A.—No. 4a

16

EURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY

No. 19. Copy of a Letter from Captain Westeup to His Honor D. McLean. Sic,— Turanganui, Poverty Bay, 25th November, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that the Native Contingent succeeded on Monday night, 23rd instant, at 6 o'clock, in coming upon the enemy camped in tents, with their women and children. They found the enemy entrenched on a small flat with a creek running through it, but perfectly clear of bush. After some little firing an attempt was made to carry the position with a rush. Ngaitahupo with the prophet Hamuera Toiroa, taking a conspicuous position. The success was only partial, for after inflicting a loss on the enemy of more than twenty killed, and carrying away two rifles, our contingent retired for the night to a hill overlooking the enemy, and distant some sixteen hundred yards, our loss being four killed and twelve wounded, one dangerously. Neither party can bury their dead on account of the galling fire kept up by both forces. Among the slain is the prophet Hamuera Toiroa of Ngaitahupo tribe, who prophesied his own death would follow Te Kooti's. There is some reason to think Te Kooti is killed, for one of the enemy cried out, " As you have lost your head, I will be your Chief," and" many say they recognised Te AVaru's voice. If Ngatiporou arrive in time they will most likely carry the enemy's position, for the space enclosed by ditch and parapet is so large as to encompass the enemy's canvas town as it is called, and the enemy having to defend two sides will be so weakened as to render success almost certain. Our position is admirably situated for artillery and rocket practice, and I strongly recommend you to secure if possible the services of a Man-of-AVar's Rocket Brigade, together with a couple of light guns for throwing shells, grape, &c. The road is sufficiently good to allow the transit of them. Fighting at long ranges is still going on. I have, &c. Charles Westeup, His Honor D. McLean, Napier. Captain Commanding.

No. 20. Copy of a Letter from Mr. F. E. Hamlin to His Honor D. McLean. Sis,— Wairoa, 26th November, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that the expedition moved off yesterday. I followed them to-day, and saw everything in a fair way. They certainly went off in splendid spirits, declaring to stain themselves in blood by way of revenge. The late news from Poverty Bay has so exasperated them that even some women of masculine spirit have joined the expedition. 1 shall stay on here for a time, as I am certain the Major will not do anything in case it's wanted. A thousand pities he retarded me on my first arrival, otherwise wo might have had the expedition off much easier ; reflection damped their spirits. Nevertheless, the expedition has moved off about 370 strong. I hope you have sent reinforcements to Poverty Bay, as the harder we attack them on that side the less they will expect anyone on the rear, and the better chance of success. I shall send to AVestrup, and warn him of the time the expedition may reach the enemy's reported position. I intend to place a Native at Happy Jack's, to keep up the communication with Wairoa from that place, in case of steamers calling in there. I shall very likely proceed to Mohaka to-morrow. I have, &c, Donald McLean, Esq., General Government Agent, Napier. F. E. Hamlin.

No. 21. Copy a Letter from the Hon. J. C. Richmond to His Honor D. McLean. Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 26th November, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, with copies of correspondence between yourself and Major Lambert, dated as per margin, and requesting information as to whether you have correctly interpreted my instructions to this officer. The object of the Government most distinctly was to act upon the defensive at AVairoa and Poverty Bay until a European Force could be brought up. The townships at Clyde and Turanganui were accordingly furnished with garrisons, the defensive works ordered to be perfected and furnished with stores and ammunition. The instructions to this effect were submitted to you at Wairoa. The unhappy raid upon the defenceless settlers at Turanga altered this purpose, but Major Lambert was not in any way to blame for the course he took prior to that disaster. I have, &c, His Honor D. McLean, &c, &c, &c, Napier. J. C. Richmond.

No. 22. Copy of a Letter from Mr. G. Preece to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. Resident Magistrate's Office, Sis, — Wairoa, 11th December, 1868. I have the honor to report, for your information, that in accordance with instructions received from the General Government Agent at Napier, I left AVairoa on the 26th ult. for Te Kapu, where I found the Ngatiporou and AVairoa Natives had encamped; the intention of the Natives then was to