A.—No. 3.
PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS
66
arrived on 14th, to increase the consumption. Reports bar as not likely to be passable for several days, wind being still southerly. Steamer will try it to-morrow morning; is still in Pot; captain will be here to-night; have you instructions. Eussell.
Lieut.-Colonel Herrick to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Waikare-Moana, June 25th, 1869. I think it is a great pity to sacrifice this expedition after all the expense and trouble, and consider it a very great risk to leave garrison of sixty men here, knowing enemy to be on both flanks. In consequence of swollen state of river impossible to throw three months' supplies into garrison without considerable delay. Native opinion as well as mine, enemy will return here on seeing forces removed to Taupo. Think it wiser to destroy kaingas, &c, here first, and then make forced marches to Taupo with all available force. Think it my duty to represent this to you. Boats won't be completed before a fortnight. Will of course carry out Colonel Whitmore's instructions, and send two divisons at once to Taupo, but think it most injudicious. Don't anticipate doing enemy much damage, but will accomplish object of expedition. Heeeick.
Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultaik. Napier, 27th June, 1869. Herrick's despatches, dated 25th June, reached me in the middle of night, by special express, part of only two days coming. Telegram for you from Herrick sent in letter to me ; seems much disappointed at proposed suspension of operations now so far advanced. Thinks could soon destroy all kaingas and pas on lake ; thinks sixty men on a post quite inadequate and dangerous. Enemy will be sure to return when bulk of forces removed to Taupo and not easily brought back ; communication would be cut off and garrison placed in critical position ; will take some time to leave post with three months' supplies, all reserve stock being exhausted ; another flood would cause long delay before this could be done. Doubts if contractor would agree to supply so small a force with meat; very little feed about Onepoto for stock even if safe, and sheep would have to be driven up under escort in small numbers. Will endeavour, however, to carry out instructions with all possible speed; admits importance of reinforcing Taupo, but regrets sacrifice of punts, after all their labours at Waikare. In scouting on 25th on right flank came on tracks where about seven enemy had been two days before; they are evidently watching our movements. Mohaka Natives to have started for Putahi on Monday. New arrangement will upset this. Was going across on 26th in one of whaleboats to look at positions. Dislikes idea of going back without effecting anything. Will send No. 2 and mounted division to Taupo as soon as can throw sufficient supplies into post. Presumes will receive further instructions from Whitmore by post. Send telegram for you that it may be clearly understood he does not approve of alteration, and that he can't be taxed hereafter should circumstances make Government regret step now proposed to be taken. Russell.
Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel llaultai:n\ Napier, June 27th, 1869. Owing to floods Herrick has not received my subsequent despatches of 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, with Whitmore's instructions subsequent to the 18th, giving more discretion as to time, if camp practicable ; ho got all these no doubt, and will, I dare say, prepare to make an attack while provisioning and strengthening post at lake, which will take a fortnight owing to recent bad weather. Ropata's letter shows wish to remain ; also probable, from St. George's despatch yesterday from Taupuaehararu, dated 25th, that Uriweras have gone back to Waikare, and will have to be fought there or give trouble soon. You got St. George's despatches, I suppose ; 1 await instructions. Has St. Kilda arrived, and when does she return ? Russell.
Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. Mr. Russell. Wellington, 27th June, 1869. Tell Herrick to remain and carry out the original plan of operations if he has reason to believe that the enemy are still in his front. If he determines to come away, he is not to leave any men behind. The new Ministry will probably be sworn in to-morrow, and I cannot say what their intentions as to military operations may be. Haultaxn.
TAUPO EXPEDITION. Lieut.-Colonel St. John to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Tapuaeliaruru, Bth June, 1869.—Pohui, 10th June, 18G9. The cavalry escort, under Cornet Smith, at Opepo, where I went to inspect a proposed camping ground at this place, was surprised this morning. Number lost not yet known. The Messrs. Hallett, on their way to Napier from here, came on to two dead bodies stripped. Returning they met me. I sent St. George back to collect a few Natives, and I start again to-night, so as to reach there by daylight. I am in great hopes of most having escaped, as the two bodies were seen in a gully where my tente d'abri was, and the whares occupied by the men were on a rise separated from the bush by this gully.