A.—No. 8
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PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE
must have been that the Natives perceived my force approaching, for Captain Ross's heart, which they had cut out, was found thrown away close to him; it is therefore due to the unflinching courage of the three men mentioned, and the desperate defence and tho dying efforts of gallant Captain Ross, that I was in time to saA re the post. I beg also to bring to your notice the alacrity of my men of the Alexandra Division in turning out promptly and getting over four miles and a half of frozen ground and a full creek. My thanks are also due to Sub-Inspectors Brown and Roberts, each in command of one sub-division during the pursuit. The retreat of the Natives was effected at the top of their speed: mats and kits, with food and ammunition, Avere strewn on both sides of the road. AVhether my fire Avas effective or not I cannot tell, as the blood on their tracks may have been caused by previous wounds. I have, &c, G. F. Yon Tempsky, Inspector, A.C.
No. 65. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 435-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 22nd July, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge your letter No. 361, of the 15th July, forwarding Major Yon Tempsky's report of the night attack by rebel Natives on tho post at Turu Turu Mokai. Although the Government deeply regret the loss of so many men, yet they have received with much satisfaction this account of the gallant conduct of Captain Boss and of those men who so bravely maintained their position against a very superior force. They have nobly sustained the reputation of the Colonial Troops, and the question of suitably rewarding the survivors is under consideration, as the existing Imperial regulations will not admit of their being recommended for the Victoria Cross. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, T. M. Haultain. Commanding Militia District, Batea.
No. 66. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. Sis,— Wanganui, 7th July, 1868. I have the honor to forward further information about the steps required at the present juncture. In the first instance I must refer once more to what I have said about Katene, that my success will be wholly dependent on the trustworthiness of his counsel, as the whole position of affairs is wrapt in such darkness that I can see nothing tangible to begin at safely. lam now convinced that his views are correct and reliable, as I have also taken Major Yon Tempsky's opinion on the subject, who agrees entirely with my judgment of Katene. From all the information obtained I have prepared the following steps : —Major Yon Tempsky is to proceed to Waihi, bearing letters to Mawhitiwhiti, Kauae, and Araukuku, to come into Waihi and remain there. This will sift the immediate neighbourhood of Waihi, where at present the neutral, doubtful, and hostile Natives are so mixed up that no offensive plan of operation can be carried out without accidents and mistakes occurring. Mawhitiwhiti and Kauae will come in, but Araukuku is expected not to do so. The letter is also intended to lull tho vigilance of the Hauhaus. The next step will be the consideration of the action to be taken as regards the Pakakohe. I shall remain in Patea watching their movements, and shall then decide, with your advice received, whether they are to be taken or not. Hostilities between Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa are almost sure to produce open aggression from the Pakakohe. The third move will be an advance across the Waingongoro Eiver and establishment of a post, to the west commanding the road to the Kauae, and to the north the entrance to the Pungarehu Bush. That move will produce the first engagement, as, both from the strategical grounds and information received, the passage of that river will have to bo fought for. Pending further news from Bangitikei, which I expect to get to-day, I cannot say more at present. I intend going per " Sturt," this evening, to Patea: should the bar prove again impassable, I shall proceed overland to-night. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain, Thomas McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Minister for Colonial Defence. Commanding Patea District.
No. 67. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 367-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 13th July, 1868. I am directed by the Defence Minister to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Wanganui, 7th July, No. 3, reporting further on Native matters, and stating your plan of operations against the Hauhaus, and to request you to be good enough to continue to furnish detailed information of your movements. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Feas. Stevens Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (For the Under Secretary).