OPERATIONS AGAINST REBEL NATIVES.

7

A.—No. 3c.

quarters, result not known. Hauhaus lost 12 killed. Houses of settlers burnt. When Kooti got possession he said " This is done ; now for Wairoa." As fugitives left saw party friendlies coming from Wairoa. These must afterwards have engaged enemy. Kooti's force said to be 300 to 500. The estimate Native. Kooti took 163- casks of ammunition and rifles. To Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 23. Hon. H. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram, No. 128.) Napier, 5 p.m., 12th April, 1869. Mueiwai just iv from Wairoa ; accounts very satisfactory ; no doubt now of Te Kooti having attacked Mohaka; reported strength 400 men ; has been attacked by Ihaka Whanga and Wairoa Natives, and with our force hurrying up, I hope he will be captured at last. I shall send particulars as soon as 1 can analyze despatches, which are very full, and dated 10th and 11th. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 24. Hon. H. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram, No. 132.) Napier, 9.15 a.m., 13th April, 1869. No news during the night. Despatched orderly at 11 p.m. to Lambert with copies of Wairoa despatches, and with regard to concentrating armed force as possible at Mohaka for action to-morrow morning. I went to Spit and saw cutter " Hero " hauled out at 11 p.m. last night with rations and ammunition for Mohaka and Wairoa. Sent off boat same time with strong crew to land rations at Awapawanui and Waikane for troops marching up ; and to go on to Mohaka, deliver my letter to officer in command, and bring me news by 4 p.m. if possible of what is going on. Weather beautiful. We are just going to embark Renata's Maoris in " Grayling," which sails about 10, I hope. I was all ready since yesterday at noon with this cutter, which takes rations and ammunition also. More presently. To Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 25. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 134.) Napier, 9.44 a.m., 13th April, 1869. Just received despatches from Lambert, who left for front immediately he received my despatch. All goes well, and to-night there should be a large force at Mohaka. lam sending rations, &c, for horse and foot, for the line of march by sea. There was an alarm at Mcanee last night. Colonel Russell and all his family came in. Shall move Havclock Company to Meanee to-night, if I see occasion. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 26. Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 133.) Napier, 9.44 a.m., 13th April, 1869. Maeching with troopers —56, 10 mounted infantry, and 74 foot. I hope to be at Mohaka with mounted men this afternoon. The infantry will not get so far. Should the Wairoa Natives havu fixed upon To Kooti and keep their hold, I shall be in time to do something. All in good spirits. I leave at Petane about 170, not a very movable force. I have a Native here who was in the pa when delivered up; they had only lost one man ; Kooti told them they should not be injured and gave them presents, then demanded their guns ; oi.e refused, whom he shot, and then the slaughter began. Reported that his scouts have been seen near Waikari, and has pack-horses going up Mohaka Valley. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Lambebt, Petane River.

No. 27. Hon. H. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 140.) Napier, 12 noon, 13th April, 1869. Renata has sent after Paul Torotoro's party as many mounted men as will make up 70. " Grayling " now embarking about 30 more, and Murewai'will take on about 30 at 3 o'clock. lam giving my anxious attention to the commissariat, but as the weather is beautiful, I trust to-night all will be at. its proper depots. Lambert left at daylight with 124 mounted men, including Richardson's force, whose horses are much knocked up. Captain Kennedy with 80 men on foot also proceeded. The rest of the Militia remain at Petane with Captain Russell and Major Green. I have directed the latter to push out mounted scouts towards the two Mohaka fords. The Natives are keeping a sharp look-out towards these quarters, and I have told Ormond those left behind should bo ready at any moment. You may depend on utmost economy in every way. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.