A.—No. 3,

58

PAPEES EEEATIVE TO MILITAEY OPEEATIONS

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultaik. Napier, April 25th, 1869. We had a long conference with Herrick last night, and Richmond arranged plans of campaign with him. Richmond started for Mohaka to embark all Richardson's troopers there. Richardson himself, who came here with Richmond, started this morning to march with over twenty troopers, now at Petane, for Wairoa, where he expects to arrive to-morrow evening. It has been decided that all the available men in "Lyttelton" shall go on at once, and steamer return for Henare Tomoana's contingent of fifty picked men, which Herrick remains to-day to organize and get ready. He will start for Pakowhai as soon as I have a talk with you about terms. We propose that Henare shall engage to serve during the campaign against the IJrcweras. Then comes the question of pay, which was omitted to be discussed with Richmond. Herrick and I think they should have pay for this limited number of good fighting men, and he wishes to be able to mako the arrangement definite and complete. Would it not be better to get " Ahuriri," expected to-morrow from Auckland, to run across to Wairoa with Henare's men and the stores, &c, wanted? This would greatly forward the expedition, and time is everything. She could take boats from Napier to land everything rapidly. You could arrange in Wellington for the steamer to go if wanted. £20 or so would be enough, and well spent money. Russell.

Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Russell. Wellington, 25th April, 1869. Tomoaka's people will get the same pay as Europeans if they are sworn in for service and understand that they are equally bound to obey orders. 2s. 6d. a day besides rations when within their own districts, and 3s. 6d. a day when in TJrewera country. Acting officers and non-commissioned officers in usual proportions. See that this is quite clear. They will receive no clothing. Haultain.

Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Rtjssell. Wellington, 25th April, 1569. If " Lyttelton" is not in when " Ahuriri" arrives, take up the latter to convey men to Wairoa. Haultain.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain-. Napier, 26th April, 1569. Biscuit and flour can be had cheaper in Auckland. I would recommend to form a considerable depot at Wairoa without delay, as we may soon expect easterly weather, and then the bar may be impassable for several days at a time. If Whitmore's large force comes through to Maungapowhatu, it must be supplied from this side, and there should be no chance of a break down in the Commissariat, on which the success of the campaign may depend. Herrick says he saw a Native at Pakowhai to-day, who knows the Urewera country well, and recommends another depot to be formed at Maungapowhatu. The Native says we shall have to make canoes at Waikare-Moana before Te Waru's pa can be taken. With a supply of axes and adzes, that can soon be done by the force, as there is plenty of timber. Navigation so dangerous from fierce squalls which raise a sea, that two canoes must be lashed together. Shall I send some tools to Wairoa ? Richmond says plenty of pack-horses can be got at Wairoa. Russell.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 26th April, 1869. " Ahueiei "in sight; no sign of " Lyttelton." Weather now moderate and fine. If " (Star of South " is likely to be here to-day, "Ahuriri" may not be required ; but Herrick is anxious to be off as soon as his Natives can be collected. I have got most valuable information from the Bishop and Mr. Colenso about the Lake and Urewera country generally. Herrick is to meet them now, and get it mapped as correctly as possibly. Russell.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultaiit. Napier, 2Gth April, 1569. Tiieee may be a difficulty about swearing in Tomoana and his people, Herrick thinks. We think if Tomoana would sign an agreement to serve under Herrick during the TJrewera campaign, it would answer all the purpose. These people did not like the idea of being made soldiers exactly. I recommend you to sanction this alternative if we cannot get them to take oath. Reply at once, as Henare is in Napier. Russell.

Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Russell. Wellington, 26th April, 1869. If there is any difficulty about swearing in Henare's people, do not insist on it. I have directed Lambert to strike oft' all scouts except six, and their pay is not to exceed Bs. a day. Haultain.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultaiit. Napier, 26th April, 1869. Hate had long interview with Tomoana and Herrick ; Eev. S. Williams, interpreter. He absolutely