked to them for more than mere nominal assistance. I should expect them to give active armed protection to the settlers under their charge. This they promised to do. Whilst writing on this subject I would suggest to the Government the advisability of adopting some sort of distinguishing badge which cannot easily be obtained by the Hauhaus, for instance a disk of stout block tin about twice the size of a crown piece, with a device, say the Boyal Arms or V.B. stamped upon it, and with three or four holes punched in it to fasten it to the front of the cap. A few hundreds of these badges could bo obtained very cheaply in Wellington. If the Government approve of this suggestion I would issue them to individuals only, and on personal application. This would be a good means of distinguishing our friends from our foes, as the wearers would become marked as Government men, and any men seen without them would be liable to be shot. I would also urge upon the Government the urgent necessity there is for a reinforcement in this district. It is a matter of utter impossibility with the present number of armed constables in this district to make any offensive movement whatever ; and now that these murderers have as it were had a taste of blood they will not stop till they have committed further outrages. It is therefore a matter of the greatest possible importance that a sharp and decisive blow be struck as soon as it is possible to do so. But in a country composed of dense bush as this is, and where the main road to the village is only wide enough to admit men walking single file ; and where, to surround the village you would have to work for miles through dense bush, it is absolutely necessary that there should be a large attacking, force. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell says he ought to have two hundred men and a Native contingent in addition, to the force already hero, before he could be at all certain of success. I would, therefore, earnestly entreat the Government to send either two more companies of armed constables or to authorize the raising a force sufficient to make success a certainty. On consultation with Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell I have considered it advisable that that gentleman should go to Wellington in person and urge the great necessity of something being done at onco. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

Enclosure 1 in No. 12. E koeo c te Betimona, — Patea, Hune 10, 1868. Tena koe kia rongo mai koe, ko matou nga tangata a te Iwi Pakakohi. c noho nei ki nga tahataha o Patea o noho pouri ana mo te Pakeha i kohurutia nei ki Ketemarae kei mahara koe ko matou c tapoko atu ana ki roto ki tena mahi kohuru. Kia rongo mai koe ki ta matou whakaaro ta te Iwi Pakakohi, ko matou rite tahi matou kite Iwi Pakeha na, c mea ana matou kia kaua nga Pakeha o to matou taha c pouri, ko matou hoki he kai tiaki mo nga wahine Pakeha, mo nga tamariki Pakeha ka pa he he ki nga Pakeha o to matou taha na, ko matou tahi kite mate, kia mate matou, me mate i runga i te pai. Timata to matou tiakanga Pakeha i Heiawe (Wairoa) puta noa ki Whenuakura, ki Patea, ki Oroua ki Manutahi ki Mokoia. Otira ko te tiaki Pakeha hoki nga Tangata ote Iwi Ngarauru kua Pakehatia hoki taua Iwi. Pai Marire kia tau te rangi marie ki runga ki a koe. Heoi ano, Na Taueua, o Patea, WnAEEMATANGi, o Patea, Te One Kuea, o Patea, Te Paeaone, o Manutahi, Te BANGinAEATA, o Mokoia, Otira na matou katoa na te Iwi Pakakohi puta noa In ona wahine ki ona tamariki atu.

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DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

[teanslation.] O feiend, Me. Bichmond, — Patea, 10th June, 1868. Salutations. Listen to us. We, the men of the Pakakohi tribe, who live in the neighbourhood of Patea, are in great trouble about the European who has been murdered at Ketemarae. Do not think [or bo afraid] that we have had anything to do with that murder. Listen to the thoughts of us, the chiefs of the Pakakohi tribe : We are now one with the Europeans. We wish that the Europeans living near our people may not be dark. It is our desire to take charge of the Europeans, men, women, and children. If anything happens to the Pakehas, we will suffer with them. If we are to suffer, it shall be in a good cause. Our protection of Europeans commences at Wairoa (township), from thence to Whenuakura, to Patea, to Oroua, Kakaramea (township) to Manutahi, and to Mokoia. We may also say that the Ngarauru tribe at Waitotara will protect Europeans, as they have become English themselves. Peace, may peace rest with you. This is all. Erom Taueua, of Patea, Whaeematangt, of Patea, Te One Kuea, of Patea, Paeaone, of Manutahi, Bangihaeata, of Mokoia, And from all the men, women, and children of the Pakakohi tribe.

Enclosure 2 in No. 12. Kia Putu,— Waihi, Hune 11, 1868. E hoa tena koe kia rongo mai koe ko matou nga tangata o te Kauwae c noho pouri ana mo nga Pakeha kua, kohurutia nei c nga tangata oTe Ngutu-o-te-mau. Kei mea koe he tikanga na matou kei roto i ena tikanga kohuru kaore engari ko matou kei te piri tonu matoa ki a koe kite Pakeha i enei ra ko ta matou he pai ai ko te tiaki i nga wahine Pakeha i nga tamariki Pakeha ka timata ta matou tiakanga Pakeha i Waingongoro puta noa ki oeo mo nga Pakeha c haere ite Bori. Heoi ano. Na Wieemu Manaia, Beihana Te Whaeema, Te Hiea Paeeangi, Paoea Bangiawe, Buka, Otira na matou katoa pata noa ki ana wahine atu ki ona tamariki atu.«

[teanslation.] To Me. Booth— Waihi, 11th June, 1868. O Eriend ! Salutations. Listen to us :We the men of Kauae are sitting in darkness, because of the murders which have been committed by the men of To Ngutu-o-te-Manu. Do not suppose that we have anything to do with those murders. We are one with you the Pakeha, and will stick to you during these days. We aro ready to give protection, to European women and children over the country, commencing at Waingongoro, and ending at Oeo. We will protect travellers also going along the road. This is all. Erom Wieemu Manaia, Reihana Whaeema, Te Hiea Paeeangi, Paoea Bangiawe, BuiCA. And from all the rest, even to the women and children.

Enclosure 4 in No. 12. Kia Putu Kai Whakawa, — Patea, Hune 10, 1868. E hoa mau o tuku atu ta matou korero kia te Kawana. E koro c te Kawana tena koe kia rongo mai koe ko matou nga tangata o te iwi Pakakohi c noho nei ki nga tahataha o Patea c noho pouri ana mo te Pakeha i kohurutia nei ki Ketemarae kei mahara koe ko matou c tapoko atu ana ki roto ki tena mahi kohuru. Kia rongo mai koe ki ta matou whakaaro ta te iwi Pakakohi ko matou rite tahi matou kite iwi Pakeha na, c mea ana matou kia kaua nga Pakeha o to matou taha c pouri, ko matou hold he kai tiaki mo nga wahine Pakeha mo nga tamariki Pakeha ka pa he he ki nga Pakeha o to matou taha, na, ko matou tahi kite mate kia mate matou me mate i runga i te pai. Timata to matou tiakanga Pakeha i Hoiawe (Wairoa) puta noa ki Whenuakura, ki Patea, ki Oroua, ki Manutahi ki Mokoia. Otira ko to tiaki Pakeha hoki nga tangata ote iwi Ngarauru kua Pakehatia hoki taua iwi. Pai Marire, kia tau te rangi marie ki runga ki a koe. Hooi ano. Na Taueua, o Patea, Whakematanoi, o Patea, Te One Kuea, o Patea, Te Paeaone, o Manutahi, Bangihaeata, o Mokoia. Otira na matou katoa na te iwi Bakakohi putu noa ki ona wahine ki ona tamariki atu. [teanslation.] To Me. Booth, R.M.,— Patea, lOtli Juno, 1868. Eriend, send this our letter to the Governor. O friend the Governor ! Salutations. Listen to us.

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We, the men of the Pakakohi tribe who live in the neighbourhood of Patea, are in great trouble about the European who has been murdered at Ketemarae. Do not think [or be afraid] that we have had anything to do with that murder. Listen to the thoughts of us chiefs of the Pakakohi tribe. We are now one with the Europeans. We wish that the Europeans living near our tribe may not be dark. It is our desire to take charge of the Europeans—men, women, and children. If anything happens to the Pakehas we will suffer with them. If we are to suffer it shall be in a good cause. Our protection of Europeans commences at Wairoa (township) ; from thence to Wrhenuakura to Patea, to Orouoa, Kakaramea township to Manutahi, and to Mokoia. We may also say that the Ngarauru tribe at Waitotara will protect Europeans, as they have become English themselves. Peace, may peace rest with you. This is all. Erom Taueua, of Patea, Whaeematangi, of Patea, Te One Kuea, of Patea, Paeaone, of Manutahi, Bangihaeata, of Mokoia, And from all the men, women, and children of the Pakakohi tribe.

No. 13. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 51-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 13th June, 1868. I have the honor to forward the enclosed copy of a hurried letter received during the night from Mr. Inspector Hunter, and reporting tho brutal murder and horrible mutilation by twenty-eight Natives, of Trooper Smith, No. 3 Company Armed Constabulary. I have written to ask Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to return to the district, and to leave Inspector Hunter's report to tell its own tale to the Government. I. have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate. P.S. —I intend, with Captain Cumming, to start for Waihi as soon as the mail comes in.

Enclosure 1 in No. 13. My deae Booth— Waihi, 12th June, 186 S. Smith, of No. 3, has just been murdered in a most brutal manner by about twenty-eight Natives in sight of the camp this side of Cahill's, his body literally cut in two—we have only got his legs. Boss could see the flashes of the tomahawk through his glasses. I have written to the Government and to McDonnell; we must have some spare arms. If you come up don't go near any bush, and don't ride too slowly, unless you have an escort. I write in a hurry, as tho orderly is just starting. Yours in haste, W. Huntee.

Enclosure 2 in No. 13. Matangarara, Hune 12, 1868. Xi a To Kawana, puta noa ki a te Botimana me te Eunanga katoa o te Kawanatanga, — E hoa ma tena koutou. Tenei matou to iwi Tangahoe te noho pouri nei mo te matenga a nga Pakeha i kohurutia c Titokowaru me tona iwi. Kei mea mai koutou c aku hoa aroha kei roto matou i taua raruraru. Kahore, kei runga ano ahau ite kupu a Kawana Kerei ki ahau kia noho pai ahau i runga ite ture o ra. Na, kua tv ta matou runanga ki Matangarara ite ahiahi ote ra inanahi (11) kotahi tonu to kupu ate runanga. Koia tenei, kahore matou i pai ki tena mahi a Titokowaru ko matou ka takoto matou ki raro kite whenua, hei turanga waewae mo to matou iwi Pakeha me te tiaki hoki i taku whenua i tukuna mai ote Eetimona. Heoi ano. Na Natanahiea Ngahina, Na te Eunanga katoa a te iwi Tangahoo.

[teanseation.l Matangarara, 12th June, 1868. To His Excellency the Governor, to Mr. Bichmond, and to the Council. Eriends, Salutations — We, the Natives of the Tangahoe hapu, are in great darkness because of the death of the Europeans who have been murdered by Titokowaru and his people. Do not say, my dear friends, that we have had anything to do with this disturbance; no, we have not, I, with my people, are abiding by the word of Governor Grey to me, that is, that I should live in peace, and under the law which gives life. We had a meeting last evening (11th), and the one word of the meeting was, "We do not agree to that work of Titokowaru, we will remain lying on the ground, a footstool for our tribe the Pakehas." We also intend to protect the people, and to keep possession of the land given to us by Mr. Bichmond. This is all. Erom Natanahiea Ngahina, And from the Assembly of the Tangahoe tribe.

DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

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No. 14 Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, 13th June, 1868. I have the honor to forward copy of Notices issued by me for tho information of the settlers in this district. I have, &c, The Hon. tho Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrte.

Notice. As it is possible that some one or more of the Ketemarae murderers may come into this district and commit murders, for tho purpose of getting the friendly tribes into trouble, it is desirable that settlers living near the bush should for the present come out into the open country, and choose some common place of residence for self-protection. (Signed) J. Booth, Batea, 13th June, 1868. Besident Magistrate.

Notice. The undersigned chief's of the Pakakohi tribe pledge themselves that they will give protection to all Europeans, men, women, and children, in their district, namely, from Waitotara to Mokoia. Taurua, Wharematangi, To One Kura, Paraone, Bangihaeata. (Signed) James Booth, Batea, 10th June, 1868. Besident Magistrate.

No. 15. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 54-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Carlyle, 16th June, 1868. I have the honor to report that on Saturday evening last I went to Waihi. Nothing further had occurred since the murder of poor Smith, whose remains were buried by order of the acting Assistant Surgeon before I arrived ; the upper part of his body has not been recovered. Mr. Inspector Hunter did not think it was necessary to hold an inquest. Inspector Hunter informed me that he had withdrawn his men from Waingongoro. I am very pleased to report that Wiremu Hukanui kept his promise, and sent ten of his men to Waingongoro with the best arms they had, and that they stayed with our men until the latter were withdrawn. On Sunday morning (14th) shots were heard at Waihi, in the direction of Waingongoro, and presently afterwards a great smoke was seen. Troopers were sent as soon as they had their breakfast, who, on their return, reported that the whares belonging to Messrs. Smith, McDonnell, and others had been burned down, that Smith's fowls had all been burnt, that cattle had been shot, and pigs and horses taken off. At about 8 a.m. same morning, Paramena Eangihekeiho, from Mawhitiwhiti, came to Waihi to report that two of his sentries at Mawhitiwhiti had heard five shots fired in the direction of Pungarehu, just as the moon rose, or about 2 a.m. It is probable that the murderers have killed a Native of the Ngatimaru tribe, (Taranaki), who went to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu the previous evening for the purpose of bringing away some friends of his who were staying at that place. Old Kewetone Puana and the other Mawhitiwhiti- chiefs sent in to ask if we could possibly give them any assistance, as they are expecting every day to be attacked, on account of the Union Jack with which, by my direction, they make signals to us. Kewetone says he will part with his flag only when ho parts with his life. The Kauwae Natives have also determined to stick to their flag. The settlers, with very few exceptions, are determined that they will not give up their farms. They are collecting together in common centres for mutual protection. Enclosed herewith is translation of a letter received yesterday from the chief Taurua [not enclosed]. I have, &c. The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. IG. Copy of a Letter from Hone Pihama to Boeata Ngaeongomate. Xi a Bopata Ngaeongomate,— Nui Paremata, Hune 14, 1868. E hoa tena koe. Ka nui toku aroha atu ki a koe, notemea he nui nga marama i wehea atu ai koe i a matou. E taea hoki koa c hoa te aha ite nui oau mahi i tukua atu ai koe eau kia mahi i nga ritenga ki nga wahi katoa oteao ? Hcoi tena. He kupu atu tena ki a koe kia hoki mai koe, notemea kua raruraru te iwi Ngaruahine, kua mate nga Pakeha i patua ki uta atu o te Whenuku, i ko mai o Ketemarae. Tino kite pu aku kanohi i nga Pakeha i patua. Ko aua Pakeha tokotoru, tokorua i tangohia nga manawa kite Ngutuotemanu. Ko taua huaki, na Toi raua ko Hauwhenua. Kotahi tekau nga tangata nana aua Pakeha i patu. 4

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E hoa, kua pouri au ki tenei mahi kino a te iwi, notemea i kite pu aku kanohi i taua mahi kino a te iwi. Kia rongo mai koe, kua oti te manawa Pakeha, ko te manawa Maori i too; no konei au iki atu ai kia hoki mai koe. Kaore au c korero atu ki a koe i nga ritenga o muri i a koe, notemea ko te pai i tukua ki mua, ko to kino i muri. I hoki atu ano i Ngamotu nei, a tae atu kite Ngutuotemanu kei te patu Pakeha. Ko te timatanga o tenei raruraru he tahae. Ka kite nga tangata o to Ngutuotemanu ka tahaetia nga hoiho o nga Pakeha. Ka rongo a AViremu Huhanui, ka tukua tana tamaiti kite tiki i aua hoiho i tahaetia, kaore i homai. Ka kite a Putu ka haere kite tono ano i aua hoiho, kaore i homai. Ka mea atu a Putu " tukua mai kei raruraru tatou." Ka mea nga tangata "me aha tena ?" Heoi, ka hoki a Putu, tae ki Patea, ka haere te Kanara ratou ko ana tangata ka tae kite Ngutuotemanu ite po; ite ata ka tv ta ratou korero mo nga hoiho, ka whakaaetia kia hoki nga hoiho ki nga Pakeha. Heoi, ka hoki te Kanara me ana tangata. Koia tena te timatanga o taua raruraru. Heoi, ko to taua iwi ko Taranaki kei te kata ki nga mahi a TitokoAvaru, kei te noho pai ratou. Ko te iwi Tangahoe mo te iwi Pakakohi kei te noho pai. Heoi ano, na to tuakana, matua aroha, Xi a Ropata Ngarongomate. Na Hone Pihama Hanataua.

[TEANSLATION.] To Boeata Ngaeongomate,— New Plymouth, 14th June, 1868. Eriend, salutations. I. feel great affection for you, you having so long been away from us; but how can it be otherwise, seeing how great a work you w rere sent to do. Measures affecting all parts of the world. This is another word: You must come back, for tho Ngaruahine people have become turbulent, and Pakehas have been killed inland of Te Whenuku, not far from Ketemarae. I myself saw the Pakehas which were murdered. There were three. Two of them were disembowelled at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. The attack was made by Toi and Hauwhenua. The Pakehas were killed by ten men. lam grieved at this atrocious act having been committed by the people, for I myself saw the evil act which had been perpetrated by them. Listen: The heart, &c, of a Pakeha has been torn out. The next thing they will do will be to tear the heart of a Maori from his bosom. This is why I say you must come back. I will not tell you of the ordinary events which have transpired since you left us, because that which is good was allowed to happen first, afterwards the evil. • They returned from this place (Ngamotu), and when they reached Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu they killed Pakehas. The beginning of this evil was theft, and came about in this way: The people at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu saw some horses belonging to the Pakehas and stole them. When Wi Hukanui heard of it he sent his son to get the horses which had been stolen, but the people would not give them up. When Booth saw it he went and asked for the horses to be given up, but the people would not. Mr. Booth urged them to give them up lest trouble ensue between us.. The people answered him, " What do we care about that." So Booth returned, and when he got to Patea he went with the Colonel and his men to Te Ngutu-o-to Manu by night. Next morning they had a talk about the horses, and the people agreed to return them to the Pakehas ; and then the Colonel and his people returned. That was how this trouble originated. Our tribe, the Taranaki, laugh at the actions of Titokowaru. They are peacefully disposed. The Tangahoe and tho Pakakohi are also living quietly. That is all, &c. Hone Pihama Hanataua. To Bopata Ngarongomate.

No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. J. C. Bichmond. Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Carlyle, Ist July, 1868. I have the honor to forward, for the information of the Government, copies of two letters which have been forwarded to me by Mr. Inspector Hunter, commanding at Waihi, together with translations. The letter from Hane Wiremu I received the night before last, and intended to send it by yesterday's post, but I was not able to do so as I had to go to Waihi with Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Tho letter from Titokowaru was handed to me last night at Waihi. The prisoner Katene was examined by Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, and he confessed that it was his intention to have betrayed us to Titokowaru. His arrangements for bolting were all but completed when Hane AViremu heard of his intention, and gave the information to the officer commanding at Waihi. A man named Te Katu is in some degree implicated in this treachery. Both Katene and Te Katu were brought as prisoners to Patea last night. Whilst we were at Waihi, I sent a messenger to Mawhitiwhiti, and after a short time Paramena te Eangihekeiho and Tatana came to the camp. Tatana substantiated the statements which are enclosed in Hane's letter to myself. Paramena stated that Titokowaru's letter (copy enclosed) was found by them (Mawhitiwhiti Natives) in a cleft stick in the middle of a path leading from Mawhitiwhiti to Waihi. Paramena says that Mawhitiwhiti is in great danger of an attack from the Hauhaus, and tho people are anxious for some kind of protection or arms. Wiremu Hukanui had been to Waihi on the 28th June, and reported that ten of his young men, after a good deal of opposition on the part of Wiremu, had gone to Taranaki. Wiremu also reported that a meeting has been held by the Taranaki tribe, having reference to the murders by Titokow raru, and that the opinion of the meeting was as follows ; —That if Titokowaru had committed these murders for the sake of getting back the land, he should have their (Taranakis) sympathies and assistance, but if it was proved that these murders had been committed on account of horse-stealing only, they were determined to stand aloof from him. The Pakakohi have sent the same kind of reply to Titokowaru, namely, if it can be shown by Titokowaru to be a quarrel' about land, they will give assistance and make the endeavour to regain possession. Whilst writing about the Pakakohi, I may state that although they profess the most friendly disposition towards us, and come to Patea almost daily, yet Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell and myself have an uncomfortable feeling that their professions are hollow,

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as Natanahira, of Matangarara, who has lately been living with the Pakakohi, told Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell and myself yesterday, in confidence, not to trust the Pakakohi, and especially not to visit their villages inland. When asked to give a reason for having suspicions against these people, he said, "I am a Maori; I hear many things, and can understand their meaning." I need hardly say that Natanahira is a young chief in whom I have the very greatest confidence. In the meantime we take care to appear to have unbounded faith in the Pakakohi. If a blow sudden and effective is struck at the root of the evil (Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu), the Pakakohi will remain friendly ; but if the murderers gain the slightest perceptible advantage over us, I am afraid that other hapus, with the hopes of getting back their land, will be induced to join. I scarcely need mention that Lieut.Colonel McDonnell and myself are working together heart and soul to secure the real friendship of those who are now apparently friendly, and, if possible, to bring swift punishment to Titokowaru and this cannibal tribe. I believe the district to be in a very critical state, and should the Pakakohi, from any cause whatever, adopt the tactics of Titokowaru, we should find it a very difficult thing to hold this district. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Boom, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

Enclosure 1 in No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Hone Wieemu. Hune 25, 1868. Ka tukua atu te whakamaramatanga kia Putu Kai Whakawa mo nga korero a Titokowaru i korero ai kite tangata i hopukia hereheretia c tana ope, ko taua Tangata no Mawhitiwhiti, ko tana ingoa ko Tatana ka riro taua Tangata i taua ope ka tae kite Ngutu-o-te-Maru, ka korero tuturu mai a Titoko i ana Ture ki taua herchere o rima ona ra c noho ai ki reira ka tahuti mai ai ka korero ia i aua Ture a Titoko :— 1. Ture tuatahi he tahae hoiho. 2. Ture tuarua ko nga Pakeha tokotoru. 3. Tuatoru ka tapahia te hope o te Pakeha kotahi i mate. 4. Tuawha ka mate hoki he Pakeha ka tangohia katoatia. 5. Tuarima, hei a ia nga rori katoa tae noa ki Patea c tae kite ra pai ko tona ra tena c haere ai ia i ona rori. 6. Tuaono, ka tipaoa te patu ki runga ki raro. 7. Kei tai o Turuturu nga Whare rangatira. 8. Mehemea ka whakautua atu enei Pakeha kua mate nei ka whakaekea a Waihi c ia i te awatea. 9. Tua iwa ka tae atu ia ki Patea. 10. Ahakoa mano mano, ko te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, ano ia, ahakoa huri katoa te motu nei ki a ia ko te Ngutu-o-te-Manu ano ia c noho ai me ana wahine, me ana tamariki. Heoti tena. Taku kupu atu kia koe, mau te whakamaramatanga ki nga Pakeha kaua c haere taki kotahitahi nga Pakeha ahakoa kai whiu kata, kia haere mohio kiei tupono kite ra c haere ai Titokowaru me tana ope. Heoti tena. He kupu ano naku ki a koe kua he au kua hopuria a te Katene kite Kari ruma, mo tana kohuru iau mo aku tamariki wahine. Ko tana kohuru tenei ko tona tahuti kite Ngutu-o-te-Manu. Heoti tena. Kei toe korua taenga mai ko Kanara ka korero ai tena. Heoi ano, Na Hane Wieemu, Te Mata-o-te-rangi.

[teanslation.] 25th June, 1868. The words of caution (light) go to Mr. Booth, 8.M., relative to the words of Titokowaru which he spake to a man who had been made prisoner by his (Titokowaru's) people. That man belongs to Mawhitiwhiti, his name is Tatana; the war party took him to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, and Titokowaru said to him that these are his laws :— 1. Horse stealing. 2. Three Europeans who were murdered. 3. The man who was cut in two. 4. A European to be killed and taken away. 5. He will take possession of all roads between this place and Patea, on fine days he may be expected to be seen on his roads. 6. Ambuscades will be laid north and south. 7. To the south (or seaward) of Turuturu are the houses of gentlemen (resj^ctable settlers). 8. Should payment be sought for the deaths of the Europeans who have been killed, he (Titokowaru) will attack Waihi, and by daylight. 9. He himself intends to go to Patea by his roads. 10. Although a thousand should go he will be found at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu; should even the whole island rise against him, he will stay at To Ngutu-o-te-Manu, with his women and children. This is all. My word to you. Caution the Europeans not to go about singly, especially cart drivers and others, as we do not know when Titokowaru may lay his ambuscades. This is another word. lam in evil repute. Katene is a prisoner in the guard-room; he has murdered me, my women, and children. This is his murder,—he has attempted to run away to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. When you and the Colonel (McDonnell) come here you will hear the talk. This is all. Erom Hane Wieemu, Te Mata-o-te-rangi.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Titokowaeu to Puano. Kia Puano ma, — Warekura, Hune 25, 1868. He kupu mo koutou, kati te haere i nga rori mo whakamutu rawa te haere i nga rori o angaatu ana ki Mangamanga, kei takoto koutou ki nga rori hei kai ma nga manu o te rangi, ma nga kirehe o te parae, maku ranei, no te mea kua kai ahau i te Pakeha, ano he kau c tunua ana.ki te Pata, kai kau ana nga wahine, me nga tamariki. Kua timata taku kai ite Tangata, kua hamama. tonu toku korokoro kite kai i to Tangata. Ekore ahau c mate, kaore ahau c mate. Ka mate ano te mate, ka ora ano ahau. Pena tonu te kupu mo koutou puta noa i Matangarara, he kupu marama tena naku kia koutou puta noa i o koutou rohe. Kati, ' Na Titoko.

[teanslation.] To BuANof and the eest, — *Wharekura, 25th June, 1868. A word for you. Cease travelling on the roads ; stop for ever the going on the roads which lead to Mangainanga (Camp Waihi), lest you be left on the roads as food for the birds of the air and for the beasts of the field, or for me, because I have eaten the European (Smith, trooper), as (a piece of) beef, he was cooked in a pot; the women and children partook of the food. I have begun to eat human flesh, and my throat is constantly open for the flesh of man. I shall not die ; I shall not die. When. dea(;h itself shall be dead I shall be alivo. That is the word for you extending to Matangarara. That is a light (clear) word to you extending, to all your boundaries. Cease (stop). Erom Titoko., True translation, —J. Booth, E.M.

*Tlic name of a large house at Te Ngutu-o-to-mami. f Puano is a friendly chief of Mawhitiwhiti.

No. 18. Copy of a Letter from Hoei Kingi'and others to Mete Kingi Paetaiit, M.H.B. E Koeo— Putiki, Whanganui, Hurae 22, 1868. Tena koe. Kia rongo mai koe, katahi inatou ka rongo ito korero o Tokangamutu, kua tae mai o Epiha Patapu i tana tangohanga i tau pukapuka, ka tae ki a Te Tahana Turoa ka tukua ki a Wiremu Pakau raua ko Bopata, ka kite raua, ka tukua ki a Pehi Turoa, Topia Turoa, ka tukua ki a Topine te Mamaku, ka tukua k'i a Parata Poaka, ka tukua ki Taumarunui ki a Ihau, ka tae atu ki Taumarunui ka eke mai a Waikato, te Pooti Ngehengehe, ko nga Kangatjra ko Baureti, ko Hauauru Poutama, ko Taonui —ka wahia o Hauauru.te pukapuka, ka kite i nga korero ka karangatia c Hauauru me kawe tenei pukapuka ki Tokangamutu—ka whakatika ko Marino ki,te kawe, moo atu kite ara,; ao ake ka haere, no to po ka tae ki Tokangamutu ; ka tomo kite whare o Bewi Maniapoto —ka wahia c Rewi, ka kite i nga korero, ka karangatia c Bewi, mo te telcau o nga haorai te ata ka hui, nga pooti kite whakarongo ;ka tae ki taua haora ka hui nga pooti, ka tv a Bewi—" Whakarongo mai o Waikato, c Ngatimaniapoto ; o Ngatimaru, c Ngatipaoa —ko Mete Kingi Bangawhenua tenei, kua tae mai ki Tokangamutu, ko te rua tenei o aku kitenga i a ia, i te tuatahi i kite tinana au i a ia, kite wairua i tenei kitenga, he vi mai no Tokangamutu ranei te patu a Titokowaru —i rongo ia nei koutou c hia nga Ture i whakatakotoria ki Tokangamutu ? c wha nga ture i whakatakotoria i taua ra, ko te hoari kua kuhua, ko te wea kua purua, ko te reti kua purua, ko te whakawa kua purua, ko te moni kua purua; kua kuhua i roto i te rongopai; ma te rongopai c mahi enei; mchemea ka poka te tangata kite he i muri nei, nui atu tenei he i to he o mua, whakarongo mai c Waikato kua he te motu, kua he te tangata i te he a Titikowaru ; Otira ko te he a Titokowaru kei a ia anake ahakoa toremi ia ki raro kite reinga, nana ano i kimi ho he mona." Kei runga ko Tatnati Ngapora; " Whakarongo mai c Bewi, kahore he kupu, waiho atu a Titokowaru kia paoa c te karoro, nana ano tan a^ heoi ano taku kupu mo tena." < -. . I reira ano ka tae atu te rongo o Te Whiti raua ko More ki taua Eunanga; ko Kingi Tawhiao —. "E Bewi Whakahokia a te Whiti raua ko More kaua c tukua mai ki konei, waiho tenei marae hei. kimihanga tikanga mo te motu kia puta ai te motu —kaua c hanga kite kino." Ka hoki mai a Marino, ko te kupu a Bewi, Kati ano he pooti mo Whanganui ko Topia Turoa. E koro c Mete kua riro a Topia Turoa kite rapu ano i te he o Titikowaru kite wbakamarama i nga tikanga mo te mahi pooti mo Waikato, kia tukua to mahi a Titikowaru mana anake! Xi te mea ka hoki mai a Topia ka tukua mai ano c Tahana Turoa he karere. ki a matou, a ka tukua atu ano ki a koe koutou ko tou Eunanga hei matakitaki iho ma koutou. Heoi tena kite kite tikanga koe ote Eunanga tukua mai kia mohio atu matou. - . Heoi, Kia Mete Kingi Paetahi, M.H.B. Na Hoei Kingi. Apeeaniko Bangiiiikttia. Hoani Mete Kingi.

[TEANSLATION.] . .. Sic,— Putiki, Whanganui, 22nd July, 1868. Salutations: give heed. W° have only just received news from Tokangamutu. ,Epiha Patapu has returned from taking your letter. When he got to Tahana Turoa, he passed him on to Wiremu Pakau and Bopata, by whom, he was passed on to Pehi Turoa and Topia Turoa, and then passed on to Topine to Mamaku; and then passed on to Parata Poaka ; and then passed on toTaumarunui, to Ihau. When he got to Taumarunui the Waikato came forward, tho Pooti Ngehengehe. The chiefs were Baureti, Hauauru Pputama, and Taonui., Hauauru broke open tho letter and read it,.

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and said it must be taken to Tokangamutu, and Marino got up to take it thither; he slept on the road, the next morning he went on; in the evening Tokangamutu was reached. He then went into Bewi Maniapoto's house, and Bewi opened the letter. When he had read it ho appointed the next morning at ten o'clock to be a time for meeting of the different parties to listen to its contents. At the appointed hour the several parties met, and Bewi stood up and said, " Hearken Waikato, Ngatimaniapoto, Ngatimaru, and Ngatipaoa, Mote Kingi Bangawhenua is here; he has come to Tokangamutu. This is the second time I have seen him. The first time I saw him in the body ; this time I have seen him in the spirit. He asks whether the murders committed by Titokowaru were authorized by Tokangamutu. Did you hear how many laws were laid down at Tokangamutu ? There were four laws laid down on that day. Tho sword was to be sheathed ; surveying was to be stopped ; the leasing of land was to be put an end to; the further holding of courts was obstructed ; the money was to be stopped— all these were to be accomplished in good will—good will was to effect all these. If any one, after these, in an unauthorized manner, proceeded to do evil, the evil of such wrong doing would be greater than the former evil. Listen, Waikato: this island has erred in the wrong doing of Titokowaru; but Titokowaru's evil doing is with himself alone, even though through it he sink down to the world of spirits ; he sought out his wrong doing for himself." Tamati Ngapora then rose —" Hearken, Bewi: there is nothing to say. Leave Titokowaru to be pecked by the sea-gulls; he sought it himself; that is all I have to say about that." At that very time news arrived of Te Whiti and More, upon hearing which, King Tawhiao rose, and addressing himself to Bewi, said " send back Te Whiti and More, do not let them come here ; leave this spot to be a place where to devise measures for the country, in order that the island may get clear. Do not act in an evil manner." Marino then came back, and brought word from Bewi that the only Pooli for Whanganui was to be Topia Turoa. Sir, Mete, Topia has gone again to inquire into Titokowaru's evil work, and also to make arrangements in order to ascertain the state of feeling of the Waikato, so that Titokowaru may be left to do his work alone. When Topia returns, Tahana Turoa will send a messenger to us, and we will send word to you and your Eunanga for you to look at —enough of that. If you hear anything important at the Assembly write and let us know. Hoei Kingi and others. To Mete Kingi Paetahi, M.11.E.

No. 19. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. (No. 86-1.) Sic,— Patea, 3rd October, 1867. I have the honor to report for tho information of Government that Tukino arrived in camp to-day, and brought me news of Ahitana's people, also several messages from them. I sent them a message some time since to tho effect that as long as they did not interfere with our people and behaved themselves properly, they would not be molested; but if they continued to harass us and give any more insolence, I would pay them a visit when they least expected, and pack them off (whau whau kami) to the Chathams. This was some time previous to my trip to Warea, where, as it happened, I followed so closely on their heels. Ahitana's people returned from Waikoukou, near Warea, a few days' since, and have now erected some whares near the margin of tho Karaka grove, near the bush, inland of Keteonetea. They have sent me a message to the effect that their intention now is to live in peace, and that they do not intend to molest any Europeans settling on the land. My men, they say, may go about where they choose without any fear of being harmed by them. They say they intend to live at peace for the future, and hope I will believe what they say, and not allow my people to interfere with them. They declare their intention of coming out in a body in a short time to meet me and have a long talk. Tukino is my informant; he comes from Matangarara, and ho is a man I place dependence upon, having once been the means of saving my life from these people by a timely wrarning. I am. inclined to think they mean what they say, but I shall be very careful, as they have hitherto behaved in a most treacherous manner. Several Natives have informed me that there is to be a monster gathering of all tribes, to take place in December next at Tokongamutu, the king's place. This meeting has been convened by the Maori King, and other influential chiefs, for the purpose of going into the state of the country, and also with the intention of inquiring who is to blame for all this war and fighting that has been going on for some years, and whether the fault lies with the Europeans or themselves. Nearly all the Natives in this district, and from hero to Waitotara, aro going to attend, and several chiefs have asked me to accompany them. I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell, Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea District. N. 8.—1 re-open my letter to say that Honi Pihama arrived with the overland mail from New Plymouth yesterday evening. I had some conversation with him on various subjects, and made inquiries respecting the truth of the meeting at the king's place, Tokongamutu, and its probable purposes. Honi said it was true ; he had heard it was partly to inquire who was to blame for tho war, as reported in my letter ; but that he had been told it was to present fresh colours to different tribes, their others having been either lost or disgraced. I simply mention this for the information of the Government, being what Honi Pihama told me; he also begged me not to mention this to any Natives in my district, as he is already in trouble with them. To prove the road is now safe for travellers from New Plymouth to Patea, a flock of sheep have been driven through, and will arrive in this district today or to-morrow. Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell. 5

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No. 20. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 680-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 23rd October, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge receqrt of your letter of the 3rd instant, No. 86-1, and am directed to convey to you Colonel Haultain's thanks for the very satisfactory information you have been enabled to convey to the Government respecting the desire of the Natives generally on the West Coast for tho establishment and preservation of peace. With regard to that portion of your letter in which you state that several chiefs have requested you to accompany them to the Native meeting which it is proposed to be held at Tokonga in December next, I am to state that the Defence Minister does not consider you could be absent from your district without inconvenience to the public service. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, J. Holt, Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 21. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sic,— Patea, 14th November, 1867. I have the honor to report for the information of Government that yesterday, the 13th instant, I met (by appointment), at Waihi, Ahitana's tribe, and others from inland of Ketemarae. They are, I believe, the last of the Natives in this district who have until now been openly hostile to us. Several chiefs made speeches, the purport of which was that they were tired of fighting. Mr. Booth and myself then addressed them, and replied to several of their acute questions. The number present was about 120, and they seemed to be in rather a destitute state. Ahitana himself did not attend, being reported as suffering from a wound and unable to travel; but the general tone of the speeches of the chiefs present was such as to induce me to believe they will not offer any further opposition to our occupation of the land in their neighbourhood. I have, &c., Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Thomas McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Batea Military District.

No. 22. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 744-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 2.lst November, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, No. Zl, of the 4th instant, reporting your meeting with Ahitana's tribo, and in reply am directed by the Defence Minister to express the satisfaction of the Government at receiving so favourable a report of the disposition of the Natives referred to, who have hitherto been hostile. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Feas. Stevens, Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. For the Under Secretary.

No. 23. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Holt. (No. 247-1.) Sic,— Patea, 30th March, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell with Sub-Inspectors Cumming and McDonnell, four sergeants, and sixty-three constables, of the Armed Constabulary, marched from this post to-day to Wanganui en route for Hokitika, leaving me in command of the district, with the following available force: Patea, three sergeants and fourteen constables ; Waihi, one sub-inspector and eighteen constables. Previous to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell leaving he gave me verbal instructions to call out a portion of tho Militia to replace the men of the Armed Constabulary. I have so done, and have issued notices calling for fifty Volunteers, pending further instructions from Government. I have not received any other orders or instructions, either verbal or written, and I would therefore beg to be informed what steps I am to take for tho payment of the men of the Armed Constabulary remaining here, and the Volunteer Militia. I presume the amount of pay the latter will be entitled to is that which has been usually granted to local forces according to rank. I may state that the Besident Magistrate, Mr. Booth, has requested me to send out to Kakaramea and Ohika a party of about fifteen men to each place, as a protection to tho settlers there. In one case threatening language was used by Natives towards a settler named Bailey, and some Ohika settlers have had their houses broken into, and their property stolen. I beg to enclose copies of the instructions that I intend to give to each party, and hope that the Hon. the Defence Minister will approve of the same. I would suggest that tho force at Waihi, at present under the command of Sub-Inspector Boss, be brought into camp at Patea, and that that post be held by the Volunteer Militia, thereby enabling me from time to time to carry into effect the wishes and suggestions of the Besident Magistrate, as the

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A.-No. 3.

Armed Constabulary are a civil as well as a military force, and Waihi being distant about twenty-five miles renders communication rather difficult. Requesting that you will be good enough to furnish me with all necessary instructions, as soon as it may be convenient, I have, &c, Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Wm. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 23. Jnstructions for the Guidance of the Officer Commanding Betachment Armed Constabulary, Kakaramea. Patea, 29th March, 1868. 1. To patrol frequently all about the neighbourhood of his post, especially where settlers are located. 2. To at once apprehend any Native or Natives whom they find opposing the settlers in the occupation of their land, or who may be pointed out by any settler as having done so. The offenders to be sent to Patea under escort. 3. Great care to be taken that no offence is offered to the Natives living near. They are to be civilly treated and spoken to, but at the same time made aware that the detachment has been sent there to carry out the intentions of the Government, and that the settlers who wish to occupy their land will be protected, and those who oppose them will be punished. 4. It must be distinctly understood that the detachment are pnly to act as peace officers, and to arrest offenders, and must not use their arms against the Natives without orders from Head Quarters. Wm. Huntee, Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

Jnstructions for Senior Sergeant Anderson while in Charge of the Betachment of Armed Constabulary at Wairoa. Patea, 29th March, 1868. 1. The detachment has been sent to Wairoa at the request of the Besident Magistrate, in consequence of several reports from settlers in the neighbourhood that their houses had been robbed by Natives. 2. It will be the duty of tho detachment to patrol frequently all about the district where the settlers are located, and arrest any Natives whom they may find transgressing the law, by stealing or otherwise, or who may bo pointed out by any settler as having done so. The offender or offenders to be sent at once to Patea under escort. 3. Great care to be taken that no offence is offered to the Natives living near. They are to be civilly treated and spoken to, but at the same time made aware that the detachment has been sent there to protect the settlers, and to arrest offenders against the law whether European or Natives. 4. It must be distinctly understood that the detachment are only to act as Deace officers, and to arrest offenders, and must not use their arms against the Natives without orders from Head Quarters. Wm. Huntee, Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

No. 21. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to the Offices Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (No. 186-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 4th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, No. 247, of the 30th ultimo, and in reply am directed by the Defence Minister to instruct you as follows : — The Volunteer Militia are to be retained at Patea unless some emergency requires their presence elsewhere. If it is desirable that Kakaramea and Oika should be protected, the Mounted Constabulary must patrol in that direction. No Natives are to be apprehended without a warrant from the Besident Magistrate, unless they are found in the act of committing a felony. Privates in the Militia are to receive 4s. a day, and other ranks in proportion, but are to provide themselves with rations. As Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, with Sub-Inspector and Paymaster Cumming, will in all probability return to Patea very shortly, there is no necessity for issuing fresh instructions for the payment of the men. You, however, in the meantime, should prepare and send in to this office estimates of the sums which will be required to pay the Volunteer Militia and Armed Constabulary for the current month. I have, &c., J. Holt, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 25. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Inspector Huntee. (No. 184-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 9th April, 1868. Beferring again to your letter, noted in the margin, I am directed to inform you that the latest reports received by the Government confirm them in considering that no danger need be

247-1, March 30, 1863.

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apprehended of any disturbance of the peace of the Patea District, and I am to instruct you, therefore, to strike off pay and duty the whole of the Volunteer Militia immediately on the receipt of this, unless, in the meantime, any fresh contingency should have arisen which would lead the Resident Magistrate to consider it absolutely necessary that they should still be retained on duty. I have, &c, Inspector Hunter, J. Holt, No. 3 Division, Armed Constabulary, Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 26. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Holt. (No. 264-1.) Sic,— Patea, 13th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 184-2, dated 9th instant, and, in reply, to inform you that I addressed a letter to the Besident Magistrate, Mr. Booth, asking if he considered it necessary to retain the Volunteer Militia on pay. I beg to enclose copy of his reply, and in compliance with his wishes have retained them. At his suggestion, a party of fourteen men and two constables have been stationed at the village of Mokoia. I have, Ac, Captain Holt, Wm. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, Under Secretary, Defence Office. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 26. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Booth to Inspector Huntee. (No. 32-2.) Besident Magistrate's Court, Sic— " Carlyle, 13th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of No. and date as per margin, and, in reply, to state that I consider the services of the Volunteer Militia, at the present time stationed at Mokoia, to be absolutely necessary for the protection of settlers, who have in vain attempted to occupy their land situated at the edge of the bush, not far from Whakamara. Two men, named Henderson and Luxford, were turned back no less than threo times by Natives of Whakamara. The last occasion was on Friday last, when the Natives came out as far as the village at Mokoia, waylaid the two men above-mentioned, pulled them about a good deal, and forced them back. I have, &c, James Booth, 8.M., Inspector Hunter, No. 3 Division, Patea. Carlyle, Patea.

258-1, Patea, April 12,1868

No. 27. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to the Offices Commanding Militia Disteict, Patea. (No. 151-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 20th April, 1866. In reply to your letter No. 264-1, of the 13th instant, covering copy of a communication from Mr. Booth, 8.M., stating that he considered it absolutely necessary to retain on pay a detachment of Volunteer Militia at Mokoia, I am directed to inform you that the Defence Minister has approved the steps you have taken (as reported in your letter now under reply) in consequence of Mr. Booth's suggestion. I have, &c, J. Holt, The Officer Commanding Militia District, Batea. Under Secretary.

No. 28. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Holt. (No. 268-1.) Sic,— Patea, 14th April, 1868. With reference to my letter No. 264-1 of the 13th instant, and to yours No. 184-2 of the 9th instant, I have the honor to inform you that at the request of Mr. Booth, Besident Magistrate, I accompanied him this day to Mokoia, to ascertain whether it would be expedient to withdraw the Volunteer Militia from that post, with a view to their being disbanded. Upon our arrival there we learnt that, agreeably with his instructions, the two men, Henderson and Luxford, had again tried to go upon their land, but were stopped by a party of from seven to nine Natives, who ordered them off, at the same time using very offensive language and threatening gestures. The men therefore returned, and have stated that they are afraid to make another attempt, as they are apprehensive that if the Natives became excited by their repeating tho attempt, the case would become a more serious one. The number of men under arms in the district would of itself preclude any endeavour to compel these Natives to permit tho settlers to go upon their land without molestation; and of course, without fresh instructions from tho Hon. the Defence Minister, I have not increased their number. I have, &c, Wm. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, The Under Secretary Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

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No. 29. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to the Offices Commanding Militia District, Patea. (No. 153-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 20th April, 1808. In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, No. 268-1, reporting that the Natives near Mokoia had refused to allow two men (Henderson and Luxford) to go on their land, and requesting instructions, I am directed by the Defence Minister to inform you that the number of men on pay is not to be increased at present. I have, &c, J. Holt, The Officer Commanding Militia District, Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 30. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Holt. (No. 271-1.) Sic,— Patea, 20th April, 1868. I have tho honor to enclose copy of a letter which I have this day received from Mr. Booth, Besident Magistrate, and beg to inform you that I intend to place a party of men, composed of the Volunteer Militia and Armed Constabulary, on the southern bank of the Hangahape stream. Mr. Booth and myself will accompany this party, which starts from Patea this day. I have, &c, Wm. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, The Under Secretary, Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 30. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Booth to Inspector Huntee. (No. 38-2.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Patea, 20th April, 1868. As the Natives in the neighbourhood of Mokoia and Whakamara are still determined to resist every attempt on the part of European settlers to occupy their land, and after consulting with Mr. Parris, Civil Commissioner, on the subject, I have tho honor to request that you will, as soon as convenient, send a small body of men across the Hangahape stream, inland from Mokoia, and so place them as to give protection to the settlers Henderson and Luxford, who have, as previously reported, been ejected from their land. The post to be occupied will be on Government or confiscated ground, and the men composing the force are to understand that they are simply to protect settlers from insult or violence at the hands of the Natives, and if a disturbance should arise in consequence of this moVement the Natives must take tho initiative. I have, &c, Inspector Hunter, A.C, James Booth, B.M. Commanding Patea District, Patea.

No. 31. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Haetweight to .the Offices Commanding Militia District, Patea. (No. 222-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 27th April, 1808. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, No. 271-1, of the 20th instant, in which you report that, in compliance with the request of Mr. Booth, Besident Magistrate, you were sending a party, composed of Volunteer Militia and Armed Constabulary, to the northern bank of the Hangahape stream, in order to afford protection to the settlers Henderson and Luxford, and am directed to inform you in reply, that the Defence Minister has approved your action in this case. I have, &c, Heney Haetweight, The Officer Commanding Militia District, Patea. Eor the Under Secretary.

No. 32. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Holt. (No. 273.) Sic,— Patea, 24th April, 1868. With reference to my letter, No. 271-1, of the 20th instant, I have the honor to inform you that I marched a party of about thirty-five men to Hangahape, leaving Patea at 5 o'clock p.m on Monday. I arrived at Mokoia at 10.30 the same evening, and started across the Hangahape stream at 4 a.m. the following morning, and got to the top of the hill by daybreak. Finding that there were not any Natives on the spot where they were supposed to have been on the look out, I halted there. About 9 o'clock the same day the Native who had sent the settlers off made his appearance, and appeared very much astonished at seeing us where we were. The Besident Magistrate requested me to make him a prisoner, which I immediately did. The next day several of the Natives came into our camp, and stated to Mr. Booth that they wished to meet him and talk the matter over. This he agreed to, and on Thursday, the 23rd, about thirty-five men, accompanied by a number of women, came in and discussed the case, and finally agreed that the 6

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settlers in that district should not be interfered with at all. I then marched the men into Patea this day at daybreak; and as the Resident Magistrate has intimated that the services of the Volunteer Militia are not further required, I have discharged them from to-morrow. I have, &c., Wm. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, The Under Secretary, Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

No. 33. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to the Offices Commanding Colonial Fosces, Patea. (No. 236-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 4th May, 1868. I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter, No. 273, of the 24th ultimo, reporting that you had marched a party of thirty-five men to Hangahape, that an interview had taken place between the Besident Magistrate and the Natives who had refused to allow certain settlers to go on their land, and that the Natives had now agreed not to interfere with the settlers. In reply I am to state that the Defence Minister has approved the action you report having taken in the matter. I have, &c. J. Holt, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Batea. Under Secretary.

No. 3-1. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to the Offices Commanding Militia District, Patea. (No. 253-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 9th May, 1868. It having been decided by the Government that the post at Patea need only now be retained as a depot for supplies, I am directed by the Defence Minister to request you will, as soon as possible after receipt of this letter, proceed with the whole of the Armed Constabulary now stationed at Patea (with the exception of a small party under a non-commissioned officer, whom you will leave to look after the buildings and stores) to Waihi, where until further orders you will establish your headquarters. The Defence Minister presumes that with twelve packhorses and a cart, you will have no difficulty in making arrangements by which the men will be able to supply themselves with rations. I have, &c, J. Holt. The Officer Commanding Militia District Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 35. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to the Offices Commanding Colonial Fosces, Patea. (No. 264-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 21st May, 1868. In reply to your letter, No. 294-1, of the 17th instant, requesting that the two sub-divisions stationed at llokitika and Sentry Hill may be ordered to return to Patea, I am directed by the Defence Minister to inform you that the detachment now at Hokitika will return to Patea about the end of this month ; but that the services of the other sub-division are required at New Plymouth. I have, &c, J. Holt, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 36. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. (No. 292-1.) Sis,— Patea, 16th May, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, that latterly several instances of horse-stealing, and other robberies, have taken place in the district about Waihi and Waingongoro, by Natives. On tho 9th instant I received a warrant from Mr. Booth (a copy of which I beg to enclose) to apprehend Toi and Hau Whenua, who reside at To Ngutu-o-te-Manu. Katene, lately a guide w rith the Volunteer Militia, was a prisoner in gaol, and I requested Mr. Booth to release him in order that I might make use of him in the proposed expedition. My request was complied with, after some time, on my becoming security for the amount of £14 should Katene escape. Katene is a Native in whom I have implicit confidence, he having served with me as guide on numerous occasions. I then directed Captain Page, whom I placed on pay, to enrol 40 Volunteer Militia, and ordered out the Patea Light Horse Volunteers for service. These, with the whole of the Armed Constabulary,— strength as per margin * —I placed under command of Inspector Hunter, and * Staff —field officer, 1; captain, 1; assistant surgeon, 1; volunteer, 1. Armed Constabulary —inspector, 1; subinspector, 1; senior sergeant, 1; sergeants, 4 ; corporals, 3 ; constables, 45. Patea Light Horse Volunteers —captain, 1; sergeant, 1; privates, 15. Volunteer Militia—captain, 1; sergeant, 1; corporal, 1 ; bugler, 1; privates, 30. Totals—■ field officer, 1; inspector, 1 ; captains, 3 ; sub-inspector, 1 ; assistant surgeon, 1 ; volunteer, 1; senior sergeant, 1 ; sergeants, 6 ; corporals, 4 ; bugler, 1; privates, 45 ; constables, 45. Total, all ranks, 110. Remarks —Staff, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell (commanding), Captain Cumming, Assistant-Surgeon Walker, and Volunteer Canning. Armed Constabulary— Inspector Hunter and Sub-Inspector Ross. Patea Light Horse Volunteers—Captain O'Halloran. Volunteer Militia — Captain Page.

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instructed him to march for Waihi at dusk on Sunday, the 10th, and I was obliged to hire a cart to carry provisions and tents for the men. I left Patea early on Sunday morning with Captain Cumming and Mr. D. Canning, a gentleman from Napier who volunteered to accompany the force. The whole of the men reached AVaihi about 2 o'clock on Monday morning, and I encamped them in a hollow under the redoubt, Avhere the tents could not be seen, so as to prevent our being in the neighbourhood being known to the Natives. During Monday, the 11th, many Natives came into camp from the villages in the neighbourhood ; by my order they were at once made prisoners, but they were kindly treated, and when my reasons for detaining them for a night were explained to them, they were quite satisfied. I fell in the force at about 8 p.m., and marched for Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, Avhich is about 2\ miles further in the forest than Pungarehu, the pa attacked by the Colonial Forces in October, 1866. I left Cornet Campbell, Patea Light Horse A'oluntecrs, in charge of the camp. From information received before leaving Waihi, I made a detour to a village called Mawhitiwhiti, Avhere I was informed Toi was sleeping. We surprised the village, but found that Toi had left that day. I took two Natives from that place Avith the intention of sending them into Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, after I had surrounded the place, to assure the inhabitants that Aye had only come after stolen property and thieves. We marched on again and entered the bush, but when Avithin about 700 yards of the place, one of the Mawhitiwhiti Natives bolted. Katene and myself were close to him, but it was so dark we could not see him. I sent Katene in chase, and made a prisoner of the other Native. I ordered the column to come on as rapidly as possible, fully expecting to receive a volley every moment. Katene returned ; he had chased the Mawhitiwhiti Native to within a short distance of the pa. I then brought our prisoner to the front, keeping him tight in hand, and informing him I would shoot him the moment Aye were fired on. I brought the force on to Avithin 200 yards of the village, and placed them in a clearing to the right of the track. I need not say that all my plans were frustrated by the desertion of tho MaAvhitiwhiti Native, and I felt certain that all the inhabitants were now awake and on the alert, and that if I took the men on I was sure to get a volley, so I determined to go into the pa alone, to reassure the Natives if possible. Captain Cumming and Katene insisted on coming with mo. AYe Avere met at the entrance of the village by a chief named Tauke —the Native who had bolted into the bush had not had time to awaken the whole of the Natives, as Aye had come up so quickly after him. AYe Avent in with Tauke to the open space in the centre of the pa, and the Natives turned out of their whares as fast as they could. I told them what had occurred, and that I had a force of 100 men in the clearing. Katene here said, " The Colonel has 200 men here, 300 at Waihi, and 400 on the inarch up from Wanganui—the Government are not going to stand any more nonsense." They then asked me to bring in my men, which I did; and a house about 90 feet long by 25 or 30 feet Avide Avas given for their accommodation. It was iioav about 4 a.m., but notwithstanding the Natives at once commenced and cooked, potatoes for the men, and having placed a sufficient guard we lay down till daylight. About 8 a.m. the Natives assembled, and I told them what my errand Avas, and that the reason I brought so strong a party was that for the last tAvo months many horses and much property belonging to the Pakehas had been stolen, and that these were iv possession of the men of Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu; that Mr. Booth had come alone to demand them to be given up, and all he got was an insolent reply from Toi and Hau Whenua, to the effect that they had the horses and property, and intended to stick to them, and any more they could get hold of. I Avent on to say that owing to the Mawhitiwhiti Native having escaped, no doubt that Toi and Hau Whenua had left for the bush, but if I could see them they Avould be made prisoners of. " I could iioav take the Avhole of you, but the Government do not Avish to punish the innocent for the guilty."' They replied, " The horses are not handy; Toi and Hau AVhenua are not hero." I replied, " Tou must then come with me (this was to the Chief Kokiri and Tauke), come as men, not as prisoners; come to Waihi, see Mr. Booth, and let this evil matter be settled for ever." I got no answer for a long time, so I pulled out my watch and tolcl them I would give them a quarter of an hour to decide Avhether one should go as a sort of hostage that everything should be arranged properly; and if they could not decide in this period of time, I would take the whole. I fancy they must also have had the time, as they kept me fourteen minutes, and then Tauke said, " Colonel, it is settled; I will go Avith you and see Mr. Booth, the Resident Magistrate." The Natives then gave us some twenty baskets of potatoes, pigs ready for cooking, pumpkins, fowls, and some rolls of tobacco. I thanked them for their hospitality, and took some of tho tobacco and a couple of fowls, and left for Waihi, under the impression that in a day or two everything would be settled. Upon our arrival at Waihi I gave Tauke half of my tent. Natanahira was sent on in the evening for the stolen horses, and brought back next day my brother Edward McDonnell's mare, and a grey roan mare and foal belonging to Mr. Smith, of Waingongoro, but also claimed by the Chief Kokiri, and brought a message that the revolver had been sent to Noav Plymouth. A Native named Nai uoav stated to Mr. Booth that there were two other horses. Tauke said, " Perhaps so, but lam not aware of it; let me return and I will bring them to you, Colonel, if they have been taken; or I will remain and let Natanahira go." Mr. Booth said, " No, I will go with a dozen men and bring the horses and the thieves." I told Mr. Booth that my opinion Avas we ought to assent to the proposal made by Tauke; but he thought otherwise, and said he Avould go. I recommended him to take Tauke, which he said he would do. I then ordered Inspector Hunter and Captain Cumming, with the Mounted Constables and A 7olunteers, to proceed with Mr. Booth at 2 p.m., and took the men on foot on with Captain Page and myself, leaving Captain Ross in charge of the camp. I gave instructions to Inspector Hunter that if, as I anticipated, any resistance should be offered, lie was to send on for me to Pungarehu, where I intended halting. In following up the party Avith Mr. Booth I saw a Native on the track in front of me, and on riding up, to my great astonshment it was Tauke, Avho left Avith Mr. Booth. " What are you doing here ?" I inquired. " Did you not accompany Mr. Booth ? AVhere is your horse —Mr. Booth told me you had one ?" The man Avas very excited, and thought I had deceived him; and I then had fears for the party Avho had ridden on in advance, so I dismounted, gave my horse to Tauke, told him to ride as hard as he could, and try to overtake the force with Mr. Booth. He stared at me and said, " I have been deceived." I said, " No, go on and prevent the evil with your people;" so he got on my horse and galloped aAvay as hard as he could. The men on foot now came

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up, and I hurried them on, fully expecting to hear firing at any moment. On my arrival at Pungarehu, Mr. Canning met me with a hasty message from Inspector Hunter, that I was to come up with all speed, that the Natives were all armed, and three prisoners had been taken. I lost not a moment: my men, with Captain Page, went almost at a run, till we met the Besident Magistrate returning with three prisoners, two of whom, Mr. Booth said, when he met me, were innocent men, and proposed to let them go ; but I had them taken on to Waihi, as to have let them go in the bush would have been a weakness. For an. account of what occurred in the village I refer you to copies of letters from Inspector Hunter and Mr. D. Canning. Captain Cumming, who was one of the last to leave the village, assured me also that evidently the Natives were determined to resist the apprehension of any more of their men. Tho last Native he spoke to had a rifle capped in one hand and a naked sword in the other; he however asked for and partook of a small drop of brandy which Captain Cumming had in his flask. On arrival at Waihi, Mr. Booth proposed to let the throe prisoners go, having nothing at all against them. Two of them were released next morning, and Ihaka (the third) was by my advice retained. I omitted to mention that the force brought back with them two more of the stolen horses. Tauke, to whom I lent my horse, caught up the party under Major Hunter, near a place called Maui-o-te-Whenua, about one mile from Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, and entered the village in front with the men, and I firmly believe his presence saved bloodshed, for the Natives were evidently well prepared to receive the party. When the two men mentioned by me in a former part of this letter were released, I gave them a short note to Tauke, in which I told him to hasten back to Waihi and see me. No reply has as yet been received. Mr. Booth also sent a letter to the tribe, but I believe no answer has been returned. I cannot now refrain from making a few remarks, being of opinion that the Government are anxious to avoid, if possible, any renewal of hostilities and unnecessary shedding of blood in this district, and at the same time equally anxious and determined that the law shall be carried out and tho settlers be protected. I would beg most respectfull}'- to urge upon the Minister for Colonial Defence the necessity of the management of tho district being placed in my hands. My long experience of Native character, my knowledge of all the tribes in this neighbourhood, and, let me add, the prestige that my name has among the Natives, will, I feel, certain, enable me, if full power is given to mo, to preserve tranquillity and order in the district without bloodshed; but if the power to act independently is not left with me, I will not be surprised any day to hear of or see fighting, and this through mismanagement. Ido not at all care to be under the control or at the disposal of any Besident Magistrate where any Native affairs are concerned, nor am I at all inclined to lead officers and men into situations where their lives are not safe for a moment, when there is actually no necessity for the risk; if, therefore, the Government have sufficient confidence in. me to carry out what I have asserted above, I trust to receive immediate notice of their approval; if not, I wrould much rather that some other officer should bo appointed. I dismissed the Patea Light Horso Volunteers yesterday, and Volunteer Militia this day ; and, in conclusion, would beg to bring to the notice of the Government the conduct of the whole force. Inspector Hunter was most energetic in carrying out all my instructions. Captain Cumming's conduct in persisting to prevent me going into the pa by myself I admired, and have thanked him for it. Captain Page's conduct during the whole of the expedition was what I expected most praiseworthy. I also would mention Mr. Canning, who behaved extremely well. Captain O'Halloran and tho Patea Light Horse Volunteers acted, both while mounted and on foot, in a most exemplary manner, and I have thanked them in orders. The men's conduct could not have been surpassed. The Armed Constabulary, although considered by Colonel Whitmore much too old, marched in one night from Patea to Waihi, twenty-four miles ; next night to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, good twelve miles, and tho principal part through the bush, and back in the morning; not a man fell out, not a man intoxicated. It will show- they are serviceable men, though not all I could wish them, and I will weed them by degrees. Corporal Crichton's behaviour in sticking to Mr. Booth and Captain Cumming, I beg also to rej)resent; he is an excellent non-commissioned officer, and I will take the first opportunity of promoting him. I have left all the Armed Constabulary at Waihi, and intend to move some men to Waingongoro in a few days. I will also remove head-quarters to Waihi as soon as possible, in compliance with your letter, number and date as per margin. I have, &c., Thomas McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Wellington. Commanding Patea District. 16th May, 186 S. I have just received enclosed letter from W. Katene, which he forwarded to me as the last news from To Ngutu-o-te-Manu, consequently I will proceed early to-morrow to Waihi, and if I think it necessary, or that it will do any good, I will proceed to the same place again by myself. Thos. McDonnell.

No. 53-2. May 9, 18G8.

Enclosure in No. 36. Upper Wanganui B.M. District,") Province of Taranaki, > Colony of Now Zealand. j Warrant to Apprehend. To Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Inspector of Armed Constabulary, and to all other Peace Officers in tho said Colony of New Zealand : Wiieeeas information has been laid before the undersigned, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the said Colony, for that Toi, Hau Whenua and other Aboriginal Natives of New Zealand,

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of the Ngaruahine hapu, of the Ngatiruanui tribe, and now residing at Ngutu-o-te-Manu, have now in their possession certain articles of property, to wit, three horses, one revolver, and other property, stolen by the said Toi and the said liau Whenua from Waingongoro and other places, and belonging to European settlers, viz., one horse, belonging to Mr. E. McDonnell; two horses, belonging to Mr. Smith ; one revolver, belonging to Mr. G. Gilfillan. These are therefore in Her Majesty's name forthwith to apprehend the said Toi, Hau Whenua, and other Natives residing at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, and to bring them before me, or some other Besident Magistrate, to answer to the said information, and to be further dealt with according to law. Given, under my hand and seal this ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, at Carlyle, in the Colony aforesaid. James Booth, Besident Magistrate.

No. 37. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Colonel McDonnell. Sis— Waihi, 14th May, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with your instructions, I started from this place on the afternoon of the 13th instant, with seventeen troopers, accompanied by Mr. Booth, Resident Magistrate; Sub-Inspector Cumming, Armed Constabulary; Captain O'Halloran and Mr. Campbell, of the Patea Light Horse, and arrived at the Native village which the force under your immediate command had left the preceding day. I left two troopers at the edge of tho clearing beyond Pungarehu, to act as a connecting link with the rear, four others in charge of the horses a little further on, and went into the village with the remainder; just as we came up to it I directed two of the men to seize two horses, identified as having been the same stolen some short time ago by Natives. When in the village Mr. Booth requested me to make prisoners of three of the Natives, which I did, and placed them for security in a large house in the village. The Natives appeared to be all armed, and in a very sulky and unfriendly humour, and upon Mr. Booth calling out to them that ho wished to talk with them, took to the bush in various directions, armed with guns and tomahawks. As it was now getting dusk, and as I was apprehensive of these Natives cutting us off as we retired through tho bush, I urgently pressed Mr. Booth to come away as quickly as possible, as I considered our position rather a critical one. I then loft the village, bringing the prisoners and horses, and was on my way back when I met you bringing up the reserve of infantry. 1 have great pleasure in bringing to your notice the cool and determined manner in which the officers and men under my command behaved on this occasion. I have, <fee., Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, E. W. Huntee, Commanding Field Force, Waihi. Inspector Armed Constabulary.

No. 38. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Canning to Colonel McDonnell. Sic,— Patea, 16th May, 1868. I am in receipt of your letter requesting me to forward you a written statement of what circumstances came under my notice during the last expedition of the forces to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, which I accompanied as a volunteer. On approaching the above-named village we discovered two horses in a clearing, which wore immediately recognized by several of the men as those stolon from some of their comrades several weeks before. Major Hunter ordered them to be seized and brought on in the rear to the pa, which was done. On entering the village, sentries were at once stationed at the front and side of the large whare. Mr. Booth, Besident Magistrate, then requested the attendance of all the Maoris in the pa to a korero (talk), which they peremptorily refused, appearing to me frightened lest they should be taken prisoners. I may here mention, for your information, that the number of Natives on this occasion was far larger than on our previous visit, I should say fully three times as many, the majority being armed. Those who could not muster firearms had provided themselves with long-handled tomahawks, &c. Seeing that they positively refused to attend, and were making off to the bush in every direction, Mr. Booth instructed Captain Cumming to place them under arrest in the large whare. We succeeded in arresting three men —amongst them a Maori named Ihaka, who a short time ago had broken into and robbed a European dwelling in the neighbourhood —and were in the act of taking a fourth, called Kokiri, when our Native guide, To Katene, told Mr. Booth and myself that if we persisted in taking him prisoner the Natives would fire on us; in fact one Hauhau Native had his piece levelled and aimed at myself and Corporal Crichton, and as Kokiri was resisting all in his power, and endeavouring to escape by means of slipping through his blanket, Mr. Booth said he had bettor be let go, which was accordingly done. Meantime Major Hunter with the other three prisoners and his mounted men had gone on, leaving Mr. Booth, Captain Gumming, myself, and Corporal Crichton behind. After advancing some little distance from the pa, say 100 yards or thereabouts, Mr. Booth requested me to run and tell Major Hunter to come back, as we had left the two horses behind in the pa, and Mr. Booth was unwilling, he said, that the Maoris should retain them. I accordingly pushed on and overtook Major Hunter, delivering my message to him. Major Hunter then said, " I wish you to ride on with all possible speed to where Lieut.-Colonel 7

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McDonnell was with his reserve, and tell him to come on as quickly as he could, there being every probability of shots being exchanged." This is all the information I can give you on the subject, from the time I entered the pa until I left. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Davis Canning. Commanding Forces, Patea District. J

No. 39. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 265-2.) Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 21st May, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the I.6th instant, No. 292-1, and in reply am directed by the Defence Minister to inform you that the Government approve the action you have taken in endeavouring to execute the warrant for the apprehension of certain Natives charged with stealing horses, &c, from the settlers, and have again the pleasure of recognizing the judgment and conspicuous courage you have displayed in performing this duty under very hazardous and difficult circumstances. The Government have also received, with much satisfaction, your report of the conduct of the officers and men under your command. The Government cannot, however, comply with your request to place the management of the district in your hands. They quite admit the qualifications you claim for yourself, but they also have every confidence in the existing civil authorities, and see no reason at present for substituting anything like martial law for the ordinary constitutional administration of Government. As you appear to think it possible that you may be required to lead your officers and men into unnecessarily hazardous positions, I am to state that Mr. Booth will be cautioned to consult with you before calling upon you for military assistance, and I am to point out that you have the power —indeed, that you are held responsible —to decline to undertake any expedition which you may consider could not be successfully carried out with the means at your disposal. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, J. Holt, Commanding Colonial Forces, &c, Patea. Under Secretary.

No. 40. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. (No. 295-1.) Sic,— Patea, 19th May, 1868. With reference to the postscript of my letter, number and date as per margin, I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, that I proceeded to Waihi, with Captain Cumming, on tho 17th instant. I found that a sack of stolen articles had been sent into camp by Araukuku. I enclose a statement received from Katene, and I wrote to Tauke, expressing my regret at his wife's death, and requesting an interview with him as soon as he could to have a talk. No answ-er has as yet been received, but I will report to Government when I receive one. I have, &c, Captain Holt, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Under Secretary, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

291-1, May 16, 1868.

Enclosure in No. 40. To Colonel,— Arakawa Hatepe, 18th May, 1868. Salutations. When I left this (for Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu) and I arrived at Te Ahipaipa, I asked the old man (whom I saw there) whether I should return safely or not. He told me to go on my way without fear. When I reached the forest I met an old woman. I said to her, " Perhaps I shall be killed." She replied, " I will not say yes, neither will I say no." I then went on my way. When I came out (appeared) at To Maru, I was discovered, and three men came to meet me. When I got across tho stream they asked mo, " Who is behind you ?" I replied, "I am alone." They exhorted me to speak the truth. I said, "I am speaking the truth." I was then called to by the rest to advance towards them. We all went together to the main body, and when we got there I sat down. Kokiri then stood up and said to me, " Say what you have come to say." I then stood up and said to him, " I came to see how it is that no one has come to the Colonel in reply to his letter which has reached you." Kokiri then called out, "You are right in coming here; the reason there has as yet been no reply to that letter is because the wife of Tauke is dead : he is the man we intended to have sent in company with Tipene." I then answered, "It is quite right, but choose you now some one to go back with me." They chose out a son of Kokiri. I told them he would not do, as he would not be able to speak (did not know how to speak). Kokiri thereupon went to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu to get some one; he brought back a woman; but when she arrived she was sent back again, and in her stead they got the mother of Ihaka, who is in prison. Those words end. I then inquired of them how it was they had their guns with them, and why they had their cartridge-boxes strapped on to their waists. Then Kokiri stood up and said, " The reason is first the case of Butu, which was an investigation. After that came a large war party. All the Pakehas came by night and carried off property and men, and Tauke. We thought that was the end of it, but immediately after that there came another war-party of Pakehas, who took the pa, caught horses as well as people. Some of the people at this fled into the woods. This is why we are cautious, and arm

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ourselves with guns, and we now wait to be attacked by another force such as these last: then we shall fire on them." I said to them, " You do well to be on your guard; live quietly." They answered, " Yes, but don't come again." Your friend, Te Kaho, Wieemu Katene.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 40. To Colonel Mac— Hatepe, 15th May, 1868. Friend, &c. This is a word to you in reference to Te Kaho's visit to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. He saw there certain persons who said to him, " Wo have received the Colonel's letter, and are willing for Tauke to return —he is at present remaining on account of tho death of his wife." She died on tho 14th and was buried on the 15th. This is how it is Tauke did not come back, but as soon as his grief is assuaged he will come back. A woman returned to this place with Te Kaho, but when they arrived here you had already gone back ; she is the mother of Ihaka. She went back again without our having said anything (of importance) to her. Eriend, the Colonel, lam now clear (hopeful) in my mind with regard to our people; but write to me, so that I may know, &c., &c. Wieemu Katene.

No. 41. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sis,— Wanganui, 23rd May, 1868. I have the honor to enclose the accompanying letter I have just received from the Natives living at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, and trust it may be considered satisfactory. I have, &c, Captain Holt, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Under Secretary, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 41. To Colonel Mac,— Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, 20th May, 1868. Salutation to you, to you 0 father, the man who carefully plans out your path in accordance with your appointment and profession. Your letters are also clear which we have received. I have been in great trouble and anguish at the death of my wife, who died on the 15th instant, that is why I have not been able to proceed thither, but for all that, O friend, you have the great light, both for yourself and us, and also for my son Ihaka. I have two causes of trouble; that is one of them. Let shine bo caused to appear to him, will you not, as to you belongs great influence. All heavy and difficult matters with you are light and easy. Eriend, I remember you spoke very decidedly to me in the tent. I will not forget what you said then. It was in reference to that which gives light, but when the end of it reaches my son let him be set free. It is with you to decide as to his liberation, as well as to remove all these many troubles. Father, that is all. You have brought all these many troubles under the notice of the Government. It is well; whether it be good or whether it be not good, let the word be sent hither so that wo may be clear. Father, may you live long, &c. Tauke, Tipene, Kokiei.

No. 42. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to tho Officer Commanding Colonial Foeces, Patea. (No. 282-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 29th May, 1868. I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Hall (acting for the Defence Minister), to acknowledge receipt of your letters noted in the margin; the one covering a statement you had received from Katene, and the other a letter from certain Natives living at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. I have, &., J. Holt, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. Under-Secretary.

No. 295, May 19, 1868. May 23, 1868.

No. 43. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Holt. Sis,— Waihi, 9th June, 1868. I have the honor to report that this day, at about half-past 4 p.m., two Natives came to my whare, and in an excited state began to talk about Hauhaus. As soon as I could find some one to interpret what they were saying, I learned that a settler called Cahill, late a sergeant in the Taranaki Military Settlers, and two other men, had been barbarously murdered by a party of Hauhaus from the village of Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. I immediately sent out a party of men, under the command of Senior Sergeant Anderson, A.C, to go and ascertain if possible the truth of the statement, and, if the men

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had been murdered, to bring in the bodies. A few minutes afterwards, Sub-Inspector Ross, who had just come into camp from riding, started after the first party with a few more men, and on his return with the men who left with Sergeant Anderson, reported to me that they found the three bodies lying dead near a large log which they had evidently been dragging up to the saw-pit, at which they were in the habit of working. It was quite dark at this time, and it was impossible to recognize the features. The bodies were then brought into camp until a Coroner's inquest can be held, and I sent an orderly off immediately to Mr. Booth, Besident Magistrate, acquainting him of the occurrence. As soon as the fact of the murder was known in the district a great deal of alarm was naturally felt, and I have consequently sent a sergeant and twelve men to Waingongoro, and a similar number to Turu Turu Mokai, at the request of the settlers. I have written to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell by Mr. Gudgeon, who starts for Wanganui early to-morrow, informing him what has happened. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, W. Huntee, Inspector, A.C. Colonial Defence, Wellington. I may add that the scene of the murder is in a bush clearing, about 2J miles from this post, in a northerly direction.

No. 44. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sir, — Wanganui, 10th June, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, and forward a note I have just received from Captain Cumming : — [Extracts.] " I have only just time to send you the enclosed copy of a note written by Hunter. " Poor old Cahill, who lived just inside the Ketemarae clearing, has been murdered by the Natives. Booth and Boss were up there to-day, and saw numbers of Natives armed, who wished them to turn back. I fancy there will be a blaze. " I will march to-night at 12 o'clock with every available man. Come up if at all possible. "I have, &c, " Geo. Cumming." Copy of Hunter's note referred to. " My deae Booth— " Waihi, 9th June, 1868. " The Natives have killed old Cahill. Let Cumming come up at once with every available man. " In haste, &c, "W. Huntee." Although on leave I will at once start for Batea and assume the command, but when there my hands are tied and my resources crippled. I was aware of the great responsibility I would incur when I asked for the control of Native affairs in tho Patea District, and I now fear much trouble will arise, or has now arisen. I will report fully when I get up to the front, and at present think I may recommend a Native Contingent, should things prove nasty. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

No. 45. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. (No. 318-1.) Sic,— Patea, 12th June, 1868. I have the honor to forward the enclosed letter from Inspector Hunter, stating the steps he had taken regarding the recent murders in this district, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 45. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Colonel McDonnell. Sic,— Camp Waihi, 11th June, 1868. I have the honor to forward for your information some further particulars with reference to tho murders perpetrated by Natives in this district on the 9th instant, and also to acquaint you with the steps I have taken to ensure the safety of the settlers. I addressed a short letter to the Government on the night of the 9th instant, simply stating what had taken place up to that time, and almost identical with what I wrote to you. I had arranged to send a sergeant's party to Turo Turo Mokai, but on the arrival of Mr. Booth, Resident Magistrate, yesterday, he stated to me that, after having had an interview with certain Native chiefs at Patea, he considered that all the district from here to Patea, and up the Patea Biver as far as the Tawhiti Stream, was safe; but that they could not answer for the Natives to the north of that stream. I resolved to send a party of twenty-five men, under Sub-Inspector Eoss, to Turo Turo Mokai, as the most central place for the various settlers to retire upon. I have been the more inclined to think that the above course was the best one to pursue as I have since heard that on yesterday after-

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noon a party of fifteen Natives from Keteonetea, a village inland and to the north-east of Turo Turo about two and a half miles, had come down to the houses of Millman and Hiscocks fully armed, and seven or eight with new revolvers ; but as they only found one old. man of the name of Griffiths at the house of the former they did not commit any outrage, at the same time stating that they had come down to drive off the owners of the places, but would not interfere with the old man as he was simply a slave, or something to that effect. I may inform you that some of the settlers wished me very much to call out the Militia Avith all speed, but this T declined doing, as I considered that not only was I not warranted in so doing Avithout express orders from Government, but that I also thought that, owing to the small number of men I could muster, and the generality being married and actual settlers, I would be doing more harm than good to the district; at the same time I informed them that, as far as lay in my power, by patrolling, &c, I would render them every assistance. Some of the settlers inland, about the farms at Tlawera, informed mp that they wished to make Mr. Bradshaw's house a rallying-point in case of danger, and that the latter gentleman had kindly volunteered to do all he could for them, at the same time informing me that they were about holding a meeting about what course they AA'Ould pursue. I told them that whatever arrangements they made about the safety of their wives and families I would most gladly supplement as far as I could, but that I first Avished to learn the temper and feeling of the mooting. I have had as yet no report from thcin. I. was applied to by several settlers for arms and ammunition, but had not any to give them. With reference to the scene of tho murder, yesterday I sent a party of fifteen men, under Mr. AValkcr, to bring iv any property belonging to the men who had been killed, and on his return he reported to me that he examined the place and found bullets in the log, and a mallet covered with blood. Tho property was brought iv and consisted of sawing tools, some boxes and papers, a few blankets, and cooking utensils, &c. Trusting that the steps I have taken in your absence may meet with your approval, I have, &c, W. Hunter, Inspector, A.C, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. AVaihi. Commanding Camp, AVaihi.

No. 46. Copy of a Latter from Inspector Hunter to Captain Holt. (No. 2.) Sis— Waihi, 12th June, 1868. I have the honor.to inform you that another barbarous and horrible murder has been committed this afternoon by some Natives. As this occurred when I was absent from camp, I beg to enclose two letters from Sub-Inspector Boss, Armed Constabulary, and Dr. Walker, respectively, with reference to it. About 2.30 p.m. this day I loft camp in order to meet some of the settlers in tho Hawera part of the district, at their request, to concert some measures for their safety, and, accompanied by Captain Cumming, had seen several of them. I had just parted from him, and was riding round towards Waihi to visit Waingongoro on my way back, when I was overtaken by an Orderly, at full gallop, with the letter marked A. from Sub-Inspector Boss. I rode back to camp as hard as I could, and just arrived in time to see the mutilated remains of Constable Smith, Armed Constabulary, brought into the redoubt. The murder took jdaee about a mile and a quarter from camp, and in the open, and Captain Boss assures me that lie could distinguish the flash of the tomahawks. I would urgently request that some arms and ammunition be sent to this post, as several of the settlers have applied to me for the same, and I am unable to give them any ; in fact, unless some immediate steps are taken, the district will lose some, if not all, of its best settlers. It is believed that about twenty-eight Natives took part in this last affair. It .appears to have been done with the greatest deliberation, as they must have been close to the scene of it since last night, no signs of any one being observed there all the day. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, W. Hunter, Inspector, A C, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commander, Waihi Camp.

Enclosure 1 in No. 46. Copy of a Letter from Sub-Inspector Boss to Inspector Huntee. Sic,— Waihi, 12th June, 1868. I have the honor to report, for your information, that shortly after you left camp for the purpose of attending a meeting of settlers at Hawera, Dr. Walker and myself were walking across the parade-ground at about 3.15 p.m., when, in the direction of the bush, I heard the report of firearms. I immediately turned round, and at Te Whenuku, about a mile and a half from camp, 1 distinctly saw the puffs of smoke from several guns. I immediately ordered the men under arms, and while they were turning out I examined the place with my glasses, and could distinctly see about fifteen men firing sharply at some object I could not make out. Presently 1 saw the men make a rush, and could distinctly see tho flash of something bright rising and falling, when they stopped, and seemed to collect round some object. Dr. Walker 1 had sent out with ail the men I could muster, twenty-two all told, who by this time had reached about half the distance. I then wrote a few lines and despatched the orderly, who you saw. Te Katene came in a few minutes after, and reported having seen a great many Maoris proceeding towards Te Whenuku; upon hearing which I galloped after Dr. Walker and his party —thinking he might be surprised by a party of Natives in reai —to order him back to camp. 1 caught up to him close to the spot where I had distinctly seen the firing from the camp, and after a few moments' search we found the remains of Constable Smith. All we could identify him by was a peculiar lump on his 8

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toe, his head and body down to the waist having been cut off and carried away, nothing remaining but the hips and two logs. I then ordered Dr. Walker to return to camp, and with all speed bring tho remains of the body with him. I then returned to camp and despatched four orderlies to meet you to act as escort, fearins: in coming past the bush you might be ambushed. Orders to Dr. Walker, when proceeding out with his party, not on any account to go too near tho bush, and not to fire unless fired upon, not knowing then what had happened; further, if fired upon, to return, as it would have been impossible for me to send him assistance, having so few men in the redoubt. Constable Smith, it appears, had gone out without leave to look for his horse. I have, <fee., Feed. Boss, Sub-Inspector, Inspector Hunter, Armed Constabulary, Waihi. Armed Constabulary.

Enclosure 2 in No. 46. Copy of a Letter from Dr. Walkeb to Inspector Huntee. Sic,— . Camp Waihi, 12th June, 186 S. I have the honor to report, for your information, that on this day I was performing the duties of Orderly Officer. At a quarter past 3 o'clock, p.m., 1 heard some shots fired, and I saw the smoke at the edge of the bush. I then inquired if there was any man out of camp, and I learnt that Constable Smith, A.C, was out looking for his horse. Captain Boss, Sub-Inspector, A.C, was at this camp at the time the shots were fired, and I was ordered by him to proceed to the place where the shots were fired, with a view of reconnoitering. I took a party, consisting of twenty-two rank and file; on coming near tho place I extended the men, and about 250 yards from the bush wo discovered part of the body of a man (supposed to bo that of Constable Smith). The upper part of the body was taken away, and I brought the remainder into cam]), and gave it in charge of the guard. During the time I was exploring the fern in tho vicinity of tho bush, Captain Boss rode out and gave me orders to hasten back to camp. Inspector Hunter, I have, &c, Commanding Armed Constabulary, Saml. Walkee, Patea District. Ensign and Asst.-Surgeon, C.F.

Enclosure A. Copy of a Letter from Sub-Inspector Boss to Inspector Huntee. Deae Huntee.— Waihi, 12th June, 1808. Heavy firing ten minutes since at Te Whenuku. I have sent twenty men under Walker to find out the reason, with instructions not to risk anything, and only to fire if fired upon, and not to go within range of the bush. I could see about twelve men with my glasses. Trooper Smith is out looking for his horse, without leave, and I am much afraid has been caught. I have, &c, Inspector Hunter, Waihi. Feed. Boss, Sub-Inspector.

No. 47. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Captain Boss. (No. 3.) Sis— Camp, Waihi, 15th June, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that, since my last letter announcing the murder of Constable Smith, A.C, the dwelling-house of a Mr. Smith, and a whare of Captain McDonnell's, at Waingongoro, have been burnt and property destroyed, including some pigs, poultry, and one bullock, belonging to Mr. Chubbin, a settler in this district. On Sunday morning, about 6 o'clock a.m., as the men were under arms at daylight parade, I perceived that a large fire was burning, and heard several shots in tho direction of Waingongoro, and immediately despatched seven or eight mounted troopers to the place, who brought back the intelligence as above. Mr. Smith and his family had come into camp the previous evening, and I had withdrawn tho detachment at the same time, as I considered it very unsafe to leave so small a party in such an exposed position at a distance of five miles from camp. They were living in Mr. Smith's house, which was commanded by hills all round, and there was no cover for them. I wish also to inform you that on Sunday, about 2.30 p.m., I left camp to attend a meeting of settlers in the Hawera District, who had requested me to meet them and offer some suggestions for their defence, and that I just escaped falling into an ambuscade laid about 300 y rards from here. As I was riding along the main road Captain McDonnell, whom I had left in charge during my absence, saw about half-a-dozen Natives stealing from the bush down a gully that runs close to the spot where I was, and immediately sent out Dr. Walker with twenty men to cut off their retreat; the Natives saw them and immediately bolted back. I merely mention this to show how daring the Natives seem to be getting, in coming close to camp, and also that I very strongly suspect they knew I was to go to Hawera that day and at that hour. I have within the last few days been laying ambuscades, and I have much pleasure in bringing to the notice of the Hon. the Defence Minister the admirable conduct of the men on such occasions; and I cannot speak too highly of their behaviour, lying perfectly still, without speaking a word, even in a whisper, from 4 o'clock in the morning until the same hour in the evening. I have never heard of the slightest murmur, in fact they are all too anxious to perform this trying duty in the hopes of success. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Defence Office, Wellington. W. Huntee, Inspector, A.C.

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No. 48. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to tho Offices Commanding Colonial Foeces, Patea. (No. 354-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic — Wellington, 10th July, 1868. ' lam directed by the Defence Minister to acknowledge receipt of Inspector Hunter's letter of the 15th nil., No. 3, reporting the destruction of property at Waingongoro, &c, by rebel Natives. A delay has occurred in replying to the above-quoted letter, through its having been sent by mistake to Auckland, and only received here on tho 7th inst. I have, &c, Feas. Stevens, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (For the Under Secretary.)

No. 49. Insteuctions for Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (No. 309-2.) The Force under your command in the Patea District will be increased by Major Yon Tompsky's Division of Constabulary from Auckland, and by Inspector Newlaud's detachment from New Blymouth. You are authorized to enrol fifty men of the Native Contingent; to call out such of the Militia and Volunteers in your district as you think it safe and expedient to inovo from their homes; and, further, to raise a corps of eighty men to serve for three months, or longer if required. Captain Page will command this corps, and will remain at Wellington until the steamer " Sturt " leaves, and enrol and equip any efficient men who may wish to join ; he will then go on to Wanganui and raise men there ; and, if necessary, Newland will be directed to enrol a few men at Taranaki tocomplete the number. You arc requested to nominate a medical man to join the force as surgeon, and if you cannot find a suitable person at Wanganui, it is probable that Dr. O'Carroll, of New Plymouth, would bo prepared to join. Lieut.-Colonels Gorton and Eeader will be instructed to render you every assistance in equipping and securing provisions for your men. You must, if possible, arrange with contractors at Wanganui or Patea for the supply of provisions, and may at once accept any contract which will deliver the daily ration at a rate not exceeding 2s. per man, taking care, however, that you have good security for the fulfilment of the contract. On her return from Manukau you may detain the "Sturt" to assist you in completing all these arrangements ; and the huts at Patea, not otherwise occupied, may be temporarily used by contractors for storing their supplies. It is to be understood that the Government will not supply rum. The Natives are to be enrolled on the same terms as the European Militia, namely, for so long as their services may be required, and at a daily rate of pay of 45., including Is. 6d. in lieu of rations, which will be deducted if the Government furnish provisions. If there is likely to bo any difficulty in procuring the authorized number, Hori Kingi and two or three other influential chiefs may bo sent down to Wellington to confer with His Excellency and the Government. Sub-Inspector Cumming may be appointed to do the duties of Adjutant and Quartermaster, with an allowance of 3s. 6d. a day for these services, and an additional ss. a clay for acting as Paymaster of the force. The dates on which he enters on these duties are to be duly notified. A supply of medicines, &c, will be sent from Wellington. As soon as your force has been assembled, you are to use your best endeavours to attack and punish the tribes who have been concerned in the recent murders of peaceful settlers. Whilst employed in active operations in the field you arc responsible to the Government only for the exercise of the powers committed to you. Full confidence is reposed in you ; but in tho case of your having to deal with tribes of suspected loyalty, you will no doubt find it desirable to consult tho opinions of Mr Booth. Tho Government desire that the severest punishment should be inflicted on tho actual murderers ; hut I need hardly remind you that it is your duty to exercise your influence to restrain men, whose passions arc naturally excited by horrible outrages, from unnecessary bloodshedding, to save women and children, and to spare life when resistance ceases. If you consider that the mounted men of Captain Newland's detachment can travel overland safely from New Plymouth, you will direct them to march; otherwise they must embark on board the " Sturt," leaving their horses behind them, and serving on foot until they can procure other horses. As you will have a quantity of stores, &c, some of which will be issucable on payment, and may have extra trouble in the supply and issue of provisions, and as you arc responsible, under the Public Stores Act, for all articles committed to your charge, you may appoint a person to act as quartermaster or storekeeper, to assist you in keeping the accounts, &c. His pay will be 12s. 6d. a day. Whilst in command of the Field Force you may draw the pay and allowances of lieutenant-colonel, namely, 235. per diem, with forage for two horses. Defence Office, 16th June, 1868. T. M. Haultain.

No. 50. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sic, — Wanganui, 19th June, 1868, 11 p.m. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that I arrived at Wanganui this morning. The s.s. " Bangitira " passed us, outward-bound, after we had entered the heads. I was

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fortunate enough to just hail Colonel Gorton, who was landed after some trouble. Upon arrival in town lat once sent messages to the chiefs of Wanganui. Mete Kingi called at my house: I gave him the letters intrusted to my care by the Hon. Colonel Haultain, and then proceeded with the chief to where the other Natives had assembled. The letters were read and I awaited a reply. I have not time to enter into detail, it being late, and I having been busy all day, and the " Storm Bird " returns tomorrow at 8 a.m. The chiefs are willing and most anxious to help, not only to avenge the late murders, but to go at the root of the disturbam-c, but persist in going to Wellington first. Though I tried hard to persuade them that two would be sufficient, six insisted upon going at the least, and I consequently applied to Colonel Gorton for their passages, who is reporting the matter by this mail. Captain Kemp, late N.G, with Mete Kingi, M.H..R, proceed overland to Wellington, calling in at Parawanui to confer with the Ngatiapa, and intend, with one or two leading men of this tribe, to talk with Ngatiraukawa, and try and induce them to assist in punishing the murderers of the Europeans in the Patea District. I intend accompanying Kemp and Mete Kingi as far as Parawanui on Monday next, and if anything of importance transpires I will communicate with the Government from that settlement. Captain McDonnell proceeds to Wellington to-morrow with Hori Kingi and the other chiefs, and will more fully explain the purport of their visit. I understand that the Hauhaus have committed further outrages in burning the Europeans dwelling-places at Waingongoro (see map of the Patea District in the Defence Office), but I have heard of no more murders excepting a report of a Mawhitiwhiti Native (see map above alluded to), who is reported to have been shot by the Hauhaus, a report I have every reason to believe is true. If this proves to be correct, my own opinion is that Wharematangi and other Natives south of Mawhitiwhiti, excepting Ahitana's tribe, are sincere in their friendship, as reported by Mr. Booth, B.M. There is great enthusiasm in town and every one appears to be deeply grateful for the prompt measures taken by the Government. Captain McDonnell will consider it his duty to explain anything I may have omitted : at the same time I may say he is proceeding to Wellington at tho request of the chiefs, who pressed him to accompany them. I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, The Under Secretary, Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Fatea District.

No. 51. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 355-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 11th July, 1863. I have tho honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Wanganui, 19th June, reporting your arrival at that place, and an interview you had had with the Natives. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, I have, &c.. Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. T. M. Haultain.

No. 52. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 10.) Camp, Waihi, Sic,— 28th June, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that Wireani Manaia, of Kauae, has this day come into camp and told me that two of his people left his kainga yesterday for Taranaki, although he tried all means in his power to slop them. He also states that yesterday a Taranaki Native came to him and said that he bad been sent as a deputation from a runanga held in Taranaki, and composed of Taranakis, some thirty Waikatos, and twenty Keteonetea Natives, to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, to ascertain the origin of the present hostile movements, and he informed me that the decision of the runanga was, that if tho murders had been committed consequent upon any land being surveyed or seized by the Government, they would join against the Pakeha, but not for any other reasons. He also informed me that Tito Kowaru has declared it to be his intention to recover all the land as far as Waitotara, and that he will murder all Europeans up to that place when he can. I have caused written notices to be put up at the various settlers' houses and public houses in the district, warning unarmed parties from straggling or going about without suitable escorts. Strong parlies of Natives have been constantly straggling through the bush from the Ketemarae clearing to the Waingongoro Biver for the last few days, and the friendly Natives state that reinforcements have arrived from Taranaki. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, W. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. Commanding Camp, Waihi.

No. 53. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to the Officee Commanding Colonial Fosces, Patea. (No. 353-2.) Colonial Defence Office, SlE,— Wellington, 10th July, 1868. I am directed by the Defence Minister to acknowledge receipt of Inspector Hunter's letter (addressed to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell) of the 28th ultimo, reporting on the intentions and movements of the rebel Natives. 1 have, &c, Feas. Stevens, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (For the Under Secretary.)

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No. 54. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 343-1.) Sic,— Patea, Ist July, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that in accordance with instructions contained in your letter, number and date as per margin, I at once wrote to the Officer Commanding Local Forces at New Plymouth (copy enclosed),, forwarding extract from your letter relative to Captain Newland's detachment, and also requesting him to embark Sub-Inspector Newland's detachment on board the p.s. "Sturt" for this place with as little delay as possible, and requesting him to make arrangements for the safe keeping of the horses of tho mounted portion of the detachment. As these men would have to be sent round by tho " Sturt," I also wrote to Captain Newland, ordering him to embark. I also enclose copy of a letter handed to me this morning by Sub-Inspector Newland, who arrived by the steamer, from which I learn that tho mounted portion of the detachment have been ordered to inarch overland. This I consider, in the present state of affairs, not only hazardous but very inconvenient, as it has partly upset a plan of operations I had fixed upon; and if Mr. Parris, as lam led to believe, is to interfere with operations in my district, and to countermand written orders to my officers, thereby spoiling my plan of operations, as ho has done, I must immediately resign my command. I am surprised that Captain Holt should have taken upon himself to issue the order, copy of which I enclose. I must submit to you that the work in which I am engaged is no light one ; it is attended with much responsibility, labour, and anxiety of mind to me ; and if I feel that I have not the thorough and hearty support of the Government in enabling me to carry out the plans I have conceived, or that I am to be subject to tho interference of other servants of the Government in those disturbed districts, it must prove a source of much embarrassment to me. I therefore beg respectfully to intimate to you that, until I hear that Mr. Parris and others have been directed to cease their unnecessary interference with my duties, and in my command, operations are suspended. It is hardly necessary for mo to state that I have received from Mr. Booth most cordial assistance, that I could scarcely do without, in everything that has transpired lately in this district. I have, &c, Tnos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

309-2. June 16, 1868.

Enclosure 1 in No. 54. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Offices Commanding Militia, &c, New Plymouth. (No. 324-1.) Sic,— Patea, Ist July, 1868. I have the honor to forward enclosed extract from instructions received, bearing date Defence Office, 16th June, 1868, No. 309-2 —and to request that you will be good enough to embark Sub-Inspector Newland's detachment on board the p.s. "Sturt" for this place with as little delay as possible. As tho " Sturt" will not bo able to bring the horses belonging to the mounted men of the detachment, it will be necessary that some arrangement should be made for these horses being placed in a secure paddock, and properly taken care of until other arrangements can be made; the men, however, on their arrival in this district, will be required to perform mounted duty, if necessary, when horses will be provided. I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, The Officer Commanding Militia, &c, Commanding Patea District. New Plymouth.

Enclosure 2 in No. 54. Copy of a Letter from Major Stapp to Sub-Inspector Newland. Sic,— Militia Office, 29th June, 1868. Under instructions from Captain Holt, Under Secretary for Colonial Defence, I have the honor to state that the mounted portion of the detachment, No. 3 Division Armed Constabulary, under your command, are to proceed overland to-morrow morning, at 6 o'clock; if you are not able, through ill-health, to proceed with them, they are to go in charge of Sergeant Bennett, and you are to embark in the " Sturt" this day. I have, &c, C Stapp, Brevet Major, Sub-Inspector Newland, Commanding Militia and Volunteers. Commanding Detachment, A.C, New Plymouth.

Enclosure 3 in No. 54. (No. 10.) Patea, 24th June, 1868. Enclosed extract from instructions for Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell is forwarded for the information of Sub-Inspector Newland, who will bo good enough to embark with his detachment on board the p.s. " Sturt," with as little delay as possible, en route for Patea. Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding Patea District. 9

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No. 55. Copy of a Letter from Major Stapp to Captain Holt. (No. 473.) Taranaki Militia Office, Sic,— New Plymouth, 3rd July, 1868. In reference to letter, number and date quoted in the margin, I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, that I consulted his Honor the Superintendent, and also wrote especially to Major Parris, and they stated that it was perfectly safe for the mounted men to go overland. Sub-Inspector Newland agreed to. go on Saturday, the 27th ;he altered his mind, and said he would go on Monday, the 29th. On Sunday he got a doctor's certificate, and informed me that he should not go overland himself or allow his men to go. Captain Holt, Under Secretary for Colonial Defence, arrived here on the 29th, and after consulting his Honor the Superintendent, Government Agent, and Major Parris, he directed me to order the men to proceed overland ; and if Sub-Inspector Newland was not able to go, they were to proceed in charge of Sergeant Bennett, a very good man. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell wrote a letter to me, dated the 24th ultimo, directing the whole of the Constabulary to embark on board the " Sturt," leaving their horses behind; but I considered it desirable to carry out the orders of the Government if considered practicable, and Captain Holt agreed with me. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, C Stapp, Brevet Major, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Militia and Volunteers.

295 June 17, 1868.

No. 56. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell, (No. 362-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 10th July, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 343-1, of the Ist instant, in which you complain that your instructions to Sub-Inspector Newland relative to the mounted men of his detachment of Constabulary had, by direction of the Under Secretary for Defence, been set aside by tho officer commanding the Now Flymouth district. You also intimated that having been led to believe that Mr. Parris had authority to " interfere with operations in your district, and to countermand your written orders to your officers, you had suspended operations until you should hear that that gentleman and others had been directed to cease their unnecessary interference with your duties and in your command." 1 am glad to learn from your letters subsequently written that you had reconsidered this determination, and were about to return to Patea, and were actively engaged in making your preparations for the field ; but as you have on more than one occasion referred to the interference of the civil authorities, I cannot now allow your remarks to pass unnoticed, and must express my regret that you should have raised difficulties oii such trifling grounds at a time when your entire energies are required for the performance of most difficult and important duties, and when the Government have intrusted you with such large powers, and assured you of their full confidence. Mr. Parris has in no way interfered with you: his action in the matter was confined to giving the officer in charge of the mounted party (at the request of the Government Agent and Under Secretary) a letter to the Native, Honi Pihama, requesting him to send scouts in advance to see that there was no ambuscade, and it was only with a view to assist you that those gentlemen acted in this manner, knowing that it was the wish of the Government, and very desirable that you should have as many mounted men as possible with your force ; and the result has proved that they were quite correct in supposing that the party •could reach Waingongoro in safety. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, T. M. Haultain. Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea.

No. 57. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 1.) Sic,— Wanganui, 6th July, 1868. I have the honor to state that, having been detained in Wanganui for twelve hours by the impassability of the Patea bar, my brother, Captain McDonnell, arrived this morning from Rangitikei, .and brought the news that Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa had fought with tomahawks yesterday, and that to-daythey would fight with guns, their old quarrel being the cause of it. My brother expresses no doubt that by this time all chances of a peaceable settling of the question are at an end. I am convinced, from information obtained by a lengthy and careful examination of Katene, that the active resistance of the Ngatiraukawa is caused by the general agreement of all the tribes formerly in rebellion on this coast to make another combined attempt to regain their lands. Tho momentary peaceful attitude of the Bakakohe and others is explained by Katene as being the result of their disgust at Tito Kowaru having begun two months before the time appointed. I saw from the very beginning that the whole success of the work before me would hinge almost entirely upon the kind of information I could obtain from Katene. I have therefore spared no time or pains to obtain it, and am more and more convinced that his counsels are both reliable and wise. He urged me two days ago, as a first step, to take the Pakakohe and others prisoners: now that step seems almost inevitable.

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As that measure, in the present aspect of affairs, would however put every operation necessary upon a larger footing, I hesitate to do so till I hear whether the Government will back me in the matter. One good feature in the quarrel between Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa is the one that it will bring the Wanganui and some of the Napier tribes once more heartily into the field. On the other hand, the Ngatiraukawa will be reinforced by all the Hauhaus of this coast, and the present quarrel may precipitate the open co-operation of all the former rebel tribes holding back as yet. It is perfectly clear, therefore, that tho Government must now lose no time in putting our coercive machinery upon a more comprehensive footing, particularly as any large move to the west of Patea will leave the country between the Patea, Waitotara, and Wanganui Rivers entirely to the mercy of the Hauhaus. A dangerous crisis is evidently at hand, requiring, in tho first instance, great caution in the choice of "which end of the stick to got hold of;" but there can be no doubt as to the immediate necessity of an enlargement of our forces for active service, and a more comprehensive extension of our field, of operation. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain, Tuos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Minister of Colonial Defence. Commanding Patea District.

No. 58. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 2.) Sis,— Wanganui, 6th July, 1868. I have the honor to state that, in view of the foregoing exposition of affairs, I intend to call out the rest of the Patea Militia, and am going to acquaint Colonel Gorton with my view of the safety of the Wanganui District. I also beg to represent that as, in all probability, my operations will require the division of my forces into several bodies, and as each body will require the services of some one thoroughly acquainted with the Maori language and customs, I beg to propose the appointment of my brother Edward McDonnell to Major Yon Tempsky's Division, to act with tho latter as interpreter and adviser on Maori matters, holding the rank of ensign. As he knows the country round Ngutu-o-te-Manu, his services as guide will be valuable. My orders to Captain Pago at Waingongoro, and Major Hunter at Waihi, are, for the present, to temporize. If any report of a skirmish, in which our men are supposed to be worsted, has reached you, you may understand that the retreat of our men was in accordance with my instructions. The present flooded state of tho Waingongoro Biver prevents at present any effective advance further west; and as it is very important I should hear without delay of the immediate result of the Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa quarrel, I shall remain here for a day or two, unless news from the front make my immediate departure overland necessary, all bars being impassable at present. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Minister of Colonial Defence. Commanding Patea District.

No. 59. The Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 357-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 11th July, 1868. I have received your letters from Wanganui, Nos. 1 and 2, of the 6th instant, reporting that a collision had taken place between the Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa tribes, and furnishing other important Native intelligence, with your suggestions and recommendations in view of the present unsettled state of affairs; and I need scarcely assure you that your opinions have received from the Government their most careful consideration. Though they are quite ready to endorse your estimate of the value of Katene's information, they do not consider it would be either prudent or politic, at the present time, to capture the chiefs of the Pakakohe or other professedly friendly or neutral tribes, and are unwilling to sanction the initiation of any measures which might tend to increase the number of the hostile Natives, and the consequent necessity of more extensive military operations. You are quite justified in calling on all the Patea Militia for duty : I can, however, see no prospect of sending you further reinforcements at present. Should you, therefore, be pressed by a superior force, you must fall back and report at once to the Government. I have no objection to your appointing Mr. E. McDonnell as interpreter to Inspector Yon Tempsky, and while so employed he will receive the pay of an ensign; but it must be understood that he holds no military rank, and as there are no vacancies in the district, I regret I can offer no prospect of a Militia commission. Although Mr. McDonnell's knowledge of tho country and of the Maori language and character will no doubt render his services valuable in many respects, the Government cannot recognize him as an " adviser on Maori affairs," either to Inspector Yon Tempsky or any other officer to whom he may be temporarily attached, for they do not consider that such an appointment is either necessary or that it would be desirable. I have to thank you for the very full information you have afforded the Government in the letter now under reply. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, T. M. Haultain. Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea.

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No. 60. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sic,— . Wanganui, 20th June, 1868 : 10 p.m. I have the honor to state, for the information of the Government, that the report mentioned by me in my letter of the 19th instant, namely, that a Mawhitiwhiti Native had been shot, has proved correct. The Natives of Mawhitiwhiti, although warned by the tribe who murdered Cahill that if they did not join them they would receive the same fate as the Pakeha, sent one of their number to Te Ngutu o-tc-Manu to induce some near relatives living there to leave the Hauhaus. The messenger was to have returned on the evening of the same day ; he had been absent about half an hour when his friends heard a volley fired. After waiting three days for his return, news was brought that he had been shot at Pungarehu by a party in ambush, and hacked to pieces with tomahawks. The information was brought me this evening by a Native from the coast. The Government may rely on the accuracy of this statement ; I was certain of it yesterday, but did not like to write positively until I was informed of his death. I shall not now proceed to Parawanui on Monday as I had intended, but shall send Lieutenant Gudgeon, whom I have placed on pay from to-day, to accompany Mete Kingi, M.H.8., and Captain Kepa to the above-mentioned village, and shall direct him to report to the Government anything of importance from that place. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

No. 61. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sic, — Wanganui, 21st June, 1868 : 6 p.m. I have the honor to report that I have just been informed that, in addition to the Maori mentioned by me, as having been shot at the Pungarehu, in my letter of the 20th instant, two others have been shot; one of them, Te Hira, late an ensign in the Native Contingent, was killed near Waingongoro on his return from tho Kattao (see Map of tho Patea District); tho other, a man of the Pakakohe tribe, supposed to be a messenger of Mr. Booth's, was shot near Manawapou. My informants are Captain Kepa, Te Kiritahanga, and Wiremu to Fewa. Should this report be correct, and the p.s. " Sturt " not arrive to-morrow, and should I not receive a communication from Patea (I have received no official, semi-official, or private letter since my arrival), I intend enlisting from thirty to forty men on the same terms as those already enlisted in Wellington, which consisted, at the time I left, of about fifty men. I have, &c, Tnos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, The Under Secretary Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

No. 62. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 327-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 27th June, 1868. I am directed by the Hon. Mr. Bichmond (acting for the Defence Minister) to acknowledge receipt of your letters, as per margin, reporting the murder of three friendly Natives, one of them being To Hira, late ensign in the Native Contingent. I have, <fee., Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Feas. Stevens Commanding Colonial Forces, Batea. (For the Under Secretary).

June 20, 1868 10 p.m. June 21,1868 6 p.m.

No. 63. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. (No. 322-2.) Sic,— Patea, 30th June, 1868. With reference to your letter, number and elate as per margin, I have the honor to state, for tho information of tho Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, that the reported murder of Te Hira has turned out to bo incorrect: he is at present at Waihi. I have, &c, Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

327-2 June 27,1868.

No. 64. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 361-1.) Sis,— Patea, 15th July, 1868. I have the honor to forward, for the information of the Government, enclosed report from Inspector Yon Tempsky relative to the late engagement at Turu Turu Mokai, and in doing so am,

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desirous of bringing to your favourable notice the names of the men marginally noted,* and would strongly recommend that they receive the Victoria Cross for their indomitable pluck in holding the outer angle of the redoubt, although taken at a disadvantage, and against such fearful odds. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Tnos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington. Commanding Patea Field Force.

Enclosure in No. 64. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Yon Tempsky to Colonel McDonnell. Sic,— Waihi, 12th July, 1868 : 11 a.m. I have the honor to report, for your information, that this morning, au hour before daylight, the sergeant of the guard reported heavy firing in the direction of Turu Turu Mokai. I turned out No. 5 Division ready to march, and I listened but could hear no sound, as the wind blew against Turu Turu. The rest of the garrison I ordered to stand to their arms. Seeing, shortly after, some flashes of shots, I proceeded at once with No. 5 Division on a track between Turu Turu Mokai and the bush, to endeavour to cut off the enemy. We met, two miles from camp, two men in their shirts, who stated that the redoubt was carried by surprise and most of the garrison killed. I proceeded with all speed and caution onward, and when within a mile of the redoubt saw the Natives coming out from a hollowin the rear of the redoubt. We doubled at full speed, and got within 800 yards of the Natives. I gave orders to fire, and gave chase. There were about 100 or 150 Natives —I numbered 50 men. The Natives, however, having a good start of us, gained the bush shortly, and I considered that under these circumstances a stern chase was a useless and dangerous operation, and therefore proceeded back to Turu Turu Mokai. The question now arose whether Natives were holding the redoubt or not; however I soon found that this was not the case. I found about seven effective men in tho redoubt; eight men killed, including Captain Boss (bis heart cut out and lying beside him) ; six men wounded, two of them dangerously; three men missing, who however turned up at Waihi. There is no doubt that my moving between the bush and the redoubt saved the rest of the garrison and tho redoubt. From the confused statements of the survivors I made out the following report of the disaster : — Some time before daylight the sentry saw the Maoris close to the redoubt and fired upon them; the latter, howrever, seem to have got into the ditch of the redoubt at once. Captain Boss, who slept outside the redoubt, managed to get into the redoubt, and defended the entrance most heroically. He was shot, however, and some of the Maoris must have got into the redoubt, as Captain Boss was found with his heart cut out, the heart lying however close beside him. Three of tho survivors held one angle of the redoubt to tho last, and must have even prevented the Maoris from getting far into the redoubt, as none of the arms lying about that angle were touched by the Maoris. Three of the garrison in the onposite angle were found dead with their arms in their hands ; the remainder of the killed of the garrison were found outside near the ditch. Three dead Maoris were left behind by the enemy, and there was a good deal of blood on their line of retreat. I ordered Lieutenant Boberts, with eighteen men of No. 5 Division, to take command of the post, leaving also Sergeant Macfarlane and some fifteen men of No. 3 Division at the post. I then returned with the rest of my division to Waihi to send carts for the wounded fit for transport, also provisions and blankets for tho garrison. I forward a list of the killed and wounded. In conclusion I have to state that two of the Maoris killed belong to Araukuku, and were, in the capacity of friendly Natives, at the redoubt only yesterday; the third Maori is a Waikato chief, f I have, Ac, Colonel McDonnell, G. F. Yon Tempsky, Commanding Patea District. Inspector, A.C, No. 5 Division.

KILLED. WOUNDED. Sub-Inspector Boss, Constable A. Beamish, Sergeant McFadden, Constable T. Beamish, Lance-Corporal Blake, Constable Connors, Constable Boss, Constable Kershaw, Constable Shields, Constable Tuffin, Constable Holden, Constable Flanagan. Constable Gaynor, Mr. Lcnnon, Canteen-keeper, killed in his whare outside.

Supplementaet to Bepoet No. I. (No. 2.) Sic,— Waihi, 13th July, 1868. I feel it my duty to recommend for your special consideration the conduct of the three men who held the last angle of the redoubt: their names are Milmore, Johnson, and McLean. The first two are Volunteer Militiamen, and their bayonets were of great use to keep the parapet clear without expending ammunition; McLean is a constable of No. 2 Division, and his revolver proved of great value on the occasion. The circular form of the flank which these men defended permitted even of a defence towards the entrance of the redoubt, where tho Natives, under cover of the smoke of Captain Boss's burning whare, managed to kill him at last, and effect a hasty entrance. About that time it * Volunteer Militia: Lawrence Milmore, Coslctt Johnson. So. 2 Division, A.C.: Henry McLean, Michael Gill, Wm. O'Brien, Stewart or Connor, late 57th Eegt. t I have been told by Tukino that this was a mistake.—T. McDomell, Lieut.-Colonel. 10

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must have been that the Natives perceived my force approaching, for Captain Ross's heart, which they had cut out, was found thrown away close to him; it is therefore due to the unflinching courage of the three men mentioned, and the desperate defence and tho dying efforts of gallant Captain Ross, that I was in time to saA re the post. I beg also to bring to your notice the alacrity of my men of the Alexandra Division in turning out promptly and getting over four miles and a half of frozen ground and a full creek. My thanks are also due to Sub-Inspectors Brown and Roberts, each in command of one sub-division during the pursuit. The retreat of the Natives was effected at the top of their speed: mats and kits, with food and ammunition, Avere strewn on both sides of the road. AVhether my fire Avas effective or not I cannot tell, as the blood on their tracks may have been caused by previous wounds. I have, &c, G. F. Yon Tempsky, Inspector, A.C.

No. 65. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 435-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 22nd July, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge your letter No. 361, of the 15th July, forwarding Major Yon Tempsky's report of the night attack by rebel Natives on tho post at Turu Turu Mokai. Although the Government deeply regret the loss of so many men, yet they have received with much satisfaction this account of the gallant conduct of Captain Boss and of those men who so bravely maintained their position against a very superior force. They have nobly sustained the reputation of the Colonial Troops, and the question of suitably rewarding the survivors is under consideration, as the existing Imperial regulations will not admit of their being recommended for the Victoria Cross. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, T. M. Haultain. Commanding Militia District, Batea.

No. 66. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. Sis,— Wanganui, 7th July, 1868. I have the honor to forward further information about the steps required at the present juncture. In the first instance I must refer once more to what I have said about Katene, that my success will be wholly dependent on the trustworthiness of his counsel, as the whole position of affairs is wrapt in such darkness that I can see nothing tangible to begin at safely. lam now convinced that his views are correct and reliable, as I have also taken Major Yon Tempsky's opinion on the subject, who agrees entirely with my judgment of Katene. From all the information obtained I have prepared the following steps : —Major Yon Tempsky is to proceed to Waihi, bearing letters to Mawhitiwhiti, Kauae, and Araukuku, to come into Waihi and remain there. This will sift the immediate neighbourhood of Waihi, where at present the neutral, doubtful, and hostile Natives are so mixed up that no offensive plan of operation can be carried out without accidents and mistakes occurring. Mawhitiwhiti and Kauae will come in, but Araukuku is expected not to do so. The letter is also intended to lull tho vigilance of the Hauhaus. The next step will be the consideration of the action to be taken as regards the Pakakohe. I shall remain in Patea watching their movements, and shall then decide, with your advice received, whether they are to be taken or not. Hostilities between Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa are almost sure to produce open aggression from the Pakakohe. The third move will be an advance across the Waingongoro Eiver and establishment of a post, to the west commanding the road to the Kauae, and to the north the entrance to the Pungarehu Bush. That move will produce the first engagement, as, both from the strategical grounds and information received, the passage of that river will have to bo fought for. Pending further news from Bangitikei, which I expect to get to-day, I cannot say more at present. I intend going per " Sturt," this evening, to Patea: should the bar prove again impassable, I shall proceed overland to-night. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain, Thomas McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Minister for Colonial Defence. Commanding Patea District.

No. 67. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 367-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 13th July, 1868. I am directed by the Defence Minister to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Wanganui, 7th July, No. 3, reporting further on Native matters, and stating your plan of operations against the Hauhaus, and to request you to be good enough to continue to furnish detailed information of your movements. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Feas. Stevens Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (For the Under Secretary).

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No. 68. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 394-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 17th July, 1868. It having been reported to the Government that one of the murderers of Bio Haraterangi, named Bairama, a Native of Waikato, is living at Kaipo, a Native reserve at Waitotara, and that other murderers of Eio are living at Batea with Taurua; also that Himiona te Whawati Bawiri and Hami Tukehata (murderers of Kereti) are living at Okutuku; lam instructed by tho Defence Minister to inform you that as the force under your command are now engaged in endeavouring to capture the murderers of the Europeans, steps should be also taken to secure the murderers of Eio and Kereti, if you and Mr. Booth see your way to do so. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Feas. Stevens Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (For the Under Secretary).

No. 69. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 354-1.) Sic,— Patea, 10th July, 1868. I have the honor to request, in consequence of the very alarming state of affairs in this district, that I may not only be furnished with authority to enrol an additional force of three hundred (300) men, but that martial law may be proclaimed in this district immediately. I would further inform you that active operations will be commenced on Wednesday next, should the weather prove favourable. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

No. 70. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 398-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic— Wellington, 18th July, 186 S. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 854-1, of the 10th instant, requesting an authority to enrol an additional 300 men, and. suggesting that martial law be proclaimed, and to inform you that the Government are now engaged in raising two hundred (200) Europeans to increase the strength of the field force under your command, and that they do not consider it necessary to advise His Excellency to proclaim martial law in the Patea district, as no additional powers would thereby be conferred on you as commanding officer. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, I have, &c, Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. T. M. Haultain.

No. 71. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 355-1.) Sis ,— _ Patea, 10th July, 1868. I have the honor to forward for your information enclosed communication received from Inspector Hunter, commanding Camp Waihi, reporting certain complaints made by the men of Nos. 2 and 3 Divisions, Armed Constabulary, and in doing so would beg to bring to your notice the very awkward position I am placed in by having the force under my command composed of corps receiving different rates of pay and allowances, viz., the Armed Constabulary, the men of which receive 4s. per diem, together with 6s. per month in lieu of clothing ; the Wellington Bangers, ss. per diem and a free issue of clothing; the company of Volunteer Militia, 4s. per day, without any other allowance. When rations are issued by the Government, a deduction is made of Is. 6d. per diem from each man. As these men have all to perform the same duties and undergo the same hardships, I beg strongly to recommend that during the present state of hostilities the whole of the field force in this district should receive the same uniform rate of pay, and the company of Volunteer Militia a free issue of clothing on the same conditions as the Wellington Bangers, or the usual money allowance of 6s. per month in lieu thereof. In strongly recommending this increase of pay to the Constabulary and Volunteer Militia, I believe, that any feeling of dissatisfaction that at present exists will be clone away with. I intend visiting the different posts to-morrow, when I shall explain to the men that I have forwarded their claim to the Government, and further, that I have recommended the proposed increase of pay. I have, &c., The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 71. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 13.) Sis— Camp Waihi, sth July, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that the men of Nos. 2 and 3 Divisions, A.C, at this post, have this day made a complaint to me with respect to the District Order of the Ist instant, directing that

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they should bo rationed by the Government and charged Is. 6d. per diem. They stated to mo that they enlisted under the conditions that they Avere to find themselves, and when placed in such a position that they could not do so, Government Avould provide rations and charge for the same. Up to the present time their rations, &c, consisting of bread, meat, potatoes, salt, sugar, tea or coffee, pepper, fircAvood, candles, &c, have cost them from 11-|-d. to Is. 2d. per day, but that under the new system they are charged Is. 6d. a day, Avithout candles or vegetables; that in addition they have to find fatigue or covering parties for the contractors in procuring these rations. The men as a bocly r have likewise requested me to bring before your notice their objection to serve in the Armed Constabulary if they are compelled to forfeit pay on being put into hospital, or unless forage for the horses belonging to the mounted men is found for them at the least at a reduced rate. Again, they state that they consider they have a claim to their discharge unless they receive 4s. a day and find themselves, Avithout any deductions for being received into hospital or otherwise. I beg to bring to your notice the very respectful manner in which these claims were made on the part of the men. I endeavoured to explain to them that tho conditions under Avhich they aro serving were being carried out in their entirety, and that they had all heard them read before being sworn in. I also informed them that I should forward the substance of their complaints to you, and that, pending cither your reply or your seeing them in person, the orders as issued on the Ist instant Avould be enforced. They appeared satisfied to await your reply, but I fear a feeling of dissatisfaction has been engendered in consequence of the order. I have, &c, Wm. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, &c, Patea. Commanding Camp AVaihi.

No. 72. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 399-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 18th July, 186 S. Beferring to your letter, No. 355-1, and its enclosures, of the 10th instant, relative to the pay of the various corps under your command, in which you represent that you are placed in an awkward position by their different rates of pay and allowances, and recommend that one uniform rato should be adopted, I must point out to you that the several corps have been raised under such different circumstances, that it would not be just to assimilate their pay and allowances. The Militia of the district are called out for the defence of their own homes, and are bound to give their services at the minimum rate of pay authorised by tho Legislature; they are, however, entitled to 6s. a month in lieu of clothing during the time they are on duty. The Constabulary are a permanent force, enrolled for general service, and cannot fairly claim the same pay as men who are enlisted out of the district to serve for a few weeks for a special object, and who will be summarily discharged when that object has been gained. You will explain this to the men under your command; but as it appears that a full ration of everything they require is not issued by the Government, you will inform the Constabulary and local Militia that during tho present active operations in tho Batea District, where the cost of provisions is very high, Is. a day only will be deducted for rations, and further, that no stoppages will be made from the pay of men whilst in hospital. No additional allowance can, however, be granted to mounted men for forage, nor can forage be issued in kind by the Government, and you must therefore keep them only where they may reasonably be expected to find food for their horses. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, I have, &c., Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. T. M. Haultain.

No. 73. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Baeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 195.) Sic, — New Plymouth, 18th September, 1866. Enclosed herewith I have tho honor to forward a supplement to the Taranaki Herald of Saturday last, containing an article which, by its heading, appears to have been written at Major McDonnell's camp, Hawera, in all probability by some one holding a commission in the New Zealand Militia or in the employment of the Government. The article in question was copied from the Wanganui Chronicle, the proprietor of which paper should, I think, in justice to myself, be called upon to give up the name of the individual, who wrote it. In consequence of certain reports received by the Government relative to the proceedings of Major McDonnell, I was sent to the district to communicate if possible with the disaffected tribes. The results of my mission I have already reported to the Government, which must be aware that such services cannot be performed effectually without considerable personal, risk to tho individual who undertakes them. I had to place myself entirely in the hands of the Natives by going among them, away many miles from any protection whatever, entirely at the mercy of the tribe which took advantage of poor Broughton and others on a similar service. I had no " sugar and flour policy " to tempt the Natives with, but, on the contrary, had to demand of them their unconditional surrender, and to explain to them that by going into rebellion they had forfeited their land, and must rely on the Government for a portion of the land for themselves in future. This unpleasant part I had to perform in opposition to a document signed by Major McDonnell, agreeing to give them back all their land and to stop fighting; and in the face of this there is a flourish of trumpets from the Hawera camp, proclaiming to the public that Mr. Parris has failed to patch up a

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peace. I should have taken no notice whatever of such threadbare cant as "flour and sugar policy," and " patch up peace," but when recourse is had to a base and deliberate recommendation to the Natives to take my life, I submit whether 1 am not entitled to the protection of the Government. It requires more fortitude to face a lot of savage fanatics, unprotected, for the purpose of holding communication with them (the only solution of the unhappy state of things), than it does to perform such services as the taking of Fokaikai and the burning of Katotaura, particulars of which the Government are already in possession of. 1 have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, B. Parris, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 73. Extract from tho Taranaki Herald, of 15th September, 1866. ******* Every one sees this clearly except Mr. Parris. Without wishing him any harm, and although it seems unkind to say it, nothing would tend more to settle this unhappy conflict than the rebels tomahawking the Civil Commissioner, and thus strikingly convincing him and the Government that they must fight it out. * * * * * * *

No. 74. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Bolleston to Mr. Paeeis. (No. 754.) Native Secretary's Office, Sir,— Wellington, 15th October, 1866. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. Mr. Bichmond, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 195, of September 18th, on the subject of certain articles in the public press, regarding the action taken by you at Patea, and inform you that the Hon. the Premier, in his place in the House of Bepresentatives, relieved you of all blame in the mind of any reasonable person. I have, &c, W. Bolleston, The Civil Commissioner, Taranaki. Under Secretary.

No. 75. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Booth to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 230.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sm,- Patea, 30th November, 1867. I have the honor to report that a meeting was held yesterday at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, at which 1 was present by invitation. The meeting was called by Titokowaru, a chief of the Ngaruahine hapu. Invitations had previously been sent to the different hapus of the Ngatiruanui, Taranaki, and Upper Wanganui tribes. Owing to bad weather, the Upper Wanganui and Taranakis did not attend. The different hapus of the Ngatiruanui, including those who have recently come in, were there. Captains Kemp and Aperaniko, with a number of the Native Contingent, were also there —tho whole, including men, women, and children, numbering about 300. I went to Ngutu-o-te-Manu on Thursday last, accompanied by Lieut. Gudgeon, the officer in command at Waihi. The village is merely a small clearing in the bush, about two and a half miles inland of Pungarehu, and was made when the latter place was destroyed last year. It contains about eighty huts, and is the head-quarters of Tamati Hone and Titokowaru with a remnant of the Ngaruahine hapu. On Friday (yesterday) morning the business of the day was commenced by the presentation of a quantity of food, including about one ton of flour and some sugar, which had previously been presented to Titokowaru by Kemp, Aperaniko, and the rest of the Native Contingent. 1 noticed that, with the exception of the flour and sugar before mentioned, the Natives had not been able to provide anything beyond a few kits of potatoes and some eels. They do not seem to possess either cattle or pigs. After the distribution of the food, Titokowaru fetched out of his house a double-barrelled fowling-piece, which be discharged into the air, and. then threw it down on the ground ill front of Kemp, Aperaniko, and myself. He said that the evil weapon which had caused so much mischief and ill-will, and which had been loaded with the blood of men, was now thrown down and trodden under foot (he now kicked the gun), and should never hereafter be taken up again. This he would promise, that this laying down of the evil weapon should be for all time, and not only as regarded himself and his immediate followers, but that it should also be buried by all the tribes with whom he had any influence. Aperaniko replied in suitable terms, and then Toi, the second chief of influence, spoke. He placed ihe gun in a position so that he had to pass directly over it every time he paced backwards and forwards in making his speech, and every time he came to the gun, he cither kicked it or jumped upon it. He made a long speech, showing both by words and actions, which were very energetic, that the evil thing was now and for all future time trodden under foot, jumped upon, and broken. Kemp replied in an excellent speech, pointing out to them their own foolishness in beginning the contest, and continuing it. with the loss of so much valuable life and property, which they could not now replace ; that our (Government) policy from the commencement had been to resist evil, and to establish rule and good order. Toi now spoke again, addressing his remarks to myself. After having again kicked the gun about, 11

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he said—" Mr. Booth, we now offer you the skin of a man. It is for you to put flesh, blood, and bones into this skin. The skin is whole, without blemish; but it is worthless unless you put into it flesh, blood, and bones." In reply I said, —" Who first disfigured and cut up your fair skin ? Did not you yourself? Who murdered ministers, unarmed men, and little children? Who committed the horrible atrocity of cutting off human heads, and carrying them about tho country ? I ask you to answer these questions. Had you been satisfied to have remained in this beautiful country, you would not have been molested by me. Why did you go to Waitara, to Tataraimaka, and afterwards to Pipiriki, to Moutoa, to Nukuinaru, Weraroa, Kakaramea, and other places, thus not only cutting your own skin, and wasting your own flesh, but mine also? Now to reply to your request. Give me flesh, blood, and bones to put into this skin. This is my answer. The flesh, &c, of the Ngaruahine is the laud commencing at the Waingongoro, and extending on the coast lino to the mouth of the Kapuni, and going inland to the mountain. The right I exercise over this land is the right to make roads through it for your use and for my use. The land is yours. The land on the other side of the Kapuni stream, and from thence to Kaupokonui, is for you and me —that is, it will be surveyed and put into the market ; then after roads, bridges, ami oilier improvements have been paid for, the remainder of the money will be counted, and a portion given back to you. This is the flesh, blood, and bones which I have to put into your skin." Toi then went into a defence of himself and his tribe. He said —" The evil commenced at Taupo (King movement) and at Waitara. I (Ngaruahine) have never committed murder." This statement was confirmed by Kemp and others. After Toi had sat down, a man, whoso name I could not learn, got up and sang rather an offensive song, ending in a chorus with something like a curse upon my head. This was all done in good humour, and is in accordance with Maori custom: that although you an; prepared to yield to circumstances, yet you are not supposed to yield tamely without having an insolent word to say for yourself. As soon as this speaker had sat down, Kemp got, up in a violent passion, and paid the man out by singing two or three derisive songs about Hauhaus and their king. The Native Contingent joined in the chorus with great gusto. The Hauhaus took it all in good part, and told the man that he had got the worst of it. Tamati Hone- then made a speech, during which both parties quieted down, and had a laugh over the joke; and then Titokowaru again came forward and presented the gun to me as the representative of the Government, and said that his influence extended to the four parts of the island ; and he would promise for all that the weapon of war should be trodden under foot. He further added, that if any of the Native tribes recommended the war, he should feel bound by the declaration he had now made in presence of this assembly not to give any assistance whatever. I may state, in conclusion, that ever since Titokowaru made the first overtures towards establishing friendly relations with us, he has shown the most untiring energy in his efforts to bring other tribes to make peace. He has visited all the hapus between Taranaki and Wanganui, and has now succeeded in bringing them in. Six weeks or two months ago he made a long journey on foot with a few followers to Taranaki, the Upper Waitara, across country to the Upper Wanganui, down the river in canoes, and then home again by the coast; and he has had messengers constantly going to Waikato and different parts of the country. He says that the Wanganui Hauhaus are now prepared to come in; and as soon as the crops of potatoes are in (about a month) Matutaera and other chiefs from Waikato and the Upper Wanganui have promised to attend a meeting at his place, and which 1 am invited also to attend. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, James Booth, Wellington. Besident Magistrate.

No. 76. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Halse to Mr. Paeeis. Native Secretary's Office, Sis,— Wellington, 4th May, 1868. Beferring to an article on the Pokaikai Commission, in the Wanganui Times of the I.7th of March last, containing an extract from a letter which appeared in the same journal on the 31st August, 1866, I have the honor, by direction of Colonel Haultain, to state that if you entertain a belief that tho publication of the. article in question is calculated to have the effect of inviting Natives to make an attack upon you, the Government is advised that a prosecution should be instituted by you against the printer and publisher of the paper. 1 have, &c. H. Halse, Assistant Under Secretary.

No. 77. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 143.) Sic,— New Plymouth, 11th May, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that the Natives from the South are now paying their long promised visit to the Natives of this district. On. the 2nd instant, about fifty of the Taranaki Natives arrived in town, and among them Patara the man of East Coast notoriety, and other leading men who represent tho different sections of the Taranaki Tribe. They are now at Mahau's place, Waiongana, and from thence they purpose going on to Waitara and Turangi. This day another party of about sixty has arrived from Ngatiruanui, not so many as were expected, on account of sickness, which is very prevalent in this district at the present time, a sort of low fever,

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of which several Natives have died. Titokowaru was prevented from coming by sickness, and others, I am informed, who were coming, have remained on account of some unpleasantness which has arisen about some horses which were looted, the owners, or those who had them in their possession, having allowed them to get aw Tay, when the original owners, some of the Ngaruahine Natives who live at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, took them and refused to give them up. This sort of thing will be constantly occurring if those who have loot horses are foolish enough to expose them iv the district from whence they were looted, independent of the legal position of the question. The Patea overland .mail is due to-day, and by it I expect to hear from Mr. Booth ; and if there is anything of importance, I will send it on for your information, if it arrives before the mail for Auckland leaves. More, who seems to be always travelling as a delegate from the Tokangamutu Bunangas, passed on to the South last week, with a party of about twenty, most of whom I have been informed are Thames Natives, I. have not yet heard what the purport of their mission is. I have, &c, The Hon. J. C Bichmond, B. Parris, Minister for Native Affairs, Auckland. , Civil Commissioner.

No. 78. Copy of a Memorandum by Mr. Paerts forwarded to the, Hon. J. C Bichmond at Auckland, along with copy of Mr. Booth's Letter of sth May, 1868. Monday afternoon, 11th May, 1868. Brown from Manutahi has arrived with the Patea mail, but he brings no news further than what is iv Mr. Booth's letter, copy of -which I have sent you, from which I infer that the disturbance about the horses is in abeyance or has been settled. Mr. Booth's letter is dated the sth of the month, and the overland mail left Patea on Friday, Bth instant. Brown has prevailed upon Hone Pihama to allow him to carry the mail for a month as a sort of privilege, which I hope will do him good. I gave him a reprimand this morning in tho presence of Tito Hauatana, who was with me when he arrived. Tito has come up with a party of Ngaruahiues who went on to Katero this morning. B. Paeeis.

No. 79. Copy of, a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 146.) Sic,— New Plymouth, 14th May, 1868. In further reference to the subject of Mr. Booth's letter of the sth instant, respecting some horses which had been taken by Natives, I have now the honor to inform you that I have just obtained the following further information on the subject from Mr. Isaac Bayley, who arrived last night overland from Patea. Mr. Bayley states that Mr. Booth, with the Constabulary, went to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu a few days ago and demanded the horses. The"Natives said they would give the horses up, but that they were running loose, and could not then be found. One of the Natives who took the horses away was brought in a prisoner or hostage until the horses were returned. Whilst the Constabulary was at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, the Natives killed some fowls, and cooked them together with some potatoes for them, and the matter is said to have gone off without any unpleasantness, further than the nature of the offence, which we must expect for a long time to come, and which will require judicious management of tho Constabulary, lest by any miscarriage shots should be fired unnecessarily, and hostilities provoked. I have, &c, The Hon. J. C. Bichmond, E. Paeeis, Minister for Native Affairs, Auckalnd. Civil Commissioner.

No. 80. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Under Secretary, Native Department. (No. 164.) Sic, — ISew Plymouth, 6th June, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 4th May, No. 181-2, in reference to an article which appeared in the Wanganui Times of the 17th March last, informing me that on certain conditions the; Government is advised that a prosecution should bo instituted by myself against the printer and publisher of the paper. In reply, I have the honor to state that if I had believed the article in question was likely to incite the Natives to make an attack upon me, I should not have put my life into their hands, and at their mercy, so often as I have done in the discharge of the unpleasant duties which have divolved upon me since the publication of the base article referred to. That the article wa3 intended to have that effect there can be no doubt, and its non-fulfilment would not exculpate tho persons who have been guilty of counselling the commission of the crime of murder. When the article in question first appeared, in August, 1866, I called the attention of the Government to it, and asked for its protection, having had good cause for believing that it was the act of persons in the employment of the Government; not with a view to prosecution, but to put a stop to a state of things detrimental to tho public service and disgraceful to the country. The offence of counselling the commission of the crime of murder has been repeated, by the

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republication of the article in question, and the Government appears to have been advised that J. should institute a prosecution against the printer and publisher of the paper; but your letter does not explain whether the Government would bear the expense of the prosecution, or whether it would have to be borne by myself. I have, &c, The Under Native Secretary, R. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 81. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Halse to the Civil Commissionee, Taranaki. (No. 225-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 25th June, 1868. With reference to your letter No. 164, of 6th June, on the subject of an article which appeared in the Wanganui Times of the 17th March last, I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Bichmond, to state, that the Government is advised that the time for action has gone by, and, as no evil has resulted from the article in question, it would not be advisable to prosecute. I have, &c, The Civil Commissioner, H. Halse, Taranaki. ' Assistant Under Secretary.

No. 82. Copy of -a Letter from Major Stapp to Mr. Paeeis. Sic,— Taranaki Militia Office, 26th June, 1868. I have the honor to state that I have received instructions from the Government to send the detachment of No. 3 Division, Armed Constabulary, stationed here to Patea, the mounted portion (seventeen men), to proceed overland to Waingongoro, if they can travel safely, they intend to start to-morrow morning. I should feel obliged if you would give me your opinion whether you consider they might with safety proceed. I have, &c, C. Stapp, Bt.-Major, Major Parris, New Plymouth. Commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers.

No. 83. Copy of a Letter from Major Stapp to Mr. Paeeis. Mr deae Ms. Paeeis, — 26th June, 1868. My reason for asking your opinion about Newland proceeding overland is, that he has just informed me at 4 p.m. that he would not go overland, as the letter from Colonel McDonnell states that he is to go in the " Sturt," and leave the horses behind. His letter is dated the 24th instant, and the letter from the Government is dated the 17th. The latter states the mounted men are to go overland to Waingongoro if it is considered safe. AVho is to decide V 1 have, &c, 11. Parris, Esq. C. Stapp.

No. 84. (No. 189.) Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to Major Stapp. Sic,— New Plymouth, 27th June, 1868. In reply to your letter of yesterday, with reference to the Mounted Constabulary, in number seventeen, proceeding overland from New Plymouth to Patea, I have the honor to state that I am of opinion that there is no danger to be anticipated from such a party of armed men undertaking the journey. Sub-Inspector Newland informed me on Thursday evening that he should leave to-day, and I arranged to detain the mailman (who should have left last evening) until to-day, to accompany them. I have, &c., Major Stapp, Commanding Militia, R. Paeius, New Plymouth. Civil Commissioner.

No. 85. Copy of a Letter from Dr. O'Caeeol to Mr. Paeeis. See, — New Plymouth, 29th June, 1868. As medical officer in charge of the Armed Constabulary Force stationed around and in the town of New Plymouth, I have the honor to inform you that tho state of health of Mr. Sub-Inspector Newland of the above force will not permit him to proceed overland to Patea for at least three days. He can of course proceed on board the steamer expected on Tuesday next, but the long ride and numerous vicissitudes which he is likely to be exposed to will in my opinion tend to expose him to a severe illness ; in fact he has all the symptoms of a coming fever now. 1 have, &c, P. J. O'Caeeol, Major Parris, E.M., C.C Assistant Surgeon, A.C.C

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No. 86. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 196.) Sir,— New Plymouth, 4th July, 186 S. I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that a Native woman named Martha Ahuroa, of the Puketapu Tribe, who went South with the Ngatiruanui Natives when they returned from this district last month, came in from Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu last Tuesday, which place she left on Sunday last. Martha Ahuroa was at .Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu when the late murders were committed, having arrived there three days before the occurrence. She was present when the miscreants returned from their fiendish expedition, and has given me the names of nine; the tenth she did not remember. On Wednesday morning, His Honor the Superintendent and Mr. Charles Brown, M.H.8., came to my office to hear Martha Ahuroa's account of these outrages. She stated that Titokowaru was fully committed to the whole affair. That the cause (tino putake) of the outrages was the treatment they had been subjected to in the dispute about the horses, some of which they declare had been looted from them since friendly relations commenced. That on account of some of their people having been made prisoners and taken away, they became very dark-hearted, and decided to fire upon the Constabulary if they came again to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. That they waited for some time, watching the approaches to their village; but as no one came, they decided to go in search of Pakehas to revenue the imaginary wrongs done to them. She stated that they had not done the slightest thing in the way of fortifying their place up to the time other leaving, but were keeping a good look-out night and day. She also states that no Natives of any other tribe have visited them since the murders were committed. I have, &c, The Hon. (ho Minister for Native Affairs,- B. Paerts, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 87. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the lion. J. C. Bichmond. (No. 204.) Sir,— New- Plymouth, 16th July, 1868. 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Assistant Under Secretary's letter of tho 25th June, No. 228-2, forwarding His Excellency the Governor's warrant appointing Hone Pihama te Bei Hanataua an Assessor within the district of New Plymouth. As no mention is made of any salary being attached to the appointment, I feel it to be my duty to bring under the notice of the Government the valuable services that young chief has rendered for the last three years, without any remuneration, and still continues to render. I. enclose herewith copies of a correspondence between myself and Brevet-Major Stapp relative to the detachment of No. 3 Division Armed Constabulary, which was ordered to Patea. They were to proceed overland according to orders received by Major Stapp from the Defence Office, and 1 detained the mailman (Karira) to accompany them until Sub-Inspector Newland refused to go; and before the steamer "Sturt" arrived with Major Yon Tempsky's detachment from Auckland, SubInspector Newland obtained a certificate of ill-health from Acting Assistant-Surgeon O'Carrol, copy of which I also enclose. Sub-Inspector Newland ordered the mounted men to put their horses out to keep during their absence, and to hold themselves ready for embarkation on arrival of the " Sturt," by which boat Captain Holt, Under Secretary for Defence, was a passenger. That gentleman and Major Yon Tempsky on landing here had a conversation with Major Stapp, when it was finally arranged that the mounted men should proceed overland, in command of Sergeant Bennett. (I should have taken them through, myself but for the abuse 1 am always subjected to whenever I go to the district, for I felt that the Constabulary were enrolled for the purpose of encountering some amount of risk whenever crimes were committed.) I wrote to Hone Pihama, and requested him to accompany them from his own place, Oeo, to Waingongoro, a distance of fifteen miles. The first day the constables rode from New Plymouth to Oeo, where they stopped for the night ; and during the night two horses broke from their tether ropes and got away ; and after searching for them the following morning for some time without finding them, Hone Pihama mounted them upon two of his oavu horses, and went himself, with two of his men, with them to Waingongoro. On returning again to his own place, Oeo, he sent his young men to look for the two missing horses belonging to the Constabulary, and after considerable time they found them making their wayback to New Plymouth. He took the horses to Waingongoro himself, and delivered them up to the owners. Hone Pihama brought the news himself of the attack on Turo Turo Mokai into New Plymouth in about thirty hours after occurrence, and I have requested him to send me word immediately anything particular occurs, which he has promised to do. The late news from Turo Turo Mokai has made our out-settlers feel very uncomfortable again, but, so far, I have hopes that it will not extend beyond the Ngatiruanui district. I feel, however, a very heavy responsibility, as the district expects to be warned by me of any approaching danger, and the necessary vigilance in communicating with the out-districts is a constant harassment. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, B. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner. 12

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No. 88. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Coopee to Mr. Pabris. (No. 262-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 24th July, 1868. In reply to your letter No. 204, of the 16th. instant, enclosing correspondence with Major Stapp relative to the detachment of No. 3 Division, Armed Constabulary, which was ordered to Patea. I am directed by the Hon. Mr. Bichmond to inform you that your account of the part taken by you in the discussions respecting the march of the Armed Constabulary is satisfactory. Mr. Bichmond remarks that you are bound to give advice under such circumstances. I have, Ac, G. S. Cooper, The Civil Commissioner, Taranaki. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 89. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 206.) Sib,— New Plymouth, 17th July, 1868. The very unpleasant duty devolves upon me of having to report to you a statement of tho Chief Hone Pihama te Bei Hanataiia, on his arrival, on Monday last, with the news of tho disaster at Turo Turo Mokai. Hone Pihama was in Mr. Charles Brown's office relating the particulars of what had occurred at the above place. There were several gentlemen present listening to the sad news which, he had brought; and after he had finished his statement of the attack, casualties, &c, he said, "I have now something else I wish to say to you rangatiras who are present. Whilst my man Karira (mailman) was at Turo Turo Makai, immediately after the engagement, tho Europeans turned upon him and accused my people at Matangarara of being the Natives who had attacked them that morning. Karira told them that Mr. Henry Northcroft, who had stopped at Matangarara with him that night, could prove that it was not the Natives of that place, and that he (Karira) knew the three Natives who were lying dead close to the redoubt to be from Te Ngutu-o-te-Mailu, and gave their names —Pita, Papia, and Enoka. What I wish you to understand now is, that I am afraid that those of my tribe who have surrendered to the Government will be liable to another Pokaikai attack, as accusations of this sort had commenced. That if it ever occurs lam determined to leave you and go to the bush, and you will see that every friendly Native in the district will follow me. I would rather die fighting with my race than subject any more of my people to such treatment as that was." 1 would much rather it had fallen to some other person's lot than mine to report this matter to the Government, in fact I was thinking of taking no action in the matter hut after duo consideration, I felt I should not be justified in remaining a mere passive hearer of such a statement, and not report it to the Government—a responsibility which no subordinate officer of the Government has any right to assume. Mr. Charles Brown, -who thoroughly understands the Maori language, heard the statement, and as that gentleman is a'Member of the House of Representatives, he might, for all I know, make it known to the House ; in fact, it is already being publicly talked of here. Hone Pihama very fairly stated that if ever there is any suspicion of the conduct of any of his people, that the matter should be investigated, and if found guilty let them be punished by the law. I have, &c. The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, B. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 90. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Cooi'er to Mr. Parris. (No. 264-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Si v. Wellington, 24th July, 1868. In reference to your letter of the 17th instant upon the subject of Hone Pihama, and also to that part of your letter of the 16th in which you raise the point as regards his pay, I am directed by the Hon. Mr. Bichmond to acquaint you that Hone Pihama has been written to by him, and will be written to again, on the subject of injurious reports and remarks made about and to him ; and also, that notices will be printed and circulated calling on our men to abstain from any acts or words tending to drive well-disposed men into the arms of tho enemy. Hone Pihama's salary will be fifty pounds a year, to commence from Ist June, 1868. I have, &c., The Civil Commissioner, G. S. Cooper, Taranaki. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 91. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 205.) Sic,— New Plymouth, July, 1868. 1 have the honor to forward herewith copy of a letter which arrived from Waihi, Wednesday evening, the 15th instant, by special messenger. The writer is a half-caste son of Mr. Blake, surveyor, formerly of Kaipara. The liberation of Katene twice from prison is to me perfectly inexplicable, and I fear the consequences: after his first liberation, he endeavoured to prevail upon the Mawhitiwhiti Natives to join him and go over to the rebels. The Mawhitiwhiti Natives informed Major Hunter of his treachery,

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and that officer sent him into Wanganui a prisoner. He was again liberated and sent back to the district; and I shall not be surprised if it is proved some day that he, after his second liberation, gave information respecting the strength and condition of the Turo Turo Mokai Bedoubt. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, B. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 91. Deae Geoege — Waihi, 13th July, 1868. 1 just read father's letter to Ned, in which he purports coming down on tho 19th instant, but against doing anything of the kind you must do your best. Yesterday morning the Hauhaus attacked Turo Turo Mokai Bedoubt at 6 o'clock, they rushed from behind Lennon's canteen, shot the sentries on their posts; Lennon was killed trying to make his escape. Couper and Hamilton succeeded in getting away; they were in a tent outside. Captain Boss, who was in his whare also outside the redoubt, rushed into the redoubt to defend the gateway, calling on his men to assist him and guard the gate. The Maoris concentrated their attack on the gateway. They got inside the gateway two or three times, but were repulsed. Captain Boss and others were killed at the gate. Captain Boss was horribly tomahawked, cut right open, and his heart taken out. On hearing the firing at Waihi, Major Yon Tempsky started with his men to the rescue ; when in sight, sawr the Maoris busy attacking the redoubt; but they, on seeing the party, at once retired towards the bush. Yon Tempsky's men followed nearly as far as Otuturu. Ned, who was guide, had five shots at them. The men who were there say that he hit one, for they saw one throw his arms, and others rush to him. Saw them into the bush, then returned for Turo Turo Mokai, and found the following men dead:— 1. Lennon, alongside his whare, tomahawked almost to pieces, his heart taken away. 2. Captain Boss, inside the gate, also tomahawked, and his heart cut out. 3. Constable Boss, killed. 4. Constable Shields, Captain Boss's servant, killed in one of the angles. 5. Gaynor, killed at the gate. (>. John Blake (Corporal), killed in one of the angles, first killed. 7. George Holdcn, killed on the parapet. 8. Sergeant McFadden, killed in one of the angles. WOUNDED. 1. Lacey, wounded severely. 2. Alexander Beamish, wounded severely, since dead; died this morning. 3. Beamish, wounded. 4. Peter Swords, wounded severely, since dead ; died yesterday evening. 5. Kershaw, wounded. 6. Flannagan, wounded in two places. 7. Fullin, wounded in six places. Total, 10 killed, and Wilkie Burrows Cobb, bolted almost at the beginning of the firing. The redoubt in many places was dug nearly and in one place through. Katene skedaddled last night with all the others that were with him in the redoubt that the Contingent used to live in. Katene and Kaho walked off with the breechloaders and revolvers which were served out to them. Captain Page's company, over ninety strong, are withdrawn to-day from Waingongoro to Waihi, so that the entire cast from Manawapou to near New Plymouth is at the command of the Hauhaus, and it would be sheer madness to attempt coming through as you would be certain to be caught, and you may be certain of their prowling about Waingongoro after the men leave, as there are lots of sheep and cattle there. We cannot get away from here : every one forced to take up arms. Mind and give the Native acknowledgment of having received, and send back as quick as you can. Your affectionate brother, B. T. Blake.

No. 92. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 235.) Sir, — New Plymouth, 12th August, 1868. In further reference to the subject of my letter of the 3rd instant, reporting the departure of Wiremu Kingi te Bangitako and More from the Taranaki district, I have now the honor to report that I have received intelligence of their arrival at Waitara, inland, in the Kirikiringa district, together with interesting particulars of their reception by Titokowaru at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, after they left Opunake on their way to get to the Ngatimaru track, inland of Mount Egmont. Whilst they were at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, Titokowaru cursed the Maori king with the following sentence: —" Me kai te ra whanautanga o Matutaera, no te mea he kingi nga te tangata te kingi na to Atua." Translation —" Let the birthday of Matutaera be eaten, because his kingship was of man and not of God." So far as I can learn, the present policy of the Tokangamutu king party is peace, but they continue to exercise great perseverance in their endeavours to secure the allegiance of wavering tribes to their cause. The messenger who brought mo this information to me is of opinion that Wiremu Kingi te Bangitako will go with More to Tokangamutu. ****** I have, &c., The Hon. Minister for Native Affairs, B. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

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No. 93. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Undes Seceetaey for Colonial Defence. Sic,— Camp Waihi, 22nd August, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Honorable the Minister for Colonial Defence, that I paraded the force, as per margin,* at 530 a.m. on the 21st instant, and marched off for Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. I experienced considerable difficulty in crossing the Waingongoro Biver, there being a fresh, and the stream very rapid. I caused a rope to be stretched across, with the help of which, and every one working with a will, I got the force over without further damage than the wetting of some of the men's ammunition. Immediately after getting tho men formed up, I. moved on towards tho bush, and on arriving at its margin left Captain OTlallaran with the Patea Yeomanry Cavalry, and instructed him to hover about, and be ready to render any assistance that might be required. I then entered the bush on the same track I last went by (the rain at this time coming down in torrents). On arriving at Pungarehu, I left Lieutenant Boddy, with the Taranaki Volunteer Militia, as a connecting link between the main body and the cavalry. I now found that rifle pits and defensive posts had been made on each side of the track, right up to Te Maru te Whenua, and they had evidently been used the preceding night, as the embers were still smouldering ; using greatcaution and enforcing the strictest silence, we reached Te Maru, and crossed the creek without being heard. On my arrival there, I found that a stockade had been erected since I last was at the place, which commanded the crossing of the creek. This compelled me to alter my original plan ; and instead of detaching Major Yon Tempsky's division to the left to occupy the bush, and allowing Inspector Hunter to rush his division right at the village, I led the leading division right at the new stockade (see plan enclosed), which did not take five minutes to get hold of, without a man on our side being hit, and with the loss of three to the Hauhaus. I then directed Major Yon Tempsky, with his men, to take the track to the left, and endeavour to enter the village simultaneously with the men whom I led round to the large clearing in front. When we reached there we were received by a very heavy fire from the village, which I now found was strongly stockaded. As soon as I could get sufficient men up (they could only come in Indian file), I ordered a cheer and a charge, and never was any order more heartily responded to, in spite of the destructive fire poured on us from the bush on our right, and from the palisading in our front; we went right into the pa without a pause. Major Yon Tempsky entered about the same time from the left, and tho defenders broke and fled in every direction where they could find bush to cover them. As the remainder of my force came up, I caused them to be extended round the village, at the edge of the bush, while those within the palisading cleared the whares. Only one man was found within ; and, as he fired and killed one of the men, a hand grenade was thrown in to prevent him doing further mischief. I then directed tho whares to be searched for arms, &c, &c, and in the large house a considerable quantity of powder was found in flasks, also a good-sized box of Government ammunition of all kinds, and a quantity of breech-loading cartridges, made by tho Natives themselves. There was also ammunition found in almost every one of the small houses. Kiitene's pouch, quite full, his double-barrelled gun, eleven other guns, two swords, two revolvers, tomahawks, spears, &c, were taken, and either brought away or destroyed. I then ordered the houses to be set on fire, and commenced with Titokowaru's house. He had evidently been at dinner when we arrived. The dead and wounded I had brought to the large wooden building, and when all were cared for by the doctor, sent them on under Major Yon Tempsky, with Nos. 3 and 5 Divisions, Armed Constabulary. When they got clear away, I caused the larger house to be fired in several places, and whom it was so far gone as to be impossible to be extinguished, called outhe companies who lined the bush, and, leaving a strong rear-guard under Major Hunter, moved out of the stockade. About this time the Natives .appear to have got reinforcements, as they commenced firing at us from several parts of the bush, but their fire was promptly returned by the rear-guard. I was anxious to follow them, but could not find any track, and, as they seemed to be hid in bush which I could not possibly penetrate, without great labour and loss, I thought it better to move steadily on. In several clearings on the track we were fired on, but the men behaved so steadily, and the Natives fired so badly, that no damage was done to my force. On arriving back at Pungarehu, I directed Lieutenant Boddy, with the Taranaki men, to remain and join the rear-guard under Inspector Hunter, and their behaviour was in keeping with that of the other corps composing the force. On reaching Weri Weri, a smart fire was opened on the party escorting the wounded, but fortunately without effect, and Lieutenant Fookes, with a few men, rushed up to the pa, and speedily silenced the enemy. On reaching the Waingongoro Biver, I. found it had risen considerably ; and it was a work of danger as well as difficulty to get the force across. My principal anxiety was for the wounded, but the Volunteers named in the marginf came forward and offered their services, and after a severe struggle succeeded in getting them all safely across. The men managed to scramble across, some by the rope, and some holding on to the cavalry horses, but a great deal of their ammunition was rendered unserviceable. We reached Waihi about 6 p.m., and drenched and tired as the men were, they gave three cheers that were refreshing to Lear. The loss of the enemy must have been severe. We know of seven bodies; and as the party who

* UNDER COMMAND OF LIEUT.-COLONEL McDONNELL.

Under Inspector Von Xewypsky, - Jo. 2 Division, A.C. Jo. 5 „ Wellington Hangers Volunteer Militia Volunteers ler A.C. Under Inspector Hunter, A.C. Officers. Men. Officers 0 19 No. 3 Division, A.C 2 2 49 Wellington liifles 3 3 68 European Contingent ... ... ... 1 1 81 Patea Yeomanry Cavalry ... ... 2 0 5 — Mm 40 SO 28 16 Total Force 14 383 t Ensign McDonnell; Sergeants Living gstone, E. Blake, E. Blake ; Lance-Corporal Cahill, A.C.; Volunteer Pop pc.

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lined the front of the position where I attacked retreated by my left as Major Yon Tempsky was entering, they must have suffered severely, for they were fired at within fifty yards. One of the bodies found was Toi's father, a great chief; he was shot by Sergeant Blake. I expect to know ere long the accurate loss of the Hauhaus, which I will at once communicate. The loss on our side is, I regret to say, heavy; but, taking into consideration the formidable nature of tho position attacked, and the numbers engaged, I am surprised it is not more severe. I enclose a list of the killed and wounded —the latter, I am glad to say, are doing well. With regard to the conduct of the force composing the expedition, I am at a loss how to express my admiration of their conduct. All tho fine qualities of the tried veteran were displayed by a body of men hurriedly brought together, and unaccustomed to work together —three-fourths of them never before under fire; but the manner in which they crept along that long bush track, and then, with a cheer that those who heard can never forget, rushed on the formidable position in their front, shows me that I have men under me on whom I can rely at all times, and men whom I am proud to command. Major Yon Tempsky, with his usual tact and gallantry, was of great assistance to me, and his flank march to the pa proved of great service. The conduct of Major Hunter I cannot too highly praise. In the attack, in holding the right of the position, and in command of tho rear-guard, his coolness and ability were everything that I could desire. The conduct of Captain Newland, with No. 3 Division, A.C; and Sub-Inspector Boberts, No. 5 Division, A.C.; Captain Buck, with the Wellington Bifl.es; Lieutenant Hastings, with the Bangers, and Lieutenant Wray, commanding the European Contingent, showed to mo that I had officers well fitted to command men in any position, and under any circumstances. Sergeant-Major Scannell commanded No. 2 Division, A.C, on the occasion, and he and they were first amongst the enemy in Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. I especially beg to bring to the notice of the Honorable the Defence Minister the conduct of Dr. Walker. In the thickest of the fire, or wherever his services were required, there he was to be found, and his attention and care of the wounded men was remarked by all. Acting-Assistant-Surgeon Best also proved of great assistance, and behaved well. Lieutenant Bowan's services in the attack and in crossing the river proved most valuable. Ensign Iseherwood behaved with conspicuous gallantry ; and Ensign Hirtzell well sustained his former reputation. I hope it may not be considered out of place, but I cannot refrain from recording my sense of the admirable conduct of Father Boland, the Boman Catholic priest. Ho expressed a wish to accompany the force, which was granted, and his sense of duty led him to incur the same risk as any of my force. He was by the side of the dying under heavy fire, and his consolations were offered to the wounded of any denomination. In conclusion, it is my pleasing duty to bring to the notice of the Government the valuable service rendered by Captain Cumming on this occasion: every order given was well carried out from the commencement to the finish, and his exertions and experience greatly contributed to my success. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea Field Force. P.S. —I omitted to state that the Hauhau flag was pulled down by Lieutenant Bowan, and the union jack given by the Government to the Mawhitiwhiti Natives was found in one of the whares.

Enclosure in No. 93. LIST of KILLED and WOUNDED at the Attack on TE NGUTU-O-TE-MANU on the 21st August, 1868. KILLED.

WOUNDED.

Bank and Names. Name of Corps. Remarks. Private Joseph deary Private W. A. Kerr ... Nonstable John McCoy Private Bichard Wallace Wellington Bifles Wellington Bangers No. 5 Division, A.C. Wellington Bifles Shot dead, through head. Shot dead, through back. Shot dead, through head. Shot dead, through neck.

Constable Timothy Collopy ... Nonstable James Dwyer Nonstable Edward L. Hope ... Nonstable Samuel Whiteside Corporal Thomas Lloydd Private Henry Sedgewick Private Joseph Thompson Private Hamilton deary No. 2 Division, A.C. No. 3 Division, A.C. No. 5 Division, A.C. Wellington Bangers Slight abrasion, at back of head. Severely, in right groin. Severely, through face. Severely, through abdomen. Severely, through left leg. Slightly, in right temple. Severely, through left arm. >> ?> 5? 55 Wellington Bifles )> ;5 Samuel Walicbs, it-Surgeon, Batea Field Force. Camp Waihi, 22nd August, 1868. Assista] 13

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE

No. 94. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Undee Seceetaey for Colonial Defence. (No. 18.) Sib — Camp Waihi, 9th September, 1868. I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence,, that I left hero at 4 a.m. on the 7th instant, with a force as per margin, * intending to reach Te Bua-aruru through the bush, attack that village and return by Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. On reaching Mawhitiwhiti -we struck inland to the main track to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, and to seaward of the track that is supposed to exist, and marked out on the map, to Te Bua-aruru ; after proceeding some distance on a very old trail it ceased altogether. We then headed in the supposed direction of the place named. We got into a very rough country, intersected with gullies and streams, and' a perfect network of supple-jacks. About 1 p.m. we ascended a bush ridge, and on the advice of Honi Fapara, our guide, struck for the sea to try and hit a track. After struggling in the bush for another hour we heard voices ahead, and I sent a Native up a tree to reconnoitre :he could only see smoke. Pushing on in the direction of the voices, wo came upon three or four bark huts, which were rushed by tho Kupapas, who fired into them, the inmates rushing away, leaving two killed, and throe children, who were taken. I then left the Kupapas to bring up the rear, and directed Major Yon Tempsky to lead on with the men under his immediate command, sending Honi Papara and a few friendly Natives in front. We soon got into a fair track, and after proceeding about 400 or 500 yards we saw some more huts and a tent, to the right of the path, and afterwards, to our surprise, found it was Titokowaru's sleeping place. Of course there was no one inside, the shots that had been fired having warned them. Following sharp on tho track we crossed a creek, and on rising tho opposite bank we received a sharp fire. As fast as possible I got tho men formed up and returned it; in a very few minutes we were fired upon from front, right and rear, but except within the palisading in the clearing in our front, we could see no enemy. On examining the place more closeh', I found we were at the rear of Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, and not at Bua-aruru, and that a new stockade had been erected and the old one rebuilt. As I could see that it would be impossible to rush, and even if successful hold the place, as the enemy were not only occupying but round three sides of it, and up in the Bata trees, some of which were hollow at the butt and loop-holed, I determined to collect the wounded, now seven in number, and endeavour to push to my left, the only point that appeared open. There was no track, and the few Natives who were with us not knowing of one, I directed Inspector Hunter to accompany the wounded with Captain Newland, instructing the latter to keep Honi Papara in viewr, who had promised to strike a way out. I was obliged to trust to his knowledge of the locality, he having lived there for some time. I then returned to Major Yon Tempsky, and sent Kemp to collect as many of his men as he could, and send them to join Captain Newland in front. I then desired Major Yon Tempsky to collect the rest of the men to form a rear-guard and come on at once ; 1 told Captain Canning to come on with me. During the whole of this time the enemy were firing heavily at us in every direction. Our way had to be cut through supple-jacks and undergrowth which with the eight stretchers we now had was a work of toil and difficulty, We at length reached the creek that runs through Timaru, but still no track ; presently the news was brought to me that Major Yon Tempsky, Captain Buck, Captain McDonnell, N.C,and Lieutenant Hunter, were shot dead ; but just then Captain McDonnell came up and stated that Major Yon Tempsky, Captain Buck, and Lieutenant Hunter were killed, and that he had told Lieutenant Hastings that the only chance was to carry out the orders that had been given to Major Yon Tempsky at once. His reply was," Captain Buck is senior, and that he would consult him." Captain McDonnell then went to see Captain Buck, but found he was killed, and the enemy by this time in possession of the place where the bodies of him, Major Yon Tempsky, and two men lay ; he returned then and pointed out to Mr. Hastings the necessity of retiring. The fire at this time was very heavy from the front, rear, and right, and from the tops of the Bata trees. He then followed on my trail with eight Natives and ten. Europeans, and reported as above. I had now with me about eighty men including Natives, hardly sufficient to carry our wounded, now increased in numbers, and to keep down the fire from our right. Knowing that a large proportion of the force was in roar with several good officers, I moved on, feeling sure they were covering our retreat; but I presently found the enemy had got between us, and it appears, from what Sub-Inspector Boberts tells me, that soon, after Captain McDonnell had left the Hauhaus suceeded in completely surrounding the rear-guard, and it was only with the greatest difficulty they cut their way through them, the Hauhau's then left him (as he struck to the left further into the bush), and came after us, overtaking us just before we struck the main track leading into Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu (as in map). Captain McDonnell meanwhile had taken up a position at Te Maru to keep our front open; our wounded had by this time increased to twelve who had to be carried, besides several slightly hit, but could walk. The men with our party worked hard, but were so done up as to require every persuasion and advice I and my officers could think of to keep the majority from abandoning the wounded. One man killed dead I had to leave, and Dr. Best was badly hit in going to ascertain his state ; the doctor had to be carried off on rifles, having no more stretchers with my party. The Natives now swarmed in our rear and kept up a heavy fire, which I was obliged to return only occasionally, as my ammunition

* UNDER COMMAND OF LIEUT.-COLONEL McDONNELL.

Under Major Von Tenvpsky. Men. S To. 2 Division A.C. ... 16) —,, „ , . ,, , Patea Rifle Volunteers ... 14 ] 1V lth Ca I>tam PnlmerN To. 5 Division A.O. ... 39 [ SUR 0^( ! 1 P t e s CtOr3 Br°TO ™d ntr it _l t» a" CWifch Lieuts. Hastings and Wellington Eangera ... 46 \ H untel . Caranaki Volunteers ... 2G AVitli Lieutenant Eowan. Folunteers, Waihi ... 2 Under Inspector Himler. Men. No. 3 Division, A.C. 32 ( With, Sub-Inspectors Newland (. and Goring. Wellington Eifles ... 65 ( W"h Captain Buck, Lieutenant ( -bookes, and Ensign Hirtzell. Patea Y. Cavalry ... 11 With Captain O'lIalloran. 108 Dr. Best. Chiefs and Men, Kupapas, 110, with Captain McDonnell. Dr. Walker 142

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was getting very short, Captain Canning and myself loading and firing now and then, and I was afraid the enemy might have got round to the crossing of the Waingongoro Biver before I could reach it. We attained the opening at Ahi-pai-pa just at dusk, and here received a parting volley from the enemy. They followed on yelling, and commenced a war dance in the open ground out of the bush ; I caused my men to cheer, and gave them a volley which I think took effect, as their dance ended rather abruptly, and they did not molest us any more. I may state that for some time I had not heard any distant firing, and therefore concluded the remainder of the force had got in advance of me. I pushed on to the river and found a few of the friendly Natives holding the crossing. We got the men and the wounded safely across, and reached camp about 10 p.m. A mixed party of Natives and Europeans, the latter numbering about eighty, had arrived before me, and reported that all the officers were killed or wounded, and left behind, myself included. On rolls being called, I found that Sub-Inspector Boberts, Captain Palmer, Lieutenant Hastings and Ensign Hirtzell, with about eighty men, and four Natives were still absent—l caused three rockets to be fired, and sent a party to the heights above the river and they sounded bugles, but no response was heard. Being satisfied I could do nothing further until daylight, the officers and men, being exhausted, were dismissed. I had arranged to start the Natives to hunt up the missing men in the morning, and just as they were about to start a party was seen approaching the camp which proved to be Sub-Inspector Boberts, Ensign Hirtzell, and sixty-two men with four Natives, who reported Captain Palmer and Lieutenant Hastings as having been killed. I enclose the statement of Sub-Inspector Boberts of what took place from the time he become senior officer of the rear-guard. It is, I feel, a most difficult task to do justice to the conduct of the brave officers I have had the honor to command on this occasion. I can simply say they did their duty like Englishmen ; their gallant conduct under a most galling fire, their inspiriting and cheerful demeanour to encourage their men when wearied, exhausted, and almost giving up, saved many lives, and commanded respect and obedience in situations rarely exceeded for difficulty and danger; and I feel confident that if Major Yon Tempsky or Captain Buck had lived a few minutes longer I would not have had to regret for ever the loss of so many gallant comrades, whose services at this time the Colony so much requires. The conduct of the men was excellent until they found the enemy was in such force on all sides, when some of them became dispirited; but the noble example of many of their number, with the assistance of the officers and non-commissioned officers, helped to re-instil fresh heart, notwithstanding seven hours, scrambling through dense forest had almost exhausted them before they reached the enemy. Of the conduct of the Kupapas I can speak highly ; I never saw them behave better. Kemp, Power, and their small party with us, and the guide, Honi Papara, deserve the special thanks of the Government. The services of Ngatiapa, under Hunia, Hakeke, Firimona, Peti, Hanila, and others, in assisting Europeans through the bush when cut off from us, I. consider deserve to be recognized by the Government. The five men who remained with Sub-Inspector Boberts when they might have left him and party to their own resources are —Hakaru, Tarei, Te Whimini, and Whikita or Pita ; the men were so grateful for the conduct of the Kupapas that they subscribed some money and presented it to them. Amongst the non-commissioned officers and men whose conduct deserve especial notice, was Sergeant-Major Scannell (for whom I would be grateful if the Government would do something in the Armed Constabulary) ; Sergeant Davy, No. 2 Division, A.C, who got up a tree and fired at the enemy; Sergeant Bennett, No. 3 Division, A.C; Corporal Cahill, No. 3 Division, A.C; Constables Beady, Kelley, Bercy, and Quigley, No. 3 Division, A.C.; Sergeants Anderson and Toovey, No. 5 Division, A.C.; Corporal Boyd, No. 5 Division, A.C.; Sergeant Flear, Wellington Bangers ; and Volunteer Sergeants Livingston, Blake, and Pope. And now, in conclusion, I would beg most strongly to represent to the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, the fact that the Natives who accompanied me, and who it is known killed fifteen of the enemy, yet themselves suffered no loss, not even a man wounded. This I trust will prove that to fight Natives successfully in a bush where every tree and track of which is known to them, requires men who have been long and carefully trained to such difficult work. Instead of my men dispersing and taking cover, they could not be prevented from huddling together in small lots, affording a good target to the enemy. My efforts and those of all my officers were in most cases almost without effect in convincing them of the mistake they were making; though willing and anxious to do their duty, their short training had not been sufficient to teach them how. Mr. Pringle, late of the 18th Boyal Irish, accompanied the expedition as a volunteer. On the way back I desired him to take charge of some men, which he did in such an excellent manner that I promised him on the field to recommend him for a commission in the force. I beg to enclose a list of my casualties which I deeply deplore are very, very heavy, but I am satisfied that that of the enemy is much heavier. Tho Kupapas killed fifteen, and the known killed by the Europeans was thirteen, making a total of twenty-eight. This does not include the loss they must have suffered when we were fighting our way out. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, T. McDonnell, Lieut-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea Field Force. P.S. —I omitted to mention that Father Boland again accompanied the force and shared the same dangers. He also assisted to carry the wounded with my party, and his example was a great incentive to my men to persevere. For fear there might be any mistake I regret to have to state that the dead had all to be left behind.

Enclosure 1 in No. 94. Copy of a Letter from Sub-Inspector Eobeets to Colonel McDonnell. Sic, — Camp, Waihi, 9th September, 1868. I have the honor to report for your information that after the retreat commenced I consulted Captain Buck, commanding the Wellington Bifies, who was the senior officer in rear, whether we could take the dead. We concluded it was not possible. Immediately after this Captain Buck was shot, whilst

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assisting to bring out a wounded man. I then sounded the halt and officers' call, and tried to form the retreat into some order. Whilst doing this I took some men with me to bring in the bodies of Captains Buck and Palmer; whilst so engaged Lieut. Hastings, Corporal Eussell, and four men were killed; Lieut. Hastings I felt a severe loss, he proving himself a cool and efficient officer, even after being hit requesting Ensign Hirtzel to hide tho circumstance from the men, dreading to create further pianic. Corporal Bussoll's death also proved to mo a severe loss, his service being most efficient, doing his duty coolly and bravely throughout. Having got the men extended I recommenced my retreat, trying to force a junction, with you. Failing in this I pushed for the Waingongora, halted at dark in the bush, and remained quiet until 2 a.m., when the moon was sufficiently high to give me light and guidance through the dense bush. I was not again attacked by the enemy, and arrived in camp about 8 a.m. on the morning of the Bth. I succeeded in bringing ten wounded men with me—unfortunately one man, just expiring, I had to leave behind. I wish to bring to your notice the great assistance I received from Ensign Hirtzel all through tho most trying march, and beg to mention the cool and gallant conduct of Volunteer Sergeant Livingstone, to whose untiring efforts I owe, in a great measure, my being able to bring the wounded through the bush, as also Sergeants Anderson, Toovey, and Fleur, who were conspicuous for the assistance they gave me. I must also bring before your notice the valuable assistance of five of the Native Contingent as trackers in my retreat through the bush. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, J. Bobests, Sub-Inspector, Commanding Patea District. No. 5 Division, Armed Constabulary.

Enclosure 2 in No. 94. RETURN of OFFICERS and MEN of the PATEA FIELD FORCE KILLED and WOUNDED in ACTION, at TE NGUTU-O-TE-MANU, 7th September, 1868. KILLED.

WOUNDED.

Bank and Name. Name of Corps. Remarks. Constable B. Darlington Corporal James Bussell Constable Alexander Elkin ... Constable Bichard Fennessy Constable Bichard Hart Inspector G. F. Von Tempsky Constable Joseph Grilgan Constable Israel Davis Constable E. (1. Farraud Constable H. Downs Lieutenant II. Hunter Lieutenant II. C. H. Hastings Private George Hughes Captain. George Buck Lance-Corporal George Lumsden ... Private Thomas Grant Private J. H. Deeks Private George Wells Captain A. S. Palmer No. 2 Division, A.C. No. 3 Division, A.C. 55 55 55 55 No. 5 Division, A.C. 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 Wellington Rangers. 55 55 55 55 Wellington Bifles. Mortally wounded; since dead. 55 55 55 55 Taranaki Volunteer Militia 55 55 Patea Eiile Volunteers.

Assistant-Surgeon W. Best ... Constable W. O'Brien Constable J. Houston Constable J. O'Connor Constable P. Burke Constable J. Hogan Constable T. Walton Constable W. Fulton Sergeant J. Toovey Constable .Tames Shanaghan Constable B. Gemmell Private McGeimiskeu Private G. II. Dore Private D. M. Harris Private W. Caldwell Private M. McManus Private John Goddard Lance-Corporal James Walden Private John Griffiths Staff No. 2 Division, A.C. 55 55 55 55 55 55 No. 3 Division, A.C. 55 55 55 55 No. 5 Division, A.C. 5) 55 Severely. Slight. Severely. Severely. Slight. Severely. Severely. Slight. Slight. Severely. Slight. Slight. Arm amputated. Severely. Slight. Slight. Slight. Severely. Severely. 55 55 Wellington Bangers 55 55 55 55 5) 55 55 55 55 55 Wellington Bifles 55 55

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wounded — continued. Rank and Name. Name of Corps. Eemarks. Private William Loder Private P. F. Jancey Lieutenant F. C. Eowan Private John Melvin Private James Hamblyn Private W. A. Halloway Private L. Hyland Private John Flynn Private S. Crosby Private Crawley Lieutenant W. C. Fookes Wellington Bifles )5 ?5 Taranaki Volunteer Militia J5 ,1 ?» )» 55 )? Severely. Slight. Dangerously. Severely. Slight. Slight. Slight. Severely. Slight. Slight. Severely: accidentally wounded in camp. JT JJ ?» »> )5 55 Patea Yeomanry Cavalry Wellington Bifles Samuel Walkee, :ant-Surgeon, Colonial Forces. Assis 1