DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

47

A.—No. 8

and that officer sent him into Wanganui a prisoner. He was again liberated and sent back to the district; and I shall not be surprised if it is proved some day that he, after his second liberation, gave information respecting the strength and condition of the Turo Turo Mokai Bedoubt. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, B. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure in No. 91. Deae Geoege — Waihi, 13th July, 1868. 1 just read father's letter to Ned, in which he purports coming down on tho 19th instant, but against doing anything of the kind you must do your best. Yesterday morning the Hauhaus attacked Turo Turo Mokai Bedoubt at 6 o'clock, they rushed from behind Lennon's canteen, shot the sentries on their posts; Lennon was killed trying to make his escape. Couper and Hamilton succeeded in getting away; they were in a tent outside. Captain Boss, who was in his whare also outside the redoubt, rushed into the redoubt to defend the gateway, calling on his men to assist him and guard the gate. The Maoris concentrated their attack on the gateway. They got inside the gateway two or three times, but were repulsed. Captain Boss and others were killed at the gate. Captain Boss was horribly tomahawked, cut right open, and his heart taken out. On hearing the firing at Waihi, Major Yon Tempsky started with his men to the rescue ; when in sight, sawr the Maoris busy attacking the redoubt; but they, on seeing the party, at once retired towards the bush. Yon Tempsky's men followed nearly as far as Otuturu. Ned, who was guide, had five shots at them. The men who were there say that he hit one, for they saw one throw his arms, and others rush to him. Saw them into the bush, then returned for Turo Turo Mokai, and found the following men dead:— 1. Lennon, alongside his whare, tomahawked almost to pieces, his heart taken away. 2. Captain Boss, inside the gate, also tomahawked, and his heart cut out. 3. Constable Boss, killed. 4. Constable Shields, Captain Boss's servant, killed in one of the angles. 5. Gaynor, killed at the gate. (>. John Blake (Corporal), killed in one of the angles, first killed. 7. George Holdcn, killed on the parapet. 8. Sergeant McFadden, killed in one of the angles. WOUNDED. 1. Lacey, wounded severely. 2. Alexander Beamish, wounded severely, since dead; died this morning. 3. Beamish, wounded. 4. Peter Swords, wounded severely, since dead ; died yesterday evening. 5. Kershaw, wounded. 6. Flannagan, wounded in two places. 7. Fullin, wounded in six places. Total, 10 killed, and Wilkie Burrows Cobb, bolted almost at the beginning of the firing. The redoubt in many places was dug nearly and in one place through. Katene skedaddled last night with all the others that were with him in the redoubt that the Contingent used to live in. Katene and Kaho walked off with the breechloaders and revolvers which were served out to them. Captain Page's company, over ninety strong, are withdrawn to-day from Waingongoro to Waihi, so that the entire cast from Manawapou to near New Plymouth is at the command of the Hauhaus, and it would be sheer madness to attempt coming through as you would be certain to be caught, and you may be certain of their prowling about Waingongoro after the men leave, as there are lots of sheep and cattle there. We cannot get away from here : every one forced to take up arms. Mind and give the Native acknowledgment of having received, and send back as quick as you can. Your affectionate brother, B. T. Blake.

No. 92. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. J. C Bichmond. (No. 235.) Sir, — New Plymouth, 12th August, 1868. In further reference to the subject of my letter of the 3rd instant, reporting the departure of Wiremu Kingi te Bangitako and More from the Taranaki district, I have now the honor to report that I have received intelligence of their arrival at Waitara, inland, in the Kirikiringa district, together with interesting particulars of their reception by Titokowaru at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, after they left Opunake on their way to get to the Ngatimaru track, inland of Mount Egmont. Whilst they were at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, Titokowaru cursed the Maori king with the following sentence: —" Me kai te ra whanautanga o Matutaera, no te mea he kingi nga te tangata te kingi na to Atua." Translation —" Let the birthday of Matutaera be eaten, because his kingship was of man and not of God." So far as I can learn, the present policy of the Tokangamutu king party is peace, but they continue to exercise great perseverance in their endeavours to secure the allegiance of wavering tribes to their cause. The messenger who brought mo this information to me is of opinion that Wiremu Kingi te Bangitako will go with More to Tokangamutu. ****** I have, &c., The Hon. Minister for Native Affairs, B. Paeeis, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.