A.—Nol 3c.
OPERATIONS AGAINST REBEL NATIVES.
11
force, and as I did not think it safe to leave so small a detachment at Te Kupu, I ordered Captain Corfield to abandon the post. Captain AVithers left this on Sunday morning, intending if possible to proceed to Napier; but on his arrival at Mohaka he found our Natives engaged with the enemy, and was obliged to retreat with them, having heard that Ihaka AVhanga, one of the most respected and loyal chiefs of the district, had been left on the field. I determined to proceed with a few of my men, as I thought it would induce the Natives to make a stand ; I had also made every preparation for the defence of the district during my absence; but Captain AVithers returned and assumed the command of the district, and would not allow me to proceed. A force did not start again before Tuesday afternoon, by which time, I regret to say, it was too late. Ihaka AVhanga was found on the beach a few miles from AVairoa, in a miserable state. At the time the late expedition left the AVairoa to attack Te AVaru, I informed you that I had written to Mr. Worgan, requesting him to direct the chiefs in command to use every precaution by placing scouts well in rear, taking advantage of commanding positions, as it was likely that Te Waru would make a false stand at Tukarangi or Te Kiwi, in order to afford Te Kooti an opportunity of advancing unobserved on one of our settlements. It is strange that this prediction should have turned out correct. Knowing that our Native allies were the only people we had to call upon for assistance if required, I took every precaution, and directed Mr. Worgan on no account to allow all the Natives to accompany the expedition to Waikari-Moana. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Lambert, Harvey Spillee, Commanding Napier District. Captain Commanding Wairoa District.
No. 42. Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Sib— Mohaka, 15th April, 1869. I have the honor to forward a report of my proceedings since I marched with the force under my command from Napier. Marched at 12.30, arrived at Petane and halted for the night, having pushed on Captain Tanner's troop of Cavalry with instructions to reach Mohaka as quickly as possible, keeping me informed of everything that he heard of the enemy, and to communicate with Captain Towgood, who was in advance. I halted at Petane, on the 12th, waiting for information from the front, and for the troop of mounted A.C., which I expected to arrive early in the day, when I intended to march at night. The troop did not arrive so soon as expected. I did not march till daylight on the 13th. I had received information from Captain H. Russell that the enemy was still at Mohaka, and had not taken the pa on Sunday, and that from his position there would be every chance of crushing him. I then ordered the company of Volunteers, made up to eighty-four men, to march at daylight, under Captain Wallace, and Nos. 1 and 2 Companies of Napier Militia, numbering forty each, to march later in the day, and also told off a party of mounted Militia, who marched with Captain Wallace's detachment. I left camp about 7 a.m. and overtook the Infantry, pushed on with the mounted Militia, overtook the mounted A.C. at Awapawanui, and received a despatch from Captain Towgood to the effect that Te Kooti had retired up the Mohaka Valley. I then ordered back the whole of the Volunteers and Militia to Petane, and moved forward with the mounted troop of A.C., who I had to leave at Waikare, the horses being completely beaten. I went on to Mohaka, arrived at 7.30, and found the enemy had left, and that the place was safe; Captain Towgood, to whom great praise is due, having arrived at about 6 o'clock in the morning, and Captain Tanner, with his party, between 10 and 11 o'clock on the 14th. I went with a party some fifteen miles up the valley, but failed to reach the enemy, who had too great a start, and I had not force sufficient to follow him up. On my advance up the valley I saw the devastation that had been committed by the enemy, and counted thirty-one dead bodies of Natives, and a number of horses and cattle. I also ascertained the fate of Mr. Lavin and wife, and Mr. Cooper. I saw the three children interred, and arranged for the interment of the others —Mr. Cooper, Mr. Lavin and wife —and am happy to say their bodies had not been in any way mutilated. The whole of the settlers' houses and most of the Natives' whares have been burnt. 15th.—I have this day marched Captain Tanner's Troop and all the Militia and Volunteers under Captain Towgood to Napier, and shall arrange the force at Mohaka, and, until I hear from you, shall keep the mounted troop there, the horses requiring rest. Captain H. Russell has kept me well supplied with provisions and ammunition. I shall visit Wairoa, which place I shall make my headquarters at present, and will keep you advised of proceedings in the district from time to time. I have, &c, C. Lambeet, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Lieut.-Colonel.
No. 43. Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. H. R. Russell. (Telegram, No. 384.) Buildings, 2.35 p.m., 16th April, 1869. I find there are only sixteen recruits ready to go by " Ahuriri." Do not issue either breech-loading or revolver ammunition to Natives. I want to get these arms out of their hands, and they ought never to have had them, and our supply of that kind of ammunition is limited. Lambert's despatch received —let me know when the Militia have arrived. To H. Russell, Esq., Napier. T. M. Haultain.