A.—No. 3

70

MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST REBEL NATIVES

Hon. Mr. Eussell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 28th June, 18G9. Five p.m. —Orderly just arrived from Patea. Letter from Mr. Birch states he had been, on 23rd, to Hatepa Falls where Hare Tauteka and his people are staying. Confirms report that Te Kooti has left Tauranga, and is at Moreangi, west side of lake ; has taken Te Heu Heu and Paurini, with nearly all the people who had remained at Tokanu, prisoners ; some got away from Tokanu, and are now with Hare's people. Te Kooti wrote to them to join him; did not kill any, but tried to prevent escape. Greater part of Taupo Hauhaus joined Te Kooti —not all. Best waiting decision of King. Te Kooti said his people might go further into King's country, or come this way, viz., Patea. Hare expecting news from Wanganui Natives every day. Messengers sent had not yet returned. Are very anxious to get assistance and arms in case of attack. Without assistance, even if armed, would not be able to stand. Appear not only willing but anxious to fight Te Kooti. If caught, would probably be compelled to join him. Lament very much loss of land, horses, cattle, &c, which they say Te Kooti has taken. Asked what Government would do for them, and have written me two letters asking arms and help. They have also written to Eenata. Orderly returns on Wednesday morning. ErSSELL.

Mr. Ehodes to Hon. D. McLean. Napier, 29th June, 1869. The Orderly from Patea. Birch's place went last night. He confirms the news from Taupo. Te Kooti on the west side Taupo Lake. Bhodes.

Hon. D. McLean to Captain St. Geosge. Wellington, 4th July, 18G9. Send news from Taupo. Where are friendly Natives, are they concentrated ? Is Te Kooti at Taupo, and where ? What force has he ? Where is Poihipi ? Is Heu Heu a prisoner ? When did you hear from Fort Galatea ? McLean.

Captain St. Geobge to Hon. D. McLean. Pohui, 4th July, 1869. Kooti's head-quarters at Moerangi, fifteen miles south end of lake. His scouts seen within two miles of Tapuaeharuru three days ago. He has found out that there is a garrison of Arawa at Tapuaeharuru, so he has not attacked the place as expected. I have 100 Arawa and about the same number Taupos. lam very short of food, nothing but potatoes, and not many of them. Arawas calling out for food. I fear that they will be obliged to leave if they don't get food shortly, and then I cannot trust Taupos to hold out. Te Kooti is sure to attack if Arawas leave. Te Kooti has about 150 of his own men, and has been joined by some Taupo Natives. Te Heu Heu and Paurini with him—perhaps prisoners. The general impression is that they joined him. The Taupos are quarrelling a good deal among themselves. If the Arawas leave they (the Taupos) will not stay altogether. Te Kooti is sure to attack if Arawas leave. As far as I can learn, the western Hauhaus are not inclined to help Te Kooti, however they must join him if a force is not kept at Tapuaeharuru. If you will give me fifty men as a garrison, and fifteen men for commissariat work, and fifteen pack-horses, I would keep them provisioned from Maketu. Six days after the force is at Maketu I will have them at Tapuaeharuru. The commissariat force that I mention will be sufficient, as I shall take the road through the Arawa country. I have already telegraphed this to Mr. Ormond. St. Geoege.