"A.—So. 1

38

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW

which was fatal. The last shot was fired by Hoani Poururu, of Otamauru. After the murder of the Pakeha-; the vessel was taken into the river. Bennett AVhite was allowed to go to his wife's relations. The vessel was stripped, and her cargo distributed by Te Hura among the Ngatiawa. The Taranaki prophet,. Horomona, had given orders that Bennett White's son was not to be killed, but when he tried to save his father two shots were fired at him and missed. Te Puhi and AVi Maruki remained prisoners at Kopiopio until last night, when, with the assistance of Hori lunui and some of their relations of the Patuiwai, they made their escape, and succeeded in reaching Ohope, where they found Apanui Kepa and others, who provided them with a canoe, in which they, five in number altogether, embarked, and arrived at Maketu this evening. Te Kepu, Apanui, and Kawa Kura told them to urge upon the Arawa the necessity of prompt action. A special message was sent to Taiapo. Te Hura has returned to his settlement at Te Matapihi, Te Awa-o-te-Atua, and the Patutatahi are at Otamauru, on the Eiver Oriui. AVepiho te Pono has gone to Opotiki to prevent the Whakatoheas from joining the Hura. He is distracted at the loss of his "tuakana," and vows vengeance upon Te Hura's party. After the vessel " Kate" was brought into the river he went on board and demanded his brother's body, which was given up to him with the " Maruiwi" boat. The latter was used as a coffin, in which the corpse was buried. The captain and sailor were buried by the Pai Marire. Five hundred pounds was demanded by the Hura as a ransom for the " Maruiwi." Both the "Kate" and the "Maruiwi" were afterwards burned. Tnos. H. Smith, 30th July, 1565. Civil Commissioner, Bay of Plenty. On the 17th March, 1865, the Bishop of AVaiapu reported to the Colonial Secretary as follows : — " The state of the district (AVaiapu) is unsettled, owing to a visit from the Pai Marire, who murdered Mr. A'olkner." On the 16th June, Mr. McLean, Superintendent of tho Province of Hawke's Bay, and Agent for the General Government on the East Coast, reported— " The unsettled state of the Natives at Poverty Bay cause the settlers there so much anxiety and alarm, that they were seriously considering the propriety of leaving the district. A small party of .Natives, headed by the Chief Mokena of AVaiapu, hoisted the Queen's flag at Taranganui, and erected a temporary pa to defend themselves against the Hau Haus." #"******** " The Natives under Te Mokena declared that they had no object in hoisting the flag, beyond that of showing that they were subjects of Her Majesty." On the 26th June, Mr. McLean reported—" That an engagement took place at the East Cape, on the 11th instant, between the friendly Natives and the Hau Haus. The loss of the friendly Natives was six killed and three wounded." A friendly Chief (who fought in this engagement) writes on the 19th of June, asking for arms and ammunition. He says —" Let all these articles be sent —do not hesitate ; for the reason the Queen Natives met their death was the want of caps, being all used in the first volley. The Queen Natives had only one box of caps amongst them. This is the reason I have written for caps to be sent, also some powder. Be sure—be quite sure these things are sent to us." * * "Be quick, as all the tribes below us have assembled to fight against us. It is for this reason then that we earnestly urge you to come quickly —to make all haste and come." Another friendly Chief (Mohi) writes under same date (19th June), and in reference to the same affair as Potai, relates : —" The great desire of the Queen party now at Tikitiki, is, that soldiers may be sent to support them. My friend, haste to send in soldiers at onee —this present month. Hostilities will doubtless be recommenced in a day or two, for the fortifications of both sides are close together (one opposite the other.) My friend, we hope you and the Government will consider our position. Farewell; and may God protect us all. AYe request that prayers may be offered for our protection throughout these troubles." On 26th June, Mr. McLean wrote to the Colonial Secretary as follows : — Sir,— Napier, 26th June, 1865. Ecferring to my letter of this daj r's date, reporting an engagement at the East Cape, I have the honor to recommend that the friendly Natives should be well supported by the Government, and I think it would be most advisable to create a diversion in their favor by the occupation of Opotiki, and by reinforcing them with fifty or one hundred A'olunteers. In number the Government Natives are about five hundred strong; their opponents, including the Natives north of Hick's Bay to AYakatane, would be much more than this number, without including the disaffected tribes at Poverty Bay, three hundred of whom would be likely to join against the Government Natives. The war now commenced on the East Coast requires to be pursued vigorously to bring it to a speedy and favorable termination. The friendly Natives arc in good spirits, and if well supported will do great service to tho country, and I trust the applications made by them to the Government for assistance will be favorably entertained. I have, &c, The Hon the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. Donald McLean. On the 26th July, Mr. McLean reported—" I proceeded in H.M.S. "Eclipse" to the East Cape, with the party of Military Settlers (50 in number) who were detached from Napier to aid the Chief Morgan (Te Mokena) against Patara and his Hau Hau confederates." On the sth August, Mr. McLeau wrote to the Colonial Secretary as follows: —" I have the honor to acquaint y< >v that the si aI c of the Natives at Poverty Bay is most unsatisfactory ; the great majority (including several of the leading Chiefs) have joined the Pai Marire faith." Mr. McLean at the same time encloses a letter from J. AY. Harris, Esq., " who (Mr. McLean says) from his long residence at Poverty Bay, is in possession of reliable information on Native matters."