OE MR. McLEAN ON THE EAST COAST.

9

A.—No. 4a,

7th November 12th „ 13th „

I apprehend that Mr. Richmond's instructions must have been misunderstood by you, as it was not contemplated by that gentleman that the expedition should be broken up without even ascertaining the position of the enemy, and with such a force available it appears to me that this ought certainly to have been done, and the Native chiefs Tareha, Renata, and Henare, report that they and the Ngatiporous were willing to do so. The Natives arrived here on Saturday night, and I am glad to hear that you think so highly of the chiefs Tareha and Renata, and of their officers and men. The Defence Minister has furnished me with copy of instructions sent to you per " St. Kilda," to proceed to the Reinga with the Ngatiporous, as you proposed. The forces employed at the Wairoa should be cautioned against any wanton destruction of native property at tho Reinga, but should it be deemed necessary to secure the canoes, those might be kept in safe custody by the friendly chiefs. I have, &c, Major Lambert, Commanding Forces, AVairoa. Donald McLean.

No. 11. Copy of a Letter from Major Lambert to His Honor D. McLean. Sis, — Te Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, 13th November, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you, dated the lOth instant. The remarks you make therein are very unpleasant to me, and as I received my instructions from the Honorable Mr. Richmond, I am, therefore, responsible to the Government only for what I have done or left undone. I have forwarded a copy of your letter, with one from myself, to the Native Minister. I have, &c, Chas. Lambeet, His Honor D. McLean, Esq., Napier. Major Commanding Wairoa District.

No. 12. Copy of Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. Sis, — Napier, 14th November, 1868. I have the honor herewith to forward copies of correspondence with Major Lambert, dated as per margin. I should like to know if I have correctly interpreted your instructions to this officer. I have, &c, The Hon. J. C. Richmond, AVellington. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 1 in No. 12. Copy of a Letter from Major Lambeet to His Honor D. McLean. Sis, — Camp AVairoa, 7th November, 1868. I have the honor to report that the Native expedition having returned to Clyde, and no enemy appearing, I have, as directed by the Hon. Mr. Richmond, embarked the Napier Natives this day on board the " St. Kilda," for a passage to Napier. I cannot speak too highly of the behaviour of the chiefs Tareha and Renata and their officers and men, who, I know, are greatly disappointed at not having met the enemy, and feel assured that the Government and yourself think highly of the noble way they came forward to the assistance of the Government at a time of great alarm. I have, &c, C. Lambert, His Honor D. McLean, Esq., Napier. Major Commanding, Wairoa.

Enclosure 2 in No. 12. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Major Lambert. Sib,— Napier, 12th November, 1868. I have the honor to acquaint you that steps have been taken for the defence of Poverty Bay. I send the " St. Kilda " to the Wairoa in case anything may have occurred which you may wish to communicate. I enclose the copy of a letter from Mr. Gascoigne by which you will perceive that the women and children have been removed to Auckland and Napier. Mr. Gascoigne considers that he can hold his position with the present force at Poverty Bay; he is, however, being temporarily reinforced by 60 Natives from here, and I will communicate with you if it is deemed advisable by the Government to move any portion of the AVairoa force, to co-operate with that which is now being sent from here. In the meantime I wish to discourage the removal of any of the Ngatiporou tribe. I have, &c, Major Lambert, &c, Wairoa. D. McLean. 3