OPERATIONS AGAINST REBEL NATIVES.

9

A.—No. 3c.

Lambert. I intend allowing most of the second-class Militia to return to town to-day, but shall keep the remainder in hand till we hear where Te Kooti's baud has gone. From Putere it is only a day's march of an active enemy to Petane. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, AVellington. Russell.

No. 33. Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. H. R. Russell. (Telegram No. 376.) Buildings, 12.20 p.m., 14th April, 1869. I don't understand, from your telegrams, what arrangements you are trying to make with friendly Natives. Do not employ any but those who have gone with Lambert without special instructions. We will not put a number of these men on pay to do little or nothing. What family hail Lavin ? To H. R. Russell, Esq., Napier. T. M. Haultain.

No. 34 Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultatn. (Telegram No. 157.) Napier, 1.6 p.m., 14th April, 1869. This telegram was omitted to be sent last night by my clerk : —Just returned from Spit despatching cutters. Boat and cutter that went last night observed off Waikare at daylight, and would be at Mohaka early. Wind fair, and I expect boat soon with latest news. I do not quite rely on news of Te Kooti's retreat. Shall send telegrams after I have done with continuation of events; all goes on well. Natives drew back when time came to embark. Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 35. Hon. H. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 158.) Napier, 1.21 p.m., 14th April, 1869. I hate been busy all morning despatching orders to different Militia detachments so as to make their service as light as possible consistent with the public safety. I shall let you know what I have done presently, but my arrangements are giving great satisfaction. I have important news from Taupo from Hamlin, and from another man just arrived by way of Patea, and will communicate the same presently. Lavin had wife and two children. The boatman has just come to see me; he says it is quite possible they may have been in the bush, as Sim and his family, eight in all, only came in from the hills yesterday at 5 p.m. Shall send boatman's news presently. Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 36. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 169.) Napier, 2 p.m., 15th April, 1869. Two p.m. Just received despatch from Lambert overland by Weber. Shall send abstract presently. Enemy gone. Our losses not so great —seven Europeans, about twenty-six Natives. Party of Constabulary and Volunteers gone up valley reconnoitring. Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 37. Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 180.) Napier, 9 a.m., 16th April, 1869. I have seen the Natives who defended the pas, and placed them on rations; they have no food, and have behaved well. It is not known that the road to Wairoa is clear, but I shall ascertain that. I have also placed the Mohaka Militia on pay ; they will be in the block-house. Lambeet, Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Mohaka, 15th April.

No. 38. Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 181.) Napier, 9 a.m., 16th April, 1869. Captains Tanner and Towgood with all Militia and Volunteers, march for Napier. I have retained Dr. Russell for service and to attend upon the wounded Natives. lam keeping the mounted A.C. here until I hear from you. Napier need not be afraid of any attack at present, but the Titiokura Gorge should be attended to. An enemy might get in by Petane. Te Kooti could have reached Napier as easily from Ruatahuna as he did Mohaka via Tarawa. The report here of his being shot is still believed. Found the bodies of Lavin and wife, and Cooper and thirty-one friendlies up the yalley. Hon. Colonel Haultain. Lambeet. 3