E.—No. 5.
ordered to be burnt. On the road, and about a mile nearer Drury, we found a few small whares, and again about three-quarters of a mile further on, some more, which appear to have been used as advanced posts. Still nearer to Drury, and adjoining the road, is Captain Clare's house, which they have gutted. On account of the recent rain we were unable to distinguish the track of the Natives; but they certainly have not taken to the bush north of the line of road, which runs westward. I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the cheerful endurance of the men in this long and heavy march, and to the steadiness and gallantry they showed at the moment when it wasuncertain whether the Natives were gone, or still in the whares. In regard to the Militia, I was particularly struck by their resolute bearing, fresh from town, and some of them quite new to the peculiarities of a New Zealand bush road. On arriving at Drury, the Militia went to the Camp, there, to sleep, and the Wairoa men returned to the Stockade, which they reached about 9 p.m. I understand that many cattle have been on the run in the country traversed by us ; and as we did not see one, I conclude that the Natives have carried them off. I have, &c, William Steele, Lieutenant Commanding, Wairoa Rifle Volunteers. The Honorable the Minister for Colonial Defence. P.S.—Some of the whares were upwards of 100 feet long.
No. 15. ma.or-genebal t. j. galloway to the honorable the minister foe COLONIAL DEFENCE. Head Quarters, Colonial Forces, Auckland, 24th August, 1863. Sir — I have the honor to forward, for the information of Government, the accompanying letter from the Lieut.-General Commanding the Forces, giving cover to a letter from the Officer Commanding at Auckland and Otahuhu. It is a source of much pleasure to me that the conduct and soldierlike bearing of the Force under my command should have merited and called forth such a gratifying mark of apjiroval from the Lieut.-General Commanding in New Zealand. I have, &c, T. J. Galloway, Major-General, Commanding Colonial Forces. The Honorable the Minister for Colonial Defence.
Enclosure to No. 15. LIEUT.-COLONEL HUTCHINS TO MAJOR-GENERAL GALLOWAY. Head Quarters, Queen's Redoubt, 23rd August, 1863. Sir — I am directed by the Lieut.-General Commanding to forward for your information the enclosed copy of a letter which he has received from Colonel Carey, Commanding at Auckland and Otahuhu, and he feels sure that you will feel equally gratified with himself by that Officer's account of the alertness and promptitude displayed by the Volunteers and Militia in repairing to their several posts on the occasion of the alarm being sounded in Auckland on the 20th instant. The Lieut.-General avails himself of this opportunity to express, through you, his approbation of the conduct and services of all the corps of Volunteers and Militia since the outbreak of hostilities in this Province. Having been called out suddenly for service in the field at the most inclement season of the year, encamped at great distances from their homes, and required to perform duties most trying and harassing, even to regular troops, they have been subject to many hardships and privations, which they have endured with a constancy and cheerfulness reflecting the highest credit \\]>ou them. The Lieut.-General requests you will assure the officers and men of the high opinion which he entertains of their conduct and of the value of their services. The Lieut.-General is fully aware how much your personal influence and example have contributed to call forth and encourage this soldierlike spirit on the part of the Militia and Volunteers, and begs you will accept his warm thanks for the timely assistance given by you in accepting your
16
PAPERS RELATING TO