E.—No. 3. SECTION I.

I agree in opinion with Mr. Fox, " that it will be no longer prudent to neglect precautions for our safety." With regard to the assessors implicated in the bullet affair, I must leave the Government to decide the proper course. In my opinion it would be unwise to take any immediate action, but very necessary to watch narrowly their future movements. I have the honor to be, &c, Walter Btjller, Resident Magistrate. P.S. —Mr. Hamlin reports that the Turakina Natives are enquiring eagerly at the stores for Marbles. Is there not a proclamation (of 1860) prohibiting their sale to natives ? W. B. (Enclosure 1.) Eangitikei, 13th June, 1863. My Dear Buller, — As you are about to report to the Government the events which have come to your knowledge during the past ten days, and the bearings of which I have personally discussed with you, I think it my duty to state in writing that my own expectations relative to the probability of peace being maintained in this District are greatly modified. The attendance of our leading chiefs at meetings of King natives, the fact of the payment of a debt due from Noah by the King natives of Otaki, the bullet transaction reported by you, and other circumstances, coupled with the false reports circulated among them of the result of the late military operations at Taranaki, lead me to believe that it will be no longer prudent to neglect precautions for our safety. It is my intention to take immediate steps towards the formation of a Volunteer corps, and to obtain arms from Whanganui. The Government is no doubt aware that the small garrison stationed at Whanganui, can afford no protection on this side of the Whanganui river. In case of hostilities we should have practically to abandon the district, the women and children to send into Whanganui; while the male population combined with that at Turakina might possibly (particularly if aided by some military force) form a pretty strong advanced post at the latter place, where there is a village of some dozen houses. I do not propose any more decided step than the obtaining arms for Volunteers, till some more positive indication of hostile action on the part of the natives; but the women and children will have to be removed on the first hint of such occurrence. You will probably convey to the Government the contents of this letter. It would be a very great source of security if a steamer could be laid on between Taranaki and Whanganui, so as to enable us to get news from the former place through some more reliable channel than Maori rumour. Believe me, &c, William Fox. Translation of Enclosure 2. Turakina, 27th May, 1863. My loving friends residing at Whanganui, Wellington, Ahuriri, and all other places. Salutations to you all! These are my words to you respecting what I heard on the 2-lth May, 1863. On the day of our meeting about Eangitikei two men arrived, the name of one was Stephens, the other man's name I do not know. I heard these men report the object of their visit from Taranaki. It is that all the ports may be attacked and (the people) murdered as at Tataraimaka, that war may rage at all points. This my loving friends is a word of caution to you, so that you Pakehas may be on your guard. I have heard that the Ngatiraukawa and the Ngatiawa are going to hold a meeting at Otaki; to decide about Tataraimaka. Listen all you ! my words are true ; these words are for you the Europeans only. Do not acquaint the natives of this, because this is the Maori King's work. The reason of my informing you is love (or compassion). This Maori King has upset this Island. Great is the evil of this name, King. Now my loving friends, when you have seen this statement, let it engage your thoughts lest you be found sleeping. But be on the alert. From your loving friend, Ihakaba Ngariri, Eangiahua. Translation of Enclosure 4. Te Kiritahi, 10th June, 1863. To Ezekiel, to George, to Henry, to John Mason, to Sylvanus, and to all your assembly. My Friend. Listen all of you! Takana Eangitauira of Tataraimaka reports thus. On the 4th day of June war was commenced between the Whanganui natives and the Pakeha (at Tataraimaka). Hori's natives, fifty in number went out from the Pa; Hori Patene gave orders that twenty or thirty should remain in the Pa, while another twenty should go out to the sea shore, and fire upon the steamers. The soldiers from the Barracks seeing this, went out and surrounded them and fired, killing Pita. Hori then cried, "break through !" and the nineteen pushed through, and returned to their Pa, taking the dead man with them. Immediately four hundred soldiers twice told (800) surrounded the Pa. Then the forty nine (natives) fired upon them, but the soldiers succeeded in entering the Pa. Hori Mohi and Te Nuitone Te Koau then called out, " Turn out my lads !" " If we be killed, let it be outside." (Kia ngaro, ngaro ki waho.) They at once turned out and began to fight desperately. Mohi's weapon was a long-handled (tomahawk) and Hori's weapon was a meremere. Mohi killed the first man, Hori the

50

DESPATCHES FROM GOVERNOR SIR G. GREY