AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

A.—No. 3.

69

store at Mohaka. I send also account of Cornet Smith's escape, which I took from Captain Birch's statement to me. " George Stevenson, trooper in Opotiki Cavalry, came into Galatea about 4.30 p.m., Tuesday, Sth June. States that about 3 p.m. ofthe 7th he was with Cornet Smith and party of cavalry encamped at Opepe. It was raining; men were lying in the whares. Two or three armed Natives came up, saluted as friendly, said ' Tena koe.' Said they thought we were Hauhaus. One of our men spoke to them ; they said they were Maoris from the Lake. Not knowing we were Pakehas, had come up armed. There were four or five of them close to the whares. Being suspicious, I went outside, and seeing some more coming up in skirmishing order, I went to get my arms. One of the Maoris put his gun at full cock in front of my whare door, and, pointing it at me, I turned to go into another whare, when he fired at me. I then tried to enter. Another man fired at me with his double-barrelled gun. I ran for the bush, and saw no more of it. Sergeant Dette and Leary came in at same time. I heard heavy firing all the time, and believe all were shot but us three. The Maoris got round between us and the whares, and fired heavily. They were about seventy or eighty, as nearly as I could judge, and were well clothed. We got out of the bush before dark, and came straight to Galatea. I saw no tracks along the road. We could not get our guvs to defend ourselves." Eussell.

Mr. H. T. Claeke to Hon. J. C. Richmond. Napier, 28th June, 1869. Six p.m., 24th June, 1869. —Natives quiet at Tauranga, but friendly Natives uneasy; talk of making preparations for defence ; building pas. Waikato chiefs returned from Kati Kati; their object was to establish friendly relations with Ngaiterangi, for them to separate from us, to leave Europeans to themselves: deeply politic, but very dangerous. Heard from Rotorua; Waikato influence at work among the Arawas; a peace mission to Ngatiraukawa just reported; Dr. Nesbitt is at Ohinemutu; no communication yet on the subject. Captain St. George gone to Taupo with Arawas, to assist Te Poihipi. Te Kooti's force said to be 180 men, foot, seventy horse; being reinforced from South Taupo. Heu Heu and Paurini said to be prisoners. Hare and others escaped. Letters from Colonel St. John this morning, date 21st, 10 p.m.; Ist and 6th Division Armed Constabulary mutinied ; will not proceed to Runanga and Haroto ; will not work. Colonel St. John says will try and push through with sixty men: great risk to run. Tauranga disaffected Natives —horses again; stole one from Archdeacon Brown; sent for it; refuse unless £10 given. Have requested Captain to lose no time to go to Napier ; I want instructions about Taupo. The force at this place ought to be increased; to keep peace ought to be prepared for war. Captain H.M.S. " Virago " will only take women and children. Ht. T. Clarke.

Hon. Mr. Bttssell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 28th June, 1869. Captain Fairciiild reports he called at Opotiki, and was told by Captain Walker that the Hauhaus (about twelve in number) had fired on some of Marsh the Arawa chief's men at Ohiwa, on 25th. Walker apparently not alarmed. Called at Te Kaha Point, and also at Poverty Bay; all quiet there, as well as at Opotiki. Russell.

Hon. Mr. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 28th June, 1869. Captain Hempton writes me, 24th, about state of force. Says transport was very defective when he was at front last week, but Napier bullocks may put things on better footing. Does not see how St. John can do more than hold his posts ; says nothing effectual will be done without more men, and that small failures produce bad effect on friendlies ; we must have more mounted men to move quickly, but says horses must have something more than "wi " grass to live on in winter. Moorsom's troop have greatly diminished, as horses were all done up for want of feed. Captain Collins writes, 25th: —Has written Colonel Whitmore by this mail for supply of sheep ; on hand about 100 ; butcher has applied for 200, but thinks 300 if not 400 should be sent. Roper, the shepherd, has returned to Napier by " Sturt." Entered into new arrangement with Collins to return in charge of sheep at 7s. per day for self and horse, with rations for himself, but none for horse. Mitchell, surveyor, who returned per " Sturt," says military chest by no means safe at Matata. St. John writes from Galatea, 21st; repeats particulars about men's behaviour, and regrets he cannot stir a peg ; is very unhappy about state of things and forced inaction when there was a chance of doing something; fears desertion; sees men will not work in a winter campaign here ; refusal to do duty preconcerted affair; powerless to enforce order ; thinks it would be better if men had 2s. 6d. per day, increasing rations, and giving them a ration of rum —would be better satisfied. 200 men refuse to march or do fatigues; rest, except ninety, are sick ; how long ninety may remain staunch cannot say. Smaller divisions on regimental system of companies better. Cornet Smith recognised some of the Opotiki Natives among Kooti's band at Opepe. Expects Birch back in six days. Would have gone on himself with sixty men if could have seen his way to leave posts secure. Collins reports three of Napier bullocks died from tutu first night; one more missing, and supposed dead ; had scraped up some other bullocks ; sent on two teams of eight each to front; afraid they will soon be unserviceable for want of feed. Russell. 18