E.-No. 3 .

I have since found out that the native loss is 34 killed and a large number wounded. Two Maories came with a white flag to look for dead bodies, saying, " Peace to day; war to-morrow." I ascertained from them that their intention was to attack Col. Waddy's camp at daylight this morning, in conjunction with another force from Paterangi. They fancied that they had bgen discoverei in the'r ambuscade and consequently fired on the bathers. Ido not think that any chief of note was amongst tham. Te Ao-o-te-Rangi returned this morning from Pikopiko Pa. He found Waikato natives quiet, but Ngatiraukawa and others who have not already suffered were excessively oouacible in their speeches, telling him that they were tired of waiting, intimating that they would commit murders, &c, if the General did not attack their pas. I have to acknowledge with thanks your permission for me to go to town. Under the circumstances I think it would be better for me to remain; anyhow till we get to Rangiaohia. I have, &c. R. C. Mainwaeing. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. No. 24. copy 01* a DESPATCH feom goveenob sic geobge geey, k.c.b., to his geace the duke of NEWCASTLE, K.G. (No. 20.) Government House, Auckland, Fchruary 17, 1864. My Lobd Duke, — I have the honour to transmit, for your Grace's information, a very interesting account which has been written by the chief Wiremu Nero of his visit to the position of tue rebel natives after the occupation of Ngaruawahia by our forces. I have, &c.. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K.G., G. Gbey. &c. &c. <fee. Enclosure in No. 24, ACCOUNT OF WIBEMU NEEO's VISIT TO HAUNGATAUTABT. I started from Raglan and arrived at Whatawhata, and then went to Ngaruawahia, to the General. I expected to Qnd Tametiana and Te Wharepu at Ngaruawahia, and also the Governor, but when I arrived I found that they were not there. When the General heard that pas were being built, he said to us—" I shall go to Whatawhata. Ido not like this place. I thought that when I arrived at " Ngaruawahia it (the war) would end here. Now they are still determined on fighting. I have no " thought about the Waikatos ; the Waikatos are dead (utterly defeated) ; but the Ngatimaniopoto still " survive." 1 replied, " What you say is correct. Perhaps I had better go to Maungatautari." He said " Very " well; it rests with you, only don't say that I sent you. You go out of compassion for your race." The General gave up the idea of going to Whatawhata, and left the days to us (i.e., to give them an opportunity of going to see the natives at Maungatautari and elsewhere.) 1 said to the General, " Farewell; if they agree to peace, well and good. If they are obstinate, the " law will overcome them." We went, and arrived at Maungatautari. They had finished their pa; the name of that pa is Te Tiki-o-te-ihinga-arangi. They had a tangi when we arrived, and then Karaha To Taniwha, of the Ngatimahuta, stood up, and made a speech, bidding adieu to the Waikato prisoners. Patara stood up, and said, " Welcome, my son, welcome." I could not sco that there was any good in his speech ; it was bad in fact (i.e., warlike) I said, " What is to be done about the Waikatos who are in prison over there ?" The reply was " What do we care?" Tamehana stood up and said, "Welcome, friend; welcome ; welcome, sons. I don't say that peace "is made. Tho gift (Koha) to your fathers and youuger brothers is this, Meremere has been given up, " and Rangiriri and Paetai and Rauwhitu, and Ngaruawahia and this flowing stream. They are my gift "to your fathers and brothers ;as for me, I shall remain here. If the Governor follows me here, I shall *' fight. If not I shall remain quiet. " However, when peace is made let it include Waikatos, Ngatimaniapoto, and Taranaki. Then only "" would it be good. But if the General goes to Waipa (to attack) the Ngatimaniopoto I shall be there." AVi Nero.—" Friend, those were your words at the commencement, and even up to the present " that is, up to the time of the war, aud the result is the land has been taken, Waikato captured, and " the men slain, and now you again make use of the same words, and to morrow there will be the same " thing over again. Why have you no compassion for Waikato ? Why leave your fathers, brothers, and " your tribe iv prison ?" On the following day the Waikatos came. There was a tangi, after which Te Kawana stood up, and said " Welcome, son, welcome ; let your father and brothers remain where they are. They are the " captive descendants of Terewai " (an ancestor of the Waikatos, who was taken prisoner, and afterwards effected his escape). Enough. They showed no pity for the captives. I heard nothing about peace. Hikaurua went to demand the guns, and also the murderers, but they would not consent (to give them up.)

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