PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER OF REBEL NATIVES AND EXPEDITIONS IN SEARCH OF TE KOOTI.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1871 Session I, F-01

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER OF REBEL NATIVES AND EXPEDITIONS IN SEARCH OF TE KOOTI.

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

WELLINGTON.

1871.

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SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE.

No. Date. From To Subject. 1 1870. Aug. 11 Mr. H. T. Clarke Under Secretary, Native Department Hon. Defence Minister Forwarding a letter from Major Mair, reporting with reference to the Urewera Natives. Forwarding correspondence with the Urewera, by Mr. Hamlin and the Wairoa natives. Forwarding a letter from Captain Preece, reporting the surrender of a number of Urewera Natives. Forwarding a letter from Sub-Inspector Gascoigne, reporting the surrender of several Urewera, &c, and transmitting letters from Hoani Paiaka and Marino Te Waru. Instructing him to proceed to Opotiki with the view of ascertaining how Te Kooti might be captured. For the protection of Poverty Bay, 100 men of the Ngatiporou will be stationed therefor two mo:itlis. Reporting relative to Kereopa's movements. Reporting the unconditional surrender of Te Waru, Reihana, and a number of Natives. Giving instructions with reference to the Natives who have surrendered with Te Waru. Forwarding copies of instructions to Major Kopata and Captain Porter for the occupation of Ruatahuna, and the gathering there of the remnant of the Urewera. Authorising increase of his force to 200 men. 2 Sept. 6 His Honor J. D. Ormond 8 Sept. 7 Lieut-Colonel Moule ... Commissioner A.C. Force 4 Oct. 20 Lieut-Colonel Moule ... Commissioner A.C. Force Oct. 27 Hon. D. McLean Major Ropata B 6 Nov. 17 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond 7 8 Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Captain Preece Captain Preece Hon. Defence Minister Hon. Defence Minister 9 Dec. 10 Hon. D. McLean Captain Preece 10 Dec. 20 HisHonor. J.D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister Dec. 24 1871. Jan. 12 Hon. D. McLean Major Ropata 11 12 18 14 15 16 17 IS 19 2ii -2] 2U 23 Jan. 17 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Feb. 13 Jan. 26 Jan. 28 Feb. 6 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 March 6 March 10 His Hon. J. D. Ormond Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond Captain Porter Hon. D. MoLean Lieut. Colonel Moule... Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond Captain Porter ... Hon. D. McLean His Honor J.D.Ormond Lieut.-Colonel Moule ... Hon. Defence Minister His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister Hon. Defence Minister Captain Porter Hon. Defence Minister Lieut.-Colonel Moule... Hon. Defence Minister His Honor J. D. Ormond His Honor J.D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister Under Secretary for Defence Hon. Defence Minister Reporting the surrender of Hauhaus from WaikareMoana, numbering thirty-two in all. Acknowledging letter stating that a number of Haubaus had surrendered. Forwarding letters from Major Ropata relative to the expedition under his command. Reporting that the Expeditionary Force of Ngatiporou had started. Acknowledging a letter stating that the Expeditionary Force bad started. Forwarding a letter from Captain Mair reporting his movements. Replying to letter of 26th January. Forwarding copies of telegrams from Major Ropata and Captain Porter detailing progress of the Expeditionary Force, together with his replies thereto. Stating that he and his men march to join Ropata. Acknowledging receipt of letter of 6th instant. Concurs with telegram to Major Ropata. Forwarding copy of telegram from Captain Porter, giving an account of Ropata's movements. Forwarding letter from Captain Preece reporting surrender of more Ureweras. Forwarding letter from Major Ropata containing an account of his meeting with the Urewera, and his reply thereto. Acknowledging receipt of letter of loth March, and enclosures. Conveys approval of Government of steps taken. Forwarding extract from Captain Porter's diary respecting meeting with Ngatihuri. Acknowledging receipt of letter forwarding extract from Captain Porter's diary. Seclusion of Uriwcra accounts in a great measure for their feelings of hostility. Reporting that Major Ropata and force had started from Marumaru for Waikare-Moana, and covering copy of letter to Major Ropata relative to the conduct of the Ngatihuri. Replying to letter of 23rd March. Forwarding copy of a letter from Captain Porter stating that Tautata, one of Te Kooti's men, bad been captured, and covering a list of the names of men with Te Kooti. 24 March 15 His Honor J.D.Ormond 86 April 1 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond March 18 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister 26 W April 1 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond ss March 23 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister April 8 March 27 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister 29 80

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No. Date. From To Subject. 81 83 1871. April 8 April 12 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister Replying to letter of 27th March. Forwarding copy of a letter he had addressed to Whenuanui, Paerau, and the TJrewera; also of a telegram to Perenera, who had offered to carry a mail to Cambridge from Taupo. Replying to his letter of 12th April, and covering copy of a letter he bad addressed to Whenuanui and Paerau with reference tc the collecting of the surrendered Urewera. Reporting that Ngatiporou had surrounded Te Kooti's kainga, which was found deserted. 27 of Te Kooti's followers have been captured. Steps being taken for the return of the force. Reporting arrival of the Expeditionary Force at Gisborne, and stating that the men would be conveyed to their homes j also relative to disposal of the Native prisoners. Replying to his letters of 10th and 18th April, and conveying to him the thanks of the Government for the trouble he had taken to ensure the success of the expedition. Forwarding letters from Captain Preece, covering enclosures from Urewera chiefs expressing their intention of having nothing more to do with Te Kooti, and tendering their allegiance to Government. The invitation given by the Urewera assembled at Ruatahuna to the forces of Captains Mair and Preece to enter their country, should be taken advantage of. Instructions will be giveu by His Honor J. D. Ormond. Reporting that he is about to start on an expedition in search ot Te Kooti. Reporting arrival of Wiremu Kingi's force at Turanganui, and giving an account of what had been accomplished by the expedition. Reporting arrival of Natives at Torero. Feels confident that Te Kooti is in the hands of a section of the Urewera. Transmitting a report from Captain Preece detailing his late movements in the Urewera country. Has been obliged to proceed to Te Wairoa for the purpose of procuring supplies for his force. Diary of the movements of tho expedition under his command. Forwarding a diary kept by Captain Porter of the march of the Ngatiporou Expeditionary Force under Major Ropata. Forwarding a letter from Major Ropata, reporting arrival of his force at Xuranganui, and explaining the plan of the expedition of 200 men about to start in search of Te Kooti. Forwarding copies of correspondence, chiefly with Major Cumming, in connection with the Expeditionary Force. Replying to his letters of 30th June, and 1st and 21st July. Forwarding a report from Captain Mair, detailing his late movements in the Urewera country, and covering an estimate ot the number of the Urewera tribe. Forwarding letters from Inspector Cumming with information from Lake Waikare-Moana; also letters from Te Whenuanui and Alakarini. Transmitting a letter from Captain Porter, reporting relative to the Ngatiporou force. Has arranged with Major Ropata to return to Poverty Bay and bring his men to Wairoa, after which he will proceed to Waikare-Moana. Enclosing copy of letter from Inspector Cumming, reporting the arrival of the Native Contingent, under Captains Mair and Preece, at Lake WaikareMoana ; also copy of letter he has addressed to Inspector Cumming. Forwarding copies of letters from Captain Mair aud Inspector Cumming, reporting proceeding at Waikare-Moana ; also the translation of a letter addressed by Te Kooti to the Government. Telegram with reference to holding communication with Te Kooti, in reply to his letter. No pledge must be given that his life will be spared. :M April 25 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond M April 10 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister 8E April 18 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hob. Defence Minister 3G April 25 Hon. D. McLean ... His Honor J. D. Ormond :i7 April 17 Lient.-Colonel Moule ... Hon, Defence Minister 88 April 22 Hon. D. McLean Lieut.-Colonel Moule... May 17 Wiremu Kingi Hon. Defence Minister 89 40 June 13 Lieut.-Ru9b.t0n Hon. Defence Minister a June 19 Lieut.-Eushton Hon. Defence Minister 42 July 12 Inspector Roberts Under Secretary for Defence His Honor J. D. Ormond 48 June 8 Captain Preece M June5tol5 Major Ropata 13 June 30 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister ■10 July 1 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister ■17 July 21 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister •IS July 27 Hon. D. McLean ... His Honor J. D. Ormond i'J July 26 Inspector Roberts ... Under Secretary for Defence 50 August 7 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister 51 August 7 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister 52 August 11 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister 58 August 17 His Honor J. D. Ormond Hon. Defence Minister August 12 Hon. D. McLean His Honor J. D. Ormond u

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER OF REBEL NATIVES AND EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF TE KOOTI.

No. 1. Mr. H. T. Clarke, Civil Commissioner, to the Undee Secretary, Native Department. Sie, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 11th August, 1870. I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the appended copy of a Report received yesterday from Major Mair, R.M., Opotiki. I have, &c, Ht. Ty. Clarke, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 1. Major Mair, R.M., to Mr. H. T. Clarke, Civil Commissioner. Sie,— Opotiki, 28th July, 1870. I have the honor to report for your information that upon my return from Tauranga I found that Rakuraku (whom I informed you in a previous report I had sent into the Urewera country) and party had returned from Ruatahuna. Nepia, a young Ngatiawa chief, the spokesman of the party, says that they were very well received by the Urewera, who assured them that they were desirous of peace, but evidently showed a disinclination to move out to the coast, as they fancy that in that case they will be regarded as " Mokais." Te Whenuanui, however, told Nepia that he would come to Whakatane, and sent a message to Wepiha to build him a house. The Urewera are, so they say, undecided which way to go, overtures having been made to them from different directions; under these circumstances I have thought it best to give them a little time to think the matter over, and have written to Captains Mair and Preece to that effect. A meeting was to take place at Ruatahuna yesterday, the result of which I expect to hear about the sth proximo. Nepia and party visited all the settlements up to Kakanui, and saw all the chiefs of note except Kereru, who was at Maungapowhatu. On their return, a party of young men of the Ngatimura hapu accompanied them down as far as Ruatoki, where they remained to await the issue of the meeting and bring on the intelligence to Whakatane. In writing privately from Whakatane yesterday, I sent a copy of a letter received from the Urewera. Though it may not be apparent that much has been achieved by this mission to Ruatahuna, still I think it an important fact that a party of Queenite Natives, who a few months since were sworn enemies of the Urewera, have been permitted, uninvited, to travel through their country, and have been hospitably entertained by them. Nepia describes tho Urewera as being very ill supplied with arms and ammunition, and wretchedly clad. Te Waru and party, variously estimated at from fifty to seventy, are at Hukanui, near the lower end of the valley. Our people say that he spoke very well, and expressed a wish to make terms if he received any encouragement to do so. It appears to be pretty well established that Te Kooti is at Te Wera, between the sources of Waioeka and Motu, where he is making himself snug for the winter. Reports of his numbers are very vague. Ropata Wahawaha is here in the " Luna." He has been schooling the Whakatohea, and his visit will, I think, do Awanui and a few others good. Everything is quiet along the coast. I have, &c, W. G. Mair, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner, Auckland. Res. Magis.

No. 2. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sie, — Wellington, 6th September, 1870. The attached correspondence with the Urewera, by Mr. Hamlin and tho Wairoa Natives, was received by me this day, and is submitted for your information. I have, &c, The Hon. D. McLean. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. Mr. F. E. Hamlin to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sie,— Napier, 29th August, 1870. I have the honor herewith to enclose copies and translations of letters received from Waikare-Moana after the p.s. " Luna " had passed on from Poverty Bay to Napier last trip. The one,

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as you will perceive, is addressed to myself and the chiefs, and the other to Makarini, who surrendered. Accompanying the bearer of these letters, Hori, were four other young people, who, together with the former lot, made a formal surrender to myself and the loyal chiefs. On Monday, the 22nd instant, Makarini and some of his young people and Te Paea Iho returned to bring in their people. These people are accompanied by Te Hapimana and about twenty of his people. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Esq., Wellington. F. E. Hamlin.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 1 in No. 2. [translation.] Urewera Chiefs to Mr. F. E. Hamlin and WairOpl Chiefs. To Te Wairoa,— From Waikare-Moana, 7th August, 1870. To Mr. F. E. Hamlin and to all the Chiefs of the Government (of Waikare Expedition),—■ Friends,- —Salutations to you all. We have received your letter, and seen that it is good. Let the good continue. Should you break faith in our peace, making the offence will be yours ; and should I act falsely, the evil will be mine. Now let the good continue. This is a word on another subject to you. Te Kooti has been entirely forgotten by us in these days. Should you desire to follow after Te Kooti, go by outside (of our boundaries). Should Te Kooti come inside (our boundaries) we will advise you of it. This is a word on another subject,—the reason that no more people have gone over to you with Whare (Hori). The whole (main portion) of Te Urewera have surrendered to Hapurona and Rakuraku, and the remainder are laid up with sickness. That is all. From Te Harau, and from all the chiefs of the whole of Tuhoe (Urewera).

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 1 in No. 2. [translation.] Te Harau and Te Paraone to Te Makarini and Wairoa Chiefs. To Te Wairoa, — From Waikare-Moana, 7th August, 1870. To Te Makarini, and to all your young people, — Friends —Salutations to you, living under the terms for which you were sent by the people. Friend, be it known to you and your young folks, Tapiki,* the man to whom we looked up to conduct our affairs both good and evil has erred with regard to the intentions for which you were sent. What of that, since the people are in a healthy condition, and you also who are residing there ? All on that subject. A song of condolence, you can finish it. This is another subject. Pay attention. Hapurona has arrived here, and we have heard what he had to say. All have taken a favourable view; small and great, rich and poor, all have agreed to what he said. All tho proposals of the Government are good. Be it known to you, Te Hunui and Hapurona have gone to Rotorua, that is to say, to all the Arawa country, with twenty of the Urewera. That is all on that subject. Friend, Rakuraku and Ngatipukeko have arrived, and we have also heard from them the propositions of the Government, and the whole of the people are satisfied with them. Friend, the whole of Te Urewera are gone, ten have gone, there (with Rakuraku). These are the reasons why no one went with Whare and Te Rangi, together with tho sickness which prevails among the people, being the second reason. From Te Harau. Te Paraone.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. Mr. F. E. Hamlin to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sie, — Napier, 31st August, 1870. I have the honor to enclose copies of letters sent by myself and Wairoa Chiefs to Ureweras, and a letter from myself to Anaru Matete, who, I lately learned, was at Ruatahuna with about twenty original Poverty Bay followers. I have, <fcc, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Esq., Wellington. F. E. Hamlin.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 2 in No. 2. [translation.} Mr. F. E. Hamlin and Wairoa Chiefs to Te Harau and Paraone. To Te Harau and Paraone, — Te Wairoa, ISth August, 1870. Friends —Salutations to you. Tour letter of the 7th of this month has been received by us: we have read it, and given it every consideration. Our reply to it is this. Some of the proposals contained in that letter are good, but there are some to which we cannot give our assent; for instance, where you instruct us to act or to do right; another, that, if we arc desirous of going in pursuit of Te Kooti, that then we should keep outside your boundaries. * Tapiki is dead.

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18 nien, 29 wo men, and 13 children.

With reference to your observation "as to our acting rightly" and to continue doing so, our reply is this : That we do not recognize your right to speak to us in that manner, either for good or evil, for this reason, —you were not the parties who induced us to lay before you terms of peace. Vou have already seen the earnestness of peaceful intention from those of your peoplo who are come to us, and are well received. We request therefore that you stop your mode of dictating to us, but rather listen to tho proposals made by the Government which have been conveyed to you by Makarini; there you will find the fulfilment of both good and evil. That other part of your letter, in which you request us to keep outside of your boundaries in our pursuit of Te Kooti, our reply is this : That we shall not listen to any such proposition from you. That saying causes us great annoyance and irritation. It remains for us to make choice of any road we like in pursuit of Te Kooti: if we think it right to travel through your district after Te Kooti we shall do so ; if we think it necessary to go by water we shall do so ; under any circumstances we shall not be guided by any suggestions you may make to us. We have now laid before you the garment of peace : our advice to you is this, that you should accept it. Listen to the friendly advice of the Government now being brought to you through Makarini. Signed by Mr. F. E. Hamlin and the Wairoa Chiefs.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 2 in No. 2. [translation.] Mr. F. E. Hamlin and Wairoa Chiefs to Urewera. Te Wairoa, 18th August, 1870. To Whenuanui, to Paeeau, to Te KownAi, to Mokonuiaeangi, and to all the people of Tuhoe (Urewera), —■ Friends —Salutations to you. Makarini has been sent to be the bearer of final terms of peace to you all. Now, O friends, accept these friendly offers made to you. Come out from your present position, so that terms of peace may be made with you ; so that the course may be made clear for the purpose of following up that bad man, Te Kooti, which will take place in a short time. We shall soon get up for the purpose of taking him, as well as all other bad men. Signed by Mr. F. E. Hamlin and the Wairoa Chiefs.

Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure 2 in No. 2. [teanslation.] Mr. F. E. Hamlin to Anaru Matete. To Anaru Matete, — Te Wairoa, 19th August, 1870. Friend—Salutations to you. I have been informed that you and some of the Aitanga-a-Mahaki are at Ruatahuna, about twenty in number, and that you are doubting in your minds as to whether or not you should surrender to the Government. Now, then, my advice to you is this: come in and unconditionally give yourselves up to the Government, with your arms and all other fighting weapons, as a sign of your desire to leave off the evil and to return to the ways of peace. By this means the friendly wishes of the Government will be carried out towards you. Come in with Te Paea Iho and with her husband, Tiopira Hape. Think over this letter and accept the terms offered, so that the land and the people may rest in pe ce. F. E. Hamlin.

' No. 3. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary. Sie, — District Office, Tauranga, 7th September, 1870. I have the honor to enclose herewith, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, a letter from Captain Preece reporting the surrender of Urewera, number as per margin. Commissioner Clarke is arranging for food to be sent to Putere. I have, &c, St. John Branigan, Esq., R.M. W. Moule, Inspector, A.C., Commissioner, A.C. Force, Wellington. In charge Tauranga District.

Enclosure in No. 3. Captain Peeece to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir,— Te Teko, 4th September, 1870. I have the honor to report for your information that the last of the Ngatiwhare and Patuheuheu hapus, to the number of 18 men, 29 women, and 13 children, have surrendered to me at this post to-day. There are now no people left at Ahikereru, all having surrendered. This speaks well for the Ngatiwhare. I would beg to suggest that a large supply of potatoes and some spades be sent down to Te Putere in order that they may at once commence planting. The prisoners now at Te Putere are badly off for food. I have, &e, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Geo. Preece, Captain, Commanding District, Tauranga. Commanding Te Teko. 2

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No. 4. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Commissioner, Armed Constabulary. Sir,— District Office, Tauranga, 20th October, 1870. I have the honor to enclose herewith, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, a letter from Sub-Inspector Gascoigne, Commanding Native Contingent at Kaiteriria, with accompaniments from Hoani Paiaka and Te Waru. Copies of this correspondence have been forwarded to Mr. Civil Commissioner Clarke. I have, &e, W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding Tauranga District. St. John Branigan, Esq., R.M., Commissioner, A.C. Force, Wellington.

Enclosure 1 in No. 4. Sub-Inspector Gascoigne to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sie, — Kaiteriria, 17th October, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that a Native called Tomo, one of the Ngatiwhakaue tribe, who it seems had been sent by Mr. Clarke, Civil Commissioner, to Ruatahuna, returned this evening to this post, accompanied by another Native of the same tribe and seven Ureweras, viz., two men, Iharaira Makawa and Himiona, the former a rangatira, and five children. Tomo brought the enclosed letter from Honi Paiaka, addressed to Captain Mair. Tomo states that Kereru Ahi Kaiata and Rangi Kaitupuake intend to come in some time in December, —that the reason they do not come in at once is that they are suffering greatly from sickness. He further states that many of the Urewera (perhaps 200) have died lately from sickness, among others Turei, Tiopira, and Raharuhi, also that Te Waru was at Ruatahuna and expressed himself disposed to make his peace with the Government. I have, &e, F. W. Gascoigne, Sub-Inspector, A.C., Lieut.-Colonel Moule, In charge at Kaiteriria. Commanding Tauranga District. I forward also a letter from Ruatahuna, addressed to Mr. Clarke, C.C. F.W.G.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 1 in No. _. [translation] Hoani Paiaka to Captain Mair. To Captain Maie at Kaiteriria, — Ruatahuna, 13th October, 1870. Friend —Salutations. The agreement about Tuhoe's coming out is not settled, on account of the great mortality of the Urewera. Two hundred of them have died ; a great many of the rest are confined to their houses. Friend, it is not in the power of man to control this evil (sickness); this is why Tuhoe is troubled. Te Waru and his people have spoken well to me, so that we need not trouble (about them). I shall go and see you some day. Friend, this is Tuhoe's decided word, that if Te Kooti comes to Ruatahuna that they will send him away and let us know, lest he should climb over this holy barrier of peace that is now spread over the earth for man. This is all. From Hoani Paiaka.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 1 in No. 4. [translation.] Marino te Waru to Captain Mair. To Captain Mair, — _ Kaiteriria, 17th October, 1870. Friend —Salutations. This is to tell you that I have arrived at Kaiteriria. I have heard from Captain Gascoignc that you have the settling of us (making arrangements with us that we may return to our former work). That is all about that. But I had better return to Waiohewa, for there is no food here for me why I should remain. Will you write and tell me what you propose doing with us. Enclose it to Captain Gascoigne. This is all. From Marino Te Waru.

No. 5. [translation.] The Hon. the Defence Ministee to Major Ropata. Feiend Majoe Ropata,— Wellington, 27th October, 1870. Salutations. If you wish to go to Opotiki, on board the " Luna," to see Whakatohea, and Lear what they have to say, it is well. Te Whenuanui has come to Whakatane. Tamaikowha is at Ohiwa, and a great many of the Ureweras have come out. The difficulties on that side are clearing up. I heard yesterday, by telegraph, that the Ngatiraukawa Hauhaus at Taupo are doing road work.

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I wish you to go to Opotiki, as we arranged, to try if you can hear anything about Te Kooti. It is said that he is staying at Te Wera. Inquire carefully. Do not be rash. We must work cautiously. This letter you will keep to yourself: let no one else see it. This is what I want you to inquire about: —l. Where Te Kooti is staying. 2. The Urewera will know whether he intends remaining there, or going to some other place. 3. The means of capturing him ; whether by what you said to Te Urewera, or by the thousands (the reward for capturing him) that you and I talked about. This you will consider, and let me know what you think about it. Captain Porter may go with you. From your friend, Major Eopata. Donald McLean.

No. 6. Memoeandum from the Hon. the Defence Ministee to His Honor J. D. Ormond, Government (Confidential.) ASent> Na PierFoe "the protection of Poverty Bay for the next two months I propose that Major Ropata should establish himself there, with 100 good men of the Ngatiporou. Those men may occasionally employ themselves in cutting grass, or otherwise ; but during the time they are acting on the defensive they will be allowed Is. a day and rations conditionally that they hold themselves in readiness, if required, at any time to take the field against Te Kooti or any of his band that may threaten that neighborhood. If Major Ropata should, at his own discretion, deem it necessary to take the field, the Natives will receive pay for the period they may be actually engaged against the enemy at the rate of 3s. per diem and rations. It is not proposed to undertake any expedition at present against Te Kooti, unless a really good prospect of capturing him offers. The present arrangement is not only intended as a protection to Poverty Bay, but as a more -speedy means of following up Te Kooti should he attempt any more depredations. I have explained all this fully to Major Ropata. Donald McLean. Defence Office, Wellington, 17th November, 1870.

No. 7. Captain Peeece to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. (Telegram.) Fort Galatea, Bth December, 1870. Kawana, who has just returned from Ruatahuna, reports that he has reason to believe Kereopa passed three miles below here, whilst I was camped between here and Arawhata. I have had men out every day, both up and down, and have seen no traces; still it is quite possible for them to pass without leaving any trace, as it has been raining here heavily, and our own trails are quite washed out. I have not seen Kawana yet, but have sent for him. To look after this country well, I ought to have authority to mount ten of my men, and give them two shillings per diem extra. I hear from Hoani Paiaka that Te Waru and party will come out here on the 27th. I will send you more information when I see Kawana. Since writing the above I have seen Kawana. He says Kereopa has been wandering about by himself; and the only reason he has for thinking he got through is, he saw one man's footprints at Horomanga. Geo. Preece, Captain.

No. 8. Captain Peeece to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. (Telegram.) Fort Galatea, 9th December, 1870. Te Waeu, Reihana, (murderer of Karaitiana at Wairoa), eight men, thirty women and children, made ,an unconditional surrender to me at Horomanga to-day. He brings in a few stand of arms. His hapu is nearly destroyed by fighting and illness. I will send them on to Te Teko to-morrow. They say report ,about Kereopa is not true; did not get past Maungapowhatu. Hoani Paiaka, who came with Te Waru [says] Te Kooti sent a man to Ruatahuna, but he brought no news of his movements. Urewera seem in constant communication with Te Kooti, but do not care about giving information of his movements. Igo out with scouting parties daily. Hardly think Kereopa has got through; still, it is •quite possible for him to do so during the rain without leaving tracks. Geoege Preece, Captain.

No. 9. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Captain Peeece. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th December, 1870. lam very glad to hear that Te Waru and party have surrendered unconditionally. Tou must see that they are properly guarded and fed at Te Teko, until arrangements are made respecting them. It is

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most important that you should keep a vigilant watch on any movements of Natives from Urewera. country towards Waikato. You are authorized to mount ten of your men and give them 2s. a day extra; I suppose they find their own horses. Te Kooti must now be very much weakened, and lam not without hope that he may fall into our hands. Donald McLean.

No. 10. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 20th December, 1870. I have the honor to forward copies of letters to Major Ropata and Captain Porter, containing the instructions you requested me to send for the occupation of Ruatahuna, and the gathering the remnant of the Urewera together at that place. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 10. [translation.] His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. To Major Ropata,— Napier, December 20th, 1870. Friend, —You may have heard that Whenuanui and Paerau have come hero with their men. They will be kept hero for "the future. They will stop with Tareha, and their children will be brought here also. During our conversation with the Urewera they told us that they wished the remnant of their tribe to live together : that is, those that are now living at Ruatahuna and Maungapowhatu to live at Ruatahuna, there build a redoubt to be inhabited by those approved of by the Government. Their reason for wishing to live together is from fear of Te Kooti, and for the same reason they wish to have some friends to live with them. When Mr. McLean and the Government heard what I havo already told you, they wanted you to go and assemble the remnants of the Urewera at Ruatahuna. The Government desire you to pick out from your men those that will agree to remain at Ruatahuna to take care of that district. * You had better go via Turanga, and collect the Ureweras as you go. Letters from Te Whenuanui and Paerau to the Urewera, telling them of your journey, will be sent via Taupo and Ahikereru. "When you have assembled all the Urewera at Ruatahuna, communication will be held with that place via Taupo and Ahikereru. Food for the soldiers will be sent that way, and the roads will be made for that purpose. It is thought that by settling the Urewera at Ruatahuna and placing soldiers there, some plan will be devised for capturing Te Kooti. The Government are resting, and arc looking for you to form some plan for catching Te Kooti. You will be zealous in carrying out a plan for capturing Te Kooti, and do quickly what I have explained to you. Write and acknowledge this, and inform me when you think of going and the road you purpose taking, and which you consider best to be made, so that I may know. I enclose a letter for Captain Porter. Should he be away when you receive this, give it to Mr. Skipworth, and he will translate it to you ; but leave it so that Captain Porter may see it, and you can leave instructions for him to follow you, that is, if you wish it. I wish you to take with your force a good man that you can leave in charge of Ruatahuna (Redoubt). This is all. From, &c, J. D. Ormond. I enclose herewith a telegram from Mr. McLean to you. This is tho only one I have received.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 10. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Captain Porter. Sir,— Napier, 20th December, 1870. Instructions go by this opportunity to Major Ropata, requesting him to proceed with a force to the Urewera country and gather the scattered remnant of that tribe to Ruatahuna, where it is intended to establish a post, which will be occupied for a time by the Ngatiporou. This step is taken with the concurrence of Whenuanui, Paerau, and the Urewera who have surrendered here, and who represent that in their present scattered condition the Urewera are at the mercy of Te Kooti, and would be obliged to join him should he insist upon it. It is desired, therefore, that in selecting the men for this work, those should be taken who are prepared to remain for a time at Ruatahuna and form a.post there. From the Urewera now here I gather there are considerable cultivations at Ruatahuna, and Whenuanui insists there are still a considerable number of people residing there and at other places. The following are the names of the chiefs to be communicated with: —Kawhena, Haunui, Tainaikowha, Kereru, Renata Pohokura, Ahikaiata; and their people, including women and children, are represented to number about 200; but of the accuracy of this statement I have considerable doubt, as so many have surrendered and are now located in the Bay of Plenty. Messengers are being sent from here by Tareha to Ruatahuna, to bring in the wives and children of Whenuanui and Paerau's people, and letters will be sent by the last-named chiefs, directing their #

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people to collect at Ruatahuna, and informing them that Major Ropata is going in to see that it is done. The Government desire that you should accompany Major Ropata upon this duty, and you will please communicate through Ahikereru and the Tapuaeharuru Telegraph Station on the arrival of the force at Ruatahuna. It is not anticipated that any resort to force will be necessary in carrying out the proposed plan, but it is quite probable that from Ruatahuna measures may be taken, with every chance of success, against Te Kooti, and that by judicious management the Ureweras may be used for capturing him. You will be good enough to report, by the first opportunity, when the expedition will start, and give any information you can as to the route to be taken, so that communication can be held with Major Ropata if necessary. I have, &c, • Captain Porter, Adjutant. J. D. Ormond.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 10. [translation.] The Hon. the Defence Minister to Major Ropata. (Telegram.) Friend Major Ropata,— Wellington, 20th December, 1870. You have heard of the murder by the Ngatimahuta of Waikato, and a copy of the circular has been sent to you. This is my word to you: I wish you to occupy Ruatahuna, and take with you 100 men of Ngatiporou, more or less. The Urewera who are scattered about should be collected where you are; they should be all in one place, at Ruatahuna. Write and let me know your opinion about this work during the summer. A settlement should be established at Ruatahuna. Donald McLean.

No. 11. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Major Ropata. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th December, 1870. You may take 200 men with you, so that they may go cheerfully to meet the enemy. I leave you to make all arrangements about your work. Donald McLean.

No. 12. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir, — Napier, 12th January, 1871. I have the honor to report that another party of Hauhaus from Waikare-Moana have co me in to the Wairoa, numbering thirty-two in all. They can give no definite information respecting Te Kooti, but believe he is still about the Waioeka Gorge. Inspector Cumming has supplied these people with a small quantity of food, to assist in their support until the crops of the friendly Natives are ready. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Oemond.

No. 13. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — Colonial Defence Office, Wellington, 17th January, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of the 12th instant, stating that a party of Hauhaus from Waikare-Moana, numbering thirty-two in all, had come in to the Wairoa, and in reply am directed by the Hon. Mr. Gisborne to convey to you his approval for these people having been supplied with a small quantity of food, to assist in their support until the crops of the friendly Natives are ready. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Or. S. Cooper General Government Agent, Napier. (for the Defence Minister).

No. 14. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir, — Napier, 14th January, 1871. I have the honor to transmit letters and translations from Major Ropata on the subject of the expedition under his direction to Ruatahuna. 3

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From later advices from Major Westrup and Captain Porter, I gather the expedition started on the 11th instant. I requested Major Ropata to communicate his arrival at Ruatahuna, through Ahikereru and Taupo. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 14. [translation.] Major Ropata to the Hon. the Defence Minister. To Mr. McLean, — Turanganui, 2nd January, 1871. * Friend, —Salutations to you. I have received your instructions to proceed to Ruatahuna and assemble the Ureweras, and also your thoughts respecting this reptile who is away in the bush. Ngatiporou are at present very busy, having so much grass on hand which is not threshed, and all the men are engaged in this work. Another thing is on account of the money you offered to them, 3s. per day. They are dissatisfied, and want 3s. 6d. a day, although this may be only a little grumbling on the part of the people, which will have no effect. They have not yet arrived at the knowledge of this thing, that is, of money. My opinion is that it depends entirely on the strength of tho man to work, and when the perspiration drops from him he can eat food. If we go immediately, the people will go discontentedly, but they will go this next week. Friend, do not let your thoughts change. Do not be pained at these words, and turn this work over to other people. No, I will complete this work ; but if I fail, and cannot carry it out, it is good (to give the work to others). Here is also another word of mine to you : I will go by the road that Te Kooti came when he attacked Uawa (Tologa Bay), that is by Waikohu, so that I shall drop on Te Wera; and if I find any footsteps there, will have a good look about that place; but if I find no signs of any people, I wiil proceed direct to Ruatahuna. From your friend, Major Ropata.

Enclosure 2 in No. 14. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Ormond. To Mr Ormond, — Turanganui, 2nd January, 1871. Friend, salutations to you. I have received your letter urging me to start for Ruatahuna and collect the Ureweras, and also the thoughts respecting this reptile who is now living in the bush. Ngatiporou are all engaged at present with their grass, which is not all threshed, but they will go next week. The road that this expedition will go by will be the same road that Te Kooti came by, that is Waikohu, straight on to Te Wera. If I find footprints there I will delay some time, having a good look about there. If not, I will proceed quickly on to Ruatahuna. This is all. From your friend, Major Ropata.

No. 15. Captain Porter to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sie, — Militia Office, Gisborne, 16th January, 1871. I have tho honor to inform you that the expeditionary force of Ngatiporou proceeding to Ruatahuna has now fairly started The strength of the same is 170 men. They have gone away in good spirits, all auguries having been favourable. I have duly made my report to Mr. Ormond, but hearing from Captain Read that you were in Auckland I thought it advisable to write to you direct also. In accordance with instructions I have received from Mr. Ormond, I shall endeavour to forward a report through the Ahikereru. I have, &c, T. W. Portee, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, Auckland. Captain and Adjutant.

No. IG. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Captain Porter. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 13th February, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th ultimo, reporting that the expeditionary force of Ngatiporous had fairly started, and to inform you in reply that your report is satisfactory. I have, &c, Captain Porter, Gisborne. Donald McLean.

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No. 17. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir, — District Office, Tauranga, 26th January, 1871. I have the honor to enclose herewith a letter from Captain Mair, reporting his movements to 20th instant. I have, &e, W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, The Hon. D. McLean, Auckland. Commanding Tauranga District.

Enclosure in No. 17. Captain Mair to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir,— Te Teko, 20th January 1871. I have the honor to report for your information, that after joining Captain Gundry at Galatea, I started on the 15th instant with forty-five men for Ahikereru, arriving there on the following morning; I found a small party of the Ngatiware and Warahoe, about sixteen, including women and children. They all professed loyalty, but desired to bo allowed to remain for the present at Ahikereru, as they have planted a large quantity of potatoes, &c. Further they have heard that there is a scarcity of provisions for those of their tribe who have already come out. Another reason they gave for remaining behind was that they had lately received an ensign from Napier —a token of their having become Queenite Natives. I did not consider it necessary to force them to come out; and as they have no guns or ammunition, I consented to their remaining till I reported the matter to you. No fresh news of Te Kooti; when they last heard of him he was at Waioeka, at Te Wera, with about twenty men. He wrote a letter to the Urewera saying that there would be one great cloud more arise, after which there would be peace. This is supposed to imply that he will shortly assume the offensive. They state that Ropata is expected with a large force in Ruatahuna, and that fighting will ensue unless the object of his journey is very clear. I returned from Ahikereru to Galatea on the 18th, bringing Hapurona, Ihaia, Himiona, Tikitu, another, and a woman. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Gilbert Mair, Captain, Commanding District, Tauranga. Commanding Arawa Flying Column

No. 18. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir, — General Government Offices. Auckland, 28th January, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant, forwarding a report from Captain Mair of his movements to the 20th instant. You will be good enough to inform Captain Mair that he has acted judiciously in leaving the Natives at Ahikereru, where they had plenty of food; and also let him know that Major Ropata's instructions are to collect the Ureweras at Ruatahuna. I have to request that you will thank Captain Mair for his information about Te Kooti. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Donald McLean. Commanding Bay of Plenty, Tauranga.

No. 19. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 6th February, 1871. I have the honor to enclose copies of telegrams from Major Ropata and Captain Porter, detailing the progress of the expedition under Major Ropata from the time it left Waikohu to arrival at Maraetahi, and of my replies to those officers. You will observe that no trace can be found of Te Kooti's hiding-place, and the difficulty of the search may be estimated when his own followers are unable to ascertain his whereabouts. Major Ropata will now proceed to Ruatahuna to collect the Urewera as before arranged, and report from Taupo the result of the expedition. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 19. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) To Mr. Ormond, — Maraetahi, 2nd February, 1871. Friend, salutations to you. I have succeeded in finding Te Kooti's pa, Te Wera. He was not in it; and also Pa Rangiora, which is another large pa of Te Kooti's, but he was not in this one.

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He has left this place some time, ever since August. I have now arrived at this place, Maraetahi, but this has also been deserted some time. lam at a loss to know where he can have hid himself, perhaps at Euatahuna; or if not there, I cannot tell where he is. This is all from your friend Major Eopata.

Enclosure 2 in No. 19. Captain Portee to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Tauranga, sth February, 1871. January 29th. —Expedition force under Major Ropata marched from Waikohu. Followed bed of Waitaha three days to Makihoi; following three days track lay through dense bush. Reached Te Wera 26th, supposed hiding-place of Te Kooti. Found in pa twenty-seven whares, evidently unoccupied for months, or since his raid on Tologa Bay. Searched clearing in vicinity, and around bed of Te Motu, all uncultivated. Struck Waioeka near source. 31st. Found pa of Te Kooti, Pa Rangiora, abandoned ; signs of three men there lately; tracks leading to Maraetahi; followed tracks up in a clearing; found their names written up, intimating they had visited the place in search of Te Kooti, being followers of his escaped from Tologa Bay, and wishing to rejoin him. Reached Maraetahi Ist February ;no traces of Hauhaus. Convinced that neither Te Kooti or his followers are in vicinity of Motu, Te Wera, or Waioeka, from source to mouth. Men much fatigued; must rest to sth, when march through country to Waimana, where I rejoin Ropata with supplies to take us to Ruatahuna. Telegraph further instructions to this port to reach me before the Bth. T. W. Porter, Captain and Adjutant, E.C.D.

Enclosure 3 in No. 19. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. (Telegram.) Napier, sth February, 1871. Feiend, —I have your letter of the 2nd, and see the search after that reptile Te Kooti has not so far been successful, and that no trace can be discovered as to his hiding-place. The only chance I see of finding him is through the Urewera. Whenuanui was with me yesterday, and urged they should be used. He knows the return of himself, Paerau, and people depends upon Te Kooti being caught. Tell his people so, and that he is urgent for them to assist; also for them to collect under your direction at Ruatahuna. Friend, I have nothing to add to former letters respecting objects of the expedition. You will no doubt march to Ruatahuna by the most likely route to effect your object, and I wish you success. There is no further news from Waikato; the raruraru still continues, but Waikato is afraid, and I think tries to draw back. Ngatiraukawa have left the King side, and Maihi their principal chief, with others, will arrive in Napier to-morrow to settle relations for the future. You may hear more about Waikato when you reach Ruatahuna. Mr. McLean is at the Bay of Islands, but comes here after return to Auckland. Captain Porter will translate this to you. My interpreter is not here. That is all. From your friend, Major Ropata, Maketu, Opotiki, Waimana, Ormond. Care of Captain Porter, Opotiki.

Enclosure 4 in No. 19. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Captain Porter. (Telegram.) Napier, sth February, 1871. Received yours dated yesterday, and note progress of expedition. There seems no doubt Te Kooti is not hiding where he was reported. Can you get no information as to his whereabouts from Hira Te Popo or other former associates ? From fact of three men looking for him, he is doubtless hiding somewhere in the back country. I see Major Ropata marches to Waimana, where you join him with supplies. There are no further instructions to add to what you have. Major Ropata will doubtless march to Ruatahuna by the most likely routes for Te Kooti's hiding, and gathering the Urewera. A number of Whenuanui's people are reported to be at Ruatoki. This was confirmed yesterday by Whenuanui, who saw me and urged that his people should be called on to assist in securing Te Kooti. Urewera can be told Te Kooti's capture would allow return of Whenuanui, Paerau, and rest of tribe to Ruatahuna. Your next report will be from Ruatahuna. I send letter for Ropata to your care. Ormond. To Captain Porter, Maketu, Opotiki.

No. 20. Captain Poetee to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Maketu, Bth February, 1871. Telegrams to hand. We march to-day to rejoin Ropata. Maimana sent letter to Tamaikowha to induce him to go with us to Ruatahuna. We march by Ruatoki, and see Te Whenuanui's people, some of whom may accompany us. Hira Te Popo supposes Te Kooti at Waikare. Ho thinks the Urewera know of his whereabouts.

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Any future instructions should be sent to Tort Galatea, a convenient post for communicating through Ahikereru. Ngatiporou are expecting a call to Waikato. A feudal hatred exists, and they say the whole tribe would only be too glad to pay off old scores with the Waikato. Thos. ¥m. Poetee, J. D. Ormond, Esq., Napier. Captain.

No. 21. The Hon. the Defence Ministee to His Honor J. D. Oemond. (A. No. 88.) Sie, — Auckland, 13th February, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing copies of telegrams from Major Ropata and Captain Porter. These officers seem to have lost no time on the way, and it is to be regretted that their efforts to come across Te Kooti have been hitherto unsuccessful. I must confess my surprise at the almost sudden disappearance of this arch-rebel. The fact of his own followers being unable to find him, proves that he must have taken refuge in some most remote spot; and I quite concur with your telegram to Major Ropata that every effort ought to be made to induce the Urewera to assist in the search. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. Donald McLean.

No. 22. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 6th March, 1871. I have the honor herewith to forward the copy of a telegram received from Captain Porter, giving an account of Ropata's movements. As the steamer goes on to Auckland immediately, I have not time to refer more fully to this subject. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure in No. 22. Captain Porter to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Maungapowhatu, 18th February, 1871. We have met Ngatihuri. Renata, their chief, gave up his weapons to us. Accident has given us the desired information of Te Kooti's whereabouts ; a party of our men were out this morning and came upon a clearing wherein was an insane woman ; she mistook them for Te Kooti's people and asked after her daughter, who is with Te Kooti. It seems Te Kooti was here a few weeks back, and had returned to his kainga near Pa Puni; the men also found where he had camped, and followed the track leading in direction of Pa Puni. On consulting with Tamaikowha he said it was Te Kooti, and that Ngatihuri were hiding facts from us, and deceiving him also. Tamaikowha, who has acted throughout very straightforward, returned to Waimana bearing these letters. We follow on Te Kooti's trail, and provided he has not been previously warned we hope to fall in with him. Our food is out. Men carrying potatoes. It is uncertain where next report may be from. Ropata sends letters by mail. T. W. Porter, Captain and Adjutant.

No. 23. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Under Secretary, Defence Office. Sir,— District Office, Tauranga, 10th March, 1871. I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a letter received from Captain Preece, reporting the surrender of more Ureweras. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Tauranga District.

Enclosure in No. 23. Captain Preece to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir,— Te Teko, Bth March, 1871. I have the honor to report for your information that five men and twenty women and children of Te Waru's hapu surrendered to me at this post to-day, and gave in three stand of arms. lam sending them to Matata, where the chief Kepa will take care of them. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, George Peeece, Captain, Commanding District, Tauranga. Commanding Te Teko. 4

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No. 24. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 15th March, 1871. I have the honor to enclose for your information copy of a letter from Major Ropata, written at Maungapowhatu, containing some account of the state of the Urewera. This letter only reached me a day or two ago, having been taken by Tamaikowha to Whakatane, and so round by Maketu and Taupo. Since then, as I have reported by telegraph, the expedition under Major Ropata has come out to Te Reinga up the Wairoa River, and Captain Porter has been here to communicate with me. I received by Captain Porter a short letter from Ropata, explaining that tho reason he had come out was want of food ; that Captain Porter would give me full information as to what the expedition had done; and requesting that after hearing the position of things I would give him such fresh instructions as were considered necessary. From Captain Porter I learnt that, acting on the information obtained at Maungapowhatu that Te Kooti was at Pa Puni, the expedition started for that place ; their supplies being done, the men had to carry potatoes, as the country they had to pass through was entirely destitute of food or settlement. Not far from Maungapowhatu the expedition struck the tracks of Te Kooti's party going towards Pa Puni, and at a cross track leading in the direction of Waikare-Moana and Ruatahuna they found a letter from Te Kooti written some time before, warning Anaru Matete to be vigilant during his absence, and saying he might be away some time. This letter gave no indication of where Te Kooti was going, or where Anaru Matete or Te Kooti's kainga was. On arrival at Pa Puni the expedition found no trace of settlement of any kind, and their food being entirely done, it was impossible to search the country, as was necessary, until supplies were obtained; th e inarch had been very distressing, and was described to me by Captain Porter as being through dense forest and across a succession of steep ranges, so that the men were tired and exhausted. The nearest point to havo made for was Poverty Bay, but Ropata preferred to make for Te Reinga and get supplies from Wairoa, as by that plan ho would be better able to keep the expedition together ; moreover, he wished to get hold of some old people of the Ngatikowhatu Tribe (Bakiroas) who were known to be living up the Ruakiture, and from whom bo hoped to get information. In this he was successful; Rakiroa, who had acted as guide to the expedition found the old people referred to, and learnt from them that three of Te Kooti's men had lately been there and gone back to Te Kooti's settlement, which was at a place called Te Haupapa, a day's journey from Pa Puni, and nearer to the coast, being one day's march inland of Ngatapa. Te Kooti himself was said to be at Waikare-Moana, where he had gone to endeavour to open communication with the Wairoa Natives. It was further gathered from the old Ngatikowhatus that Te Kooti was planning a Jcolciri on Poverty Bay, which was intended to be made at the latter end of April; and that time was chosen so that after the attack he might escape back to his stronghold, and trust to the difficulties of the season to shield him from pursuit. Te Haupapa is described as a basin in the mountains covered with high manuka, all the surrounding country being dense forest. Te Kooti is said to have three small kaingas there and large cultivations ; his men, old and young, are estimated to number forty, with a good many women and children. When the above information reached me, the wires south being down, I had no opportunity of communicating with Ministers at AVellington ; and as the steamer Napier was leaving that evening for Wairoa I sent Captain Porter back by her with supplies and a letter to Bopata, copy of which I enclose. 1 have not yet heard of tho expedition starting again, but am satisfied Ropata will lose no time in doing so after he receives his supplies. Whether he may be successful in catching Te Kooti is I think doubtful, especially if he be as reported at Waikare-Moana ; but at any rate the expedition will have every chance of securing his followers, including Kereopa, who is said to be at Haupapa, and of .destroying his kaingas and cultivations, upon which he relies for the winter. I will report further wh^-'n later information reaches me. I have, &c., The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 24. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Oemond. [translation,] Maungapowhatu, ISth February, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you. We have arrived at this place and have seen the Urewera. They are rather frightened of us. However, Erueti Tamaikowha also and his people, who have accompanied Ngatiporou and have heard their good talk and seen their good works, has written to these people, who appear to be frightened, and they are now satisfied that the proceedings of the force are very good ; and the chiefs, together with their people, have met us and have told us their good thoughts, and we have explained ours to them. The chiefs have spoken their words, which are good. Renata Te Purewa has also explained his thoughts, which are good also; and that for the future he would remain peaceable. That he had no more to say, except that if he did wrong the wrong would emanate from us. That it would bo us who would break the peace made on this land. 1 Ropata then answered him and said that I would not break it, but it would be through him befriending Te Kooti that it would alone be broken, but if he did not befriend Te Kooti no evil would come to this place. Secondly, that if he would catch Te Kooti it would then bo better than all the good that had yet been done ; that is, if I did not come across him myself. I also said to him, Let you and I both go together after Te Kooti, so that I may be convinced of your good intentions, and also know

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that we are one in this peace which has been brought to this place. Now this is a word about the wish of Whenuanui and Paerau which you directed me to carry out by going with soldiers to Ruatahuna to look after the Urewera. I came by the road that Te Kooti went to Tologa Bay. When I arrived at Maraetahi I gave up the idea of going on a fighting expedition, and went from there to Waimana on the instructions you sent me to collect the remnant of the Urewera at Ruatahuna. When I got to Waimana I met Tamaikowha who had been waiting for me there. He asked me what I had come for. Whether to seek payment for my dead body [one of his men who was killed in a former expedition]. I made answer and said, No; if I were to do so it would be a crime. Had I sought revenge at the time of the man's death it would have been right, but I have come to collect the remnant of the Urewera to Ruatahuna. Paerau and Whenuanui requested the Government to do this, and they are going to do so, and lam here for that purpose. When Tamaikowha heard this he said it was good, but that there was no one at Ruatahuna, —that they were at Ruatoki. That the people belonging to this place were here, —that the Maungapowhatu people were there. That they were not assembled at Ruatahuna because peace had been made by me with this place. I then said to Tamaikowha The reason that Paerau and Whenuanui are cautious, —they are afraid Te Kooti will kill them. He said, Te Kooti will not come here. If he comes here disturbing my people I myself will catch him. I then said to him, You are hiding Te Kooti. He said, Seek through all my places and satisfy yourself lam not hiding Te Kooti. Te Kooti is not here. You have left him behind you. You can depend on this word of mine, that if you go by Maungapowhatu, and find any foot marks at Te Ihu o Maungapowhatu, be sure it is Te Kooti. I fully believe what Tamaikowha has said. What he has pointed out is quite clear, and lam going to the place he told us of. It will not be known, as it will depend on To Makenu. If Te Makenu is found I will forward word to you in a short time. Tamaikowha will return from here: as soon as I start he will start for Waimana and all other surrounding places. I am going to write to the people who are staying at Opotiki, Ohiwa, and Whakatane, telling them not to come up here lest the Urewera get frightened—or rather for fear they might kill some of the Urewera. From your friend, Mr. Ormond, General Government Agent. Major Ropatji..

Enclosure 2 in No. 24. [Translation.] His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. To Major Ropata,— Napier, 7th March, IS7I. Friend, I have received your letter which Captain Porter brought, and I have heard from him of your expedition. When I heard what you had done, and that you had urged that the pursuit of Te Kooti might be continued, and after giving consideration to the reports which you heard as to his whereabouts, I havo come to tho conclusion that you should continue to exert yourself, and complete the work which you have commenced. I gather, from what Captain Porter says, that you know where Te Kooti's place is,—that is, the place where his people are, and where his cultivations are, but that that reptile himself has gone to AVaikare. Perhaps further information may contradict this. However, if these reports are absolutely correct, I think that you should at once go with a force to Waikare, so that he (Te Kooti) may be caught there, that is, if he does not escape first. You will receive further information from the people of the Wairoa, who will tell you about the canoes and other things at that place, and there you will be able to fix some plan for catching him (Te Kooti) ; that is to say, the exact way in which he is to be caught, for definite instructions cannot be given from here. I believe that should he be driven from Waikare, he will make straight for that place of his. If he should not be caught at Waikare, follow him up as quickly as possible ; he and his people may then very probably be caught at his place. The steamer leaves to-day for the Wairoa, to take the food for you, to keep your strength up, in order that you may be able to carry out the arrangements which may be decided upon; that is to say, the arrangements which may lead to a speedy capture of Te Kooti. This is a word to you respecting your present expedition; that is to say, the assembling of the Urewera at Ruatahuna. Do not give too much consideration to that, and so leave open the work of pursuing Te Kooti: do not do that, for the pursuit of Te Kooti is the most important work; you should find out where his places are, and should destroy and burn his places and his food. Do not leave them, but write to me before you go, and inform me of your route, and what you intend to do on tho way. I will lay before Mr. McLean and the Government your reports, and those of Captain Porter, for their information. Your friend, Major Ropata. J. D. Ormond.

No. 25. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Ist April, IS7I. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of 15th March ultimo, covering an interesting report from Major Ropata, giving an account of his expedition in search of Te Kooti, together with copy of letter of instructions sent by you to that officer, and I beg to convey to you the approval of the Government of the steps which you have taken in the matter. I have, &c. His Honor J. D. Ormond, Esq., Donald McLean. General Government Agent, Napier.

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No. 26. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Hon. the Defence Ministee, Auckland. Sir,— Napier, 18th March, 1871. I have the honor to enclose the copy of an extract from Captain Porter's diary. He has not had time to prepare a detailed report of the proceedings of the expedition, but, learning from him the tone of Ngatihuri, I deemed it desirable to obtain, for your information, an account of the meeting with that hapu. I gathered from Captain Porter that the hostile feeling exhibited by them was exceptional, and that among the other sections of the Urewera, although there was great distrust, there was not the same inimical feeling. In the late meeting I had with the Urewera at Tareha's pa, and which I have reported to you by telegraph, I spoke of this hostile expression of feeling on the part of Ngatihuri. and of my belief that they were shielding Te Kooti, and I distinctly told Whenuanui, Paerau, and their people, that tribes so acting could not be regarded by the Government as friends, and that they must not complain of want of good faith on the part of the Government if such conduct were punished. The reply of these chiefs was, that immediately on their return they would call a meeting of the whole tribe, including Ngatihuri, and would state that one of the conditions of the peace they had made was not only that Te Kooti should not be shielded, but that he should be regarded as their own enemy. They urged that this meeting should be attended by the Government, and I promised that, if possible, their desire should be complied with. lam of opinion that much good might be effected by meeting the Urewera in their own country, and coming to a distinct understanding with the whole tribe. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure in No. 26. Exteact from Diary. Friday, 19th February, Maungapohatu. —AVe were then met in welcome by the men of Ngatihuri— Haere-mai-ia, haere-mai-ia, hairi-mai-ia, Te Munuhiri o te AVhenuanui haere mai. The several chiefs then arose, and among them were Renata Poho Korua, Kawhana, Ihaka Te Ahiriaiti, Wiremu Te Mako, Ngaraki (brother of Kereru), Paiaka Tipihau, and Hataraka. Every one who spoke expressed perpetual hatred to the Pakeha, and said, Welcome, Ropata; for your own sake we welcome you, although you serve the Kawana, from whom we have suffered many wrongs. You may be acting right, but also may be deceived. You cannot tell what is hidden in the heart. We are willing to accept the ronyo pai, but we will remain at our own kaingas, lest, when all tho wild cows are collected bv the tame ones, you the Kawana should turn and destroy all, tame and wild. Te Kooti is not here. Seek him, and, if you find him, spare as you spare us. AVe are cautious of' the action of the Government. AVe rely upon you. We have heard of your good deeds. If you can bring peace among us, do so. Ropata, in replying to the speeches said, —" Ngatihuri, you say I serve the Government, and that I may also be deceived. It is not so; the Government would not tell me to do one thing and mean another. I should not serve the Government as Idoif I thought there was an after intention." True extract. T. W. Poeteb, Captain and Adjutant.

No. 27. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sie, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Ist April, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the ISth ultimo, enclosing an extract from Captain Porter's diary, which fully confirms the belief so long entertained, that tho Ngatihuri and other inhabitants of the AVaikare-Moana District have always been suspicious of and inimical to the Europeans. The fact of their seclusion in the wildest and most inaccessible part of the Island, many of them never having even seen a European, accounts in a great measure for this feeling of hostility. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Donald McLean. General Government Agent, Napier.

No. 28. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 23rd March, 1871. I have the honor to report that Major Ropata and force were detained at Wairoa, by continual and heavy rain, until the 19th instant, and that the force finally left Marumaru on the morning of the 20th instant for AVaikarc-Moana. Captain Porter writes that Ropata desired him to say he expected to get information at the Lake respecting Te Kooti's whereabouts, but that, should he not do so, he will make at once for Te Haupapa, Te Kooti's reputed kainga. I think this is the best course he could have taken, and I trust may lead to a successful issue. His men are well supplied with food, and are well acquainted with the ground they have to travel over. To give some idea of the difficulties of the country, 1 enclose translation, of letter from Hotene, who is with the expedition.

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I enclose translation of a letter I sent after Eopata, warning him that Ngatihuri were abetting Te Kooti and keeping him informed of all movements. Before sending this letter I referred to the Hon. the Premier to ascertain if he approved of the action I proposed in regard to Ngatihuri, should it be found they were acting as described. He entirely approved what I recommended, and Eopata was informed accordingly. I should also state that I told Whenuanui and Paerau what I had done, and they agreed Ngatihuri deserved punishment if what was said of them is true. We shall probably next hear of the expedition from Poverty Bay, which is the nearest point to Te Haupapa. and where Eopata will come out. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Osmond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 28. [translation.] Captain Hotene to His Honor J. D. Ormond. To Mr. Ormond, — AVairoa, 14th March, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you. You have most likely heard from Captain Porter the news of Major Ropata's travels. They have been very short of food. The hills also are very bad, and the rivers. It was this that knocked us up : we were so tired. We saw nothing of To Kooti; but the Urewera who adhere to Te Kooti we saw at Maungapowhatu. These people are hiding Te Kooti. Te Kooti will not be caught: there are so lew of them. Himself and twenty men are all that are with him. AVe have been to most of his places. Now this second trial to find him has only one thing against it, —it is too near the winter, frost, &c. We shall be destroyed. However, we must trust to Providence. Friend, we are very much pleased with Captain Porter, who is accompanying us. Friend, I did not write to you before, as I did not think we should survive; but now we are here I know we are alive. Captain Hotene.

Enclosure 2 in No. 28. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. To Majoe Ropata,— Napier, 18th March, 1871. Friend, —I have your letters of the 15th inst., stating you were about to start in again to see if you could find Te Kooti. lam dark about the action of Ngatihuri when I read Captain Porter's letter telling me what they said at the interview with you. I came to the conclusion they were deceiving you and shielding Te Kooti. Yesterday I heard from Mr. Clarke, who telegraphed me. Hoani Paiaka and Kohi tell him that Ngatihuri are thoroughly with Te Kooti, and are deceiving you, informing Te Kooti of all your movements. They say further that if Te Kooti is pressed by you he will make for Ruatahuna. They give no information as to where Te Kooti is, except that Ngatihuri know. The Urewera disapprove strongly of this conduct of Ngatihuri, and are assembling at Tahuaroa, where they are flying a Government flag sent them from here. AVhenuanui and Paerau have beeutold of all this, and that the Government will treat as enemies any hapus shielding Te Kooti, and they agree it is right and fair. Those two and their people return at once to Ruatahuna. I have communicated the above to the Government, and their decision is that you are to inquire into the conduct of Ngatihuri, and if you find they are concealing Te Kooti and deceiving you, then you are to treat them as enemies, and take them prisoners with you to the coast. Friend, there is no other way. An example must be made that this double dealing cease. This letter will be sent after you from AVairoa, as it is important you should know what it contains. You will, however, use your own judgment as to when you will see about Ngatihuri's work. The first thing is to look after Te Kooti, and test whether he is at Te Haupapa. That is all on that subject. Respecting Renata Hamuhamu, I have referred your letters to Mr. McLean. Meantime, he must remain in custody. The law is very strict in such a case as his, where there is distinct proof of murder sworn to before a Magistrate. AVith regard to Kuare and Rewi, lam glad you have taken charge of them. That is all. Let me hear your thoughts about Ngatihuri and the work you have in hand. J. D. Oemond.

No. 29. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sie, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Bth April, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd March, enclosing one addressed to Major Ropata, respecting the expedition on which he is now engaged, and warning him of the doubtful conduct of the Ngatihuri. 5

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I quite concur in the instructions which you have issued to Major Ropata with reference to that tribe. Whatever may be the result of the present expedition connected with Te Kooti's capture, there is no doubt that it will have a wholesome effect in preventing any coalition of disaffected sections of various tribes from undertaking offensive movements of any description. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Hawke's Bay. Donald McLean.

No. 30. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. Sib,— Napier, 27th March, 1871. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter from Captain Porter, written by the direction of Major Ropata, at Orewha, on the 22nd instant. The letter explains the capture of one Te Kooti's men, and the grounds on which the expedition hopes to find Te Kooti at Te Haupapa. I cannot help thinking there is every chance of that miscreant being dealt with on this occasion ; but disappoinments have been so numerous, I scarcely like to encourage hopes which may not be realized. I forward a list of the names of the men now with Te Kooti, as obtained from the prisoner Tautata. The accompanying sketch shows somewhat of the position of the kaingas and cultivations, and it appears Anaru Matete and people are living in a separate village to Te Kooti.) You are so well aware of the difficulties and hardships the expedition has undergone that it is unnecessary for me to dwell upon them. I hope to receive definite information as to results of the expedition in about seven days from now, via Poverty Bay, and will at once report to you. I have &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. 1). Oemond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 30. Captain Porter to His Honor J. D. Ormoud. Sie,— Orewha, 23rd March, 1871. In my letter sent out yesterday I reported some of our men being out on the trail of Hauhaus. They have now returned from the chase, bringing a prisoner, from whom we got the most valuable information, beyond even our most sanguine expectations. They followed on the trail, and at noon yesterday succeeded in capturing a man of Te Kooti's, named Tautata : he got separated from his companions some days previously, and had come to get food when followed by our men. He states that ho left Te Haupapa a fortnight ago, with a party of men sent to Lake Waikare to search for ammunition said to have been left by the Government people. Descending the Ngatuere, they came upon our camp, the fires still alight, and finding the letter left thereby Ropata and myself, he (Tautata) returned with it to Te Kooti, it therefore falling into his hands two days after written by us, our ruse thus acting admirably. Tautata states that Te Kooti was at Maungapowhatu, as supposed by us, but had returned to his kainga, telling Ngatihuri not to disclose his hiding place. Te Kooti has not been away from his kainga since return from Maungapowhatu, further than retiring to the bush out of our way. The party sent to AVaikare will account for the information of his having gone there. I enclose the names of all the men with Te Kooti, twenty-five only of whom, you will perceive, have arms. He also states that when Te Kooti ascertained that we had (as he supposed) gone out and given up the chase, he sent the greater part of his men out beyond Matakuhia, to kill pigs and search for honey. They will not return for a fortnight. The few men remaining with him are engaged in tattooing. Tautata describes the situation of the pa, and will show us the best method to surround it, which will be done at night. AVithout being too sanguine, yet our hopes are high of a successful issue to our arduous exertions. We have persevered to the utmost, and I sincerely hope we are about to reap the reward of our trouble. It is quite impossible for any one to conceive the number of difficulties we have had to surmount, and the hardships endured by us in this long chase. AVe feel much gratified, also, at the confirmation of all our conjectures as to Te Kooti's kainga. It is consoling to think we have not once erred in our suppositions, although often guided only by signs. I enclose plan of Te Haupapa, showing the situation of kaingas and our proposed track. Although this is not written on official paper, it is meant as such. I forward this by one of the Natives who accompanied us from Te Wairoa. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, T. W. Poetee, General Government Agent, Napier. Captain and Adjutant.

Enclosure 2 in No. 30. Names of Men with Te Kooti, as stated by Tautata, including old men and young. Those marked with x denote the Number of Guns. Urewera. —Te Whiu x, Orupe, Whakaipiro, Raotao, Tawhiao, Tauki x, Te Ihi x, Kumikumi x, Takaka, Tepuriti, Matenga x, Hiakita x, Heporita x. Turanga. —Anaru Matete, Tamati Rangitaumau, Pera, Hirini x, Te Hira, Horomona, Wiremu, Karamana x, Te Kepa, Korou x, Whakarau, Rutene, Tamihana Kapekanga x, Te Pirihi x, Rutene x,

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Hohepa, Pera Puna, Patara x, Te Kooro x, Apiata, Hotoma x, Epiha, Paora Tu x, Patoromu, Hemi Whaipu, Maika x, Maka, Rupene, Himiona x, Tamati x, Henare Huaki x, Mehaka x, Kaikapo x, Te Kooti. Other Tribes {Wairoa). —Pera Tipoki, Paramena x, Nikora, Hone Pereha, Kuruwhewhe x, Eru Kiko x, Hemi, Te Hata. Total, fifty-five men ; twenty-five guns.

No. 31. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sie, — General Government Buildings, Auckland, Bth April, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo, enclosing Captain Porter's report of the capture of Tautata, one of Te Kooti's followers, together with a list of his adherents, who, I am glad to see, have very much diminished in number. From the report, the complicity of the Ngatihuri is beyond a doubt. The zeal displayed by Major Ropata and his force, notwithstanding the privations which they endure, is deserving of the highest commendation. A remarkable feature in Captain Porter's report is the fact that Major Ropata's conjecture has been so well founded. On previous expeditions information was frequently received of such a fabulous character as to render it altogether useless ; but in the present instance the evidence given by Tautata, of Te Kooti's movements, leads to the hope that the prospects of his capture are better than formerly. In any case the instructions you have issued, and the exertions you havo gone through to carry out this expedition, merit the full approbation of the Government. I have, &e, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Hawke's Bay. Donald McLean.

No. 32. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 12th April, 1871. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter addressed by me to AVhenuanui, Paerau, and the Urewera ; also, of a telegram sent by me to Porenera, a young chief connected with Ngatiraukawa, who wrote offering to carry a mail to Cambridge from Taupo. As the subjects treated on in these letters are important, I think it right to inform you of my action in regard to them, which will, I trust, meet your approval. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 32. [translation.] His Honor J. D. Ormond to Whenuanui, Paerau, and the Urewera.. Napier, 11th April, 1871. To Te Whenuanui, to Paerau, and to me Urewera, — - Friends, I have heard that you have been to Ruatahuna, and also of what you have arranged with reference to what we settled here, that is to say, the assembling of the Urewera at that place. That is right. AVhen you have thoroughly discussed the matter write to me, and I will send an officer of the Government to see you and the Urewera at Ruatahuna, as we agreed here. You have probably seen Hapurona and others of your people, because I have requested Mr. Clarke to send them to Ruatahuna. I write this to you in order that you may bo able clearly to express to the tribe what you have decided to do. Now, with reference to the return of the Urewera who are living at Whakatane, and on that coast to Ruatahuna, that cannot be done. AVhen we consult our friend Mr. McLean, then that may be done. I think that that question should bo left for the meeting to be held between the Government and the tribe at Ruatahuna, where it can be properly discussed. However, if you act properly towards the Government, you will be dealt leniently with in that respect. That is all about that. This is another word. Ropata and Ngatiporou have returned to Turanga, but they saw Te Kooti's place at Te Haupapa. Twenty-seven of his men were taken prisoners, and they brought in some guns and other things. All his places and all his food have been burnt with fire: his companions who were captured have been conducted to Turanga. Ropata thinks that some person must have given information of his expedition to Te Kooti, and consequently he escaped into the bush, and there concealed himself. My friends, I think it will not be long before you hear news of Te Kooti. He is only a remnant and a wanderer. He has no place and no food. You should urge on your tribe to capture him, and surrender him to the Government.

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If this is accomplished, I promise that the Urewera who are living at AVhakatane will be sent back to their place if Te Kooti is captured, and the deceitful work of Ngatihuri and the crimes of others of the tribe will be pardoned, and no punishment will be inflicted therefor. It is for you to afford this information to the tribe. The Government know that Te Kooti will go to the Urewera to get food, and it will be in your power or rather in the power of the tribe to give him up to the law or otherwise. Let me know the opinions of the tribes when the meeting which you are at present holding is over. Your friend, J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure 2 in No. 32. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Peeeneea Tamahiki. To Peeeneea Tamahiki, — Napier, 12th April, 1871. Friend, I have received your telegram on the subject of the mail to Cambridge, and I am glad that you have displayed such energy in doing the works of the Government, as I wish you to thoroughly understand my acts. I regard you as one who knows the opinions of the Ngatiraukawa, and you are able to carry on works with them. AVhen Maihi te Ngaru came here I agreed that they, that is to say, the tribe, should express their opinions on the subject of the roads, the telegraph, and the mails ; and that, when they had arranged amongst themselves, I would, on behalf of the Government, step in and settle the matter. But I have not heard anything, from Maihi's return up to the present time. However, I know that he is doing the good works which were agreed upon between us. lam waiting to hear the consent of the Ngatiraukawa —the whole tribe —to commence upon Government works. When they intimate that to me, I shall let them have work to do connected with the telegraph, the roads, and the mails, and they will have to complete these works and carry them on. As I have already told you, you, and others of the same standing as yourself, should urge on matters, so that these works can be got on with. This is my word about the mail. I wish you to know that you are the person to whom I have decided to give that work. However, will you tell me now, before the work is commenced, what the mind of Ngatiraukawa is, because, while I do not wish to upset our arrangement, still, on the other hand, lam not willing to commence this work before the consent of the tribe is given to it. Friend, I have not yet seen you, but I am glad that you have shown such energy in doing the works which will result in benefits to us all. One word more. Should the tribe consent, I should like to see them, so that I may inform them of my intentions, and that they may inform me of theirs. Write and let me know what you think of the contents of this letter. Your friend, J. D. Oemond.

No. 33. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sie, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 25th April, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th instant, enclosing copies of two letters, one to Paerau and Te AVhenuanui, and the other to Perenera Tamahiki. The former is quite satisfactory, and is, with the exception of the stipulation regarding the capture of Te Kooti, quite in accordance with a letter I sent to the Urewera chiefs, dated 13th instant. You will see by the enclosed copy of a telegram from Paerau and Te Whenuanui, that I am afraid some misapprehension had arisen regarding the immediate return of surrendered Urewera, now established along the coast of the Bay of Plenty. I quite concur in the promise given by you of the return of the Urewera, provided they assist to seize Te Kooti and hand him over to the authorities, as it may stimulate them to exert themselves in his capture. Your reply to Perenera is quite in accordance with my views. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 1 in No. 33. [teanslation.] The Hon. the Defence Ministee to Whenuanui and Paeeau. To Whenuanui and Paerau, — Auckland, 13th April, 1871. Friends, —Salutations. I hear that you have sent Hapurona, Kohi, and all the Ureweras (who have come out) back to Ruatahuna, and that you said that it was by Government orders. Listen. This is not what the Government wished. Mr. Ormond told you to go to Ruatahuna and collect the Ureweras of that district into one place. These instructions were not intended to apply to the Ureweras at Putere, Whakatane, and Ruatoki. My definite instructions to you are —leave the Ureweras that are living at the sea side where they are, but carry out Mr. Ormond's instructions of collecting the Ureweras that are in the Ruatahuna District into one place. You are not to think about Hapurona and others, for they are living in the light. I will arrange when they are to return. Donald McLean.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 33. Translation of Telegram from Paeeau and Te Whenuanui. Harema, 2nd April, 1871. To Mr. Peeece, at Whakatane. To Mr. Maie, Tauranga. To Mr. Claeke. — Friends, —Salutations to you all. Hearken. We have returned from Napier, through the kindness of the Government: we are now to be the Government men for Ruatahuna. Friends, let all the Urewera return. This was the word of the Government to us, —a decided word. If you approve, reply ; if you object, inform us. Te Whenuanui. Paeeau.

No. 34. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 10th April, 1871. I have tho honor to enclose the translation of a letter from Major Ropata, from which you will gather that the expedition under him has been unsuccessful in finding Te Kooti. Captain Porter arrived here on the Sth instant, and from him I learn there is every reason to suppose Te Kooti received warning from AVairoa and so escaped capture. Te Kooti's kainga, Te Haupapa, was first surrounded, and by night, but proved to be deserted, as were other small kaingas near it. The expedition was then guided to Anaru Matete's kaingas, and in all twenty-seven people were captured, including the chief Tamati Te Rangituawaru, a Poverty Bay Native. Anaru's places were seven hours' march from Te Kooti's, and they were not aware of Kooti's absence from Te Haupapa. Anaru Matete was seen and followed, but escaped. The expedition found at Te Haupapa several guns, watches, letters, and other things, and of course are taking care to destroy all the food, &c. On the day Captain Porter left, i.e., the Ist April (instant), it was arranged that the main body should remain at Mokonuiarangi, whilst three parties of thirty men each went out to search the country in different directions. One went to Haupapa to search for a trail leading from there, a second went towards Pa Puni with a similar object, and a third, under Ropata himself, went to a kainga not before visited, where it was considered possible Te Kooti might be. Each of these parties had instructions to follow the trail if they found it, and at once communicate with the others. Ropata expected to be engaged in this search for a few days, but will probably have arrived at Poverty Bay by the present time. Captain Porter reports the weather to have been very severe and trying, as it must have been, as even on tho coast it has been unusually so. It is of course much to be regretted that the expedition has not been successful, but Ropata appears to havo done all that was possible, and to have persevered and kept his men at their work under very great hardship and suffering. Although Te Kooti has not been captured, this expedition has again broken up his resting-place and destroyed his food, besides capturing a considerable body of his people ; and, moreover, it has prevented his contemplated raid upon Poverty Bay, which there is every reason to believe was intended. The position of his settlements is described as not more than two days' march from Poverty Bay, so that he has been the whole summer within easy reach of that place. Letters found at his kainga show that he has been in communication with Natives in our confidence, and that he has been supplied by them with things he wanted in exchange for money which he sent them. I will inquire into the circumstances I refer to, and report when I have done so. The steamer " Napier " leaves for Poverty Bay to-morrow, and by her Captain Porter will proceed with money to pay off the force, which, as the winter season is now set in, Ropata is anxious should return to their homes as early as possible. I shall arrange for the " Napier " to land them at their settlements at once. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 34. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Ormond. To Mr. Ormond, — Mokonuiarangi, Ist April, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you. I have been to AA'aikare and caught a man there, from whom we heard of the place where Te Kooti is living, namely, Te Haupapa, and we lost no time in going there ; but when we got there he had been some time away from that kainga and nothing was known of his whereabouts. We have proceeded to Mokonuiarangi and caught the remnant of Te Kooti's people, twenty-five men and women; their chief is Tamati Te Rangituawaru. lam still hunting for them (Te Kooti, &c). Let me know what is to be done with these Hauhaus, whether they are to be left at Turanga or taken to Waiapu. Look up a steamer to take us home when we come out. If the steamer returns to Napier, Captain Porter and myself will come by her. I have sent Captain Porter to take this to Turanga, and also to let you know the news of this work. All the bushes, plains, gullies, and hills of this country have been searched, but I have not found him ; perhaps he has made a mysterious jump there is no knowing where, as it is not through idleness that he is not found. AVe have been constantly after him. However, Porter will tell you all the news. Let me have an answer quickly from you. From your friend, "Major Ropata. . 6

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Enclosure 2 in No. 34. Names of Prisoners captured at Te Kooti's Kainga. Tamati Te Rangituawaeu, a leading chief of Turanga Tribes, formerly captured at Waerengahika. Hotoma, Chatham Islander, prisoner twice before. Horomona Te Rakitai, Te Kepa Pukepuke, Te Amutahi, Eparaima Whakarau, Rangiwhaitiri, Rutene Pekapeka, Tautata, Paora, Te Harawira : nothing known of these people. Total, ten men, nine women, and eight children.

No. 35. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. Sie,— Napier, 18th April, 1871. In my letter of the 10th instant I informed you of the progress of the expedition under Major Ropata to that date ; I have now the honor to report that on Saturday last the force arrived at Gisborne, where I met Major Ropata. I gathered from him that on the day Captain Porter left him at Mokunuiarangi, i.e., the Ist April instant, heavy rain began, and prevented the parties searching the country as intended. Only one party succeeded in reaching its destination, viz., the one that went to Te Haupapa, which succeeded in capturing another prisoner in the bush. No further information was obtained from the prisoner, who stated that he and the others who had escaped from the different kaingas were seeking Te Kooti but had no idea where he was. As the rain continued for seven days without intermission, and the force was destitute of food, Ropata made up his mind to come out, and arrived as above stated. I can bear testimony that the men, from their appearance, had gone through great hardships and privations. Major Ropata himself was covered with large boils, and many of his men were in the same condition : how they managed to march Ido not know. Major Ropata is of opinion that Te Kooti is hiding somewhere in the bush near Te Haupapa, but this is merely conjecture. I arranged with Ropata that, unless we received information of Te Kooti's being elsewhere, he should, in about three weeks' time, take a small picked party on horseback to Ngatapa, carrying their own food ; they would then be only a day's march from Te Haupapa, and be able to thoroughly scour the country. Ropata's opinion is that Te Kooti, if there, would then be off his guard ; of course, if meanwhile we ascertain Te Kooti is not likely to be there, the expedition will not start. Respecting the prisoners, I found none of them persons of any note, nor could I hear of their being connected with any of the murders. Under these circumstances, I arranged with Ropata to take them to his own settlement, and promised to provide some clothes for them. Captain Porter was to pay the men on Monday, and the steamer " Napier " will convey them to their homes. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister. J. D. Oemond.

No. 36. The Hon. the Defence Ministee to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sie,— Defence Office, Auckland, 25th April, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 10th and 18th instant, reporting return of the expedition by Major Ropata and the Natives under his command. The perseverance and endurance of the Ngatiporou during their long and fatiguing march in the wild recesses of the Urewera country are deserving of great praise, and the results of the expeditions will prove of the utmost importance in deterring Te Kooti or his adherents from carrying out their designs of attacking Poverty Bay. I have to convey to your Honor the thanks of the Government for the great trouble you have taken throughout to insure the success of the expedition, and I entirely approve of the arrangement you made for conveying the Ngatiporou to their homes. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Esq., Hawke's Bay. Donald McLean.

No. 37. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sie,— District Office, Tauranga, 17th April, 1871. I have the honor to forward herewith, letters from Captain Preece, dated the 13th and 14th instant, with enclosures from the Urewera chiefs, expressing their intention of having nothing more to do with Te Kooti, and tendering their allegiance to the Government. I have, &c, W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. Commanding Tauranga District.

Enclosure 1 in No. 37. Captain Peeece to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. : Sie,— Te Teko, 13th April, 1871. I have the honor to eport, for your information, that I left Fort Galatea on the sth instant, with twenty men of my force Captain Mair taking fifty of his men. We arrived at Ahikeruru on the

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following day, and found that Paerau and party had left for Euatahuna. The few Natives residing at Ahikeruru received us well. We stayed there two days and sent Hapurona, Hamiora, Wi Patene, &c, ordering Kepa to Euatahuna with letter to Paerau, as directed in your telegram of the 6th. There is no news of Eopata. Two old men from Euatahuna report that two of Te Kooti's men have lately been at Maungapowhatu, but with what object they do not know. I would beg respectfully to request that in case of any people being sent from Napier to Euatahuna via Heruiwi, I may be acquainted with the fact, as my scouts saw the fires and trail of Paerau's men, and reported to me that a party had gone in, and had I not received a private letter from Mr. Clarke the previous day, telling me that Paerau was going to Euatahuna, I should have gone to Ahikeruru to intercept them, which might have led to serious results. I will report further on return of Hapurona and party. I beg further to state for your information that the men at this post have been, for the last three months, employed by fatigue parties daily at road-making. They have completed 500 yards of substantial road, 14 feet wide, across a swamp between here and Parawai, and have partly formed 800 yards more of the same road, but are unable to complete it owing to the quantity of water in the swamp. I purpose, however, doing as much as possible to it, and then set them to work forming the road when there is less water. The line I am making will save quite five miles, besides being more level. The men have been for some time working up to their waists in water, and I would beg strongly to urge that they be allowed a ration of rum* daily while engaged in this work. I beg to bring under your notice Sergeant Bluett, A.C., for the energy he has shown in pushing on this work. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Geobge Pekece, Captain, Commanding District, Tauranga. Commanding Te Teko.

Enclosure 2 in No. 37. Captain Preece to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir,— Te Teko, 14th April, 1871. I have the honor to report for your information that Hapurona and party arrived this day from Ruatahuna. They report that the Urewera have had a large meeting at Tatahoata, and have all made up their minds to give their allegiance to Government as a tribe, Kereru, who has hitherto been the most hostile chief in the Urewera, has expressed his intention of inviting me to Ruatahuna with my force, and also that he will have nothing further to do with Te Kooti. Te Kooti is at Waikare-Moana, at a place called Mautaketake. He has about forty followers. I enclose letters from Urewera chiefs. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, George Preece, Captain, Commanding District, Tauranga. Commanding, Te Teko.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 2 in No. 37. Pukenui Keheru to Mr. Clarke. To Mr. Clarke, at Tauranga, — Ruatahuna, 10th April, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you. This is my word to you. In the day of Ropata Te Kooti will have no men: they all will come over to the Government, the Ngatihuri and Ngatirongo. Te Kooti is now by himself (or at a distant place). lam now r living in quietness and in the peace which you have put before us, and (I am also) living on my land. This is another word to you. Some of my people are with Te Kooti. I did not tell them to go, but he caught them. Now do you hearken. I will go to fetch them, —I shall be strong to send them back. From Te Pukenui Kereeu.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 2 in No. 37. Paerau and Whenuanui to Mr. Clarke. To Mr. Clarke, at Tauranga, — Ruatahuna, 11th April, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you. Do you hearken. We two have come to Ruatahuna. We have spoken to the Urewera, and the thoughts of all that people have become good. But do you send to Napier and inform Mr. Ormond and Mr. Locke and Te Moana. So ends this. This is another word. It is true that Te Kooti has been at Maungapohatu, but Te Urewera sent him away that trouble might not come on them ; and second, he went to Waikare, and Te Urewera sent him away. So ends. From Paerau and Whenuanui.

Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure 2 in No. 37. Keeeeu to Captain Peeece and Captain Maie. To Captain Preece and to Captain Mair, — Ruatahuna, 11th April, 1871. Friends, —Salutations to you. Friends, this is a word of mine to you. There are no men with Te Kooti in these days. In the days of Ropata, i.e., when Ropata was in pursuit of Te Kooti, the * A letter on this subject was forwarded to Wellington on 24th March, 1871.—W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel, 17th April, 1871.

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■whole of Ngatihuri and Ngatirongo went over to the Government people. They have separated from Te Kooti, and now I shall dwell in the peace and quietness which you have laid down between us and I shall live also on my land. This is another word of mine to you. Te Kooti has some of my people. I did not send them to him; he himself caught them ; and now do you listen. I shall go and fetch them, and moreover I shall be energetic in sending Te Kooti back. Prom Keeeetj.

No. 38. The Hon. tho Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 22nd April, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of the overtures of submission made by the remnant of the Urewera assembled at Ruatahuna, it has been decided that advantage should be taken of their present frame of mind, and that their invitation to the forces of Captains Mair and Preece to enter their country should not be disregarded. The knowledge of the country between Ruatahuna and Waikare Lake possessed by these men will be found of great value in once more following up on the track of Te Kooti. The necessary instructions to Captains Mair and Preece, for the union of their forces and subsequent operations, will be received by them from his Honor J. D. Ormond. It will only be necessary for you to impress upon these officers the necessity which exists for the greatest caution while within the territory of the Ngatihuri, and I have no doubt that the experience they have gained in Native warfare will suggest to them every prudential consideration. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Commanding Tauranga District. Donald McLean.

No. 39. Wiremu Kingi Tutahuarangi to tho Hon. the Defence Minister. To Mr. McLean,— Torere, 17th May, 1871. Sir, —Salutations to you. On the 18th instant we shall go, as I arranged with you. The cause of delay has been, that I could not get the things from Captain Withers. Everything required I have to get from Mr. Kelly. All my tribe are much pleased, although I tell them that there is no pay for the expedition. What is that to them ? They say that they will do the work. There are fifty-four altogether. There are more than you authorized; I have increased the number, because I have seen Tamaikowha, and he states that Wiremu Maihi informed the Urewera how small my force was — i.e., forty men. I therefore increased it to fifty. When Tamaikowha heard of my expedition, he said that I would not be able to prevail against Te Kooti, my force being so small. 1 replied, "It is because you keep going backwards and forwards into the bush, that you say my force is small. If it were only Te Kooti [Te Kooti's own followers], and he were not assisted by the Urewera, I would not be afraid of him, because I know he has very few men." Friend, lam much annoyed because Maihu has given this information to the Urewera. lam going to Motukatika, to Te AVera, to Maungatapere, and there I will decide whether to return by way of Waioeka or come out at Tauranga. AVe shall decide that when we go there, for Tamaikowha says that that party (Te Kooti's) are wandering about; some of the Urewera have come out at Ohiwa, also some of Kooti's soldiers, and Kereopa's wife. A European, Lieutenant Rushton, is going with me, with 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, 48 privates; total 54. I go by way of Te Kuma Kuma, right away from my own place, to Motukaohu, and other places above this. Sufficient. Your very humble servant, AVihemu Kingi Tutahuarangi.

No. 40. Lieutenant Rushton to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir, — Turanganui, 13th June, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here yesterday, in company with William King. I have heard that Ropata has gone in pursuit of Te Kooti, and that Captain Preece has arrived at the Wairoa, and started back by way of Waikare-Moana. We should have gone through to AVaioeka and back to Opotiki, but William King was taken ill, also our principal guide, and our provisions ran out; we had to fall back on this place. AVe have scoured all the country, from the Bay of Plenty to the Motu side of the Wero, and not the sign of a track ; also destroyed two cultivations on the Motu River, left by Nepia Tuketai, so that, should Te Kooti go there, he will find nothing ; we also penetrated into a settlement, Te Toura, the residence of Te Ake of the AVhakatohea, who surrendered some months since, and is now with his tribe. We have some of Nepia's men with us, who informed William King that a large quantity of powder was left there. To go there it took us some two days out of our track ; we found nothing, so it is evident that Te Ake has taken it with him when he left. William King met Tamaikowha at Ohiwa; that was the reason of our starting so soon after you called into Torere. He told William King that Te Kooti was in the neighbourhood of some cultivations, by which he meant the Wero, but he also said that he only was the man able to catch Te Kooti; from this, we are positive that he is in the hands of the Urewera. I also got a letter from Mr. Kelly when at Torere; he had an interview with Tamaikowha, who told him that if the Government would give him back his land, he would catch Te Kooti. I have seen Dr. Nesbit, and he says that William King will not be able to march for the next three weeks. I have informed Major Westrup, who is writing to Mr. Ormond

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by the mail to-day, by which you will get the news before you receive this letter. If the small steamer Napier goes to Auckland, on her return here it would be very little out of her way to leave the Ngaitai at Torere. William King is very anxious to see Tamaikowha as soon as possible, and if he can, get him to join an expedition; with your approval, he will do so. I believe that William King is able to get over Tamaikowha, as he has got a great deal of influence with him. I forward you a rough sketch of our track, with my proposed track from Opotiki to Turanganui. I believe a track can be made at the ordinary rate per chain of bush tracks which would take you from Opotiki to Turanga in two days on horseback, it will run on the Opotiki side of Motu, some twenty miles below the old Native track. It is impossible to make a track by the old track, nothing but broken ranges at the Opotiki end; by the track I propose,,you will follow up the AVaiau stream from near Opape, by easy gradients you will get into the Toura Valley, which we passed through, at the end of which you strike a leading range to Motu,Jwhich was our track. We should have gone in by Waiau but we did not want the Whakotohea to know when we started, on account of the powder. On the Turanganui side of the Motu, it is a very easy thing to make a good road. I am very glad that I went on this expedition, if only for the information I give you on this matter. The river Motu will, in my opinion, be soon occupied, if people once saw the country, splendid bush flats for miles, on both sides of the river. I have written to Mr. Kelly, and I hope, Sir, that as our member, he will urge upon the Government to get the track cut. I believe it would almost put a stop to hostilities, as then the two places Opotiki and Turanganui would be able to assist one another. I have, &c, The Hon. Donald M'Lean, J. R. Rushton, Lieutenant A.M. Defence Minister, Wellington.

No. 41. Lieutenant Rushton to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sie,— Opotiki, June 19th, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here yesterday, the 18th inst. ; the " Luna" landed us at Torere, and started back to Turanganui to get the despatches for you which the steamer " Napier" took, and return with them to Turanganui. You will see from Wm. King's letter what he thinks relative to Te Kooti; and since my arrival here, I am still more confident that he is in the hands of a section of the Urewera, and the only chance to catch him is by working with Tamaikowha. I forwarded in my letter from Turanganui, a rough sketch of our track with a proposed track to Turanganui. Should you not have received it, I will forward you another. I have, &c, J. R. Rushton, Lieut. A.M., The Hon. Donald M'Lean, Ngaitai Expedition. Defence Minister, Wellington.

No. 42. Inspector Robeets to the Undee-Seceetaey for Defence. District Office, Sie,— Tauranga, 12th July, 1871. I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Honorable the Defence Minister, the following report from Captain Preece, detailing his late movements in the Urewera. country. I have, &c, J. M. Robeets, Inspector A.C., The Under-Secretary, Defence Office, Commanding Tauranga District. AVellington.

• Enclosure in No. 42. Captain Peeece to Major Robeets. Sie,— Te Teko, 3rd July, 1871. I have the honor to report for your information that, in accordance with instructions received from the General Government Agent at Napier, I left Fort Galatea for the Urewera country on the 25th of May, with force as per foot note.* Owing to the overgrown state of the road we were unable to make much progress. We arrived at Oputao, in the Ruatahuna A ralley, on the 28th, and camped there all next day, and sent messenger to Paerau the following day. Moved to Tata Hoata and met the Urewera, under the chiefs Te Whenuanui, Paerau, and Te Haunui. We explained to them the object of the expedition. They refused to give any assistance in capturing Te Kooti, but stated that should he at any time come into their part of the country they would give information of his whereabouts, and also prevent his passing * Captain Mair's Company—l Captain, 2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 47 Privates; total, 52. Captain Preeee's Company— 1 Captain, 2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 60 Privates ; total, 65. Armed Constabulary—l Sergeant; total, 1; grand totai, 118. 7

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to Waikato. They give, as their reason for not assisting in his capture, " That they have been some years, more or less, engaged in warfare, and that they now wish to settle down quietly." The Natives at Ruatahuna treated the force very well, giving the men the few potatoes they had. Owing to the snow on Huiarau we were compelled to stay at Tata Hoata until the 4th of June, when we started for Waikare-Moana. The road from Ruatahuna to Waikare has never been travelled before by Government troops. The distance is about twenty miles, through dense bush, and over the Huiarau range, and thence over a succession of small ranges to Here Heretangi, on the WaikareMoana Lake. I omitted to mention that we sent a messenger to Waikare to get canoes ready to cross forces to the kainga. On arrival, we found them at the landing, and crossed over the same evening to Te Waitohi, near Tikitiki, where we were met by Te Makarini and about forty men, who expressed great pleasure at seeing us. They stated that they knew nothing of Te Kooti's movements, and had not had communication with him for several months. Six Chatham Island prisoners had been at Waikare a short time before our arrival, but were then absent catching birds. Te Makarini, however, promised to escort them to Wairoa on their return. Being quite out of rations, both Captain Mair and myself deemed it advisable that one of us should go to Wairoa for food. Having a good knowledge of the country, I decided on going myself. I accordingly started on the night of the 6th, with fifteen men, and reached Clyde the following evening. I obtained rations, but was detained on my way back by fresh in the Waiau river and heavy sea on the lake, and did not get to Waitohi till evening of 14th. I would beg respectfully to suggest that Government send authority and assistance to Te Makarini to raise the two Government boats that are now sunk in the lake. I am quite confident that if Te Kooti is driven out of Te Wera country he will seek shelter at Waikareiti, a lake situated between Te Papuni and Waikare-Moana. This lake abounds with birds and fish, and is the best and most secure hiding place for him. In case of his so doing the said boats would be of great service at Waikare, where they would be required to cross forces. The boats at present on the lake are in charge of Te Makirini, but are too small to be of much use. I may further state for your information, that Te Kooti has been heard to state, that should he leave Te Wera district he will either go to Matakuhia range or Waikareiti. On the 16th of June, we moved the force to Whanganui, by boats, and commenced march for Maungapowhatu. The track leads up the bed of the Hapuru-Wahine river for ten miles, and then over undulating bush country for about three miles, when it crosses the Putaehinu range to Maungapowhatu. The distance from Waikare is about twenty-one miles. At Te Kakari (Mangapowhatu), we surprised the Ngatihuri in their kainga. They had heard we were on our way, but expected us to come out at another village (Toreatai). The day after our arrival the Natives, under the chiefs Renata, Te Purewa, and Te Puehu, held a meeting, and told us to return via Ruatahuna, as Te Kooti was not with them. Captain Mair and myself told them we should not interfere with peaceably disposed Natives; that we were in search of Te Kooti, Kereopa, and their followers, whom they (Ngatihuri) had sheltered and assisted, and that we had no intention of going back, that if they resisted us they must stand the consequences. They then promised to give information of Te Kooti should he again visit their place, and stated that they had not seen Kereopa for two months. (This Ido not believe). At Tauaki we met three Arawas, from Ohiwa, who had come up for the purpose of getting information about Kereopa. The chief Kereru was at this settlement, but on hearing of our approach left for Ruatahuna. It seems he is not anxious to be seen by Europeans in his own country, and is also ashamed of having given to Te Kooti the Spencer rifle presented by Wi Maihi to Tamaikowha. Finding that our provisions were getting short, we determined to lose no time in getting to Te Wera and Te Houpapa, but on arrival at Opokere found it impossible to reach there, owing to the snow at Te Kahihatea and Kahunui, and also that no food could be obtained for the road. We then decided on going out to Opotiki, via Waimana. The chief Tamaikowha accompanied us to Opotiki, where we arrived on the 25th ultimo. I would beg to propose that a good reward be offered to Tamaikowha for the capture of both Te Kooti and Kereopa. I believe he would undertake it. His knowledge of the country, and influence with Ngatihuri, would give him a great advantage. He states he has never received instructions to apprehend Kereopa, but has merely been told to send him away should he visit his kainga. I beg to bring to notice of the Government the conduct of the chief Hapurona Kohi, who volunteered to accompany the expedition, and was invaluable among the Urewera. I cannot speak too highly of the men under command of Captain Mair and myself. During the whole expedition there was not one instance of bad behaviour. My thanks are also due to Sergeant Bluett, Armed Constabulary, for the energy and activity he displayed on all occasions. I have, &c, George Preece, Captain, Major Roberts, Commanding District, Commanding Native Contingent. Tauranga.

No. 43. Captain Preece to His Honor J. D. Oemond, Sir, — Te Wairoa, Bth June, 1871. I have the honor to report for your information that I left Ruatahuna on 4th instant, crossed Huiarau range, and arrived at Waikare on the following day. We were well received by Urewera, but the Chatham Islanders were not present j Makarini has, however, promised to get them and escort them here. '

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Captain Mair is at "Waikare with our forces. I came here to get rations, to enable us to go to Maungapowhatu to see Kereru, and thence on to Te Haupapa after Te Kooti; Kcpa te Ahuru says he will take us by a road that we can get to Te Kooti's camp in two days from Maungapowhata. I also take a guide from this post. I have obtained rations and pack-horses, and start for the Lake to-morrow, at daylight, under escort of fifteen men I brought with me. We shall, most likely, come out at Opotiki or Turanga. I think it will be a good thing to get a knowledge of that part of the country, even if we are not successful in capturing Te Kooti. I will send full report of the expedition on return to the coast. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, George Peeece, Captain, General Government Agent, Commanding Native Contingent. Napier,

No. 44. Diart of Major Ropata. Turanganui, sth June, 1871. —Ngatiporou started from Turanganui this day, and camped at Matawhero. 6th June. —Rations were issued to the men, and started for Te Aohuna, where Henare Kakapango's and Hape Kiniha's food was; there were about fifty kits of food; slept there that night as it was impossible to travel fast, on account of the heavy burdens—the men carrying 40 lb. biscuits. 7th June. —Started, and reached Papatihi, where we camped. The reason of our camping at this place was because it was here where the expeditions were to separate. Bth June. —The men were divided into two parties ; 100, under Captain Porter, and Henare Potae, went by Tuana ; the other 100 men, under Major Ropata, went by Te Waimata, and slept at the foot of Whakaonga-onga. As soon as night came on it commenced to rain, and continued all night and part of next day, so hard that the calico tents could not withstand it, so that, as soon as it was daylight, the men set to work to build huts out of the bark of the manuka tree, to protect both themselves and food. Towards mid-day the rain ceased, the wind having shifted to the north-west. 9th June. —Remained in the same place, it being too slippery to travel. 10th June. —Started early in the morning, and on reaching the summit of Te AVhakaonga-onga we were able to get along faster, but had not gone far before it commenced to rain again, so that Te Ahimanu, where it was intended to camp, was not reached. The rain was very heavy. Captain Porter's expedition is most likely in the same predicament, or worse, as they have two difficulties to contend against, viz., the wet and floods—they would not be able to get over the rivers on account of the heavy floods. The wet might be travelled through if it were not for the biscuit, as both hot and cold water destroy it j however, it is no use talking about the wet, as it is man that has defied the winter. llth June. —Sunday, started again, without taking into consideration that it was Sunday ; all that was thought of was the fine weather, so that some portion of the way might be got over, and that, if possible, success might crown our efforts in finding the place where this wretch (Te Kooti) has taken up his abode. It continued fine, and we camped out, not being able to follow the track, through pigs having rooted it up so. 12th June.—The expedition was here divided again into two parties, one going by Te Ahimanu, and the other by Pa Rangiora, which lies on the east side of AVhakapunake hill, so as to have a good look through this part of the country. In speaking about Te Ahimanu, the talking part makes it appear to be a very short distance, but, when travelled, is a very long road—nothing else but climbing hills and going down into valleys ; by the time the top of one hill has been gained, it is night, and by the time the bottom is arrived at night has set in again. This country is very rough ; there is nothing equal to it; and the days so short, no distance can be got over before dark. If it were a beach or plain, it could be travelled by night; but there is nothing else but cliffs, creeks, hills, bush, fern, and everything that is bad. 13th June. —Reached the foot of Whakapunake, and thought surely this part of the country was like other parts—that is, good in some places, and bad in others; but it must have been through bearing in mind the work we had before us, that we did not give way to our weary feelings, and the badness of the country, but went on till we came to a small creek, which showed no appearance of being bad, the fern from both sides meeting, and making it look quite level, although, as soon as the expedition moved on to cross it, they fell in, one on top of the other, like a flock of sheep, making a large heap, and it was only then that it was found out that they had fallen into a large hole: this was in daylight; no one was hurt; the only damage done was some of the food got wet. Oh, these troubles ! But I and the Ngatiporou will yet seek revenge for these difficulties, if we can only come face to face. Perhaps we shali all die from the cold and snow, from the southerly wind !No ! We will not die from the cold! If we were the offspring of Ruaimoko we might! But, as it is, we are the offspring of Tongia, who thought of weaving, and making the rough garment the Pake ; but Ruaimoko was lazy, and only thought of putting on fine looking clothes, so that the women might take a fancy to his party ; but when he got to Te Pakira, near Hikurangi mountain, he was pursued by Tongia, who, on his arrival at Te Pakira, found the whole of Ruaimoko's party lying dead in the same place, where their bones now are. It is thinking of our ancestor Tongia, that I have made these remarks—his thoughtfulness has descended on us, who now carry tents and other clothing to protect us from the cold, and it is only through that, that we shall be able to carry out this great work. Perhaps there are some of our friends who think that what we are going through is only the ordinary difficulties experienced by expeditions. Can it be decided by those who are in comfortable places what the extent

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of this work is? No, the magnitude of it can only be imagined or arrived at by treading it with the feet. llth June. —Ascended Whakapunake, and camped that night on the top of it; as soon as the top was reached, parties of scouts were sent out on both sides; the main body remained on top of the hill, keeping watch all night for any signs of fire, but nothing was seen. 15th June. —Descended, and travelled along the base of the hill, on the side nearest to the Hangaroa river, the expeditions having joined again, as nothing had been seen; but, in case anything is seen, they will be divided again. When Te Whenuakura was reached, the expedition started to ascend the middle of AVhakapunake to an old pa called Te Rakiroa. Search was here made for the places where pigeons were snared, for this was a favorite resort in former times for catching pigeons feeding on toromiro berries ; a further search will be made to-morrow higher up the hill, and if there are no traces to be seen, we will start up the Ruakituri, searching all the kaiangas on the way on to Papuni. This is all the information for the present, but a further report will be forwarded as we proceed. From your Friend, Major Ropata.

No. 45. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 30th June, 1871. I have the honor herewith to forward the rough diary kept by Captain Porter, of the march of the Ngatiporou expeditionary force under Major Ropata Waha-Waha, through the Urewera country in March and April last, in search of Te Kooti. Although the expedition failed to capture Te Kooti himself, yet his chosen hiding place was discovered, his kaingas and food destroyed, and the people still adhering to him scattered ; whilst the continued visits of our forces to the Urewera fastnesses, have had great effect upon the sections of the Urewera tribe who have not been brought into contact with us by location on the coast, and were still keeping aloof. A perusal of Captain Porter's diary discloses the great hardships and privations endured by the force during its long and difficult march, and clearly shows that no effort was spared by Major Ropata and his men to secure the object they were employed for. As I happened to be at Turanganui when the force came out of the bush, I am able to state, from personal observation, that the men of the force bore unmistakeable evidence of the hardships they had undergone. Although the diary is lengthy, I would recommend that it be published with the other papers for Parliament, in order that some idea may be formed of the work which Major Ropata's force has been engaged on. The diary has been laid by for some time owing to unusual pressure of business in this office. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure in No. 45. Captain Porter to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir— Napier, 10th April, 1871. I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of rough diary kept by me during the march of the Ngatiporou expeditionary force to Ruatahuna, and in quest of Te Kooti. I endeavored to curtail its length, but could not do so without throwing out matter which may be useful for future reference. Nearly all the country we passed during our wandering march has been hitherto unexplored by Europeans, and but little known to Maoris. The names of all the prominent points, such as mountains, rivers, kaingas, &c , will be found correct, as I took particular care to ascertain proper names. I have, &c, T. W. Porter, J. D. Ormond, Esq., Captain and Adjutant East Coast District. General Government Agent, Napier.

Sub-enclosure to Enclosure in No. 45. Captain Porter's Diary. 14:th Jauuary, 1871.—The men comprising the expeditionary force, 170 in number, are now fairly on the march, with a prospect of a long fatiguing chase before them, only two other Europeans besides myself accompanying them, one of them, Shuker, being an old Forest Ranger, the other, Blackstock, formerly one of the Hawke's Bay volunteers. -After a war dance, as usual before the marching of a Taua, the men departed from Waerangahika in very good spirits, and seeing them fairly on the road, I returned to Gisborne to procure some breech-loading ammunition to follow on to-morrow. 15th January, Sunday.—Having a severe attack of illness I could not start after the expedition. AVeather very wet; do not think the men can proceed. 16th to ISth January. —Though still suffering from severe illness, I started to-day to rejoin Ropata; on reaching the settlement of Ormond, received information that Te Kooti had made an appearance at Tapitaho and had killed five persons. Accompanied by as many mounted men as I could obtain, I proceeded by Patutahi, where we were reinforced by a few Ngatiporou (grass cutting), and having visited the place found the statement to be false; great alarm was caused by this rumour, and a number of settlers abandoned their houses.

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19th January. —Rejoined expedition this morning at Waikohu ; the whole of the men welcomed me, expressing their pleasure at my arrival, as they said it would have been a taua kino (bad sign) had I been unable to march, and they would not have gone without me. 20th January. —We marched this morning along the bed of the Waikohu, diverging from thence we struck the stream called Waihuka, up which our march will continue for some days; an old pa called Pa Wera Wera was passed by us at noon. We are now nearly in rear of Ngatapa, with some very high ranges intervening. In conversation with our guide, Tamihana (a man who surrendered after Te Kooti's raid on Tologa Bay), I find that he is of opinion that we shall fall in with Te Kooti at Te Wera. 21st January. —We expected to have reached Makihoi to-day, but the men were fatigued and foot sore from the constant passage through the water, encumbered with heavy burdens. It is surprising that so few accidents should occur, the men marching barefooted over rocks of a very slippery nature. If the same number of Europeans had been with us, at least ten per cent, would have knocked up, if only from the effects of the water alone, which causes the feet to become tender. Altogether our march was of ten hours duration, against stream the whole time. 22nd January. —We did not march to-day until noon owing to many of the men being too footsore from the effects of yesterday's march. We are still following up the bed of the stream, which appears to be of endless extent; many of the men slipped among the rocks and wet their food, a very serious matter in a long march of this kind without a prospect of further supply from the rear. 23rd January. —We have at last reached Makihoi, the site of an old fighting pa of Te Aitanga, a Mahaki in days gone by. Te Kooti also made this his camp before his descent upon Tologa Bay. A part of our force got separated from us, getting astray for some hours. To-morrow our track will be through dense bush ranges. 24<th January. —We are now camped in dense forest, part of that through which Te Kooti passed in going to Tologa Bay and in which he was for some time lost, we are likely to be in the same fix; as our guide has been constantly missing the track. An old trail was struck by us to-day, being that of Te Kooti, when a fugitive after the fall of Ngatapa, on his way to Waioeka. The two Europeans accompanying the expedition are complaining very much of stiffness of leg joints. I have been very much annoyed during to-day's march from constantly having to stoop in order to avoid the supplejacks, which were constantly hooking on to my pack. %sth January. —The travelling to-day has been much better, owing to the timber being of larger growth and consequently much clearer. We have had to strike our track at random, after getting on to the top of a leading range, descending from which we struck the stream Motu, which takes its rise from Maungatapere, running north to the Bay of Plenty ; on the south side also of this mountain the Wairoa takes its source. Te Rakiroa and other late Hauhaus, say that if Te Keoti is not at Te Wera, he will likely be in the vicinity of a place called the Haupapa or Waimaha, on the south side of the range towards Hangaroa. They also think that Te Kooti is desirous of finding the most out of the way place wherein to hide and to remain quiet, with a view to making terms with the Government. Owing to the density of the forest that we are now in, we were compelled to send men to the tops of some of the highest trees to take bearings of the surrounding country from prominent points, by which we were alone guided; once only to our left front, in a southerly direction, the range leading to Maungapowhatu could be seen. 26th January. —We are now in the vicinity of Te AVera, the chosen hiding place of Te Kooti and the few who escaped with him after the dispersion of his force at Waioeka, in March last. The appearance of the country is frightfully rough. Maungatapere, the highest point in the dividing range leading in"an easterly direction from Maungapowhatu to the East Cape, lies within about nine miles of our present camp. The whole of the ranges in the vicinity are covered with heavy forest timber of a kind called Tawari, only found in the back country and quite unknown near the coast. The whole of the country bears a very rugged appearance, and strikes one as being a most suitable hiding-place for a man like Te Kooti, remote from the haunts of man. Little or nothing is known of this country by any, with the exception of a few members of the Urewera tribes. Ropata and I went to top of a high range overlooking the place where Te Kooti is supposed to be, but could see no signs of Hauhaus. To-morrow will be devoted to searching for tracks. Since our leaving Turanga we have no fires alight until after dark, and out again before daylight; all our meals being made during the hours of darkness, leaving us sixteen hours each day without warm food of any kind, a little biscuit and cold water being our food by day. Henare Potae has knocked up to-day, his leg being very much swollen ; we may be delayed in consequence of this. 27th January. —As anticipated, Henare Potae was unable to march this morning, and a Kokiri of 100 men, under Major Ropata, started to search the bush for indications of Te Kooti, I remaining behind with sixty men, in charge of the camp and swags. Towards noon, accompanied by three men, I ascended the range, and had not been there long before furious barking of dogs was heard from a gully below. We were rather startled at first; but, after consideration, supposed it to be a Hauhau out pig hunting, and we descended to endeavour to capture him. On reaching the bed of the gully, we found only the foot prints of three bush dogs, who had evidently scented the presence of man, and given tongue. Some of the men who left with Ropata this morning have just returned, reporting having lost themselves for some nine hours in the bush, and having been unable to rejoin him ; two others have also just arrived, in the same predicament. 28th January. —Twenty-five men have arrived from Ropata with a message for us to move on to the junction of the tracks leading to Ruatahuna and Waioeka, and, also to send a supply of food on. The party under Ropata surrounded Te Kooti's pa, Te Wera, last night; it had not been occupied since that rebel's return from Tologa Bay, in July last; signs of three men having visited the place a few days previously were seen, their tracks coming up the Waioeka. It is supposed by us that these men are sent out by Te Kooti to prepare the clearings for planting, one of these being found lately burnt. Ropata expects some one may return, he will therefore lie in wait. On receipt of the message from Ropata, I at once marched, and we are now encamped near the head of the Waioeka, which, at 8

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this place, can be almost jumped across ; its source is only three miles distant, also, that of Te Motu. We are near the source of several of the Bay of Plenty rivers, which take their rise from near this range, of which Rangitata and Maungatapere are the highest points. 29^7j January. —At four o'clock this morning, I sent on a party of twenty-five men with a supply of food for Ropata and party; the main body afterwards marching on more slowly, having to carry double packs. On reaching tho place where the tracks branch off we halted, awaiting further instructions from Ropata as to our route. At 2 p.m., a messenger returned, telling us to move on to rejoin Ropata. AVe marched, and descended some very steep places, doing so at great risk, being fearful lest the loose rocks should roll upon those in front. A Hauhau was reported to have been killed here by a stone falling on top of him. The precipice we descended into the Waioeka is about 200 feet in depth, and almost perpendicular, and composed chiefly of loose stones. We passed through Te Kooti's pa, Te AVera, which is admirably situated on a declining spur, with steep cliffs and water on three sides, and surrounded by forest, the river AVaioeka running on the left. Twenty-seven very comfortable whares were erected here, evidencing his intention to remain for some time, had the secret of his abode not become known. Our men have searched all the clearings around, and find only the tracks of the three men, leading in the direction of Maraetahi, or outer AVaioeka. Ropata and I consulted as to the best road to take, and it was determined upon following up the tracks, with the hope of capturing a prisoner, of whom we could obtain information. By thus deviating from our direct line of march to Ruatahuua, we alone are the sufferers, as our guide informs us that the road will be something frightful. 30/A January. —It rained all last night, and we were apprehensive that we should not be able to march ; but, clearing up at daylight, we started travelling along the bed of the river, which we expected to find bad. It was beyond conception so ; the rocks are of an enormous size, and very slippery, the ranges on either side being of a tremendous height, the cliffs, towards the water, near the bottom, being about 100 feet sheer perpendicular. Another of Te Kooti's pas was passed by us to-day, called pa Rangiora, in which he took refuge after his defeat at Maraetahi, from whence he went to Te Wera. Two whares only were left standing in this pa, in one of which the following letters were found, addressed to Te Kooti:— [Translation]. "To Te Tueuki [Te Kooti],— "Friend, salutations to you, Hying at your place. Friend, may God protect you. The salutations end. Friend, give some instruction as a guide. That is all about that. This is another word: Your gun, which Atarihi brought, I have taken to protect myself with. Sufficient, "Te Pueewa (Renata Pohokorua)." [Teanslation]. " To Te Tueuki [Te Kooti]. _ "Te Kakari, 15th May, 1871. " Friend, salutations to you, and to the people who are with you. We have been here eight days, waiting for intelligence from outside. We have heard nothing from that quarter, but only fjrom inside. The worst news is, that Tuhoe (the Urewera) and Ngatiwhare have gone over to the Government, and will remain with them. The names of those who have gone over are:—Pineaha, Te Tuhi, Wharehinia, Ihaia, Toma, Hemi, including women and children, there are ten. The departure of another we did not see. That is all. Salutations to you. "From Maika and Tio." On getting to our camping place, where the stream Kahunui empties itself into the Waioeka, we again found, the fresh sleeping place of the men we were following. They had left this morning, leaving their names written upon a board—Tarawera, Harawira and Te Wharemaiha. We have now come to the conclusion that they, like ourselves, are also in quest of Te Kooti Tamihana tells us that they are three of four men who were lost after Te Kooti's dispersion at Tologa Bay, and have not since joined him. We are now eating taua berries to save what little biscuit we have left. Te Bakiroa, speaking of the Whakatohea, said that it has been proposed by them that Te Kooti, on his return from Taupo, should come and arrange for the slaughter of the Europeans at Opotiki. Te Kooti was to attack the place, and the Whakatohea, who would be called upon to assist in its defence, were, in the height of the panic, to secede to the rebels and to kill the Europeans, and plunder the settlement. Te Kooti had got to Opape, invited there by the AVhakatohea, in furtherance of this object, and had not the two Arawas been killed there by the Hauhaus this devilish deed might have been executed. Captain AValker, who led the small party to Opape, on the information that Hauhaus were there, deserves the credit of having saved Opotiki from destruction. In making comparisons between chiefs, he said Kawakura is a staunch friend of the Goverment, but * * * is a ngakau rua. 31st January. —Last night our outlying sentries came in to report the approach of a party of men, supposed by them to be Hauhaus. We advanced to meet them, and laid wait in a place suitable for capturing them; but they proved to be a small party of Ngatiporou, nine in number, under Ruka te Aratapu, who had followed us with despatches. It was an extremely plucky thing for so few men to undertake such an expedition, and none other but a party of Ngatiporou would have volunteered upon such an errand; it was, perhaps, fortunate for them that we had not penetrated farther into the Urewera country. We are now convinced that the Urewera are aware of Te Kooti's hiding place. It is said that while Te Puehu remains inland, the Urewera will never be at peace ; all other chiefs have little or no influence. This chief is described as a little, old man, ugly, and has a great antipathy to any kind of clothing, always appearing in a state of nudity, whether in assemblies of the people, or in private. We marched eleven hours to-day, expecting to reach Maraetahi; the travelling has been bad, beyond any description I can give; Waioeka was known to be bad towards its mouth, but here, and up to its source, it is frightfully so. There is not another river in New Zealand, known by me, equal to it. The whole line of march has been through a deep gorge, over immense rocks, twenty to

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thirty feet in height, which we had to climb, lowering ourselves by holding on to one another's rifles ; many accidents happened, but all, fortunately, of a light nature; in crossing the falls and rapids, many of the men were washed off their feet. Ist February. —AVe camped last night at the Tahara, and, marching at daylight, we reached Maraetahi at noon. The tracks of tho men we are in pursuit of have struck off in tho direction of Tahana. AVe are now convinced that Te Kooti is not in the vicinity of either Motu, Te AVera, or Waioeka, from its source to its mouth. We expected to find a straggler or two here, but the place has evidently not been occupied or visited for some time ; it presents quite a different appearance to what it did during our attack last year. I little thought that I should have to revisit the place, as the country is not so attractive as to induce one to wish to travel twice in the same direction. We were enabled to obtain a few self-sown potatoes here. Ropata has determined to rest the men here till Monday, when I, with eighty of the ablest walkers, will go out to Opotiki to obtain a fresh supply of food, to rejoin the party with Ropata at the kainga of Tamaikowha ; this entails five days extra walking, as we shall be compelled to march by Ohiwa. 2nd February. —Left Maraetahi this morning at daylight, and soon after starting, the men in front reported fresh tracks. I told five men off to go in chase, instructing them to endeavour to capture without firing, as one of the footprints were those of a person wearing boots, and I was suspicious that a party of Government Natives had been sent up for some purpose. It was fortunate that I took this precaution, as it was not long ere they succeeded in capturing Sub-Inspector Swindley and four Natives, who had heard our approach and mistaken us for Hauhaus. 3rd February. —Camped last night at the Waipuna. On coming through the gorge this morning, we captured a small party of Te Hira's people, who were out making a canoe; they mistook us for Hauhaus, not dreaming of others descending this track. On reaching Opotiki, I sent a letter to Tamaikowha, telling him to meet Ropata at Waimana. Ath February. —Sent letters by orderly to Tauranga, reporting to the Government Agent the progress of the expedition ; and as per instructions from Ropata, enrolled twenty men of AVhakatohea to make up our force to two hundred men. sth February. —Sunday. 6th February. —Received telegrams from J. D. Ormond, Esquire. Bth February. —Yesterday being too wet to march, could not arrange our packs until to-day, each man carrying fifty pounds of food alone. At noon we marched, and suffered very much from the heat of the sun in passing along the beaeh between Opotiki and Ohiwa. Crossed Ohiwa at sundown; camped at the Waipuni. 9th February. —In crossing Waimana plain and nearing the mouth of the gorge, a man approached us, bearing a flag as a greeting from Tamaikowha, who had met Ropata in peace. A spear was thrown at our men as a token of defiance or challenge to a friendly war dance between our men and Tamaikowha's ; I ordered the men to at. once strip to engage in the tungarehu. I met Ropata who told me he had met Tamaikowha the day before, and had come to very high woods, but eventually they had settled their differences. This chief, who is of a very outspoken disposition, promises to conduct us through the bounds of his country in search of Te Kooti, beyond which we can go our own road. 10th February. —lt was our intention to march by Ruataki, but Tamaikowha insists upon our going through his bounds, lest we accuse him of hiding Te Kooti. We send on Henere Kakitu, an Urewera, with letters, by Ruataki, telling the tribes to meet us at Tauaki. 11th February. —We are now marching up the bed of the AVaimana, guided by Tamaikowha. Our men caught a great number of eels. 12th February, Sunday. —We are now encamped at Tauwhare manuka, the kainga of Tamaikowha. On approaching the village, a flag was hoisted, and men, women and children came out to welcome us, by the waving of hands, and singing the usual welcome, "haere mai ra," and so forth ; after all were seated on the ground, the several chiefs representing the tribe arose and addressed us, speaking of the object of our march, and telling us to pass on our errand out, and all declining to accompany us, promising only to remain neutral; the three men, whose track we followed in Waioeka, have arrived here, and put themselves under the protection of Tamaikowha ; one of them, a Ngatiporou, named Hariwera, Ropata, was desirous of killing, but was persuaded not to do so, by some of his relations ; the other two are of Ngatirangi; they said they had been in the bush since the descent of Te Kooti upon Tologa Bay, having since been in search of him, as previously supposed by us, Soon after our arrival, a messenger came from Maungapowhatu with a letter to Tamaikowha, refusing to allow any booted feet to pass by the bounds of Maungapowhatu. [Teanslation of Letter.] " To Tamaikowha, at Tawhana, — " Tauaki, 12th February. " Friend, hearken. You were the conductor of affairs here. You brought them here. As it is do you and Ropata come here —this is an earnest word. Igo to Ruatahuna to-morrow. Friend I go, this is a good word. Sufficient. "From Kereru."

Eopata is very much annoyed at this reply from Maungapowhatu. We shall, however, march through their bounds in spite of their menaces to the contrary. We judge from the tone of the message sent by the TJrewera to us, that if they are aware of Te Kooti's abode, he will be informed of our intentions, and will move to some out of the way place to avoid us. 13th February. —We are now at Tawhana, and have met the hapu of Tuhoe, one of the fiercest tribes in appearance I have ever met; they are true savages, and decorated with white feathers tied in their hair and forming a sort of scalp lock similar to that of the North American Indians. Most of them were nude with the exception of a fancy worked mat round the waist. When all had met they rose and danced as a token of welcome, the effect of which was very striking, with the brandishing of weapons and the accompaniment of yells and a sort of chant. A notorious character, known as the brave of Tamaikowha, was pointed out to me by the name of Te Patu Toro (scout killer), who is famed

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among the Urewera tribes for the number of men killed by him ; he is also remarkable for the number of weapons carried about his person. After the preliminaries of dancing, &c, the chiefs arose and welcomed Kopata as the man who serves the Government, and bade us to go on our errand; the substance of most of their speeches was, that they could not see the crimes of Te Kooti, if the killing of women and children was a crime they could not see it, as it was an ancient custom of their people. If it is for the killing of the pakeha, Te Kooti should not be called a man of crime, as it is the duty of every Maori to fight the foreigner, to withold the island which was slipping into their hands. They said, we are very sad for our land, and will die ere we will yield to the pakeha ; but your friend, the white skin, is welcome as a friend amongst us. Many of the chiefs spoke very boldly, and said they felt no fear, as singly they would withstand our march if coming as enemies. After all had spoken, Eopata arose and addressed them in very strong terms ; great attention waa paid to his words. We shall wait here until a fresh messenger arrives from Maungapowhatu, by which we shall know whether to expect any fighting or not; if opposed by Ngatihuri, Tamaikowha tells us we may be certain that Te Kooti is among them. The three men late of Te Kooti's party we take with us, and all others, not of the TJrewera, we shall take from any place we find them in. At Tamaikowha's request I shook hands with the whole of his people, many of whom had never before seen a European ; in reply to my salutations they greeted me as their brave enemy. lith February. —We have received another letter from Maungapowhatu, immediately on receipt of it an ultimatum was sent by us to determine what steps to take with Ngatihuri.

[Translation of Lettee eeceited.] " Tauaki, 14th February, 1871. "To Ma joe Ropata,— " Friend, salutations to you. We have heard of your good word to the man who has come from where you are, and we are pleased with what you say. We wish to tell you that if you come with your two hundred, we will run away, and so will miss seeing you ; for we have said that Te Kooti is not here, yet you persist in coming with hundreds of men. If only you and Erueti come, then we will remain at our places. Do not believe statements made by people that Te Kooti is here; do not believe them, Should you give heed to what is said in this letter, act according to the arrangements made by Te Whenuanui and Paerau. Sufficient. " Puee, " Keeeeu, " Puehu, " Tawhiro, " In fact from all of us."

Judging from the tone of this letter it was evident that a feeling of jealousy exists among the several chiefs, and that they question the authority of Whenuanui and Paerau, who arranged matters for them. We are getting very short of food, the Urewera being very niggardly with their supply. Our men are desirous of bringing on hostilities, and are complaining sadly ofrongopai (peace) having been made, saying that it causes long marches and empty stomachs. 15th February. —We waited until mid-day, expecting another letter from Maungapowhatu; failing its arrival at that hour, we marched and began to ascend the range leading in the direction of Tauaki, and on gaining the top we were met by the expected messenger, who informed us that the Urewera, from Ruatahuna and other places, had assembled at Maungapowhatu under command of Kereru, Te Puehu, Renata and Tawhara, and that some few had run away. Ropata was very much annoyed at the distrustful nature of the Urewera, and he proposed we should remain and consume the whole of their winter food. Tamaikowha was extremely enraged at the inattention shown to his words, and threatens to turn Queen's Native. 16th February. —We are now in possession of Pa Tauaki, Maungapowhatu. Ngatihuri did not oppose us as they threatened. We find the pa very much dilapidated in comparison to what it was during our last visit twelve months ago ; only a few old persons were living here, tho greater number having gone with their chiefs in the direction of Ruatahuna, to a place called Te Kakari, to which place we have sent another message, making a last effort to induce the chiefs to come and meet us. We find living here refugees from almost every other tribe. We cannot get information as to Te Kooti's whereabouts, either the people are very ignorant or very close keepers of a secret; we think the latter. Heri Kakitu, sent by us to Ruatoki, has not yet made his appearance; we are afraid he has met with some mischief, or has been sent back by Whakatane. 17th February. —While at Tauaki this morning, a signal gun was fired from Te Kakari, the kainga situated at the head of Ruatahuna, and to which Ngatihuri had retreated; this was a preconcerted signal, denoting that Renata te Poho Korua and his tribe would meet us in peace. AVe at once marched, and although in a direct line across the gorge it is only about three miles distant, it occupied us from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. to reach the place ; we were then met with the usual welcome —" Welcome, welcome, welcome ; the guest of Te Whenuanui, welcome." The chiefs then rose and addressed us in welcome ; among them were Renata Poho Korua, Kawhena, Ihaka te Ahiraiti, AViremu te Maki, Ngaraki (brother of Kereru), Paraki Tipihau, Hetaraka te Haupapa and others. Renata Poho Korua, on the conclusion of Ropata's speech, said Te Kooti is not here, seek him, and when you get him spare him as you spare us, and if you are able to bring peace among us do so, and on the conclusion of his speech he threw down his weapons as a token of peace. This is the first time that this tribe has ever consented to consult or communicate with Government people. They said we were not to listen to the words of Te Whenuanui, as he had not power over them, and said if we wished to go to Ruatahuna. by his authority they would conduct us, but would not remain ; they are cautious of the action of the Government; they relied upon us ; they had heard of our good deeds; if we could bring peace among them, we were to do so. From these people we learn that Henere Kakitu was stopped from proceeding further than Ruatoki.

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18/7t February. —A party of our men out this morning in search of food in a clearing in the bush, came upon an insane woman, who mistook them for a party of Te Kooti's people. She asked after her daughter, who was with that rebel; and in reply to some questions put to her, she said Te Kooti was at Te Papuni; coupling this with the appearance of a camping-place of only a few weeks old, we think that Te Kooti has likely visited Maungapowhatu. Ropata and I have consulted with Tamaikowha, who assented to the supposition that Te Kooti had been here, the Ngatihuri disguising the fact from us. Tamaikowha has acted very clearly, and in a most straightforward manner, during the time he has been with us, and told us to be on our guard against Ngatihuri, saying that if fresh tracks were found near to Maungapowhatu, it would be of Te Kooti's people. One notable fact relating to this was the celerity with which they consented to go with us to Ruatahuna, thus leading us in the opposite direction to that in which the woman said Te Kooti had gone. Ropata and I managed to get hold of an old man of Ngatikohatu tribe, staying among these people, who divulged to us the fact of Te Kooti's having been there a few weeks previous, and that his hiding place was somewhere in the direction of Haupapa, near Waimaha. Te Kooti had instructed them, having heard of our being on the march, not to fire upon us, but to make terms, and allow us to search for him, but they were not to disclose his hiding place. His words to them were not to give us their guns ; and when the day for the Kokiri arrived, he would send for them, adding, " AVait and you will see me again with many soldiers, not of the Hauhaus, but of the Government people ; and, when my food is ripe, we will attack Turanga ; leave the summer for the Government, and the winter for me." He also said that both Ropata and myself would be delivered into his hands by power of his atua ; he always knew when we were on sea and on land, at home, or abroad ; but prophesied that it would not be here, but at some future time on the Waikato. 1927* February, Sunday. —AVe left Toriatai and marched by the track taken by Te Kooti and hi3 people ; from here we shall follow up the track. We parted from Tamaikowha, who returns to Tawhana, and is the bearer of letters reporting progress of expedition. Soon after our starting, and on reaching a small kainga called Oweka, a flag was hoisted from Tauaki; we waited some time thinking it might be a messenger, but not being followed we concluded it was a farewell signal from Tamaikowha, who had reached that pa. During the time we were waiting, thirty men were sent out to see in which direction Te Kooti's trail led ; at dark they returned, and reported that after a circuit of some extent the track struck into the main one leading from Maungapowhatu to the Papuni, fresh footprints of a week old were seen, supposed by us to be a messenger from Ngatihuri to Te Kooti, named Tawhiro. Our outlying sentries have just captured a rather old man, who was following in our rear in quest of his faithless wife, who had eloped this morning with one of our men ; the woman appeared very much annoyed at her husband following her, and was desirous that we should kill him, endeavoring to prejudice us against him by reporting his having met Te Kooti when at Maungapowhatu. The old fellow narrowly escaped death, as we had told the Urewera before leaving, that any man falling into our hands, from the rear or front, would be killed. AVe led him away captive. The remains of our man killed here during our first expedition to Maungapowhatu are being carried out to the coast for burial by his relations, the bones were all carefully scraped, one of the thigh bones missing. 20th February. —Our march to-day has been a very fatiguing one, while descending the track from Maungapowhatu. Since my last visit here, a most tremendous slip of the mountain has occurred, which has made a sheer gap in the forest of about a mile and a-half in length, and a-quarter of a mile broad; it is one of the largest slips I ever saw —large forest trees, and enormous rocks are jumbled up together, and it commenced from just below the summit of the mountain. The natives say it is an omen of the extermination of the Urewera tribe, as such a thing was never known before. AVe are following Te Kooti's trail; some one has lately preceded us, probably a messenger; however, we hope not. Te Kooti will not imagine that we can so easily track him ; we are now getting very short of food, having brought but very few potatoes with us from Maungapowhatu ; nothing can equal biscuit ona march of this kind, as it is light, satisfying, and very regular in its effects; potatoes, on the contrary, are heavy, and give but little nourishment. 21st February. —We camped last night on the stream or torrent called the Whakaratu ; soon after leaving which place, this morning, the tracks on the the trail we are following scattered. Some two hours were occupied before the true line w ras found again, on the top of a range ; this scattering was no doubt adopted by Te Kooti to elude pursuit. AVe have followed along the top of the range the whole day bearing north, which, if continued, will leave the Papuni considerably to our right. AVe are now camped on the Anini. It is raining very heavily, and we fear that if it lasts, we shall be very badly off for food. Two of our men, to-day, had a very narrow escape from serious injury, ascending one of the ranges ; we had to pull ourselves up a face of rock, about fifty feet, holding on by roots ; before half the force had passed, the roots were all gone, and we were compelled to erect a kind of rough ladder to get the men up. Two of the men, trusting too much to the tenacity of the roots, fell to the bottom, fortunately escaping with a severe shaking. 22nd February. —Our march to-day has been of the roughest nature, impossible to describe better than by Ropata's illustration of holding one's hand up with the fingers apart, and imagining oneself climbing over the tops, and again descending into the spaces between, and so on, in succession. The whole country is one mass of forest; not an acre of level ground is to be met with after penetrating the country a few days march from the coast. We are still on Te Kooti's track, and now passing along the range Rangitata, which we have several times seen from a distance, but did not dream it possible to travel over. The men are beginning to complain of want of food ; it would be impossible to obtain any within a few weeks march ; we are now two days' and a half march inland of the Papuni, on a branch of the Hangaroa. 23rd February. —Raining all last night, and we were unable to march, and spent a most miserable day, without fire, and almost without food; if this weather continues, starvation stares us in the face. 2Xth February. —It still continus to rain heavily; we cannot march ; all the streams are very much swollen with freshets ; we are becoming very anxious indeed ; we have equally distributed all food remaining amongst us ; we cannot hold out for many more days. Ropata and I have great difficulty in keeping the men from lighting fires. It seems very hard indeed to deny ourselves this small comfort, 9

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miserably wet, and half fed, as we all are ; most unfortunately, this bush is particularly devoid of any kinds of natural food, such as Mamaku, &c. We have had nothing but a few roasted potatoes for the last two nights—l cannot say days, as we do not cook during daylight. 25^ February. —The rain has now ceased, but the rivers are too high to allow of our marching. Many of the men have been to me to-day making anxious inquiries as to what course I thought it best to take in our present circumstances, many of them are beginning to grumble at Ropata and me. 26th February, Sunday. —Marched this morning at daylight, and had not long started before it began to rain again in torrents: we had no choice but to go on our track lying along the bed of the river, over waterfalls and through deep places. At mid-day we struck on the source of the Hangaroa, probably the first time it has ever been visited, unless by natives. Soon after pitching our camp we sent our scouts out to endeavour to find the trail again, which we had now lost. They have discovered it again leading in the direction of Waimaha (many waters). 27^7/ February. —Still marching along the Hangaroa. About ten miles was the extent of our journey to-day. Many of the men were completely exhausted from fatigue and hunger, and from the rough nature of the travelling. A small eel came to my share to-day, for which I was very thankful, it is still raining heavily. 2Si'7» February. —To-day, the last of the month, finds us in a very precarious predicament. I have many times before been short of food, but never so completely starved as at present. I was reduced to eating tea-leaves, and without sugar. Fortunately a small clearing, made by a man named Maka captured on a former expedition, was found by us, in which a few self-sown potatoes were obtained and distributed in the proportion of seven to each man. By ten o'clock we had struck upon the junction of the Ngutura River with the Hangaroa. We are now encamped in the same spot as Te Kooti did on his return to Te Haupapa, which we are now firmly convinced is his hiding-place; we are, however, unable to go on, as we could not reach the place under three days, and with only a probability of discovering food there. After mature consideration Ropata and I have determined the wisest step will be to go to Te Reinga and procure a fresh supply of food from Te Wairoa, as the men are becoming very importunate in their request to return home, to which we will not consent. A letter was found here addressed to Anaru Matete: — [Translation.] " To Anaru Matete, — "Be on your guard. Leave everything to me. Be very wary. Ido not know when I may return." A letter will be left here by us, telling the people of Ngatikohatu to follow and give themselves up. We adopt this as a blind should Te Kooti find our trail, and he may suppose we have gone out for good. A fearfully strong south-easterly wind has been blowing all day, with heavy rain. Ist March. —Raining all night. We were compelled to fall trees above the falls for the purpose of crossing over, to allow of our marching along the ranges ; the proper course being along the river bed, which however was too high to travel. Many of the men were so fatigued and knocked up, that we were compelled to halt after four hours marching. My food to-day was a quantity of whinau berries. 2nd March, —lt was determined by Ropata and me last night, that, accompanied by thirty men, I should go on in advance and make out for Te AVairoa to obtain a supply of food, and return with a portion to meet the main body, who could get on only very slowly. 1 felt extremely weak during the whole of to-day's march, my heart continually jumping into my mouth. The men were even worse than myself, and descending into a deep gully, with a high fern range in front, up which we had to climb, we were quite unequal to the task, and we laid down for the night without either water or fire. I am afraid the party with Ropata will suffer very much indeed. 3rd March. —Fortunately it came on to rain heavily this morning, and we were enabled to ascend the range ; had tho sky been clear we should have been unable to do so, as in our present weak state we should have been overpowered by the heat of the sun. Towards evening we had descended into the bed of the Hangaroa, near to the caves of Tae, and in a clearing near at hand a few self-sown potatoes were discovered, amounting to four per man. One of our men succeeded in capturing a shag, a portion of which was given to me and eaten ravenously. After eating our potatoes we felt considerably refreshed, and we succeeded in reaching Waihau Lake, where a supply of kauka, or grass tree, and a pig was obtained, which we distributed equally. Two men of Ngatikohatu, who were with me, I sent on to Te Reinga, as we hoped to capture a man named Rawiri, who has been with Te Kooti for some time, also to obtain information from the old people residing there. 4tth March. Left Waihau at daylight, and reaching Whenuakura found large quantities of peaches, on which the men surfeited themselves to such an extent that we could not march for some five hours; after this we came on to Te Reinga, where we were rejoined by the two men, who reported having returned from up the Ruakituri, and that Rawiri had left there a few days previously ; he was accompanied by two other men of Te Kooti's, Te Koro and Apiata. They stated to the old people that when our force was at Waimana, Te Kooti was informed of it. Our letters from Tawhana to Ngatihuri were all forwarded to him. Te Whiu has been the means of communication between Te Kooti and the Urewera. Mr. Ormond's letters were also sent to him. These men state that it is Te Kooti's intention to proceed to Waikare to meet Tamihana and Hapimana, for the purpose of making terms of surrender. Rawiri stated to the old people that a letter had been received by Te Kooti from the Irish (Fenians) at Hauraki, telling him to come and join the King, and that they would supply him with arms, &c. This is probably a boast of Te Kooti's. AVe reached Opowiti at night, at which place a sheep was killed ; the first piece of meat we have tasted for three weeks, with the exception of the small pig caught at Waihau. A large quantity of apples were consumed by us--sth March, Sunday. —Starting this morning we had to swim the Opowiti River, which we found very cold work indeed, raining the whole time; reaching Te Kapu, the men remained behind, I alone proceeding on to Wairoa.

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6th March. —The men arrived this morning, weather still wet. I have arranged for all supplies to return by men to meet Ropata and party. Leave to-morrow for Napier. A sufficient quantity of food cannot be obtained here for a fresh start. 18th March. —The time intervening from the above date has been occupied by preparing for the march, in recruiting the men, and issuing supplies of clothing to tbem, as the season is far advanced, and the weather during nearly the whole period has been wet, but has now every appearance of being settled and fine. We slept at the Kapu last night; towards midnight a voile)' was fired on the opposite side of the river by a party of our men who were encamped there ; the cause of which was two men on horseback from the direction of Waikare, who not replying to challenges, were fired at; we are suspicious of their being messengers sent to warn Te Kooti of our being On the march again. 19th March, Sunday. —We started this morning, the men all heavily burdened with food, and •amped at the Maru Maru at night. We have determined upon our line of march, viz., via Waikare-Moana, and thence to other places, according to information we may obtain concerning Te Kooti, and finally on to Te Haupapa. 20s*A March. —We are now encamped at Orewha having reached here by a night march as we a,__ipated capturing some Hauhaus; but we found the place was unoccupied. 2lsi* March. A party of our men started out this morning, and in a clearing came upon traces of persons having lately visited it, they are now following up the trail, and we shall await their return. 22nd March. —Two orderlies arrived from Te AVairoa with despatches from J. D. Ormond, Esq. Our men out on the trail are still absent. We are in hopes they will capture some one before they return. 23rd March. —Our men have at last returned from the chase, which has ended most successfully, even beyond our most sanguine expectations. They report having followed the trail to a place called Eripiti, where they succeeded in capturing a man of Te Kooti's, named Tautata; he states that he left Te Kooti about a fortnight ago, with a party, to search the Lake for ammunition said to be buried there by the Government people. They left the Haupapa a day or two after we had started out for Te Wairoa, and coming upon our camp found the letter left there by us, which was returned to Te Kooti; he confirmed the information that Te Kooti had been at Maungapowhatu, but was returned to his kainga. He has given me the names of the whole of the men with Te Kooti, young and old, twenty-five only of whom have guns. AVhen Te Kooti knew that we had come out, a party of pig hunters was sent out beyond Matahukia, who will not return for a fortnight. Te Kooti purposed getting his people tatooed. He says there are three pas at Haupapa, and has promised to show us the easiest way to surround them. Our hopes are now high, though without being too sanguine of a successful issue to our expedition. We have persevered to the utmost, and I sincerely hope we may catch the rebel we are in quest of. AVe are very much gratified to find all our conjectures correct as to Te Kooti's kainga, not having once heard of it during the long chase, though often guided only by signs. It is impossible for any one to conceive the number of difficulties we have had to surmount and the hardships endured. Tautata states that Te Kooti kept up communication with the Wairoa Natives, and was supplied by them with clothing, &c. 24j"7i March. —Marched at daylight, and proceeded by the track followed by TeWaru and his people ween going to join Te Kooti prior to the massacre at Poverty Bay. Fell in with some fresh tracks of about two days old, which we suppose to be those of some of Te Kooti's pig hunters. 25tli March. —Raining heavily all day, with strong gales of wind ; could not march, but sent a small party of men to follow the tracks seen yesterday, which they did as far as Puketapu, and have just returned. 26th March, Sunday. —The weather having cleared up this morning we were enabled to march, our track lying along the top of Puketoromiro. AVe are now waiting till night to be able to proceed on our march, as we are afraid of exposing ourselves to any of Te Kooti's people who may be wandering about. 27th March. —We marched last night until the moon set, when we were compelled to encamp on the top of a spur without fire and with a very cold wind blowing. At 4 a.m. we again started and at 10 am. reached Pahekeheke, the crossing of the Hangaroa; this spot is the junction of six different tracks, one by which Te Kooti marched upon Poverty Bay, two to Te Reinga, two to the Haupapa, and one to Papuni. We shall hfkve to make another night march of it. It has been showery all day. Tautata deserves great praise for the manner in which he has guided us by the least exposed places. 28th March. —lt coming on to rain heavily last night deterred us from marching, but at 3 a.m. we started and ascended to the summit of Puketapu Maokonui, a range lying to the right; from the summit of the former we obtained a sight of Te Kooti's hiding-place just below Maungatapere. During our march to-day we passed the late camping place of a body of people which Tautata cannot account for; we are afraid it may be Te Kooti on the move. We are now camped very close to Te Kooti's place, on a small stream called Makaka, running into the Ngutuera. 29^7* March. —At 3 o'clock p.m. we are now lying down in the bush, within halfan-hour's march of Te Kooti's place. It is raining, and we are miserably cold and wet; many of the men have severe colds, and it is a constant source cf anxiety to us endeavouring to suppress the coughing. We shall surround the place before daylight, when we shall be relieved of our anxiety. 30th March. —We have now met with another disappointment; we are in possession of Te Kooti's long sought hiding-place. At 3 a.m. we commenced to surround the place, and at dawn of day we rushed it from all sides; our disposition of the men was very well arranged, and the only fault was the absence of an enemy or occupant of the place. Te Kooti's whare was the centre of attraction, and had he been there it would have been impossible for him to have escaped. It is evident from the appearance of the fireplaces that the people have been absent for some time, at least a fortnight. Guided by Tautata in a sort of magazine or cave in the bush, we found secreted

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many of Te Kooti's valuables, also a portion of winter food ; among the articles discovered were three rifles, two double-barrelled guns, and one single, two pouches of ammunition, two watches with gold chains, a sovereign, a shilling, old books, papers, and a prayer-book written by Te Kooti, and containing his cabalistic signs and revelations. Among the letters I discovered one from a Wairoa chief, informing Te Kooti of a list of articles sent to him. It is Te Kooti's practice of late to keep his guns stored in the magazine, not allowing the men to keep them while in camp ; his object in doing so was to prevent the loss of them by men who might surrender to the Government. Our parties have been out in every direction, and have destroyed two other kaingas, but found no one in occupation of them; the crops of potatoes were very small, having been planted late. Te Haupapa, which is said to have been occupied many generations back by the ancestors of the tribes either of Te Aitanga a Mahaki, or Ngatikohatu (about which there is a dispute), is a kind of natural basin, situate between the three mountains, Maungatapere towering above on the North side, Rangitata to the Westward; and to the Eastward, Maokonui-a-rangi; and to the Southward, a continuation of high ranges; the whole covered with a heavy growth of forest timber, with the exception of about eighty acres comprising Te Haupapa itself, through which the stream from which it derives its name runs its course into the Ngutuera. Te Kooti had three pas situated in this spot, Kake Wahine, Rewarewa, and another yet unfinished situated on a slight eminence at the edge of the bush ; Te Kooti's choice of a hiding-place could not be better, being completely hidden from view of the surrounding country ;no one could find it unless guided or informed of his whereabouts. The number of whares in this pa was three large ones and four smaller; at Rewarewa, seven of different sizes ; in the pa yet unfinished was one large whare puni. 31st March. —We left the Haupapa at daylight this morning, and descended to the bed of the Ngutuera; crossed and commenced to ascend the Maokonui-a-rangi, on the summit of which Anaru Matete's kainga was situated ;we passed two deserted kaingas on our march. On nearing the summit of the mountain we'divided into two kokiris, Ropata going with the one to AVharekopai, and I with the other to Anaru Matete's kainga. A woman, however, perceived us on our approaching near to the rock upon which they were in the habit of keeping sentry, from which point a splendid view of the surrounding country was obtained, including Turanga, Ngatapa being only about one and a half mile distant in a direct line, a deep gorge, however, intervening. On reaching Matete's kainga the people had dispersed into the bush, having been warned of our approach by the woman on sentry. Chase was at once given, and several women and children, with two men, were captured. Anaru Matete, with his brother Hirini te Kutu, escaping by jumping over a cliff, closely pursued by three of our men. On our calling out to him to remain, he said he would do so if Wi Pere was with us, but unfortunately he was not. Ist April. —We were rejoined early this morning by our kokiri under Ropata from AVharekopai, who had surrounded the place last night, and succeeded in capturing the whole of the occupants, not one escaping. The list of our prisoners is as follows: —Tauriti Te Rangituawaru, Hotoma, Horoma Te Rakitai, Te Kepa Pokipoki, Te Amutahi, Eperaima Whakarau, Rangiwhaitiri, Rutene Pekapeka, Harawira, Paora, Tautata, and another ; 16 women and children. AVe can get no positive information regarding Te Kooti; he did not inform the prisoners where he intended to go to from Te Haupapa. Hotoma says he heard Te Kooti mention a place called Tahuna Taua as a place he should use for the purpose of taking his people Three kokiris, of thirty men each, will be sent out in different directions to-morrow to scour the bush, and endeavour to strike Te Kooti's trail leading from Te Haupapa ; one party will go direct to Tahuna Taua accompanied by Major Ropata, who desires me to proceed to Turanga with a few men, and the main body to remain at Te Karetu to await return of kokiris. Should they, however, continue absent beyond the three days, the main body will proceed to Turanga. The instructions given to each kokiri, were, that a trail being struck by either of them should be followed up independently, and without further reference to the rear. The three men following after Anaru Matete have only just returned, having been as far as Te Haupapa without success. 2nd April, Sunday. —After seeing the kokiris away this morning, I started for Turanga with ten men, and lost myself for some four hours owing to the denseness of the fog. We camped at AA rharekopai for the night. 3rd April. —Left Wharekopai at daylight this morning, reaching Turanganui by 6 p.m., thus proving that Te Kooti had been residing within two days' march of the settlement for some months past. He restricted the wanderings of his people for pig hunting purposes to Te Karetu, beyond which boundary he prohibited them going, lest they should fall in with any of the Government people. T. W. Porter, 10th April, 1871. Captain, Adjutant East Coast District.

No. 46. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Defence Minister. Sir, — Napier, Ist July, 1871. I have the honor to enclose herewith a letter from Major Ropata, reporting the arrival of himself and force at Turanganui, and explaining the plan of the expedition he was about to start upon in search of Te Kooti. The number of men Major Ropata has brought with him is 200 in place of 50, which was the number arranged with him. You will see in his letter the explanation he gives on the subject. I may add that the force started at the appointed time, and that nothing has been heard from three of the divisions ; the fourth, under Major Ropata, was communicated with at Te Reinga on the 16th ultimo, but up to that time no trace of Te Kooti's hiding-place had been discovered. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

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Enclosure in No. 46. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Oemond. [Translation.]. To Mr. Oemond, — Turanganui, Ist June, 1871. My friend, salutations to you. I and my people have arrived at Turanganui, here, on the 31st of May, and I mentioned to them about 50 men going into the bush, but Ngatiporou said they did not like to do so. That it was not right to let me go with only (50 men. This is a piece of caution on their part- I then tried to find out some arrangement that they would agree to, that is I agreed to have four different expeditions, one to go by Te Ahimanu on to Whakapunake and Te Reinga, from thence to go in by Ruakituri to Te Papuni. Another to go by Tarewa on to Tahunatawa, on to Puketoromiro and Te Papuni. Another to go by Pangakorako on to Kaikoura, thence into Waihau crossing Te Hangaroa through Manga Piopio on to Tahunatawa crossing at Pa Popeka, to Pukeopu, Mokonuiarangi and on to Te Haupapa. And the other to go in by Wharekopae, on also to Papokeka, on to Hangaroa, Pounui, over Tauwharetoroa and on to Te Papuni also. These expeditions will now cross each other. Going in line (in a body) is now given up, as perhaps that was the reason of our being unsucessful, therefore I agreed to have 200 men and divide them into four lots of fifty men each, I am also desirous to have all these places searched quickly while it is winter, and perhaps catch them together. These expeditions will start on Monday, the sth June. All from your friend, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. Ma joe Ropata.

No. 47. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Defence Ministee. Sie,— Napier, 21st July, 1871. I have the honor to enclose copies of correspondence connected with the expedition under the command of Major Ropata, engaged in searching for Te Kooti. The energy and determination evinced by Major Ropata and his men, in continuing a most difficult and arduous service, with short supplies, and at the present (in that country) most inclement season, are beyond all praise. I would also beg to bring to your notice the service rendered on this, as on many former occasions, by Captain Porter; this officer is not only of great use to Major Ropata in the field, but his services are most valuable to the Colony in connection with the Commissariat of the Ngatiporou expeditions, as on the occasion referred to in his letter of the 3rd ultimo. You will observe that I have taken care to acquaint Major Ropata as early as possible of the information received from AVaikare-Moana, that Te Kooti had appeared there, aud I have little doubt he will at once take steps to intercept his retreat from that district. I also beg to enclose copies of correspondence with Inspector Cumming, as per margin, who, in accordance with your authority, I instructed to occupy Tikitiki, Waikare-Moana, and so give support to the Urewera, who might otherwise have drifted or been forced into Te Kooti's ranks. Major Cumming marched from Wairoa on the 16th instant, and will probably reach Tikitiki to-day. The force employed is only fifty strong, but is ample for the object intended, and I have no doubt if Te Kooti be still in the Lake District, Inspector Cumming will speedily drive him out of it; whilst it will assure the Urewera that the Government does all in its power to support them in the friendly course they have of late taken. In connection with the present operations against Te Kooti, I have to report that in accordance with the authority conveyed in your telegram of the 15th instant, I instructed Captain Preece, with the Native Contingent under his command, stationed at or near Fort Galatea, to proceed at once to Ruatahuna, which place it is more than probable Te Kooti will make for; and I have heard from Captain Preece, in reply, that he would march at once as instructed. I may observe that this movement of Captain Preece's force will not only give support to Te AVhenuanui, Paerau, and their people; but, in conjunction with the occupation of Tikitiki and Major Ropata's movement, will do all that can be done towards Te Kooti's capture, and most likely prevent his receiving support from the Urewera tribes. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 47. Captain Porter to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir,— Militia Office, Gisborne, 3rd July, 1871. I have the honor to report, for the information of Government, my arrival here on Friday evening, having parted with Major Ropata on the 28th ultimo at an old camping place of Te Kooti's, within three hours march of Te Haupapa, bringing a force of 80 men, 50 of whom are left at Makaretu; the remainder have accompanied me for the purpose of conveying supplies for the force. These men are selected in consequence of their having horses to assist in carrying provisions, for which I purpose allowing them Is. per diem extra whilst so employed. As this is a 10

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matter that will materially assist the expedition as regards commissariat transport, without incurring a heavy expenditure, I hope jfchat it will meet with your approbation. As the time at my disposal now will not allow of my making a detailed report, I hope that this condensed account will be satisfactory until I finally return. AVe left Matawhero on the 6th June, and marched by Te Arai and not by Ahipakura as previously reported by Major Ropata and myself as the intended route; this alteration was the result of Major Ropata's " tohunga's " vision, he having prophesied that Te Kooti would he captured in the vicinity of AVhakapunake. In pursuance of this, from Mautoro the force was divided into two divisions, the one under Major Ropata proceeding by the Whakangongo, and at the Ahimanu again dividing; our division going by AVhakapunake, and the other by Te Reinga. The second division, under me, moved by Te Reinga Road, and at Tarewa divided again, one party going by Kaikoro and Mangapiopio under Captain Henare Potae. The remainder, under my command, proceeding by the Hurakaki-rangi, visiting Tahuna-tawa and an old camping place of Te Kooti's, occupied by him during the summer in getting whitau. At both of these places a number of whares were found by us, but no signs of their having been visited for months previously. AVe reached a high hill called Moeroa on the 18th. On the evening of that date I ascended to the summit of the hill, and in the direction midway between Mokonuiarangi, Te Haupapa, and Maungatapere perceived a column of smoke arise. I again saw it at daylight in the morning, and concluded that it proceeded from Hauhau fires. I could not, without further instructions from Major Ropata, proceed to search in that direction, as his instructions to me were that unless I found fresh traces of men I was not to proceed beyond the Hangaroa. I therefore despatched a messenger to Puketoromiro, which place was appointed as the general rendezvous, acquainting him of the fact of my seeing the smoke, and requesting him to return (instructions as to whether I was to proceed in that direction, or to await his arrival. I also sent a messenger to intercept the division under Henare Potae, so that on receipt of Major Ropata's instructions we might proceed to Te Haupapa or Te Wera as required. Major Ropata and his division rejoined us at Moeroa at noon on the 22nd, and reported the capture on the AVhakapunake of three prisoners—Rawiri Takai, Apiata (one of Te Kooti's men wounded at Ngatapa), and AVilliam, a boy of Ngatikohatu. No fresh information could be obtained from these men of Te Kooti's whereabouts, as they had been separated from him since the 26th of January. Rawiri Takai is the man whom we have all along supposed to have had Te Kooti in hiding, and he had been under the impression that Te Kooti had been captured by us on our last expedition in March last, as when our force was proceeding to Te Wairoa to obtain supplies, Rawiri was on his way from Te Reinga to Te Haupapa, and heard some of our men firing at pigeons. He at once concluded that we had visited Te Haupapa and, taking the alarm, he retired to Whakapunake. This coincidence will account for Te Kooti's absence from his kainga on our return to it. He knowing that Rawiri had gone out in the direction of Te Reinga and not returning, had probably been captured by us, and whom we should employ as a guide, and deemed it prudent to retire into closer hiding. You will perceive that this is one of the many instances of how Te Kooti is favoured by accidental circumstances, which make his movements so unaccountable at the time. The evening of the day last referred to, the division under Henare Potae rejoined us and reported having been much encumbered by carying a sick man who had burst a blood vessel. The general severity of the weather that we experienced caused a great deal of sickness in all the divisions. We were detained at Moeroa by bad weather until the 25th, having several slight showers of snow and heavy storms of rain, but finally left on the same date, marching up the bed of the Parahinahina in the direction of the smoke seen by me. We visited on our way the place where Pera-te-Awahaka was left behind by Te Kooti on leaving Te Haupapa, but no fresh traces were seen by us. The whole of the next day we were striking tracks at random through the dense bush in what we supposed was the direction of the fires seen. Much confusion and dispute arose as to the correctness of our line of march, I had, however, taken bearings which enabled me to guide the force to the desired spot, and on the 26th we came upon traces, about four or five days old, of two men, and in the evening of that day found the remains of a recent camp of Te Kooti's, we imagined of at least six weeks ago, while on his return to Te Haupapa, from which place it is about three hours march ; but in the heart of the forest we could find no main track leading to the place, and suppose that they had scattered and subsequently met by appointment at this spot, and the only trail is in the direction of Te Haupapa. Major Ropata is very much pleased at our getting on so good a trail, as we have now something tangible tp guide us, and is determined to follow it up let it lead him in whatsoever direction it may. During my absence he will send out small parties to search all about Te Haupapa ; and, if the trail leads over the ranges to Te AVera, on my arrival with a supply of provisions, we shall, in conjunction, proceed to search in that direction. I visited Mokonuiarangi on my way out, but found that it had not been visited by any one since our return from last expedition, as letters which we left there were still untouched. I have to report a great deal of sickness, and the loss of one man, who, on the morning of the 27th, went a short distance from the camp for the purpose of obtaining a supply of papakiri (bark), but did not return that day, nor the following day; search parties were out in every direction, but failed to discover anything of his fate. AVe are unable to conjecture whether he has wandered away into the bush, and has fallen a victim to the severity of the weather, or whether he has fallen into the hands of any of Te Kooti's wandering bands; he is a member of Major Ropata's tribe, of Te Aowera, and named Kereama Matihe. I leave again to-morrow with supplies, and expect to reach Te Haupapa by Sunday next, the 9th instant, the roads being in such a bad state, and all the creeks and rivers flooded, necessarily make our progress slow.

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The food we had remaining when I left was handed over to Major Eopata for the use of the force left with him ; they are also eating hinau berries, to eke out the scanty supply left them. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, T. W. Poetee, Captain. General Government Agent, Napier. Adjutant, East Coast District.

Enclosure 2 in No. 47. Captain Porter to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (No. 247-71.)— Militia Office, Gisborne, Sir,— 14th July, 1871. In continuation of my report of the 3rd July, I have the honor to inform you that I left Gisborne with a supply of food for expedition on the sth July, and encountered many difficulties from bad roads and heavy wet weather. I reached Haupapa on the 10th. Major Ropata reported that search parties had been out in every direction during my absence, and that two fresh puni had been found of apparently a month old, one of them was evidently of Te Kooti, as many articles discovered there were recognised as belonging to him ; for instance, the hoops, or rather large Taha, for holding pork, were found, the contents being, we presumed, consumed by him. The other puni of three whares we concluded, was that of Te Urewera, as stated by Kepa Te Ahuru, in Captain Preece's report. The force has suffered much from want of food, and the excessive cold ; they had subsisted principally on hinau berries, a description of diet extremely costive in its effects. I remained two nights at Te Haupapa, and, during my stay, experienced a heavy fall of snow, which lay on the ground for some thirty-six hours, and covered it to a depth of from four to nine inches. I marched from Te Haupapa on the 12th, with twelve men, and fourteen sick, making a total force, including transport, accompanying me, of 47 men, 155 remaining with Major Ropata, who informed me that it was his intention to march to Te Wera on the following day, the 13th, at the same time instructing me to allow sufficient time to elapse for him to reach Te Wera, and to send a party out to Makihoi, from which point he will light a signal fire, as a means of communication with me; as, failing to meet with Te Kooti, at Te AVera, he will require a fresh supply of provisions. In pursuance of these instructions, I shall leave with the mounted men for Makihoi, on or about the 21st instant. Major Ropata expresses it as his intention to continue the pursuit, unless recalled by the Government. The steamer returns, I believe, from Napier at once, should you have any instructions for Major Ropata or myself, please send by that opportunity. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, T. W. Porter, Captain. General Government Agent, Napier. Adjutant, East Coast District.

Enclosure 3 in No. 47. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Friend, — Tangawhinau, 27th June, 1871. Salutations to you. We have caught Rawiri at Whakapunake, together with his two young companions. I have asked him where Te Kooti is hiding, but he says he knows nothing about Te Kooti, as he had long ago been separated from him. AVe have him with us. AVe have now assembled at Mokonuiarangi and Te Haupapa, and have found Te Kooti's puni (small kainga). We would continue the search this day if it were not for the wet, so as to be quite certain there are no other kaingas about here, and then would go on to Te Haupapa. All tho places about Puketoromiro, near Te Papuni, have been searched; but through Captain Porter having seen a fire near Mokonuiarangi and Pukeopu, all the divisions have assembled here, and I am satisfied at having found his puni, old though it is ; it does not matter, as it will only bo through the cold weather if his new ones are not found. Captain Porter is starting to Turanganui to obtain provisions. In the meantime we are going on to Te Haupapa, where they will find us. All, from your friend, To Mr. Ormond, Agent General Government. Major Ropata.

Enclosure 4 in No. 47. [Teanslation.] His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. Friend, — Napier, 11th July, 1871. I received, on the day before yesterday, your letter, forwarded to me by Captain Porter, from Te Haupapa, and I have told the Government of the energy and determination displayed by yourself and your men in endeavoring to arrive at the completion of the arduous service upon which you are now engaged, in this cold season. I shall be glad to know that the trail you saw was really that of Te Kooti, so that you will be able to find him at Te Wera. However, I received letters last night from Waikare-Moana, and I send you the information therein contained. It is reported in these letters that Te Kooti is at Waikare-Moana, and that he has compelled some of the Urewera to join him.

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This letter will be forwarded to you as speedily as possible, and when you see its contents you will be able to decide what plan you will adopt. The only information I have received is that. When you have seen it you must decide what course to pursue. I am sending instructions to Major Cumming to proceed at once with a force to Tikitiki, to look after Te Makarini, lest he be again taken away by Te Kooti. If Major Cumming has received any further information it will be for him to send it to you. I will write no more at present, as I am anxious to despatch the messenger in order that he may make his journey as speedily as may be. From your friend, To Major Bopata, Te Papuni. J. D. Osmond.

Enclosure 5 in No. 47. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Captain Portee. Sir,— Napier, 18th July, 1871. Ibeg to forward to you, for the information of Major Ropata, copy of a letter fromMajor Cumming, which throws some doubt on the information given by Te Makarini, as to Te Kooti being at WaikareMoana. It is difficult to judge whether the woman's story or Makarini's is to be relied on. In Makarini's case it is difficult to understand what motive he could have had for giving false information; as regards the woman, if she has been in Te Kooti's hands, it is quite possible he may have sent her to Wairoa to stop any action being taken which would interfere with him j at any rate Major Ropata will have tested (before this information can reach him) whether Te Kooti is at or near Te Wera, and if he is not it will be almost certain that he is at Waikare-Moana, in which case the movement from Wairoa will send him off from there and probably drive him towards Papuni. I have, &c, Captain Porter, J. D. Osmond. Adjutant East Coast District, Gisborne.

Sub-enclosure 1 to Enclosure 5 in No. 47. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir,— Te Wairoa, 9th July, 1871. The enclosed letters have just been received from the lake. You will perceive that Te Kooti has been there and taken away some people, one of whom afterwards got away. The messenger informs me that Teaho (the man who escaped) learnt, while with Te Kooti, that when Captain Preece's force was at the lake, and Ropata at Te Reinga, Te Kooti was between them, at Papuni; also, that on one occasion, when Ropata was in the bush, Te Kooti lay within a few yards of him, and listened to his speech. I hardly think this possible, but I send you the statement as I got it. I will not take any other measures than constant scouting till I hear from you, but all my men will be ready to move. The Government boat requires repairing, and I will engage Mr. Down to commence to-morrow; as, if provisions are required to be sent up, it will be the cheapest way of sending them. The letters were opened by the Maoris, and they are rather in a state of excitement, fearing that Te Kooti will come here, but I fear there is no such chance. The messenger who came in will not return without an escort, so I will keep him till I receive your instructions. There is nothing else of importance to report; the special orderly, sent with this despatch, has instructions to hand it to Major Withers, who left this morning, if he can overtake him. I have, &e, His Honor J. D. Ormond, G. J. Cumming, Inspector A.C., General Government Agent, Napier. Commanding Te Wairoa.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 5 in No. 47. [Translation.] Tikitiki, 6th July, 1871. To Tamihana, Te Hapimana, Maraki, Paora, Hamana. Tio and Toha at Te Wairoa; to Paora Rerepu, Tarahina and Hone at Mohaka; to Ihaka, and all the tribe at Nuhaka,— My love to you. Take care of yourselves, for Te Kooti is here at Waikare ; Te Marau is the place at which he is staying. My sentry is at Wairau. lam afraid of that man (Te Kooti). On the 30th June he took up his quarters at Te Marau, and on the 3rd July I sent my men to watch Te Marau. He was there; he took away some of my young men unknown to me. This happened in the night. He has taken away Te Whatu, Hiko, Te Wao, Te Tata, Te Karaha. All the captives, N gatimatewai, Apikara, and Riuha. Te Aho escaped to me on the 3rd July. I was afraid to send Rawiri on that day. Should these people and Te Kooti come out at your place I have nothing to do with it. That is all about that. This is another word ; should you come, be wary. lam afraid on your account. Te Makarini. Paraone. Winitana. Friends, let me know soon that you have read my letter, for Te Kooti has disappeared from his place.

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Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure 5 in No. 47. Te Makarini and Paraone to Major Cumming. Friend,— Tikitiki, 6th July, 187!. My love to you. Te Kooti is at Waikare-Moana. Be on your guard. Te Marau is the name of the kainga where he is. My ) roung men were stolen away by him in the night. I did not see them. Te Aho made his escape to me. On the 30th June he (Te Kooti) took up his quarters at Te Marau. On the 3rd July, Te Aho made his escape. Tamihana will give you full information. Friend, Major Cumming—Do you assist me. lam afraid on account of you because of Te Kooti. Sufficient. To Mr. Ormond, to Te Mo*.na, — Napier. Friends, Te Kooti is at AVaikare. Major Cumming will inform you more fully. Sufficient. Te Makaeini. Major Cumming. Paeaone. Sub-Enclosure 4 to Enclosure 5 in No. 47. Te Makarini to Tamihana, to Paora, to Major Cumming. Friends, — If you are not coming let Rawiri be brought; who knows what may happen. Sufficient. To Tamihana, Paora, and Major Cumming. Te Makarini.

Enclosure 6 in No. 47. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Inspector Cumming. Sir— Napier, 11th July, 1871. Your letter of the 9th instant, with its enclosures, reached me last night by Major AVithers, and I hasten to inform you as to the course it is desired you should adopt. Enclosed are despatches, which you will please forward without delay to the officer commanding at Poverty Bay, who has instructions to send on to Major Ropata the information respecting Te Kooti. You will, as soon as possible after receipt of this, arrange for temporarily occupying Tiki Tiki with a party of the Constabulary force under your command, and a small body of Natives. Enclosed is a letter to Tamihana Huata and Te Hapimana, asking them to send some of their men with the Europeans. You will please take the necessary measures for carrying out these instructions, bearing in mind that the occupation is temporary and intended as a support to the Urewera. It is extremely improbable that Te Kooti will have remained at AVaikare, but of course if he should have done so, you would use any means at your command in endeavouring to capture him. You are aware that he has scarcely any followers, and is not in a position in any way to oppose even a small party of armed men. It will be advisable you should communicate at once on arrival at Waikare-Moana the information you gather, and further instructions will then be forwarded. Be good enough to state to the Urewera that the N Government, in sending up a force to support them, claim their assistance against Te Kooti, in terms of the arrangement concluded here, that when Te Kooti came into their boundaries, they would hand him over to the Government. I have, &e, Inspector Cumming, Armed Constabulary, J. D. Ormond. Commanding District, Wairoa.

Enclosure 7 in No. 47. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (A., 93—C. 4). Armed Constabulary Inspector's Office, Sir,— Te AVairoa, 14th July, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of yours of 11th instant, and have to inform you that on the evening of the Bth, a woman named " Abigail," who is amongst the list of people sent by Makarini, as being taken by Te Kooti, arrived from the lake. She denies that Te Kooti has been there, and that she, or any of those named had been taken. Makarini's messenger (Rawiri) state* that she is telling lies, and she says the same of Makarini, and, to prove her statement correct, started for the lake alone, to bring down the very people said to be taken away. It is hard to say which party is telling the truth; but Tamihana, Hapimana, and all the Natives here believe the woman. She ought to return to-morrow, when I will send by the orderly the result of her mission. The weather has broken again, and Hapimana and the others have not come down, but I will lose no time in getting up to the Lake. Mr. Drummond has not yet arrived; the men of the Armed Constabulary who were with him deny that any Native entered their camp till they met some Poverty Bay Natives pig hunting, near Turanga ; so, as I imagined, Te Kooti's taking tea with Mr. Drummond is a fable. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, G. J. Cumming, Inspector A.C, General Government Agent, Napier. Commanding Te Wairoa. 11

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Enclosure 8 in No. 47. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Ormond, (A., 94—C. 4). Armed Constabulary Inspector's Office, Sie — Te AVairoa, 16th July, 1871. I have the honor to inform you, that after considerable difficulty I have arranged with the Natives here to proceed to Titikiki to-day, (strength as per note)*. Pack horses for carrying stores are engaged at 6s. 3d. per diem; the drivers (three) to be rationed at Government expense. Ten days rations per man are supplied by Mr. Carter at ll|d. per ration. I had great difficulty in arranging about the amount of pay the Natives should receive, but finally I gained my point, that they should get the same pay as the Ngatiporou ; and as I am not aware what that is, will you kindly inform me. "Abigail," the Native woman who went to the Lake (see letter A., 93 —C. 4), has not yet returned, but just now Tamihana has brought to me a man named Hirini, who has just arrived from the Lake. Hirini gave mo a match box containing sixty-eight percussion caps, which ho states Te Kooti gave him to forward to Government, as he (Te Kooti) would not be a receiver of stolen goods ; and as he got them from Makirini he was sure they were such. Hirini further states that he crossed Te Kooti, and all his people, in two canoes from Paetai to Marau ; that there were about forty men, women and children. He thinks thirty of them could fight, but does not think all were armed. Te Kooti stated to Hirini that he was going to Tauranga to take back a section of the Ngaiterangi, but this he says he does not believe. The men whom Makarini says were taken by Te Kooti joined him of their own accord, as they were connected with the cap stealing; and Te Kooti told them he wished to have nothing to do with them, and wanted to send them away. Altogether the statements are so contradictory that I think it is time a post was established at Waikare-Moana, to ascertain facts. Tamihana writes to you by orderly. Perhaps you may learn something more from him. I will only go as far as Turiroa to-night, and push on to-morrow. I have, &c, G. J. Cumming, Inspector A.C., His Honor J. D. Ormond, Commanding Te AVairoa General Government Agent, Napier.

Enclosure 9 in No. 47. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Inspector Cumming. Sir,— Napier, 19th July, 1871. Your letter of the 16th instant reached me last evening, and from the information it contained there can be no doubt Te Kooti has been at Waikare-Moana. The woman Abigail, as I expected, was sent by Te Kooti to put us off the scent, and it is a pity she was allowed to go back to the Lake, as no doubt she will have taken Te Kooti information as to your movements. The information given by Te Kooti about the rifle caps is rather in Makarini's favor, as showing there is no good will between them, and certainly Makirini has acted loyally in at once giving information when Te Kooti appeared in his district, which he would not have done had he desired to shield him. As Tamihana Huata's letter shows considerable animus against Makarini, you will please moderate, as far as possible, the tone of the Wairoa Natives, as the wish of the Government is rather to cement friendly relations with the Urewera than to estrange them. With regard to the action of the force under your command, you must, of course, be guided by circumstances. My opinion is, that Te KNioti will retire from the Lake district on your advance, and it is important speedy information should be received as to the direction he goes in. Respecting the arrangements made by you as to the pay of the Natives employed, the same are satisfactory, and I will make inquiry and acquaint you as to the pay of the Ngatiporou; meantime, you can inform the Natives they will receive the same pay as Ropata's men, whatever it may be. I have, &e, Inspector Cumming, Armed Constabulary, J. D. Ormond. Commanding District, Wairoa.

No. 4S. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. S IE) — Colonial Defence Office, Wellington, 27th July, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, dated 30th June, Ist July, and 21st July, 1871, enclosing various reports and letters relative to the present expedition under Major Ropata, as well as a copy of the diary kept by Captain Porter. The plan adopted by Major Ropata, of having four scouting parties converging on one spot, gives greater likelihood of the discovery of hiding places, and inspires more confidence than if they were in small bodies. It is also very difficult at a distance to limit the strength of an expedition required to move through such a country as the Urewera during the winter, and the numbers must be very much left to the discretion of the officer commanding. * Armed Constabulary—2 Officers, 2 Sergeants, 14 Constables; total 18. Natives—2 Officers, 2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 28 Privates; total, 35.

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I quite concur with you in the remarks you make touching the energy and determination displayed by Eopata and his men. The record of his expedition in January last, as given in Captain Porter's diary, and the reports of his present march, evince an indomitable perseverance not often surpassed. I also concur with you in your appreciation of the services rendered by Captain Porter. His diary, a most interesting one, and vividly pourtraying difficulties and hardships attendant on bush warfare in the interior, will be printed. I have no doubt that if Te Kooti's band was anywhere about "Waikare-Moana, when Major Cumming moved, that officer's advance will have had the effect of adding to the chances of its coming across one of Major Eopata's scouting parties; but in such a country it is impossible to calculate even upon the probability of a capture which has hitherto evaded all efforts. The Government feels deeply indebted to yourself for the able manner in which you have directed the operations in that part of the country, resulting as they have done not only in establishing confidence on the part of out-settlers in the East Coast District, but in anticipating contemplated attacks on Poverty Bay and elsewhere that might have proved disastrous. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier, Donald McLean.

No. 49. Inspector Roberts to the Under Secretary for Defence. District Office, Sir,— Tauranga, 26th July, 1871. I have the honor to forward the attached report for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister. Captain Mair reports that owing to his being suddenly ordered into the Urewera country, he has not been able to furnish the map referred to in his report, but will do so on his return. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, J. M. Roberts, Inspector A.C., Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Tauranga District.

Enclosure in No. 49. Captain Mair to the Officer Commanding Tauranga District. Sir, — Camp Kaiteriria, July 11, 1871. I have the honor to make the following report for the information of the Government. I left Kaiteriria on May 23rd, with fifty-four men, met Captain Preece, on 24th, with sixty-six men. Started from Fort Galatea on 25th, and reached Ahikereru on 26th. Sent letters to the Urewera at once, and followed next day. 20 men a-head with hatchets clearing the road, which was nearly impassable through fallen trees and heavy undergrowth. Surprised an Urewera named Whiripo, at Manawahiwi, and camped for the night in the Okahu Gorge. 28th. —Heavy frost, very cold wading the rivers ; ascended the Tarapounamu range and reached Tahuaroa, overlookiug Ruatahuna, at 1 p.m. Descended to Oputao, and camped. Raining heavily all night and next day, rivers too flooded to march, and no shelter obtainable. 30th.—Reached Tatahoata at 10 a.m.; were well received by Paerau, Whenuarui, Te Haunui, Te Ahikaiata, and the Ruatahuna people, who had all assembled upon receiving our letters. June Ist and 2nd.—Spent in korero, the Urewera declining to assist in the capture of Te Kooti, but pledging themselves to prevent his passing through their country, or taking refuge in it, They stated that this is the first time for many years that they have been at peace with the Europeans ; hitherto they have lived in caves and holes in the ground, but now their only desire is to live in peace and give their undivided attention to building houses and planting food, and as a proof of their sincerity, they invited us to go through the whole of their country. 3rd. Heavy Easterly gale, rivers still too high to march. Buried the remains of Capt. Travers and four men, who fell in the attack on Tatahoata, in Ma)-, 1869. Received a letter from Kereru, written from Maungapowhatu, telling us to go back ; Paerau told us to pay no heed to it, but to go on. 4th. Marched at dawn, travelled over very rough ground and camped at the foot of Huiarau. sth. Ascended Huiarau through dense fog and sleet. Struck the Waikare-Moana Lake at Hereheretaunga near Mahungarerewai. Crossed to Tikitiki in the whaleboats and two canoes. Met Te Makarini and his people at Waitohi at 4.30 p.m., and received a warm welcome. 6th. Crossed to Onepoto, and Captain Preece, with eighteen men went down to Te Wairoa for provisions. 7th to 15th. Scouting the surrounding country and visiting the settlements on the lake. Six Chatham Islanders, who left Te Kooti last spring, brought us great quantities of fat pigeons and kakas. Captain Preece returned on the 13th. Heavy gale, boats nearly swamped in crossing the Lake. Had to wait at Te Onepoto till night of the 14th before we could get back. 16th. Crossed the men to Whanganui and started up the Haupuruwahine River. Heavy rain and snow, very cold.

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17th. Continued our course up the river bed, over huge irregular boulders, up waterfalls, and over detached pieces of white and blue quartz, the river sometimes up to the armpits. Men suffered much from cold, and had great difficulty in keeping their ammunition dry. 18th. Ascended the Putaihinu range, and followed it till noon, when we descended into Toreatai Valley at Maungapowhatu ; climbed a high hill to Te Kakari Settlement, where we took about fifty of the Ngatihuri by surprise. At first they were so bewildered they did not know what to do, fight or run, till assured of our intentions. However we were soon on good terms, and shared their houses for the night. 20th —Marched six miles to Tauaki, the principal village in Maungapowhatu. It is a good large pa, on a fine commanding position. Here we met Tamaikowha, Te Puehu, Te Purewa, Te Makarini, and the whole of the Ngatihuri. After a long talk, the Ngatihuri promised to give no further assistance to Te Kooti; but said they were not clear about Kereopa, as the word of the Government was not known with regard to him. They professed to know nothing about him, but we saw his wife, and Kereru left the pa about two hours before our arrival, I believe to get him out of harm's way. They sent two messengers after Te Kooti to get Tamaikowha's breach-loader, and to bring back the four Urewera, who still remain with him. 21st.—Snow falling heavily, and all our rations being expended, we decided to start for Opotiki, as it would be impossible to cross the Rangikapua and Kahunui ranges and get to Te Wera ; climbed the Kirakau range, and camped for the night at Opokere, where we got a few potatoes. 22nd.—Got to Tawhana settlement at twelve; forded the AVaimana twenty-eight times, and camped at Tauwharemanuka, in Tamaikowha's large house, Te Puni, built to entertain Hoani Ngamu and party, from Ohiwa, in March last. 23rd. —Marched down the river all day, crossing it thirty-eight times; slept at Te AVaimana settlement. 24th. —No food all day ; reached Ohiwa at dark ; got to Opotiki next day. Received instructions from the Hon. the Defence Minister not to go up the Waioeka, bulo get the men into winter quarters at once. Left Opotiki on 30th; got to Maketu on 3rd July; left on sth, men carrying tools for road works ; arrived at Kaiteriria on the 7th, having been absent forty-six days, during which time the men had marched about three hundred miles. The fact of a small force having passed through the whole of the Urewera country, in so short a time, and during the worst months of the year, ought to teach them that their wild country will not save them from punishment, should they continue in rebellion; while their being brought into contact with Europeans, cannot fail to have a beneficial effect, and do away with the dread and mistrust with which long seclusion has taught them to look upon us. Many of the Urewera have never seen the sea, and hardly ever a white man. The Maungapowhatu Natives are a wild, restless set, with large shaggy heads of hair, and clad in mats made from the coarse fibres of the toi (cordyline indivisa) —they bore but small resemblance to civilised beings. But their condition has wonderfully improved already ; large supplies of clothing having been sent to them from the coast by the friendly Natives ; and the desire for peace is general, and sincere. The Urewera country may be called the New Zealand Tyrol. It is one mass of mountains, scarcely an acre of level land, and densely wooded with the sombre black birch (Fagus Solandri). I saw no indications of gold, except quartz boulders, in the Houpuruwahine river. Maungapowhatu is a long range, the southern extremity resting on AVaikare Lake ; the north terminating in a frowning cliff, about 4,000 feet high, bare to the summit. A remarkable peak—Taratu te Maungaroa—is the burial place of all the Urewera chiefs. AVhile at Waikare, I discovered the existence of a large lake, lying to tho north-east about fifteen miles, named Waikare Iti. Two large streams run from it into Waikare, ono at Mokau, and the other at Whanganui-a-parua; very little is known of this lake. The old men told me that it was famous for the enormous quantities of duck ; the great grebe of the south (Podiceps cristalus) also abounds there One arm runs near the Papuni, and the Urewera say that if Te Kooti is driven from Haupapa and Te Wera, he will hide there. I attach an estimate of the Urewera tribe. Children are very numerous ; as a rule, they are very healthy, but I observed a great many cases of " goitre"—a huge swelling of the throat and neck. It is a disease common to the inhabitants of mountainous countries. Hapurona accompanied the force. His knowledge of the country, and influence with the Urewera, was of great assistance to us. Paerau, Te Makarini, and Tamaikowha behaved particularly well. Te Makarini keeps the Government boats at AVaikare in good order. I would recommend that he be allowed to raise the two large boats which were sunk by Colonel Herrick. They might be of use some day, and could always be got back from tho Natives if wanted; if left in the water much longer, they will be worthless Te Makarini promised to take the six Chatham Islanders at Waikare out to Te Wairoa in a short time. I saw about ninety stand of arms in possession of the Urewera, principally rifles and good doublebarrelled guns. I beg to attach a rough sketch map of the Urewera country, and a plan of the Waikare-Moana Lake. I have, &c, Gilbert Mair, Captain, The Officer Commanding Tauranga District, Commanding Arawa Flying Column. Tauranga.

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Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 49. ESTIMATE of the Number of the UREWERA TRIBE.

No. 50. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. Defence Minister. Sir, — Napier, 7th August, 1871. I have the honor herewith to enclose a letter from Inspector Cumming, with information from the Lake AVaikare-Moana to the 2nd instant, from which it would appear that Te Kooti has gone back to the bush, although there is no very definite information on the subject. I also enclose letters from Te AVhenuanui and Makarini, which show that the Urewera are acting up to the arrangement made with them here. I gather from Inspector Cumming's letter that little will be attempted until the arrival of the force under Captains Preece and Mair, or that under Major Ropata. It is, I think, quite possible the latter will arrive at the Lake first, as the road from Ruatahuna, where the Arawa Contingent is, is and has been barred for some days past by snow. A strict watch is kept by Inspector Scaunell upon the outlets from the Urewera country, by which Te Kooti might endeavor to escape to AVest Taupo and Waikato. I also forward copies of former correspondence on this subject, which I omitted to notice in the former part of this letter. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, J. IX Ormond. AVellington.

Enclosure 1 in No. 50. Inspector Cumming, A.C., to his Honor J. D. Ormond. Armed Constabulary Inspector's Office, Sir,— Te Wairoa, 27th July, 1871. I have the honor to report that I arrived at AVaikare-Moana about noon on Sunday, tho 23rd instant, having been detained three days at Te Ariki by floods and the weather. Immediately on arriving at the Lake we lighted a fire as a signal for Makarini to come across. In a short time a canoe put off about three miles to the right of Onepoto and made for the fire, at the same time we could see a canoe leave Tikitiki; the canoe from the right landed first (my men being kept out of sight), there were two hardy-looking Natives with it. They, when questioned about Te Kooti, stated that ten of TeJKooti's men had crossed the Lake the previous night, and gone to AVhanganui-o-Parau, up one of the arms of the Lake, with some sick people, and they expected they would return during the night. They wished to go away to bring their families, but I would not let them go till Makarini came over. On his arrival he informed us that if not actually Te Kooti's men they were spies, and if let go would inform him of our movements, so I have kept them. Makarini looks bad and dejected, but was delighted at our arrival. The man Hirini, who brought the caps, is a Chatham Islander, and one of Te Kooti's best friends ; him also I have kept. The woman went back to Te Kooti, and is now living with him as his wife, so that Hapimana and the Wairoa Natives are quite satisfied that Makarini is true. Makarini stopped with us till about 8 p.m., when he went back to Tikitiki with Captain McDonnell and six Natives. All Makarini's people have gone to Te Kooti except five lads. I advised Makarini to send round to all the people about the Lake for those who were for the Government to come to him, and those who did not would be considered as Te Kooti's men and treated accordingly. He said it was good, and he would do it. The whole population about the Lake are favourable to Te Kooti, and give him every information and assistance. Ido not think if Makarini's statement is true 12

Place or Kainga. Eapu or Sub-Tribe. Names of Chiefs. Men. Women Children. Grand ToUl. .hikereru Warahoe 10 6 8 tuatalrana iVaikare-Hoana... T Ngatihoraarube i Ngatirongo ( Ngaiteriu f Ngatiruapani i. Ngatimatewai Te ILiunui Paerau Te Whenuanui Te Aliikiiiata Te Makarini Te Harau Mokonuiarangi Te Puehu Te Purewa and ... Kereru j 50 30 48 40 34 2G "e Kakari laungapowhatu 'auaki and Opokere 'awhana 'auwharemanuka 'e Waimana 1 Ngatihuri Ngatirongo and ... Mahurehure 15 20 8 17 lit 8 11 3 5 Ngaitama Ngatikuri ] Tamaikowha ■10 18 27 173 173 114 4G0 G] Commaii1 LBKItT ding Ar; VIair, C i\va Flyii laptain, ng Colu: Kaiteriria, 11th J 1871. mn.

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that Te Kooti can have been at Euatahuna on the 15th. He is somewhere about Oraarau, he flits ;\bout from One part to another, but generally lands about there. The night of our arrival fires were seen under the Bluff Panekiri, which Makarini declared to be Te Kooti; this I doubt, but that he is about the Lake I have no doubt. My present plans are, 30 men at Tikitiki, 20 at Onepoto, and I came down to try and get some 10 or 20 more Natives to occupy Te Kiwi. This post must be occupied to ensure the safety of the packmen with food, they would have to go from Te Kiwi with the pack horses, hand over the rations at Onepoto, and return the same day ; it is absolutely necessary that an escort should accompany the horses, as it is a most dangerous road and open to Te Kooti for ambuscades at any time. Tamihana cannot give me any more men, so I am taking seven Armed Constabulary up to Te Kiwi aud must trust to them. I have directed a bridge to be replaced, which has been washed away, on Colonel Herrick's road under Gentle Annie, when this is done the track will not be so dangerous. Had I been aware of the nature of the country about the Lake, and especially of the situation of Tikitiki and Onepoto, I would certainly have taken the 100 men that Hapimana suggested; they would not be one too many to hold with safety the three posts, and be able to make a dash. At all events, pending vour instructions or a chance occurring this is what I will do for the present. As usual the Commissariat arrangements on first starting are at fault, but I think I have got all in proper training now. I hoped to get Tamihana to canoe from Te Kapu to Te Ariki, but his terms were so exorbitant that I would not agree with him, and must therefore pack by the Hinepaka Valley from Turiroa. The Government boat, which would have been of great service, is useless, and Mr. Down, boatbuilder, states cannot be repaired. I have one Armed Constabulary at Turiroa to receive stores from Wairoa, two at Te Ariki to receive and forward, and on Monday will have seven at Te Kiwi to escort pack-horses to the Lake, leaving here only six at Wairoa and five at Te Kapu. I applied to the Commissioner for ten more men, there is plenty of work for twice that number in this district. I enclose for your consideration an application from Dr. Scott for an appointment, aud if you intend we are to occupy the Lake for some time I would beg to recommend it. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, G. J. Cumiiixg, Inspector, A.C., General Government Agent, Napier. Commanding Te Wairoa.

Enclosure 2 in No. 50. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Inspector Cumming. Sir,— Napier, 31st July, 1871. I am in receipt of your letter of the 27th instant, informing me that the force under your command is in occupation of Tikitiki and Onepoto, and that you believe Te Kooti to be at a place called Whanganui-o-Parau, on AVaikare-Moana Lake ; also, that you had returned to AVairoa to arrange for the occupation of Te Kiwi, for the protection of the people who take up your supplies. As you say nothing of any intention to examine AVhanganui-o-Parau, or follow up Te Kooti, I judge that you deem he is in some strength, although I cannot see where he can have got a following from. It appears to me more likely that Te Kooti will have bolted into the bush than that he will threaten your communication with AVairoa. At any rate, lam glad you have occupied Te Kiwi with a lew Constabulary in place of taking more Natives on pay. I entirely approve the course you have taken in securing Hirini and the other two spies from Te Kooti. You will please keep them in custody; also, the directions you have given that those Natives who are not favorable to Te Kooti should at once join Makarini at Tikitiki, where they can be kept under surveillance. Captains Preece and Mair, who have been detained at Taupo by floods, and are now at Ahikereru, have been this day advised of the information contained in your letter, and instructed to make at once for Waikare-Moana. On their arrival every exertion must be used to find Te Kooti, or his tracks, and follow him. It is most probable that when pressed he will try and make through tho bush towards either Runanga or Tarawera, and a sharp look out will be kept on that side. I do not add more, but hope at an early date to hear the force from Taupo has joined you, and that energetic measures have been adopted. There are eight men of the Armed Constabulary from Wellington here for Wairoa, and will leave for there in the " Hero " on Tuesday. I shall be obliged by your cautioning the officer in charge at AVairoa that the orderlies who come here with despatches generally seem to know all the information they bring, which is speedily circulated. I have, &c, Inspector Cumming, Armed Constabulary, J. _). Ormond. Commanding District, Wairoa.

Enclosure 3 in No. 50. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — Onepoto, AVaikare-Moana, Ist August, 1871. I have the honor to report my return to the Lake early on the 30th ultimo. The weather had been so bad (a gale of wind and constant rain) that little or nothing could be done during my absence. Makarini managed to get over from Tikitiki on Saturday ; he has now fifteen men, and as you will see by the enclosed letter from Whenuanui that he will be here from Ruatahuna in a day or two, and

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will bring some more men, so that together they will be able to muster enough to protect themselves, I will not therefore for the present divide my party till the whereabouts of Te Kooti is ascertained; communication with Tikitiki is very uncertain, and a small party here could be so easily cut off that it would be very injudicious, I consider, to give Te Kooti a chance; my Natives, too, are averse to being divided. The Natives, as per note,* have come in with their families ; they are AVairoa people; Simeon (the chief) joined Te Kooti when he first landed from the Chathams, and was with him till Ngatapa, where, having lost the most of his men, he left; he did not see Te Kooti again till the other day, when Makarini w Trote about his being at the Lake. He, Te Kooti, .had then twenty men with him, and fifteen men and eight women have joined him since, so that Te Kooti has still some thirty-five men. Makarini confirms this statement of Simeon's. Hirini is still with us, and has got Makarini to send for his (Hirini's) people. When they arrive I will send them and Simeon's lot to AVairoa. The weather having cleared a little yesterday morning I sent off a scouting party, European and Native, in a canoe; they went up the Whanganui-o-Parau arm of the Lake, and came on two large canoes moored (not at any settlement), landed and found tracks of a number of people having come there in the canoes. The tracks looked as if after landing they had scattered ; from the heavy rains the age of the tracks could not be well made out, but Hapimana and Read think at least a week old. We suppose they separated on landing, to rendezvous at some appointed place. A rifle stock, broken at the lock and useless was found. Makarini recognises the broken rifle as one he saw with Pirihi (one of Te Kooti's men) ; he says it was accidentally broken in a canoe; the party went some distance inland, but could make out nothing further ; they returned about 5 p.m., bringing the largest canoe, being unable to bring both all the way, the weather having become worse than ever, and continues so with very short cessations ; the second canoe I will secure the first fine day, they will be very useful, as the boat has been injured and will be no use till repaired, and I fear she is hardly worth the expense. Whenuanui says nothing in his letter of the 26th ultimo about Te Kooti being at Ruatahuna on the 15th, which he would surely have done if it had been the case. I hope Te Kooti is not drawing us all to the Lake to enable him to make a dash at some of the settlements. He was very anxious to get as many men as he could from here, and must have some object in view. -Makarini and Simeon think Te Kooti is still about the Lake, but whereabouts they cannot say. 2nd August. —Immediately after Te Kooti's arrival at the Lake he despatched two men with a letter to the king. I enclose a letter from Makarini, and one for Tareha. I do not remember anything else of importance. I have, &c, Geo. J. Cumming, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Inspector, A.C. General Government Agent, Napier. Hapimana has just brought his letter, which I enclose. —G.J.C. Sub-enclosure 1 to Enclosure 3 in No. 50. Ruatahuna, 26th July, 1871 To AVaikare-Moana. To Te Makarini and Major Cumming,— Salutations to you both. We have received your letters to us, and our word to you is, be strong in resisting Te Kooti, aud turning him away from our district, and rescuing our young people from him. AVe are on our way to your assistance. Te Whenuanui, Paeeau, and Te Ahikaiata.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 3 in No. 50. To Mr. Ormond, Napier,— Te Onepoto (Waikare), Ist August, 1871. Friend, salutations to you, who has saved me at this evil time. Friend, I have heard of your and Mr. M'Lean's kind enquiries for me from Major Cumming, and my word to you is you are not forgotten by myself and Te Whenuanui. Friend, we, Europeans and Natives, saw Te Kooti on the 23rd July. On the 31st the canoes were taken, and one gun. Ido not know that Te Kooti has left, but think he is still about here. Here is my word to you, that you agree to have a carpenter come and mend the boat, as it is broken j if you agree to this some planks will be necessary to mend her. The boat is the only safe thing in high winds, the canoes cannot venture in. To Mr. Ormond, Napier. Makarini te Whaeehuia. * Simeon, Tamati, Aporo, Hemi Tihi, Rupapera, (Simeon's father), three women and five children.

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Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure 3 in No. 50. To Te Moana (Tareha),— Te Onepoto, Ist August, 1871. Friend, salutations to you. lam guarding our house so that it will not be broken into. Friend, I have received your letter, and seen the contents of it. Te Kooti is still at Waikare. The Europeans and we are convinced of this. AVe have taken some canoes and one gun. I have forwarded on your and Mr. Ormond's letter to Ruatahuna, to our friends. The messenger has returned, and Te Whenuanui is following him. To Te Moana (Tareha). Makaeini te Wharehuia.

No. 51. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Defence Ministee. Sie,— Napier, 7th August, 1871. I have the honor to enclose a report from Captain Porter of the Ngatiporou Expeditionary Force from Te AVera, from which you will observe the men have undergone unusual hardships (ending in some cases fatally) from the severity of the weather, exposure, and want of food; notwithstanding this the whole force, and especially Major Ropata, expressed themselves both willing and desirous of continuing the service they have undertaken. As reported to you by telegraph yesterday, Major Ropata arrived here on that day by the steamer " Napier," the object of his visit being to obtain the assent of the Government to transferring his men by steamer to AVairoa from Poverty Bay, where they expected to arrive yesterday. In conformity with the authority convoyed in your telegram of yesterday, I arranged with Major Ropata to return at once to Poverty Bay and bring his force by the " Napier " to Wairoa, and that will in all probability be done by to-night; Major Ropata will then be within three days march of Waikare-Moana, and will lose no time in getting there. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, AVellington. J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 51. Captain Poetee to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sie, — Militia Office, Gisborne, 3rd August, 1871. In continuation of my report of the 14th ultimo, relating to movements of the Ngatiporou expedition, under Major Ropata, I have the honor to inform you that I started from the Camp Ormond on 23rd, with twenty men, for the purpose of carrying despatches to Major Ropata, conveying information of Te Kooti's movements. We marched by Makihoi, experiencing wet weather throughout, and succeeded in falling in with Major Ropata, near " Te AVera," on the 28th. Major Ropata reports having left Te Haupapa on the 14th July, and by a forced march, succeeded in crossing the range in one day, and reached Omapara, near Te AVera, on the 15th; from there kokiris were sent out in various directions, and the bush thoroughly searched. Three small plantations of potatoes were discovered near Te Wera, but no indications of any one having visited the spot since the passage through of our expedition in January last. Major Ropata is convinced that neither Te Kooti nor any of his people have revisited Te Wera since their dispersion by us at Te Haupapa. Several small parties of the force have been out in search of a species of bush food called Mauku; and, owing to the density of the forest, were for some days astray. One man, named Hirini Tauru, was missing for upwards of fourteen days, and is supposed to have perished. His companion came back to camp, after five days absence, and stated that Hirini and himself separated, owing to their being unable to agree as to the track back to camp. One man, of another party, was found by a detachment sent in search, with his head in the fork of a tree, and his limbs frozen and swollen, and every endeavor was used to resuscitate him, but when I left it was a matter of uncertainty as to whether he would recover or not. The whole force have suffered much from want of food, and from being encumbered with sick men. All those unable to march are left behind at Te Wera, in charge of a small party of ten men. In conclusion, I have to report that the force at the present (in pursuance of your instructions, conveyed in letter of 25th July) are on their way out of the bush, but are perfectly willing to continue any further operations, if desired by the Government. Major Ropata, being desirous of personally consulting with you, purposes going to Napier, on return of s.s. " Napier " to this port. I have, &c, J. D. Ormond, Esq., T. AY. Portee, Captain, General Government Agent, Napier. Adjutant, East Coast District.

No. 52. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Defence Minister. Sie,— Napier, 11th August, 1871. I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Inspector Cumming, reporting the arrival at Lake AVaikare-Moana of the Native Contingent, under Captains Mair and Preece. The weather had been so severe that active operations had been impracticable, although it was believed Te Kooti was still at the Lake.

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I also enclose copy of a letter I addressed to Inspector Cumming, after having arranged with Major Ropata to proceed to the Lake with Ngatiporou. As you will observe, I have requested Inspector Cumming to dispense with the services of the Wairoa Natives, now on pay, and otherwise reduce the expenditure as quickly as possible. As I have reported by telegraph, Major Ropata lost no time in getting his men transported from Gisborne to Wairoa, and at once marched for Waikare-Moana, the force proceeding by two different routes. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 52. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sie, — Onepoto, sth August, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, and have delivered your message to Hapimana and Makarini. You will see by my letters of the Ist instant that as soon as the weather permitted steps were taken to examine Whanganui-o-Parau, and the results ; since then nothing could possibly be done either by land or water, a gale on the Lake, and rain so heavy on land, that after a few hours' exposure to it five out of nine Snider cartridges in one man's pouch would not go off. Makarini had to remain here from Monday night till yesterday morning before he could get over. Your letter of the Ist instant reached last night, and this morning Captains Preece and Mair came over with Captain McDonnell, who with 20 men went over to Tikitiki with Makarini. I will have sufficient food to keep all alive till more is received. No operations can be undertaken at present, the snow is at least four inches deep all over the country, and tracks could not be seen. Captains Preece and Mair prefer leaving their men on the other side, as the prevailing wind would take them easier from there to AVhanganui-o-Parau. You may depend that as soon as it is at all practicable, every possible means will be taken to find Te Kooti, but I fear without results. The bad weather, during which we can do nothing, is taken advantage of by Te Kooti's friends, and information given him of our forces and their intentions, so that by the time we can act, he will have made his arrangements. I have heard that the two canoes and rifle we found at AVhanganui-o-Parau are a blind, that a few people were landed there, who went on for some distance and returned (backwards) to the canoes, which conveyed them to some other part of the Lake and were brought back to the place where the tracks were made by a third canoe, belonging to friends of Te Kooti's ; this is possible, but I doubt it. I enclose letters from Captains Preece and Mair, who were fortunate to get here before yesterday's snow storm. There is nothing of consequence to add . I am sorry to say that in spite of all I can do, and a seeming friendship between them, Hapimana and Makarini hate each other cordially ; I must say I believe Makarini to be the more straightforward of the two. Both Preece and Mair agree with me that this is the side of the Lake to occupy as a post, and not Tikitiki; nearly at any time you can come from Tikitiki here, but only at times from here to there. I have received instructions to strike Captain Stopford off pay, but as this would leave Te Wairoa without any officer I will let it remain in abeyance for the present, as on him I depend for supplies, Ac. I will not detain the orderly longer as there is nothing of interest to write about. The cold is intense. I have, &c, His Hon. J. D. Ormond, G. J. Cumming, Inspector A.C., General Government Agent, Commanding Expedition, Waikare-Moana. Napier. P.S. —I enclose a letter from Maraki. Hapimana and Makarini are still at Tikitiki.—G.J.C.

Enclosure 2 in No. 52. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Inspector Cumming. Sie,— Napier, Bth August, 1871. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist instant, written after your return to the Lake. I note that the weather had been unusually severe, as it has been everywhere ; from that cause the force under Captains Mair and Preece will no doubt have been prevented from joining you, but the fine weather which commenced here yesterday will, I hope, have extended to the Lake district when I trust active measures will be taken to ascertain Te Kooti's whereabouts, and to follow him up! Before this will reach you, Major Ropata and the Ngatiporou expeditionary force will, I espect, have arrived at Wairoa, and be on their way to the Lake. Major Ropata believes Te Kooti will be hiding somewhere in the neighborhood of Waikare-Moana. I arranged with him to confer with you on his arrival at the Lake, but if Te Kooti has made off he will at once follow him. I represented to Major Ropata that when his force arrived it would be unnecessary to continue the expense of retaining the Constabulary and Wairoa Natives at the Lake, but he suggested the decision of that might stand over till his arrival, when you and ho could confer, and if there was no pressing necessity for your present force remaining, then it could return, and the cost of the operations at the Lake be materially reduced thereby. You will please bear in mind that the expenditure now being incurred at Waikarelo

E.—No. 1

50

PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER

Moana is very great, and unless very strong reasons exist requiring the detention on pay of the Wairoa Natives, it is the wish of the Government their services should be dispensed with as early aa possible. I shall wish to hear from you what is determined on after the arrival of Major Eopata and the Ngatiporou. The different Native letters enclosed in yours of the Ist were duly received. You will be good enough to inform Hapimana and Makarini I have not time to write to them by this mail. In your letter of the Ist, you state two messengers were despatched from Waikare-Moana to the Maori King with letters from Te Kooti. Will you please ascertain the names of the messengers, and the route by which they went, and inform me. I also wish to know if Maika, and the five other Chatham Island prisoners who were at Tikitiki have rejoined Te Kooti. I have, &c, Inspector Cumming, &c, "Waikare-Moana. J. D. Oemokd.

No. 53. His Honor J. D. Oemond to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. Sie, — Napier, 17th p\ugust, 1871. Having sent the purport of the correspondence received from Major Cumming and. Captain Mair, I now have the honor of forwarding copies of the documents referred to in the telegrams. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 53. Captain Maie to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sir, — \\ Taikare-Moana, Bth -\ugust, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that for the last few days we have been employed in scoutin« the country surrounding tho Lake in search of Te Kooti's trail. Captain Preece and myself started the day before yesterday with forty men from Whanganui-o-Parau. Captain Preece with twenty men followed a trail from the Lake over Ngamoko Range, and found Te Kooti's camp near AVhataroa. I followed the other trail in the direction of Waikare-iti Lake, then towards Wbataroa till it joined the track taken by Captain Preece. I returned last night, bringing with me three large canoes, which Te Kooti had carefully concealed in Whanganui-o-Parau, evidently with the intention of using them again. I crossed the men to Te Onepoto this morning, and start after Captain Preece at once, as he sent in a man last night saying that he had found fresh tracks. , I have served out SOOlbs. flour and 90!bs. sugar, which is all Major Cumming has up here. Captain McDonaeU, with thirty men, is out in the direction of Whataroa. 2 p.m. Since writing the above Captain Preece has just come in. He slept in some huts which had been occupied by Te Kooti three days before. In the night he heard footsteps, and this morning be was fired on by five or six of Te Kooti's men. He returned their fire, and followed them up some distance over a well-beaten trail, pointing in the direction of Matahukia and Papuni. Captain Preece says Te Kooti appears to have abundance of food in the shape of pigeons, kakas, pigs, hinau berries, &c. The skirmish took place near Papauma, about six miles from Whataroa. We start at once, and will follow the trail. We have about four days provisions. In haste. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Gilbeet Maie, Captain, General Government Agent, Napier. Commanding Native Contingent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 53. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Obmond. Sie,— Onepoto, 10th August, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that the weather having cleared a little on Sunday, the 6th instant, I arranged with Captains Preece and Mair that they should scout Whanganui-o-Parau, and return for food, which was hourly expected. The accompanying report from Captain Mair will explain their movements —the return of Captain Preece, after having been fired on, and of the whole party leaving with about five dajs rations on the 8th instant. Captain McDonnell, with thirty Europeans and Natives, started on Monday morning, 7th, to go by another track towards Whataroa; they heard the shots that passed between Captain Preece and Te Kooti's people on Tuesday ; they were then a long way off, but made towards where they heard the firing, which only lasted a minute. Their food being done on the 9th, Captain McDonnell could not get the Natives to go further. Thought he could hear the barking of dogs a few miles off. They returned here about 4 p.m. yesterday. I received the enclosed letter from Captain Mair late last night. I will not detain the orderly to say more than that I have replied to Preece and Mair, and will send my men after them as soon as food arrives, which I trust will be this morning. I have about twelve men and twenty women and children in camp, who have come in, or been brought- in. I have, &c,

His Honor J. D. Ormond, Geo. J. Cumming, Inspector, A.C. General Government Agent, Napier.

OF REBEL NATIVES, ETC.

51

P.—Ko. 1

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 2 in No. 53. Captain Mair to Inspector Cumming. Te Kooti's Camp, between Whataroa and Matahukia, Sir, — 9th August, 1871. I have the honor to report, for your information, that we reached Te Kooti's camp at 12 o'clock to-day. It appears to have been occupied in the night, and the enclosed letter (translation attached) was found stuck up in one of the huts. The letter appears to have been written by Te Kooti this morning, so he cannot be far off. His letter contains overtures for peace. Will you be good enough to forward it to the Government as soon as possible. There are a number of tracks leading in every direction, and it will be some time before we know which one Te Kooti has retreated by. We divide to-morrow in two parties and scout the country. We send six men with this, please send them back at once. I have, &c, Inspector Cumming, A C, Gilbert Mair, Captain. Commanding Waikare-Moana District.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 2 in No. 53. Te Kooti to the Government. To all the Goveenment, — Friends, this is my word to you. Cease to pursue me, because I am living in my own place in the bush. If I come out to the coast, then chase me ; but this murderous work of yours, is like a rat scratching up filth ; leave off doing so. If you wish to chase me, send some one to get me to come out (to the coast), and we will have a fight there. This would be good. If you (anyone) find this letter, do not hide it, give it to all the chiefs. This is a different word. I thought that peace-making was life, and, also, planting of food ; and I am fulfilling these thoughts, so that they may be completed. Friends, that thought of ours to fight has not yet come to me, but I will shortly fulfil your wishes (fight); be on your guard, and do not say it is murder, for it is not. All. Friends, I sent my children to carry you a letter returning you (sending you back), but you persisted in chasing me; and now do not complain at your death, The names of those children (young men) were Te Hata Tipoki, Epiha, Puairangi, and Patoromu Ruru, and were "Tohia" (a religious ceremony performed at the Native baptism of a child), with the "Tohi," (ceremony) of " Tu," and were fed on the big eye of "Rua," and are children who think a great deal of their land This is all. If you despise these words, who cares. They are for you. From your enemy. Te Tueuki.

No. 54. The Hon. the Defence Ministee to His Honor J. D. Oemond. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 12th August, 1871. Glad that you have heard something definite respecting Te Kooti. His letter is characteristic. If Te Kooti should desire to surrender he could be allowed to do so on no other condition but that of being tried for his crimes. Major Ropata and Captain Mair might use their own discretion as to whether it would be advisable to hold communication with him, but no pledge must be given that his life will be spared. His Honor J. D. Ormond. , Donald McLean.