A.—No. 8.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE

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had been murdered, to bring in the bodies. A few minutes afterwards, Sub-Inspector Ross, who had just come into camp from riding, started after the first party with a few more men, and on his return with the men who left with Sergeant Anderson, reported to me that they found the three bodies lying dead near a large log which they had evidently been dragging up to the saw-pit, at which they were in the habit of working. It was quite dark at this time, and it was impossible to recognize the features. The bodies were then brought into camp until a Coroner's inquest can be held, and I sent an orderly off immediately to Mr. Booth, Besident Magistrate, acquainting him of the occurrence. As soon as the fact of the murder was known in the district a great deal of alarm was naturally felt, and I have consequently sent a sergeant and twelve men to Waingongoro, and a similar number to Turu Turu Mokai, at the request of the settlers. I have written to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell by Mr. Gudgeon, who starts for Wanganui early to-morrow, informing him what has happened. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, W. Huntee, Inspector, A.C. Colonial Defence, Wellington. I may add that the scene of the murder is in a bush clearing, about 2J miles from this post, in a northerly direction.

No. 44. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. Sir, — Wanganui, 10th June, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, and forward a note I have just received from Captain Cumming : — [Extracts.] " I have only just time to send you the enclosed copy of a note written by Hunter. " Poor old Cahill, who lived just inside the Ketemarae clearing, has been murdered by the Natives. Booth and Boss were up there to-day, and saw numbers of Natives armed, who wished them to turn back. I fancy there will be a blaze. " I will march to-night at 12 o'clock with every available man. Come up if at all possible. "I have, &c, " Geo. Cumming." Copy of Hunter's note referred to. " My deae Booth— " Waihi, 9th June, 1868. " The Natives have killed old Cahill. Let Cumming come up at once with every available man. " In haste, &c, "W. Huntee." Although on leave I will at once start for Batea and assume the command, but when there my hands are tied and my resources crippled. I was aware of the great responsibility I would incur when I asked for the control of Native affairs in tho Patea District, and I now fear much trouble will arise, or has now arisen. I will report fully when I get up to the front, and at present think I may recommend a Native Contingent, should things prove nasty. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

No. 45. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to Captain Holt. (No. 318-1.) Sic,— Patea, 12th June, 1868. I have the honor to forward the enclosed letter from Inspector Hunter, stating the steps he had taken regarding the recent murders in this district, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence. I have, &c., The Under Secretary, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 45. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Colonel McDonnell. Sic,— Camp Waihi, 11th June, 1868. I have the honor to forward for your information some further particulars with reference to tho murders perpetrated by Natives in this district on the 9th instant, and also to acquaint you with the steps I have taken to ensure the safety of the settlers. I addressed a short letter to the Government on the night of the 9th instant, simply stating what had taken place up to that time, and almost identical with what I wrote to you. I had arranged to send a sergeant's party to Turo Turo Mokai, but on the arrival of Mr. Booth, Resident Magistrate, yesterday, he stated to me that, after having had an interview with certain Native chiefs at Patea, he considered that all the district from here to Patea, and up the Patea Biver as far as the Tawhiti Stream, was safe; but that they could not answer for the Natives to the north of that stream. I resolved to send a party of twenty-five men, under Sub-Inspector Eoss, to Turo Turo Mokai, as the most central place for the various settlers to retire upon. I have been the more inclined to think that the above course was the best one to pursue as I have since heard that on yesterday after-