E—No. 3c

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO

by Major Nelson's division. This Pah was understood to be occupied by Hapurona, \V. Kiugi's fighting chief; was very strong, and surrounded inside by rifle pits and covered passages of the most ingenious construction ; it was destroyed and burnt. The troops then proceeded to the " Huirangi" Pah, about 1200 yards in rear of " Kairau" and close upon the bush, between which Maories were seen pussing to and fro, and before I could get some shells which I had ordered to be thrown into the bush in its roar, it was entered by Ihaia's natives and the advance of Major Nelson's division and found empty. Major Nelson's division then proceeded towards a small Pah to the left, but had not gone a few hundred yards when his advance was fired upon from an ambuscade in the bush. Shot, shell, and rockets were thrown in upon the unseen enemy, who kept up a smart fire, happily with little effect, and as it was impossible to penetrate the dense bush without heavy loss and little gain, and having accomplished what was intended, and burnt the " Huirangi" Pah, as also another small Pah to the right by Major Hutchins, I directed the troops to return to the oamp at Waitara, which they did in perfect order, aud even then the Maories would not shew themselves outside the bush. The casualties were one man missing, supposed killed, and four wounded, mostly slightly. I have only to add that, though disappoiutedjin not finding the rebels in the Pahs, I am informed by Mr. McLean that the destruction of the four Pahs will be attended with very good results ; and I must add that Mr. McLean, who accompanied me, has been of the greatest assistance, as also Mr. Drummond Hay, who, a night or two before our move, reconnoitred the Pahs at considerable risk, and ascertained their position and occupants. The troops of all arms marched during the night through a difficult country in the most excellent order, and the Officers conducted their respective duties in a manner which was all I could wish, and which 1 have not failed to bring to the notice of the Home Authorities. I enclose a tracing of the country which was furnished to each leader of a division, and which will render this Despatch more intelligible. I have, &c, T. S. Pratt, Major-General Commanding. To His Excellency Colonel Gore Browne, C.8., Governor and Commander-in-chief, &c, &c, &c, New Zealand.

No. 33. THE GOVERNOR TO MAJOR-GENERAL PRATT, C.B. Government House, Auckland, 18th September, 18G0. Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters dated Bth and 12th of September, detailing the operations of the Troops under your command, and the destruction of various Pahs belonging to the rebels. I join with you in lamenting that you have been unable to make any seriou3 impression upon them, and am aware that they and the tribes who sympathize with them will construe their escape and the retirement of the Troops into a success on their own part. The season which is about to commence is, however, that in which the Maoris usually occupy themselves in planting, and is the time when they may be most successfully harassed ; I have no doubt therefore that a system of sudden, secret, and constant attack—when and where they least expect it — conducted by energetic Officers confident of support at appointed places—acting with enough of personal responsibility to excite ambition,—will so distress the Natives in your neighbourhood that when their allies return, both parties will be disheartened and glad to end their trouble by submission. I am sure that a force encumbered with baggage can never overtake men so active and so alert as the Maoris have proved themselves to be. The difficulty of carrying out such a system of guerilla warfare with regular troops is no doubt very great, but unless you can effect your object during the ensuing season, the war may be continued indefinitely. I venture to suggest the employment of Officers and Men who are willing to volunteer for this sort of service on being assured of support; and that no exertion should be spared to clear the land round and between the positions you intend , to occupy ;—for this last purpose Natives or settlers might be employed and paid, in the manner you think right. It would be of course absurd to urge you to undertake operations, and, at the same time, suggest the reduction of your force, I beg therefore to say that though I forward Commodore Loring's Letter for your consideration, I shall have no hesitation in requesting that the Naval Brigade may not be removed unless you are satisfied it can be done without interfering with the operations you will doubt'<ess think it necessary to undertake without loss of time. Jcordially agree in your opinion as to the necessity of large reinforcements for the protection of tne settlements generally, and to enable us to meet other combinations which may arise after the planting season is over ; but no reinforcements can place us in a better position than we are in at the present time at Taranaki—where our numbers are considerably in excess of those which the Maoris can

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