PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE ESCAPE OF THE MAORI PRISONERS FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1868 Session I, A-15

A.—No. 15.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE ESCAPE OF THE MAORI PRISONERS FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY COMMAND OF

HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1868.

A.—No. 15

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE ESCAPE OF THE MAORI PRISONERS FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

No. 1. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Ministek. (No. 33.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sib,' — Chatham Islands, 2nd August, 1868. It is with extreme regret that I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that an outbreak of the Maori prisoners occurred here on Saturday, the 4th ultimo, which ended in their taking possession of the schooner " Rifleman," after having got possession of all the rifles and ammunition in the redoubt, and effecting their escape. The numbers that escaped are noted in the margin, being a total of two hundred and ninety-eight souls, leaving behind them three men and one woman. The events which happened in connection with this catastrophe are as follows: — The " Rifleman" schooner arrived here from Wellington at twelve o'clock noon on Friday, the day previous, with Government and other stores on board, there being another vessel, the ketch "Florence," from Dunodin, in the harbour at the time, ready for sea and waiting for a fair wind, with pigs and potatoes on board, having cleared for Dunedin. On this day, the 3rd ultimo, seven tons six hundred pounds of flour, out of seventeen tons forwarded, were landed and carried up to the store by the prisoners. The following morning, Saturday, being very wet, the prisoners volunteered with greater alacrity than usual their firewood fatigue for the barracks, which work they had always been in the habit of performing every Saturday morning. A large proportion of them performed this work, and as soon as it was done they assembled at the store, which is close to the redoubt outside, after some of them having carried firewood into the redoubt, another store is also situated inside the redoubt, waiting, as they alleged, for the boat which had gone off by my instructions to land some implements from the " Rifleman," it was about 2'30 p.m. at this time, and a signal appears to have been given by Te Kooti Rikirangi, one of the prisoners, when the constables in their quarters, four in number, and one civilian, Robert Hardic, who had my permission to remain in the redoubt, being one of the late guard, were simultaneously seized and bound by a number of the prisoners; one who offered resistance, Michael Hartnett, was tomahawked by Tamihana Teketeke, one of the prisoners, and others broke open the magazine. It was about this juncture that I was informed of what was occurring. I had been engaged in my office all the morning, Mr. Chudleigh, J.P., being there with me, when one of the Constabulary, G. Sellwood, rushed in and reported to me that the prisoners had got possession of the Redoubt and all in it. I at once requested Mr. Chudleigh to proceed on board the " Rifleman," to prevent her capture, by getting her taken out to sea, and I went up to the redoubt, calling on all I saw to follow me. On my presenting myself at the gate, the prisoners, about twenty in number before me, hesitated. I asked one of them —" "What does all this mean?" and then addressing myself to them all, told them to lay •down their arms ; they were then just completing rifling the magazine of its contents. I was then immediately seized by about six of them, thrown violently on the ground, and my hands bound and legs tied. I lay there about a quarter of an hour calling for help ; everyone had flown, resistance was hopeless, and I expected every minute to be tomahawked or bayonetted. I was then carried into the Constabulary quarters, and after remaining there for about half-an-hour, being assured at this time by many of the prisoners that if I kept quiet I should not be hurt, and that they wanted the vessel, I was taken down to the gaol, about one hundred yards distance, on to the beach below, —the redoubt being situated on the hill above. On my way down I observed the women and children and others of the prisoners coming down the same hill, at a distance off, and going on board the " Rifleman," which vessel other armed prisoners succeeded in taking while what I have described was going on. Another armed party of them at this time, eight in number, took possession of the " Florence," ordering the master and her crew, four in number, to take their vessel alongside of the " Rifleman," which they did, and then they were ordered to proceed ashore by the prisoners. "While in gaol, I was called out and asked what letters I had received from the Government; and one of the prisoners told mo that I was to go with them, which I refused. The keys of my safe were then demanded, —my office being immediately in front of the gaol, —and they ransacked and looted the safe, containing moneys to the amount of £397 Bs. 2d. I was then ordered back to the gaol, where other Europeans were to the number of ten, in two separate rooms, and after remaining there about half-an-hour, we forced open the door and escaped up the hill behind, amid cries of " They're coming, make haste," which turned out to be the master of the " Florence " and his crew landing, as before alluded to. During these proceedings several of the prisoners, armed with revolvers, seized money and articles from the settlers' houses around, the majority of the males, twenty-nine in number, having been bound. Mr. Chudleigh, J.P., on his getting off into the boat to proceed to the " Rifleman," as before mentioned, was nearly strangled, his life being saved by one of the prisoners whom he knew. I then proceeded, after escaping from the gaol, to my house, a short distance off, situated across the "Waitangi river, —in the pa of the Waitangi Natives had my handcuffs broken off, and proceeded to make such preparations as I considered necessary for the defence of the settlers generally and their families.

163 men, 64 women, 71 children—2oB. Lcftbehind3men, 1 woman —4.

A.—No. 15.

I at once ordered tlio wives and children to Mr. Stand's, my interpreter's Louse, being situated at a mile and a half distant on a hill side, and where I felt they would be safer than remaining in the pa, in case the prisoners or any of them attempted to land from the " Rifleman." It was now getting dark, and the vessel tried to get under weigh, which she failed to do, having gone out a short way and returned. Prom the first outset of the outbreak to the time of the prisoners all getting on board the " Rifleman," I do not think more than one hour and ten minutes elapsed. Mr. Chudleigh, J.P., started then on foot, no horse being available, although much wounded in his hand, to warn all the' settlers and Natives in other parts of the Island. The Waitangi Natives, thirty-one in number, then got their guns, twenty-five in number, all arms and ammunition belonging to the settlers having been looted by the prisoners. On seeing the vessel returned, I requested the Waitangi Natives to go over with myself and five of the constabulary, whohad remained with me, and eight Europeans, to occupy the redoubt. On the Natives dissenting to this proposal, I asked them to give over their guns to the Europeans for the above purpose, intending to endeavour to get some more of the Europeans to follow me. As the Natives did not seem inclined to acquiesce in this proposal either, I did not press it, but remained all night at the pa, anxiously watching the movements of the vessel, having duly posted sentries. The remaining five of the constabulary had fled into the bush. The prisoners had sought eagerly for the late sergeant, avowedly for the purpose of killing him. Five or six shots were also fired at Private Elliott, one ball lodging in the heel of one of his boots, on his running down from the redoubt, after following me up. He gave himself up after taking refuge in one of the settlers' houses on the beach, and was conveyed to the gaol, without having been bound or hurt, —the proprietress of the house in which he took refuge having, when her money was demanded by the prisoners, put the larger portion of it for safety into a boiling kettle on the fire. The following morning (Sunday) at daylight, the Native and the European force with me during the previous night, moved over from the pa across the river to the redoubt, about four hundred yards distant, —a few more Europeans having joined. Nothing of importance occurred until ten a.m., when the " Rifleman " got under weigh with a light wind, and I despatched sentries to the hill above the harbour to watch her movements. She was the whole day getting out of the bay, and the last that was seen of her was at dusk, when she was steering a direct course for the North of New Zealand, between a reef of rocks known as the Western Reef and the north-west end of this Island. At three p.m. settlers from various parts of the Island had arrived, and I had then a force assembled as per margin, with guns and ammunition as per margin, occupying the redoubt. Fifteen Natives from Kaingaroa arrived the following day, with guns and ammunition as per margin, malting a total of sixty-one guns and one thousand and fifty rounds, and twenty-two Europeans and forty Natives. This force I kept on duty, drawing rations without pay, until Wednesday morning following, for the purpose of opposing any landing of the prisoners, if any unforeseen casualty should bring the " Eifleman " back. This force I placed under the charge of Mr. J. 0. Rowan, late an officer of the 43rd Foot, now attached to the Government survey of these Islands, and who had formerly held command of a body of Volunteers at Taranaki. I received from him most willing and able assistance ; and I cannot speak too highly of the cheerful and ready obedience to my orders given by the whole body of the surveyors, eight in number, who formed part of the Volunteers, and by all members of the above force, both European and Native. During the interim, in the event of the " Rifleman" returning to any available part of the coast of the Island, I arranged with Mr. Chudleigh. J.P., by messenger, to move with a force from Kaingaroa of Europeans and Natives, along the coast towards Waitangi here via Tupuangi and Whangaroa, arranging at the same time the concentration of my Waitangi force with that of Mr. Chudleigh's, if it should be necessary. One reason made it possible that the " Rifleman" might return, as she had only four hundred gallons of water on board. The concluding paragraph of my letter, No. 16, of the 30th March last, viz.: —" lam happy to be able to report of the continued good, conduct of the men of the guard, and. likewise of the prisoners, but the latter have, without showing any open defiance, of late not exhibited the same amount of willingness that they previously did;" and my letter, No. 30, of the Ist ultimo, both addressed to the Under Secretary for Defence, reporting the action I had deemed it necessary to take of separating To Kooti Rikirangi from the rest of the prisoners, comprise the only facts to show any unsatisfactory conduct existing on the part of the prisoners ; but nothing has occurred to lead me to suppose that the prisoners would revolt as they have done. This last letter reporting the necessity of separating Te Kooti accompanies this mail, there having been no opportunity to forward it before. Keke, one of the prisoners, who is one of the three left behind, reported to me on the 20th of May last that Te Kooti had anointed his wife with oil, and Warihi, another of the prisoners, reported at the same time the fact of Te Kooti having rubbed his hands with the phosphorus off matches on one occasion before holding divine service with the prisoners. Te Kooti strongly denied both facts ; as these two other prisoners had had previously a quarrel with To Kooti, I at the time doubted their statements, until, after making inquiries, I had the fact of To Kooti rubbing his hands with phosphorus confirmed by Natives of the Island, and whom I blamed for not telling mo before. On the Bth of June last, I separated Te Kooti, as above mentioned, and forbade him holding service or intercourse any more with the main body of the prisoners. I noticed at this time a warm sympathy on the part of the other prisoners with Te Kooti, and considerable influence exercised by him over them, with the exception of Keke, Warihi, and Wharetotara, who held aloof. I have no doubt that Te Kooti has been the organizer and promoter of the revolt, which opinion is strengthened by the contents of two letters written by him, discovered in one of the prisoners' wliares since their departure, which contains instructions from him to the others to seize the " St. Kilda," or any other vessel. These letters I have handed in due course to Mr. Cooper, who will present them to the Government. I cannot help most respectfully expressing my feeling that I have been left too unprotected in the event of any serious difficulties, such as have now occurred, arising with the prisoners ; and that I should have applied for one officer and a larger force of constabulary than that appointed, had my

22 whites, 31 Natives—s3. Guns : 22 whites, 25 Natives —47. Bounds : 376 whites, 392 Natives—76B. Kaingaroa Natives' guns 15, rounds 282. Total: 61 guns, 1,050 rounds. Total strength: 22 Europeans, 40 Natives—62.

2

PAPERS RELATIVE TO ESCAPE OF

MAORI PRISONERS FROM CHATHAM ISLANDS.

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A.—No. 15,

suggestion and request made at the time, and afterwards, of the prisoners first being deported here, that the guard should be strengthened in proportion to the numbers of the prisoners sent, met with the approval of the Government. I beg herewith to enclose for the information of the Government, — 1. Reports I have collected, with Schedule attached (Nos. 1-14), from F. E. Fynmore and others, of the late outbreak. 2. A return showing what arms and ammunition were looted by the prisoners. 3. Return showing stores looted by the prisoners, and of what were in hand on the 31st ultimo, included in a return of stores received and expended from the Ist to the 31st ultimo : likewise return of utensils and implements accounted for during the same period, attached to one another. Concerning the stores in hand, I await your instructions. Owing to the " Rifleman " having brought stores for settlers on the Islands, which were taken away on board, I have issued a supply to some individuals, as shown in this return, informing them that they will be called on to return the quantities issued either in money or kind. You will perceive included in this return, a quantity of potatoes, —fifty tons ; and there is also, in addition, about one acre not lifted. I have also had thirty-nine bushels of wheat sown out of the one hundred provided in April last. This wheat has been sown since the outbreak, the seed having been pickled preparatory for sowing before the revolt, as it was beginning to rot. I would suggest, therefore, that the produce of the wheat should be given to the Waitangi Natives, who have received, as yet, no remuneration for the land occupied by the prisoners. 4. Statement of moneys taken by the prisoners, with known numbers of notes attached. Several Government cheques on the Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, are included in the amount; but as they have passed through several hands, the numbers cannot be accurately known. 5. Statements of claims for losses sustained at the hands of the prisoners (Nos. 1-24), of Child and Co., and others, of the amount of five hundred and thirty pounds five shillings and four pence sterling, which claims I have been requested to forward. This amount includes a statement of my own for sixty pounds twelve shillings and fivepence. 0. Duty Roister of detachment Armed Constabulary on the 4th ultimo. In addition to the two letters written by Te Kooti, and handed to Mr. Cooper, I have also handed to that gentleman the tomahawk by which Private Michael Hartnett, of the Constabulary, met his death. The evidence of the coroner's inquest hold by me on the body of the above private on the 6th ultimo, I forward by this mail to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Wellington, and the warrant for the apprehension and commitment of Tamihana Teketeke, against whom a verdict of wilful murder was found, I forward likewise to the Hon. Colonial Secretary, Judicial Branch. I have, &c. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. W. E. Thomas, R.M.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. Schedule of Repohts made by Paeties respecting the late Otjtbbeak of the llauiiaijs at Chatham Islands, on 4th Jtjlt, 1868. 1. F. E. Fynmore, late Sergeant, A.C. 8. Johnson, Constable, A.C. 2. Muirhea'd, Constable, A.C. 9. Eayner, G-aoler. 3. Sellwood, Constable, A.C. 10. Mullooly, Constable, A.C. 4. Robert Hardie. 11. Mrs. Alexander. 5. Cotter, Constable, A.C. 12. 11. G-ason, Constable, A.C. 6. Hemmington, Constable, A.C. 13. Elliott, Constable, A.C. 7. Hummer. 14. Marshall, Corporal, A.C. "W. E. Thomas, E.M. Chatham Islands, Thursday, 9th July, 1868. I was sitting reading in my house at about 2.45 p.m. on Saturday, the 4th instant, when my attention was drawn towards the redoubt by the report of firearms. I immediately got up, and looking from my window I saw several Hauhau prisoners of war, coming from the redoubt, with firearms in their hands. One Hauhau was on the top of the corner of the redoubt wall, flourishing a drawn sword; and another close to him with a rifle. I saw at once that the prisoners had risen. I saw two or three prisoners fire their rifles down the steps leading from the redoubt to the beach, and saw Captain Thomas, R.M., on the bridge leading into the redoubt. I saw a prisoner seize him, as I thought, round the waist; there were several prisoners around Captain Thomas, with rifles and other weapons, at this time'. I sent my wife and family away across the Waitangi River, to Captain Thomas's residence, telling her to inform Mrs. Thomas of the revolt of the Hauhaus. I was now standing in the verandah of my house, and saw two prisoners coming towards me with rifles. I went round my house into the bush at the back, for I had no firearms in my possession. I saw from the bush the two above-mentioned prisoners go to my house, and soon after leave again. Shortly afterwards I saw my servant, Hori Waihopi, go to my house with another prisoner, with a drawn sword, and after remaining there a short time leave again ; then the prisoners at the redoubt gave a yell, which was answered by the Hauhau women at the prisoners' quarters, and then the women rushed down the hill and embarked in the boats, and went on board the "Rifleman" schooner, lying then in the Waitangi Bay. Shortly afterwards the whole of the male prisoners of war left the redoubt, in Indian file, with arms and accoutrements, and went down the steps on to the beach. I saw them go on board the " Rifleman," in boats ; about twenty minutes afterwards I saw four Hauhaus running towards and go into my house with rifles; they remained there about five minutes, and then went away down to the beach. I witnessed what I have here stated from the bush at the back of my house, about 220 yards from the redoubt. I then loft the bush, and went to seek my wife and family, as I was not certain where they were. This is all I saw of the revolt myself, and all that I could swear to. Feedeeick Exgleden Fynmobe.

A—No. 15

PAPERS RELATIVE TO ESCAPE OE

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Proceedings of tho Hauiiau Prisoners who surprised and took possession of the Eedoubt, Waitangi, Chatham Islands, on Saturday, 4th July, 1868. About 2'30 p.m. there were about fifty prisoners of war in the redoubt, and a considerable number outside. I asked Corporal Marshall what they were waiting for (Constable Mullooly asked the same question), and he told me that they were going to carry flour as soon as the boat came ashore from the " Eifleman." I then remarked that it was too wet for them to land flour, and that they had better go up to the pa and wait till they were wanted. He said he would go and see about it, and told me to keep tally of any flour that might come up during his absence. He had gone about ten minutes when an elderly Maori standing near the barrack-room door muttered something, and immediately I was seized by some Maoris from behind and thrown on my back. I tried to regain my feet, but was shoved back again by two Maoris who were in front of me. At tho same time, a Maori who was at my side drew a tomahawk from under his blanket and raised it as if to strike me, when. one of the others said " Kaore," which I knew meant "no" or " don't." Then two of them said to me " Kaore the fight, kaore the pukaru;" so seeing resistance was in vain I submitted quietly to be bound hand and foot. They then put me on a cot. On looking round, I saw Constable Hartnett lying on his cot, with a fearful gash in his face (which I at once presumed was a tomahawk wound), and to all appearance dead; also, Constable Johnson, ljing on the floor, bound hand and foot; and likewise Constable Cotter. In the north end of the barrack room, which is partitioned off with canvas Eobcrt Hardie, one of the old guard, who had permission to live in the redoubt, was bound hand and, foot. This I know as I spoke to him. When we were tied up, there were two Maoris left to guard us, and several came in and out looking for caps and other ammunition. On looking out of the window beside the cot upon which I was lying, and which commanded a view of the barrack square, I could see Constable Mullooly tied and lying in the drain. A few minutes after this they brought him into the barrack room; the barrack gate was shut and the square was full of Maoris, who were fitting themselves with belts, &c, handed to them by the Maoris in the magazine ; others were packing the ammunition in bags ; several were on the parapets and at the gate, with loaded rifles and bayonets fixed. About this time the gate opened and I saw Captain Thomas enter, and I could see Constable Hemmington a short distance behind him. As soon as Captain Thomas entered (I think the words he said were, " What does all this mean?" or words to that effect) the Maoris at the gate fell back a pace or two and came to the charge. Captain Thomas turned to go out again, when I heard the discharge of one or two rifles. I saw Captain Thomas fall on the bridge, and felt sure that he was shot; they dragged him inside the gate again, but there was such a crowd round him I could not see what they were doing to him for more than a minute, when I saw them carrying him towards the barrack-room door. I could see he was tied. They brought him inside and put him in the room beside Hardie ; a minute or so after they brought in Constable Hemmington and placed him inside the barrack room, near the door. They then handcuffed Captain Thomas and took him out of the redoubt. About ten minutes after they brought in Dr. Watson, tied his hands behind his back, and put him on one of the beds. About a quarter of an hour after this the Maoris marched out of the redoubt, and in about another quarter of an hour I saw Mr. James Poujome (a civilian whom the Maoris had not bound) and Browne, at the redoubt gate; they both came in and untied us. They then went down to the prison to relieve those there. T. P. Mltbhead. P.S.—I forgot to state that the Hauhaus had prayers in tho barrack square two or three times. T. P. M. Chatham Islands, 11th July, IS6B. I was on the beach about 3.50 on the 4th instant, when M. Hennessey, late bugler to the Chatham Island Guard, came to tell me the Hauhaus had taken possession of the barracks. I immediately ran towards the barracks; saw the Hauhaus armed with rifles. I asked them what they were going to do ; they answered, they were going to take the vessel " Eifleman," and go to New Zealand. They ordered me to go away when on the beach, if not they would sho>t me. I immediately went to the Courthouse and informed Captain Thomas of the affair; he (Captain Thomas) ran up to the barracks; at the same time Mr. Beamish called me to assist him, as about six Hauhaus were binding him ; I went to him, but could render no assistance, as they served me the same and took me to gaol. GrEOEGE SeIiWOOD, Private, Armed Constabulary.

Statement of tho IIAUHAtr Peisonees' Beeak-ottt on the Eedoubt at half-past two o'clock on Saturday, the 4th July, 186S. Being allowed to remain in the redoubt I was witness to the rush made on the guard by the prisoners of war ; they began to come into the redoubt about two o'clock, and to the best of my belief there was about fifty of the prisoners in the guardroom, and about twenty in the square. Te Kati, the chief, came into the guardroam with firewood, about five minutes before they made the rush, and he came to me and said " Plenty of rain, Bob," and I said "yes." After that he went out of the redoubt, and 1 saw him bringing in a armful of firewood, and he took it into tho orderly-room, and shortly after that he came from there and he give the signal for the prisoners to break out, and them that was in the square made a rush for the magazine, burst open the door; I saw a key in one of their hands, and I saw them rush on four of tho guard; they were standing among the prisoners at the time I was standing at the door of the guardroom apart from them, and I saw one of the prisoners lifting his arm and he had a tomahawk in his hands, and I saw him give a blow on M. Hartnett, and he fell on his back; I only saw him give him one cut with the tomahawk, and just at that time I was seized by four of them, and they put me on the ground and tied my hands and feet with flax rope ; I don't remember of seeing or hearing anything after that time. I saw Captain Thomas dragged into the place where I was lying; and he said "Is that you, Hardie?" and I said " yes ;" he asked me if I knew who was on guard to-day, and I told him. That all I remember of. Robert llardie, Carpenter.

MAORI PRISONERS EROM CHATHAM ISLANDS.

A.—No. 15.

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Statement of the Siege made by the Hauhau Prisoners on the Redoubt at the Chatham Islands, on the 4th July, 1868, by Patrick Cotter. I was in the redoubt on the said day, and shortly after dinner time I was in the guardroom, and I seen the Hauhau prisoners coming into the guardroom, and sitting about fire and on the bunks, and to the best of my belief it would be about half-past two o'clock when they rush on us and threw us on the ground, and tied our hands and feet with flax ropes, and I seen them take the rifles and belts and everything that was of any use for wear. I was on the ground tied for an hour when there was a civilian came in and cut tho ropes. That all that I can remember. Private Cotter.

Statement of Geobge John Hemmington, one of the G-uard. BEING down on the beach on the 4th of July, I saw a great number of Hauhau prisoners about the redoubt. I came up to the redoubt, and before I knew where I was standing, I was seized by two Hauhau prisoners, and I made my escape from them, but before I got far away I was caught again by another, and we rolled down the stairs together, and after they tied my feet and hands, and dragged me from the steps. There was one of the prisoners took a bayonet, and was about to pierce me with it, when one of the chiefs drew him back. The name of the prisoner that was about to kill me was Ttawiri, the boy, and the other that prevented him was Napare, the prisoner. I was laid in the redoubt, and I saw the prisoners ransacking everything about the square. That was all I saw. I am, &c, GrEORGE JOHN HEMMINGTON.

Waitangi, 4th July, 1868. Seeing of tho Hauhau prisoners. I seen three Natives fire off their rifles down the steps, at what I can't say. I then seen Captain Thomas's sword come over, carried by Paul, Captain Thomas's boy, and given to Popheia, he being then on the top of the redoubt. There was a number of tho Natives in the redoubt at prayers, and a number of them had rifles and bayonets ; their bayonets fixed. They then shouted out, and it was answered from the pa, and then the women and children went down the hill towards the beach, with their clothing, and the boat left the beach and went to the " Rifleman" schooner, with an armed party in the boat, taking charge of the vessel. The armed party at the redoubt then taking the ammunition from the magazine, divided it amongst the whole of them at the redoubt. I then seen Captain Thomas handcuffed, and taken down the steps by some Natives. Three Natives came over towards me, and then turned back, and in a few minutes came two Natives and broke open my house, and pointed two revolvers at mo and my wife ; the same entered the house and ransacked the place, taking money and clothing. Tours respectfully, A. Plummer.

Statement of the Hatjhatt Peisoners' Bbeakout on the 4th of July. Being on guard that day, I made inquiries what so many of the prisoners was doing around in the redoubt, and they said they were waiting for flour coming ashore to be taken to the store. It was raining very heavy at that time, and I had no suspicion*on them. I was in the guardroom at the time along with some of the guard, when they made the rush upon us. J. was seized by three of the Hauhau prisoners and threw on the ground, and tied me with flax both hands and feet. I was standing a few seconds before I was knocked down along with Hartnett by our bunks. My back was turned towards Hartnett when they rushed on me, and when I turned my head round to see who was upon me, I saw one of the prisoners lifting his arm and make a cut at Hartnett with a tomahawk. He cut him on the forehead, and before I could see any more I was on the ground with my face to it. The prisoner that made the cut with the tomahawk at Hartnett was Toma-ha-na, a tall man ; and at the same time they made a cut at me, but I fell at the time and they missed the blow. I saw them take the rifles and belts from us. That all that I can remember. Joseph E. Johnson.

Statement of E. W. Eaynek, European Constable, respecting the Escape of the Hauhau Prisoners from Waitangi, Chatham Islands, on Saturday the 4th July, 1868. About 3'40 p.m., on that day, I was sitting in my own room at the gaol, writing, when I was startled by hearing shots fired from the redoubt, —also, at the same instant, by the hurried entrance of two men attached to the Armed Constabulary, who told me the redoubt was taken possession of by the Hauhaus. I went outside, and could plainly see Hauhaus walking on the top of the redoubt parapet, brandishing rifles. lat once perceived resistance to be useless, so returned to my own room and endeavoured to conceal some firearms. I then went outside again and saw Mr. Shand, Native Interpreter, lying bound on the beach, —also two men of the Armed Constabulary standing near my gate, with whom I entered into conversation. A number of Hauhaus were at this time in a boat about halfway from the shore to the schooner " Eifieman." Whilst standing at the gate about a dozen Hauhaus came up and told us to go into the lockup, saying in Maori that they would not harm us. They were unarmed, with the exception of one man, who had a sword. We went in and were locked up. After this I did not hear a shot fired as long as the Hauhaus wore on shore. I heard in all five or six shots fired. About 4'30 p.m., we were released by some Europeans, civilians, who had been allowed to remain at liberty. I then went to the debtors' ward, and found Captain Thomas handcuffed, and several others locked up there with him. The padlock was knocked off, and we proceeded in a body to Captain Thomas's house. On my way there I saw the ketch " Florence," which had been removed close to the " Eifleman," whilst I was locked up, with her mizen set and jib half-hoisted drifting in the 2

A.—No. 15.

direction of the Bed Bluff. The last thing I saw of the " Sifleman " was the flash of a single firearm : also I heard the report. The " Rifleman " almost immediately afterwards got under weigh, but came to an anchorage again about 6'30 p.m., where she remained until daylight next morning, when she put to sea. Bichaed W. Raynee.

Statement by Michael Mttlloolt. Memorable to the Chatham Islanders. The Hauhau prisoners has rosen against all authority and made themselves masters. About 2 p.m. they began to come into the redoubt and about it. They came into the barrack-room and into the cookhouse adjoining, both places was full of them. I asked a few of them what they were going to do this day ; they told me that they were going to carry flour. I remarked that it was too wet; they told me that it was Elliott's orders. I said no more to them nor made no further remarks. About 2'45 p.m. I walked out of the barrack-room, it being so full of the prisoners that I could not move about. I had not gone more than seven paces when I was seized by three or four men; they laid me down very gently, and they bound me hand and foot; they tied my hands behind my back, and they left mo on the ground with my face downwards ; I did not know what they wore going to do with me. I saw them break open the magazine, I saw them roil out the ammunition and take possession of the rifles and bayonets ; I saw them load and cap the rifles with great haste; I did not know what they were going to do. When I left the barrack-room I met an old fellow that had been sick, or shamming sick, for the last six months or thereabouts ; I remarked to myself what business he had down here. I heard a great row in the barrack-room while I lay on the ground ; they left me there for about five minutes ; they then carried me into the barrack-room, when they laid me down. I saw Constables Cotter, Muirhead, and Johnson tied hand and foot, and they told mo that Constable Hartnett had been tomahawked. I saw them open all our boxes in order to see what they could find ; they took all the money they could find; they took nothing else that I know of out of the barrack-room. I heard them fire about three shots, and a few minutes afterwards they carried Captain Thomas into the barrack-room, tied hand and foot; they laid him down on the ground floor ; he was tied very tight and I believe suffered very much. I saw them drag Constable Hemmington into the barrack-room, with his trousers torn off his back, he looked rather fierce ; I saw them handcuff him. I was suffering a good deal of pain in my wrists, I asked them to handcuff me also. After a good' deal of talk they unbound me and put the handcuffs on me, not behind my bade. Captain Thomas was suffering very much, he being tied so very tight; he asked them to put the handcuffs on him, but they gave him no heed ; he called out to me to ask them handcuff him. I have asked the man that was over us to handcuff Captain Thomas; he said he had got none to put on. I showed him where ho would get a pair, and they put them on Captain Thomas. A few minutes after a fellow came in and told Captain Thomas that they wanted him at the Courthouse to talk with Alick (Mr. Shand, the Maori Interpreter). They loosed his feet and took him away well watched, and one fellow followed him with a long rope ; I thought they were going to hang him. A few minutes after they commenced to JcaraJcia or pray in Elliott's room ;it was 'short; they came out in the barrack-square and formed a circle. They then commenced karaki again ; I think it was a Hauhau. karaki to the best of my knowledge, for I heard them say No. 1, No. 2, 3, and 4; it was short; they broke off, and they had another praj rer at the gate, and they gave a few shouts and left the place. We were all tied all this time ; two civilians came in and loosed us, and we saw them all on board the " Bifloman" ship ; they cast the " Florence" adrift, and she went ashore on the beach. Ido not know the fellows that tied me. I saw Te Koti walking about doing nothing ; I have not heard him say anything, he seemed quite pleased. I saw Pohipi, No. 44, walking about on the parapet, apparently doing sentry go. I know no more, and I think I saw no more than what I have stated. I know a few of the fellows that were, in the redoubt at the time of the outbreak. Michael Mulloolt.

Statement of Mrs. Alexander. "When the outbreak of the Hauhau prisoners commenced I was sitting in my parlour. I heard young Hennessy rush into the bar and shout " The Hauhaus have taken the. redoubt." Immediately afterwards I heard two shots fired. Elliott, one of the guard, then rushed into the parlour, saying he was shot; and I told Charles Purdy to pull down the blinds and bar the doors. It was then just three o'clock in the afternoon. I then ran upstairs and looked out of the window. I saw Mr. Alex. Shand sitting on the beach, all covered with sand, and apparently tied, for he could not get up. I saw three Hauhaus hunting about in my wood yard. I next saw several Maoris, with Taylor and Sellwood in their midst, going into the gate at the Courthouse yard, and I saw these Maoris put them in gaol. Immediately after this I saw a lot of Natives opposite the boathouse, on the beach. They had a European on the sand on his back, and appeared to be striking him. I then saw three or four rash at the door of the Courthouse and kick it violently; they then went in. I immediately ran down stairs, got the bag which contained my money, put it in the kettle on the tire, and ran up again; three of them came out again and went to the gaol, which they opened, and brought out Captain Thomas, locking the door again at once. Captain Thomas stood talking to them for a few minutes, and they took him into the Courthouse. Soon afterwards they brought him out and locked him in the gaol again. During all this time I saw Maoris coming down the hill from the Hauhau quarters, carrying things on their backs, and making their way to the Tikitiki Point, where they were embarking as fast as the boats could take them off to the vessel. The first boat I saw pulling from the point when I first ran up stairs. 1 next went down into the bar with Charles Purdy and my niece, and I heard the Maoris calling out something about wahines, They came to the back door and knocked. 1 told Purdy to open the'door, which he did, and I heard them ask for me. I went to them ; there were two. One of them shook hands with me, and asked for Elliott. He then held a revolver to my head, and told me to come with him. The other also had a revolver, which he was capping when I opened the door. I went in with the first one, through the kitchen. "When we reached the front parlour he was afraid to come in as there was not light enough,

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and ordered the front door to be opened and the blind drawn up. He then came into tho front parlour, still pointing the revolver at me, and asked me for guns and ammunition. 1 told him I had none. 1 took some money out of a drawer, notes, gold, and silver, which I offered him. He took it, and then making me hold my hands, put it all back again, saying he would not take money. He then went into the bar, where he found an old gun, which he took, and then went out of the bar door. I then saw four others come in at the bar door, and they asked me for money. I told them to come in, and gave them all the money out of the drawer, to the amount of over £35. They asked me for a purse to put it in, and I gave them my handkerchief. They said it was very little, and I told them that the men had not got their pay yet. These four then went out of the bar door, and joined a lot who were inarching two and two past the door with guns and bayonets. I waved my hand, and said " Good bye." They did not reply. Some of them went off in a boat from the beach opposite the Courthouse, while the remainder went round to the Point. I watched them all on board. I then told Charlie to get the axe, and wo would let the ones in the gaol out; but when I had gone part of the way, Mrs. Sellwood, who was at the gaol door, called to us to go back until the vessel was gone. I then came back, and saw a boat coming from the " Eiflcman," when we all ran along the beach to try and get round the point by the river; but the water was too high, and we had to come back and go up the hill. When I arrived at Captain Thomas's house, I found Captain Thomas and most of the w rhite people there. Isabella Alexandee. Statement of Chaeles Puedy. I was in the house with Mrs. Alexander during the outbreak of the Hauhau prisoners, on Saturday last. I have seen her account of what she saw, and I myself saw nothing more than she has related. Chables Pttedy.

Statement of llenky Gason, Private, Armed Constabulary, Chatham Islands, respecting the Escape of the Hauhaus from Chatham Islands on the 4th July, 1868. About three o'clock in the afternoon, I was directed by Captain Thomas to bring the mail, which was on board the ketch " Florence," ashore. I did so ; and on landing saw a number of Maori prisoners standing outside the redoubt, waiting to carry up the stores as they were landed ; the boat was manned with eight men and Private Elliott. I brought tho mail to the office. At half-past three o'clock I was speaking with Corporal Marshall in the office, when it was reported by Private Sellwood that the redoubt was taken by the Hauhaus. I went outside, and saw one Hauhau on the parapet with a rifle. Immediately saw one shot fired, and heard two others in about five minutes after. Paora Tu, another of the prisoners, put his hand on me, and told me to follow tho others, namely, Taylor, Sellwood, Marshall, Eayner and his son, when ho locked the six of us up in one of the cells. About an hour afterwards a European broke the lock of our cell. I then broke open the cell where Captain Thomas (who was handcuffed) was, and several others. We all then made our escape to the house of Captain Thomas, where nearly all tho inhabitants of Waitangi, male and female, had assembled. Heney Gason, Private, Armed Constabulary, Chatham Islands.

Statement of E. Elliott, Commissariat Issuer. Saturday, 4th July, at 2-30p.m., I went on board the "Rifleman," with a crew of Hauhaus, for the purpose of discharging Government stores, but finding it raining too fast to take-flour or sugar, I left the ship with only a plough, much to the disappointment of the Hauhau crew, as they wanted to discharge as much cargo as possible on the 4th instant, why Ido not know. When landing, was told by M. Hennessy, late bugler to the Chatham Island Guard, that the Hauhaus had possession of the barracks. I looked toward the barracks, and saw, I should think, about fifty Hauhaus rushing into the barracks from the cookhouse. I ran along the beach towards the barracks ; saw Captain Thomas in front of me going up the steps ; coming out of the Courthouse he told me to hurry up with him, as the Hauhaus were taking the barracks, which I did. On Captain Thomas arriving at the gate, they seized him, and tied him hands and feet, on seeing which I was about to retreat, when about four or six rifles were fired at me; when about halfway up the steps the bullet entered the heel of my boot and grazed round my ankle; my boot being very thick leather saved my foot. I then ran into the adjoining house, Mrs. Alexander's, where I could see everything going on on the beach. I saw four Hauhaus tie Mr. A. Shand, hands and feet; shortly afterwards they untied his feet, and took him to gaol; about the same time a number of Hauhaus ran along the beach towards the boat, all armed with rifles, revolvers, and two swords; they took the boat and boarded the vessel; there was a great disturbance on deck for about five minutes, when all was quiet. During the capture of the vessel others were employed on tho beach and in barracks, tying and handcuffing every one they met, and taking them to gaol. I saw ■ —Chudleigh, Esq., Messrs. Hood, Eeamish, Selwood, Baynor, Taylor, and Gason, put into gaol; and then they went in search of me for some time ; at last they came to Mrs. Alexander's and demanded me ; they retired some forty yards from the house for a few minutes, at which time I opened the door and walked out to meet six of them ; fortunately I met with a man named Tipiribi Tutekoe, about the only one I could depend upon; ho said he would not kill me if I walked quietly to gaol, which I did. I noticed that at 8 a.m. on the 4th instant I called the roll of prisoners as usual, and found them more correct that morning than I had for some time, also more willing to obey any orders given, also very anxious to get through their firewood fatigue, regardless of the rain, with the excuse that they could take oft' their clothing when done. E. Elliott, Chatham Islands, 11th July, 1868. Commissariat Issuer.

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Statement of John Marshall, Corporal, Armed Constabulary. I was ordered by Capt. Thomas, K.M., to send down the men to be paid at the Courthouse at about 2'30 p.m. on the 4th instant. I went into barracks to give the above order; seeing an unusual number of Hauhaus near the barracks, I gave orders to the men on duty not to leave the barracks until the other men returned. I asked some of them what they wanted; they replied they were waiting for "Bob," meaning Elliott, who was on board the " Rifleman" discharging Government stores; after which I went to the Courthouse to see Captain Thomas. While there, a messenger came in, named Sellwood, one of the Armed Constabulary, to inform Captain Thomas that the Hauhaus had possession of the barracks. Captain Thomas immediately gave me the order to ''fall in" the Constabulary in barracks. I immediately ran to the barracks with Captain Thomas ; on arriving at the barracks gate, found the Hauhaus had broken open the magazine, and were all armed as far as the rifles would go. Saw others with tomahawks at the barrack gate. Captain Thomas being in front of me they seized him, bound him hands and feet; seeing which I immediately retreated down the embankment; while doing so three or four shots were fired down the steps, and to the best of my belief they were intended for E. Elliott, one of the Armed Constabulary, as he was about half-way up the steps. 1 went to the Courthouse, where I mot some more Hauhaus, who seized and put me into gaol, where I remained with others until they were all on board the " Rifleman," then were released by a civilian, and when retreating to the Chatham Island Pa saw a boat leave the vessel with several men in if, which we took to be Hauhaus coming on shore again, but which afterwards proved to be the crew of the " Florence." John Marshall, Chatham Islands, 10th July, 1868. Corporal, Armed Constabulary.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. ROLL of ARMS and AMMUNITION taken by the HAUHAU PRISONERS at CHATHAM ISLANDS, on 4th July, 1868.

iAir: FlLI S 1 WD] m: ttt'iriTioif. Su: iDe: :es. § 03 I rj a o 02 | I o p o O o PQ oa O I 'o w TO ■a to Q) O 6 Q 03 d R (7J O o s 13 3 9 o o Ph lbs. I o s O eg 1 eg £ I i o 53 lbs. q5 rovcnuncut property 31 29 I 31 27 5 G 6 6 6 4584 5195 200 1 31 31 30 30 29 'rivate property ] 2 1 8 1 3 1475: I ': 29 I 3 I I I I I i — I I Total 32 29 29 81 31 31 30 30 29 7 6 6 6 6 1 8 1 4584 3 667O; 29 200 2 3 1 : "W. E. to 0MA8, ident ;esi IB! :rate.

A.—No. 15

Enclosure 3 in No. 1. RETURN of STORES Received and Expended at CHATHAM ISLANDS, from 1st JULY, 1868, to 31st JULY, 1868.

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MAORI PRISONERS EROM CHATHAM ISLANDS.

From Whom axd Wies Received. o in c3 6 I +3 o 1 i o Eh 1 . o I i 6 O CD I I i Me< .. Coi : o m ifts. S 1 & g O o o ■ r I] II CD^ it CD r£* I I-H i o I Ph Balance from 30th June, 1868 Received per " Rifleman" Purchased on the Island Reclaimed 20,794| 15,100 3,012-l| 20 71 3 28-36 75 612 2-10 14 433J 191 100 109 7 9 64 3 10 5 16 23 8 47 14-5J ... ... 80 ... I - I - I ... I - ... ... ... Total receipts to 31st July, 1868 35,8941 3,012-l| 20 711 3 28-36 75 211 7-10 ■ . 14 433 1 191 j 100! 1 1 i 109 7 9 144 I f 8 I 10 1 1 5 16 I" j 23 8 47 1 i I t Issued to Constabulary ... Whoat Sown European Volunteers To Prisoners To Crews of " Rifleman " and " Florence " ... To Europeans on the Island Looted by Hauhaus Returned to Store I I 1 I 5-3 7-10 I I I 1 1 i i I i I "I 1 1. I 1 1 1 I I I ! I ! i 1 1 1 i i 39 ... 1 ... i I ... 421 1-5 2,801f 126 1,250 9210 351-2! 13-2 846 4-1 4-6 21-3 10 7 3 3 28-36 3-2i 3-4i 12 1314 3-10 115 5-10 1911 80 I - 101 105 ... I 19 112 11 97 "7 9" ... 1 1 1 2 i 6 1 2 ... 1 50 ... ... ... Total Expenditure to 31st July, 1868 ... [ I 1 4,5981 1,302-141 3 28-36 18-7 211 5-10 303 \ 91 39 211 97 7 1 9 . I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 I 19 1 1 I 1 1 1 16-4 4-6 71 Remaining on charge, 31st July, 1868 ... 5G-9 I ! I 3-10 14 |l30 1 100 I 61 I i 1 i 12 ! I 144 1 '3 1 1 11 j 1 I 4 J 10 23 8 1 1 28 I h~ 'I I 1 1 50 31,296 1,709-3 3-11 2-6 ... RETURN" of Cookijstg Utensils and Implements at Chatham Islands, 31st July, 1868. CO o O ft I I I 35 o o "a 147 13 g 27 CD SO CD Q i " bo •a § g 8 1 H o DO Hi flea I 4= CD ,2 2 3 an o 2 2 4 1 1 in 1 02 1 a Eh -ii cd °T C3 111 3 I-S I g ...... 1 j 1 "T" \i CD = I I EH 1 H 1 —! ! 43 I I To be accounted for 31st July, 1868 Reclaimed from Hauhau Camp ... Received per " Rifleman " 9 26 22 4 24 2 38 3 l! 61 1 10 1 1 2 2 2 2 51 1 1 I I ... 1 ... j j ... ... I ... j ... Total Receipts to 31st July, 1868 9 26 22 I 4 I I 35 | I 24 160 27 | I 2 38 | 43 4 3 | 1 61 1 1 1 1 1 * 1 ■ I 1 I j 2 2 3 2 4 : ! 1 1! : 2 - 2 ! 51 11 3 LJ 1 j __ 1 1 Looted by Hauhaus, 4th July, 1868 On Parade, 31st July, 1868 \ ... r i I 17 21 I I I I I i ! I I 1 I 1 I I 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 I ! I — _ 33 3^ l_ — 9 2 24 5 17 "i\ 135 24 160 27 1 1 I 10 33 ■1 -3 1 61 1 7 3 1 1 2 2 3 "2 j j "4 1 2' 1 "i 2 3 1 i 1 Total Looted by Hauhaus I I ! 5 i i i I I I I I I 17 j 10 i I I 1 ! ! I 1 7 I I I I l_ 1 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 [ 1 I i_ 1 1 i 1 I I L_J 2 1 ...... ... ... 1 18 H Remaining on charge, 31st July, 18GS... 9 24 I 17 i 4 35 ~ 24 I 160 27 1 i 21 33 j 1 4 1 j ! 3 1 61 1 I 1 3 ! 1! I i 1! ._ ! 2 ,1 2 I 3 i 2 1 1 4 i "i 1 2 H 1 2 _ 33 35 3 I 1 I 1 R. E. T: HOMAS, .esident Magistrate.

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Enclosure 4 in No. 1. Contents of leon Safe in the Office of the Resident Magistrate, Chatham Islands, 4th July, 1868. Public Moneys. £ s. d. Cash, Treasury, viz., notes £125, as per Schedule of numbers of notes herewith attached, received per" Eifleman," 3rd July, 1868 ... ... ... ... 125 0 0 Cash received, „ ~ gold £15, silver £10 ... 25 0 0 „ Sub-paymaster ... ... ... ... 4 17 0 ~ fees, Resident Magistrate's Court ... ... ... ... 0 16 0 „ by sale of postage stamps ... ... ... ... ... 060 „ by sale of duty stamps ... ... ... ... 026 ~ postage recovered ... ... ... ... ..! ... 0 9 0 ~ fees and fines, Native Circuit Court .... ... ... ... 5 19 0 £162 9 6 W. E. Tho'mas, Chatham Islands, Ist August, 1868. Resident Magistrate. Summary. £ s. d. Public moneys (in safe) ... ... ... ... ... ... 162 9 6 Private moneys (in safe) ... ... ... ... ... 234 18 8 Private moneys (as per claims) ... ... ... ... ... 125 1 0 £522 9 2 W. E. Thomas, Resident Magistrate.

PARTICULARS of NOTES forwarded to Chatham Islands, 27th June, 1868.

3. ten notes, at £o each, as under— No. 4,296, Bank of New Zealand. » 4,384, „ 2,542, » 4,673, „ 4,354, „ 1,266, „ 4,654, „ 1,766, „ „ „ 4,380, „ 4,609, feventy-five notes, at £1 each, as under — No. 21,911, Bank of New Zealand. „ 23,987, „ 21,842, „ 18,384, „ 22,744, „ 23,132, ,, „ „ 18,303, „ 18,215, ■ „ „ 24,748, „ 17,477, „ 20,041, „ 17,772, „ 17,321, „ 24,889, „ 17,999, „ 16,600, „ 23,544, „ 18,971, „ 25,343, „ 21,551, „ ,, „ 22,928, „ 24,847, „ 22,727, „ 17,708, „ 18,606, „ 22,451, 10 9Q7 ,, ±u,avi, „ ,, „ 19,435, „ 23,994, „ 22,863, „ ' „ „ 17,412, „ 23,790, Eeceivcd at Chatham Ii JNo. 20,832, Bank of JNew Zealand. „ 22,435, ,.■ 21,914, „ 20,229, „ 18,152, „ 16,420, „ 18,812, „ 17,067, „ 21,331, „ 18,841, „ 12,373, „ ' „ » 16,046, „ 23,182, „ „ „ 18,180, „ 18,482, ■„ 21,627, „ 19,556, » 23,088, ., 13,024, „ 17,299, „ 23,290, >, 17,946, „ 18,483, „ „ ,, 13,932, „ 23,925, „ 23,495, „ 11,092, „ 17,015, » 17,519, „ 23,527, „ „ „ 20,815, „. 18,848, „ 18,875, „ 23,504, „ 20,847, „ 17,783, ,, „ „ 16,975, „ 20,822. „ 19,094, „ 20,952, „ 21,595, „ 17,203, „ 23,905, In all £125. slands, 3rd July, 1868. W. E. Thomas, Resident Magistrate.

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Private Moneys. £ s. d. Captain Thomas, —one cheque, Bank of New South Wales, £11 10s. Bd.; notes, gold, and silver ... ... ... ... ... ... 29 6 5 Mr. Shand, interpreter, —gold, notes, and silver ... ... ... ... 1413 Subscription money for making a road ... ... ... ... ... 15 13 0 Private Cotter, Armed Constabulary, —one cheque, Bank of New Zealand (A65,183), £5 55.; notes, &c. ... ... ... ... ... ... 49 10 0 Private Hartnett, late Armed Constabulary, deceased, —notes and bank cheques (Nos. not known) ... ... ' ... ... ... ... 102 0 0 J. Child, blacksmith, —two cheques, notes, &c. (Nos. of notes and cheques not known)... 15 0 0 — Wilson, Government Surveyor, received by Captain Thomas from the Assistant Treasurer, 3rd July, 1868, being balance of £8 ss. 9d. received ... ... 8 3 0 Balance of race fund ... ... ... ... ... 150 £234 18 8 W. E. Thomas, Chatham Islands, Ist August, 1868. Eesident Magistrate.

Cash, Private, as per Claims, taken from the undermentioned individuals, at Waitangi, Chatham Islands, by the Maori Prisoners, on the 4th July, 1868. £ s. d. — Mullooly, private, Armed Constabulary ... ... ... ... 3 15 0 — Sellwood, „ „ ... ... ... ... 23 10 0 -Gason, „ „ ... ... ... ... 0 16 0 Mrs. Alexander, storekeeper ... ... ... ... 35 0 0 Mr. Beamish, „ ... ... ... ... . 1110 0 ~ Fynmore ... ... ... ... 5 10 0 „ Plummer ... ... ... ... 35 0 0 „ Hardie ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 £125 1 0 W. E. Thomas, Chatham Islands, Ist August, 1868. Besident Magistrate.

Enclosure 5 in No. 1. Schedule of Claims for Losses sustained by the Outbreak of the Haifhaus at Chatham Islands, on 4th July, 1868. £ s. d. 1. Child & Co. ... ... ... ... ... 19 0 0 2. P. C.Wilson ... ... ... ... ... 8 3 0 3. Harriett Kauhe ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 0 4. Ihakara ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 0 5. Naira ... ... ... ... ... 110 6. M. Gregory ... ... ... ... ... 5 10 11 7. Captain Priest, of the " Florence"... ... ... ... ... 14 9 6 8. Mrs. Danvers ... ... ... ... ... 23 1 0 9. Mrs. Alexander ... ... ... ... ... 35 0 0 10. J. Wilson, mate of the " Florence" , ... ... ... ... 10 18 0 11. Nil 12. W. Beamish ... ... ... ... ... 18 5 0 13. A. Plummer ... ... ... ... ... 44 15 0 14. F. C. Eowan ... ... ... ... ... 33 0 0 15. Eayner ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 16. Gason, Armed Constabulary ... ... ... ... ... 1176 17. Fynmore do. ... ... ... ... ... 15 2 0 18. Sellwood do. . ... ... ... ... ... 37 4s 0 19. Cotter do. ... ... ... ... ... 49 10 0 20. Mullooly do. ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 0 21. Elliott do. ... ... ... ... ... 4 10 22. Eobert Hardio ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 0 23. Muirhead do. ... ... ... ... ... 2 10 0 24. Captain Thomas do. ... ... ... ... ... 60 12 5 £434 5 4 W. E. Thomas, Resident Magistrate.

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Enclosure 6 in No. 1. DUTY ROLSTER 4th July, 1868.

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. G-. S. Coopeb, to the Hon. J. C. Bichmoht). Waitangi, Chatham Islands, Sie,— . 4th August, 1868. I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your instructions, I sailed per s.s. " Stormbird "on the 29th ultimo, and arrived here on the Ist instant. Immediately on our arrival at the anchorage, the steamer was approached by a boat containing Captain Thomas, 8.M., and manned by a crew of white men, and on her coming alongside the anchor was dropped. We learned that the whole of the Hauhaus had escaped in the " Bifleman," excepting three men and one woman ; and the statements made by the crew of that vessel in Wellington were, in all material points, fully confirmed. The number who escaped were — Men ... ... ... ... ... 163 . Women ... ... ... . ... ... 64 Children ... ... ... ... ... 71 298 Those who remained were Bobert Simmonds (a Negro taken at Hungahungatoroa), Keke, Wliaretotara of Te Aitanga a Mahaki tribe, taken at Poverty Bay, and Keke's wife. Captain Thomas's report to the Hon. the Defence Minister gives so graphic and circumstantial an account of the occurrences connected with the revolt of the prisoners, that I feel it would be but vain repetition were I to detail them here. The leader was Te Kooti, Bikirangi of Te Aitanga a Mahaki Tribe, who set himself up as a prophet, pretending to converse with Jehovah in dreams, and who introduced a new " Karakia," modelled to some extent upon the old Hauhau one. I enclose two papers, with translations, which were found in one of the houses after the Hauhaus had gone, and which were handed to me by Captain Thomas; these will show the position assumed by Te Kooti,. and also the plan which he had laid to secure the "St. Kilda," or any other suitable vessel that might arrive. The "Bifleman" was the first, and their purpose could not have been better answered. Having bound Captain Thomas and such of the guard as they thought it necessary to secure, and killed the only man who, having the opportunity of resisting, did so, they had the settlement completely at their mercy. A panic seems to have seized the population of both races, and sauve quipeut was the order of the day. Instead, however, of slaughtering right and left, and burning and pillaging all before them, as might have been expected, the Hauhaus spared their captives' lives and molested no women or children; and, though they looted arms and cash from every house, neither damaged nor took any other articles. One man only did they deliberately attempt to injure, an ex-sergeant of Constabulary named Fynmore, upon whom it seems they had some injuries to avenge, and who only saved his life by precipitate flight into the bush. The party who went to his house, finding he had gone, tore up and. destroyed all it contained, but did not set fire to it (it is a raupo whore), and his wife and children were allowed to walk quietly away. They fired a few shots after Private Elliott as he was escaping; but when he afterwards gave himself up, he was treated in the same way as their other captives. Their plans were laid with so much secresy, the attack was so sudden and unexpected, and the means of defence so limited, that resistance was out of the question. It is even very doubtful whether, had Captain Thomas had warning of what was intended, he could, with such a redoubt and soweak a guard, have offered any effectual opposition to their proceedings. I have not been able to make out, either from papers picked up after the Hauhaus had gone or from cross-examination of those who remain, that there is any reason for believing that they had been in communication with rebels in New Zealand, or that their escape was in any way connected with

Date. Names. Kemabks. 4 : 5 'rivate Elliott Cotter „ G-ason „ Hartnett „ Hemmington ,, Johnston ,, Muirlicad „ Marshall „ Mullooly „ Sohvood „ Hardy ... i ... i!... 1 ... Discharging Government stores from " Rifleman." In barracks. Employed in Court-house. Cooking. Court-house for pay. On duty in barracks. On duty in barracks. Court-house for pay. In barracks. On leave. In barracks, by permission of the officer commanding. ... i ... I John Mabsiiall, Corporal, Armed Constabulary

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A—No. 15.

operations now going on or threatened at Patea or "Waikato. The coincidence in time seems therefore to be purely accidental. Erom casual expressions let fall from time to time, and thought nothing of then by those who heard them, but the significance of which has since become apparent, I am induced to think that the sending down of seed wheat by the Government, which the Hauhaus were told was intended partly for food for next year, and partly for seed for the following season, was looked upon by them as a sign that their detention was to be indefinitely prolonged; and hence the determination to escape at aL hazards. Upon looking back at this extraordinary episode in the history of New Zealand, it is difficult to say whether one's wonder is excited more by the precision, rapidity, and completeness with which the enterprise was planned and executed, or by the moderation shown in the hour of victory by a gang of barbarous fanatics who in a moment found their former masters bound at their feet, and their lives entirely at their mercy. Captain Thomas has given a detail of the money and arms taken away by the fugitives. They are evidently well supplied, having £500 in cash, 49 stand of firearms, three swords, a large quantity of ammunition, and as much flour, sugar, and tobacco as they chose to remove from the " Rifleman." They took not only all the cash from the Government chest, but from all the houses on the beach, the only exception being the case of one lady, a widow, who hid a bag of sovereigns (about £300 I believe) in a tea kettle which happened to be boiling over the fire at the time. With regard to the three men remaining on the Island, I learned from Captain Thomas that the two Maoris, together with a third named Te Warihi Potini, —who, there is little reason to doubt, was the one thrown overboard from the "Rifleman," —had, since the commencement of Te Kooti's Hauhau practices (of which they gave Captain Thomas information), kept aloof from the other prisoners, and tad always conducted themselves quietly and well. These men have both told mo that had they not fortunately been out of the way when the rising took place, their lives would certainly have been sacrificed, as they feel convinced was that of Te Warihi. Captain Thomas and I agreed that thero was no use in keeping these men any longer on the Island, and I have taken the responsibility of directing them, with the wife of one of them, to proceed to Wellington in the " Stormbird," there to be disposed of as the Government may direct. As to the third remaining prisoner, named Simmonds, better known by the soubriquet of " Black Bob," we thought it advisable that he should remain under surveillance, pending further instructions. The settlers here expect the Government to reimburse them for all losses sustained by them through the escape of the Hauhaus, whether for arms and money seized, or for cargo damaged on board the "Rifleman"; also for the loss of the ketch "Florence." I have taken care in everything that I have said to avoid any expression that might complicate affairs, or embarrass the Government in any action they may decide upon taking in regard to these matters. I have, &c, The Hon. J. C. Richmond, Wellington. G. S. Coopeb.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. Ki nga kai hapai ote ture. Ki te Uunanga oto whare nui. E hoa ma rapua mai he oranga mo tatou. Kua kite au ito koutou tika i te timatanga iho ano oto tatou Karakia. E hoa ma ki a kaha ki te rapu ite mea ngaro hei ora mo tatou. Heoi. Na Te Kooti. Inahoki kua mahue tatou na te ngoikore. Inaianei kua puta mai ko ta te Tamaiti tikanga raua ko tona Matua. Ete iwi kia kaha meake ka puta mai he kaipuke mo tatau. Ki te kore aTe Kira e homai eTe Atua mo tatau, he kaipuke ke atu. Koia tenei ko te kaipuke nei, ko taku taima tenei. E te iwi kia kaha.

[translation.] To the upholders of the law. To the Council of the big house. My friends, seek for deliverance for us. I have seen that you have been right since we began our Karakia. My friends, be strong in seeking out the hidden thing that is to save us (alluding to a riddle that he had given them). Enough. From Te Kooti. For it is on account of weakness that we have been forsaken (i. e., because you have not taken up the new religion with zeal). But now has come forth the direction (revelation) of the Son and of His Father. Oh people, be strong ! Soon shall appear a vessel for us. If the " St. Kilda" is not given to us by God, there will be some other vessel. That is it, the vessel, then will be my time. Oh peoplo, be strong !

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. He Titee. Tuatahi. Ki te puta he kupu a muri nei me whakamana tonu. Tuarua. Ko te tupato ki nga mahi kei runga ite tima. Ki te peka ki tenei mea ka mate. Ka mau ki to Atua he oranga kei reira.

[translation.] A Law. Ist. If a word (revealed) comes forth hereafter, let it be implicitly obeyed. 2nd. To be cautious about the work on board the steamer. If any one turns aside (from obeying the prophet's order), it is death for him. If he adheres to God (obeys), his safety is there. 4