A.—No. 4a

12

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY

Enclosure 1 in No. 15. " Superintendent's Office, Napier, November 19. On the Northern frontier towards Taupo the place is not guarded against a surprise, and I have, therefore, considered it prudent to call upon the settlers on the line of road from Meanee to Pohui to organise a system of communication, by which they would be at once apprised of any movement of the enemy, besides hearing direct from Napier any rumours from other portions of the Province. A copy of the instructions for this arrangement is herewith enclosed. System of Patrol Communication from Meanee to Polmi. Meanee.—Mr. Maney to send a mounted man at 12 noon to Puketapu, who will receive a despatch and return with the same to Mr. Maney. Puketapu.—Mr. Heslop to send a mounted man at 11 a.m. to Mr. Hill's, who will receive a despatch and return with the same to Mr. Heslop, Tutaekuri. —Mr. Hill to send a mounted man at 10 a.m. to Peka Peka, who will receive a despatch and return with the same to Mr. Hill. Peka Peka.—Mr. AVilkin to send a mounted man at 9 a.m. to Taylor's station, who will receive a despatch aud return with the same to Mr. AVilkin. Glengarry.—Mr. Taylor to send a mounted man at 6 a.m. to Mr. Parsons' station, who will receive a despatch and return with the same to Mr. Taylor. Pohue. —Mr. Parsons to send a mounted man at 6 a.m. to Titiokura, or other direction where it is likely to ascertain the movement of the enemy. Mr. Parsons will write on a sheet of paper the result, and forward the same by the mounted man from Taylor's station. This despatch will bo left open, in order that any information may be added at the several halting places. When the persons named are absent from their stations, the despatch is to be fonvarded by a shepherd or other individual who may be present. Donald McLean, Superintendent."

Enclosure 2 in No. 15. Copy of a Letter from Captain AVesteup to His Honor D. McLean. Sic, — Turanganui, Sunday, 15th November, 1868. I have the honor to inform you of the safe arrival of myself and force at Turanganui on Friday, 13th instant, having on the way called at Mahia, and embarked Ihaka Whanga and about seventy of his men (forty only armed). On arrival I found the news you had already received fully corroborated. Thirty-four Europeans and fifteen Maoris are known to be killed (probably more). A correct return will be forwarded as soon as possible. With the exception of Tamihana himself and about five or six of his men, the whole of his people have joined the enemy. Paratene and men have also joined the enemy, who have since shot some of his people, and bound himself and six others, who, it is said, are to be shot to-day. The Muriwai people still hold out with about forty armed men, and refugees from other pas. They have sent for assistance. Renata AVhakari and three others, who went over to the enemy, have been shot by them. I have made use of two small vessels lying here to communicate with the Muriwai people, and have asked them to come over here, but without effect. The enemy are in great force, and are represented by Urewera prisoners and Waikatos, greatly reinforced by ex-friendlies, well armed, from AVairoa and elsewhere, the latter only a few, if any. They number at the least 500 men, and must have now in their possession over 300 rifles. lam holding this place and the court house on the right bank of the river, but my force all told is only 2SO, and many of these unarmed and none trained. AVhite reinforcements are continually inquired for by all, and the paucity of our numbers is producing a bad effect. The enemy have taken possession of Tamihana's pa, and are strongly posted at Puke Amionga and Captain AVestrup's. I should at least require 500 men to take the field, and 200 garrison. The enemy has brought all his women and children, and this coupled with the fact of their continually carting stores to their position leads me to believe that they intend to remain. They are led by Te Want, Te Kooti, Nama, llorowcra, and others. WiPere has joined them, in fact, nearly all have gone over. I propose making a reconnoissance to-day to bury the dead, if possible. A large reinforcement of Europeans is absolutely necessary ; with them I could attack the enemy, but without, success would be very doubtful. I have good reason to believe that with encouragement the Ngatiporou would take the matter into their own hands, and having good knowledge of war and some prestige, would most probably succeed in expelling the enemy and punishing him severely. I propose making a reconnoissance, not only with the object of burying as many of our dead as possible, but obtaining a better knowledge of the enemy's position. A few light field pieces or mortars would be most useful, with men to work them. I propose to detain a vessel for the purpose of communicating with the opposite side of the bay. By the next mail I trust to be able to furnish you with a correct detail of the dead and missing. We require arms, ammunition, and tents ; at least fifty stand of arms are required. Henare Potae, with Paora Parau, and Hirini, have behaved splendidly, and I trust the Government will acknowledge their services. I have, &c, His Honor Donald McLean, Chas. Westeup, General Government Agent, Napier. Captain Commanding Local Forces. Enclosure 3 in No. 15. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to F. E. Hamlin, Esq. Sic,— Napier, 17th November, 1868. You will at once proceed by the steamer " Ahuriri" to the East Coast as far as Hick's Bay,