AGAINST THE EEBEL NATIVES.

59

A.—No. 3.

refused to take oath, although explained only a temporary arrangement. Would only agree to givo his word that he would serve under Herric-k's orders during Urewera campaign. After conceding that point he objected to take so few as fifty. Wanted 100 to go. Ho thought Wairoas were no good. Then he asked about pay of men, then for himself. I could not tell him this exactly. Say what temporary rank you will give him ; also pay, and ditto for N.C. oflicers. He is to be in to-morrow again. It occurs to me he has not much stomach for the Urewera work and may not go after all. Should I meet him half-way and take seventy-five good men, or politely decline to take more than fifty. He always did express a wish to take 100, saying fifty were too few. We havo not ignored them, at all events. Eussell.

Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Russell. Wellington, 27th April, 1869. There is no use having too many Natives with the force, the great difficulty being the transport of food; but if Henare will not go with less than 100 men, we will agree. No regular officers will be appointed unless the men are sworn in, but two chiefs, at 10s. a-day, five sergeants at Is. extra, and five corporals at 6d., will be allowed for 100 men. Haultain.

Telegraphic conversation between Hon. Colonel Haultain and Hon. Mr. Eussell. 27th April. Colonel Haultain. —Have you seen Henare this morning? Mr. Eussell. —No, but he is to bo in, I believe. Mr. Williams is outside, mounted, to go by way of Pakowhai on his way home, and I asked him quietly to see Henare and advise him to go with the fifty men. More to follow if wanted. Colonel Haultain.—Does Herrick think his assistance necessary ? Mr. Eussell.—He would like it, if possible, without any cooing. Suppose we agree to seventy or seventy-five, that would probably be as man)- good men as he can get ? Colonel Haultain. —I wish Henare and all the Napier Natives to understand that we are not in any urgent need of their assistance. Say seventy-five men, but reject all that appear inefficient.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultaijt. Napier, 27th April, 1869. Heeeick has seen Tomoana again, and told him he would agree to fifty men. He replied they had a meeting last night, and resolved not to go under one hundred, and that most of them had returned to-day to their kaingas. Herrick saw plainly there was no real spirit to go at present, and thought best not to press —would be making too much of them. Tomoana pretended his company consisted of about one hundred men, and it would bo impossible to weed out the inferior men without making great jealousy. However, he said to Herrick, go on with your five hundred; and if you find enemy very strong, send me word, and I will instantly start overland or by sea with one hundred or two hundred men. It is better to leave it at this. It cannot be said Government has slighted them, and it is fortunate we have incurred no expense whatever about them. Sorry to say there is a great sea on, but weather fine, and it may go down towards night. I shall not detain " Ahuriri "if bar is not certain at Wairoa, but wait for the " Star." Shall send Richmond despatch inland to-night if steamer cannot land. Russell.

Hon. Colonel llaultatn to Hon. Mr. BtTSBXLL. Wellington, 27th April, 1869. I eeallt think that Herrick will be as well without Henare's people; a large force in a very difficult country is only unwieldly. Haultain.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 27th April, 1869. What about depot at Wairoa? I call your serious attention to this, and Herrick is very anxious about it. I shall hear what Richmond says by return of steamer. I confess the difficulties of the whole campaign, at this advanced season, frighten me. I propose sending a despatch, via Taupo, to Whitmore, with the latest news of Wairoa force, this evening. Send any telegrams you wish forwarded. Russell.

Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Russell. Wellington, 27th April, ISG9. Of course there must be a depot of supplies at Wairoa. I see no difficulty about that; the real work will be in packing provisions to the front. What pack-saddles have you? You will have the " Lvttelton " for some days, and should send plenty of biscuit and groceries. I suppose stock is to be had at Wairoa. If the " Ahuriri " returns to JSapier from this, she will take anything you require. 1 shall probably come up in her. Having commenced the expedition we must carry it on with all earnestness. lIaULTAHJ.