A. -No. I

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OE «\E¥

36

Extract from letter from the Civil Commissioner, Tauranga, to the Honorable the Native Minister, dated 7th March, 1865. ********** " The fanatics arc going down the coast carrying everythimg before them. It is said that Tauranga is their destination. Fears are entertained for the safety of the Europeans along the coast." ***#** * * l * * Extract front a letter from the' Civil Commissioner, Maketu, to the Honorable the Native Minister. dated 15th March, 1865. ********** " I have also to report that letters have been received here from the inland tribes at Te Eotoiti, Eotorua, and Tarawera, expressing similar sentiments, and that the Arawa appear unanimous in offering their services to the Government to assist in carrying out any active measures which may be adopted for the suppression of rebellion or inflicting punishment upon the perpetrators of the diabolical murder recently committed at Opotiki." *#*##***#* Extract from letter from the Maketu Chiefs to the Civil Commissioner, Maketu, dated 18th March, 1565. ********** " If the Arawa are ordered to go, let troops be sent to take care of the women and children, and the whole district." From the committee of Maketu. (Signed) Taiiiorangi, • Taiapo, Haere Huka, Eoto Eangihoro, EeWI TEREANtTKU, AVate Taranini, Te Pokiha, and eight others. Extract from a letter from the Civil Commissioner, Maketu, to the Honorable the Native Minister, dated 22nd March, 1805. ********** " I beg to request the serious attention of the Government to the present position of our allies, the Arawa tribes, as indicated in the enclosed report. From information derived from various sources, I am satisfied that an attack upon them is contemplated, and they look to Government to furnish them with the means of defence."

Extracts from Report by the Resident Magistrate, Rolorua, addressed to the Civil Commissioner, Maketu. * * *.* # * * * * * " The Natives inland have built and fortified six pas, and if supplied with arms would be able to protect themselves against any hostile attack, unless made by overwhelming numbers. They are kept in constant state of alarm by reports of the AVaikato and other tribes coming to punish them for arresting Hori Tupaca and his party. " The present state of Puhirua is an additional reason why the friendly Natives should be supplied with arms. "This place, situated within ibis district, is exclusively occupied by votaries of the now religion. " On Sunday week the Bey. Mr. Spencer, in endeavouring to pass through this place on his professional duties, was ordered to return on pain of being arrested if he persevered. " There are letters and messages of mutual recrimination constantly passing between them and the friendly Natives. This place is also becoming a sort of asylum for those who have made themselves amenable to the law, and from all these circumstances it is impossible to say when a collision may take place." ******** Extract from the Civil Commissioner's Report, dated 21st April, 1865. " I have the honor to forward for your information an original letter, received by me from the Eesident Magistrate at Eotorua, respecting the state of affairs in the inland portion of the Bay of Plenty District at the date of his communication. From later information received from Tauranga, it would appear that the Arawa at Maketu, and inland, are expecting to be attacked; but I have received no precise information as to the position or numbers of the enemy by whom they are supposed to be threatened." " The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington." Extract jrom Report of the Resident Magistrate, Rotorua, to the Civil Commissioner, Maketu. dated 6th April, 1865. " On the 20th ultimo, a woman of the Ngatipikiao was seized, while on her way to one of their cultivations, by two men whom she supposed to be Waikatos from their accent, who, having deprived her of her garments, dismissed her with the intimation that a party was on the way to attack the people of Te Eotoiti. In consequence of her report, the entire population of the district assembled at the latter place on the 21st, but no foe appeared. About the same time, two of the Ohinemutu people,