A.—No. 3c,
FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS.
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No. 67. Hon. Colonel Haultain to Lieut.-Colonel Lambert. (Telegram No. 463.) Buildings, 10.50 a.m., 24th April, 1869. As the Hauhaus have retired there is no necessity for keeping the troopers at Mohaka, and they should be brought back as soon as possible and pushed on to Taupo. Consult with Russell in these matters, and also as to the number of scouts that should be retained. It is better to keep an extra good lookout until a movement is made to meet Whitmore, which will soon be arranged when Mr. Richmond arrives. The men who arrive by " Lyttclton " should go to Mohaka, but she will not be at Napier till late to-night or early to-morrow morning, as she is very slow. There are some invalids on board who should remain at Napier for treatment. Report when she arrives, and state number of men. To Colonel Lambert, Napier. T. M. Haultain.
No. 68. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 209.) • Napier, 10.21 a.m., 21th April, 1569. Three armed Natives just arrived from Mohaka; left as cutters were going in. All right, and in good spirits at Mohaka. One hundred armed friendlies there. Hauhaus had retired. Not true about taking away cattle; they say it was friendly Natives removing cattle. Ihaka Whanga preparing his men for assisting in offensive operations. Had sent oft' messengers to East Cape. An Uriwcra had called out to friendly scouts, " Stop a bit, my brave fellows, your doings are being concealed." This they interpret to mean that more men of mark had been killed at first attack than friendlies knew of — probably, in reference to Paora, the Urewera chief, and Te Kooti. The messengers have come to get some more of their own people to go up to strengthen them. I have no doubt they have been collecting food, probably to make a stand. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.
No. 69. Captain Withers to Lieut.-Colonel Lambert. Sir,— Mohaka Block-house, 23rd April, 1869. I have the honor to inform you that we arrived off the mouth of the river at 4 o'clock this morning, and landed about two hours afterwards. I found all correct at the block-house. Ensign Witty had embarked the ammunition and stores on board the cutter " Hero," which sailed for Wairoa about 6 o'clock last evening with seven men of the Armed Constabulary, principally those not drilled. I find, on inquiry, that the information given by Mr. Witty was quite correct; that the enemy was in some force within two miles and a half of the block-house, but the scouts who returned from Manga Turanga last night report that the Hauhaus had left that place, which is only two and a half miles from here, but where they are going to no one at present knows ; but there is a party of Natives going out immediately to ascertain their whereabouts. The Natives aro also quieting down very much. There is a schooner in sight, I suppose the " Grayling" with the Constabulary, but I fear she will not get in till night, as the wind is from the north-west. I will write to you again by the cutter. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Lambert, E. Withers, Captain Commanding Colonial Forces, Napier. (in charge of Mohaka District). P.S. —I forgot to mention that Sub-Inspector Richardson called out the Militia and put them on pay before he left; let me know if this is right. E. W.
No. 70. Hon Colonel Haultain to Hon. H. R. Russell. (No. 216-3.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— Wellington, 30th April, 1869. On relieving the Napier Militia and Volunteers from further duty, you are requested to inform them that the Government have received with much satisfaction the reports that have been made of the alacrity and promptness with which they assembled and inarched from their homes and occupations for the defence of outsettlers of the Province. They have not only cheerfully undero-one severe hardships, but have zealously continued to perform irksome and monotonous duties, which are the most trying to all troops, afier the first excitement of action has passed away. This is not the first time that the Napier settlers have proved their readiness and ability to rely on themselves and maintain the peace and security of their Province, and the Colony will acknowledge that they have shown an excellent example to all disturbed districts of the Northern Island. I have already expressed by telegram the sense the Government entertain of the assistance rendered by yourself and Lieut.-Colonel Lambert during the late emergency. H. Russell, Esq., I have, &c, Acting for the General Government, Napier. T. M. Haultain.