A.—No. 3

60

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

Hod. Mr. Eussell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 27th April, 1869. Strong wind from E. to N.E.; heavy sea on now ; Wairoa unapproachable. Confound " Lyttelton " and all such tubs. Don't you think I should send at once to acquaint Whitmore, via Taupo, of state of things ?—and Herrick should perhaps start overland to-night for Wairoa, to make a movement towards Waikare-Moana at once with part of force, as a diversion in Whitmore's favour; otherwise, he may have all the Urewera and Te Waru's people concentrated at Euatahuna, or attacking Whitmore's communications. Now Natives not going, there is no use of Herrick staying behind, losing valuable time. Herrick strongly approves of my proposal about pack-bullocks, to be eaten after delivering loads. I think I can quietly buy up a number at reasonable prices, and have cords put in their noses to lead them. They want no feed like horses, and saddles can be extemporised. Eussell.

Hon. Colonel Haultai>- to Hon. Mr. Eussell. Wellington, 27th April, 1869. You had better send a messenger to Whitmore, and Herrick should go overland, but the movement of his column must be decided by himself and Eichmond when he gets to Wairoa, and there sees what can be done. All depends on supplies. Haultain.

Hon. Mr. Eussell to Hon. Col. Haultain. Napier, 28th April, 1869. "Wind appears holding firm from North, and Wairoa Bar will be all right by time steamer can go out. Herrick and I are off to Spit to see Captains of " Star" and " Ahuriri." Shall let you know presently any proposed arrangements. I think Herrick will now remain, and go by steamer, which would land everything to-morrow morning. Eussell.

Telegraphic Conversation between the Hon. Colonel Haultain and Major Heemck. 28th April, 1869. Colonel Haultain.—Do you know what route you are to take from Wairoa ? Major Herrick. —By Te Eangi up the Euaki-ture. Colonel Haultain. —I can give you no instructions as Ido not know Whitmore's plans, but you may have to turn off to Waikare-Moana if he is at Maungapowhatu before you, and drive the Hauhaus from that place. I hope you have got all the material that will be required. Have you sufficient officers ; if not there is a Captain Coventry, who went from this by the last steamer, who might be employed. Set apart a good man to take charge of and be responsible for your camp equipage and tools, so that we may not have any great loss of these things. You will also require an officer to look after your pack-animals. Major Herrick.—Captain Towgood went on from Mohaka with Eichmond, and may be available for expedition. Coventry gone on to join Whitmore, may see him at Wairoa. I wish to take Ensign Davis, of Petane Militia, who volunteers for my campaign. Note your instructions. Colonel Haultain.—Take Ensign Davis.

Hon. Mr. Eussell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Wellington, 30th April, 1869. I send telegram from Eiehmond. Did not get it till 1.30 owing to squalls with heavy rain preventing "Ahuriri" coming in. Immediately got Lambert to scrape together twenty-five rifles, and shipped them on board " Lyttelton," which I got oft'at 10 p.m. Weather then cleared up. " Lyttelton " could get into Wairoa Eiver, this morning by daylight. When she may get out, another question. Looks threatening for a regular souther. " Ahuriri " sails about 11. Eeturns immediately, I hear. Are you coming up ? Eussell.

Hon. Mr. Bussell to Hon. Colonel Hattltaln. Napier, sth May, 1869. " Ahukiei " will be here in about an hour. No tidings from Mohaka or Wairoa. If nothing comes by 2 o'clock, should we not send " Ahuriri " across to inquire if all is right there, and about " Lyttelton ? " Eussell.

Hon. Mr. Eussell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, sth May, 18G9. No word yet from Wairoa, either by steamer or land. People here a good deal excited in consequence. I should like to hear of Whitmore too. This sort of communication does not suit me at all. Elssell.

Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Eussell. Wellington, sth May, 1869—1.10 p.m. Don't get uneasy; the Province is quite secure at present. Have you ascertained for me what Natives are supposed to be threatening you on the west ? Haultain.