OPERATIONS AGAINST REBEL NATIVES.

15

A.—No. 3d.

Natives, there were in pa Hapuku with fifty, and a lot of Wairoa Natives. The two men have come back to Tareha's pa for further assistance, and are to return with it immediately. They say tho friendlics are in good spirits, not afraid of attack, but want reinforcements to take defensive. There are lots of cultivations at the Mohaka, and probably they have come back to pack a lot of food to Putere. I never was satisfied they retired beyond Putere; that is an important post, about eight miles from AVaikari-Moana, commanding easy roads to AVairoa, Mohaka, and Petane; should be occupied by Herrick's force I think as a first position. To Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 61. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 276.) Napier, 8.2S a.m., 23rd April, 1869. " Geatltng," with twenty-six men, got off about 8.30; " Mahia," with about forty, not till 11.15. Fine—■ light breeze off the land, and hope they got down all right by daylight. Beach beautifully smooth. No further news this morning that I hear of, but shall doubtless have plenty in course of day. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 62. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 28 k) Napier, 2.45 p.m., 23rd April, 1869. Just seen young Deighton, the Wairoa mailman, who came in yesterday evening. He passed through Mohaka between 1 and 2 o'clock p.m. of Wednesday—after alarm brought in by scouts. They saw a large encampment of Hauhaus, at Manga Turanga, near Lavin's. Lots of horses saddled, and fires burning. Had made no movement up to time Deighton left. In the pa there were about 100 armed Natives, including Hiipuka's. All ready for action; no panic. Messenger at once despatched to Wairoa. Ihaka Whanga at Wairoa. No news at Wairoa when Deighton left at 9 a.m. Block-house capable of defence for a time. Informed people on the road down, but none have come in. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 63. Lieut.-Colonel Lambert to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 291.) Napier, 5.36 p.m., 23rd April, 1869. No news from Mohaka. I fear the men from here have not landed. I have a letter from Spiller, Wairoa. The orderly who left Wairoa stopped at Petane ;he must have passed Mohaka yesterday, so that up to that time no fight. The man from Petane knew nothing. From all I hear the enemy is about four miles up the valley. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Lambert.

No. 64. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier 8.10 p.m., 23rd April, 1869. Boat that went with Captain Withers returned. Landed at Mohaka at daylight. Block-house in possession of Europeans. Pa enlarged and strengthened since last attack ; full of natives in good spirits. Hauhaus had been within two miles of pa and driven off all the cattle, about thirty head. Captain Withers went out with scouting party. Beach first-rate for landing, but want of wind prevented the cutters getting in early. "Grayling" would arrive about 2, " Mahia " this evening. Boats were towing them in as Withers' boat was leaving, at 11 to-day. All this is most satisfactory. Ammunition safe, and cavalry saved from being quite knocked up. More to-morrow. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 65. Lieut.-Colonel Lambert to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 292.) Napier, 8 a.m., 24th April, 1869. Captain Witiiehs arrived at Mohaka. Hauhaus have retired—not known where. Some Natives have gone out to find their whereabouts. The ammunition and stores aro embarked. Constabulary had not arrived. Cutter in sight. To Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Lambert.

No. 66. Lieut.-Colonel Lambert to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 293.) Napier, 8.30 a.m., 24th AprilrlB69. You will have had my last night's telegram. I can arrange to hold the block-house. I think it should be held ;it is the key to the landing, and on the road from Napier to Wairoa. The few settlers left will leave, if abandoned; so will the Natives. The Constabulary had not landed last night. I shall have them back, and will employ " Lyttelton " for the purpose ;it will not take her long. Let me know sharp if you approve. I shall send forty kegs of ammunition by " Wellington." To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Lambert.