A.—No. 4a,
18
FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY
loss to be over a hundred. I myself estimate it at sixty-five, but they might have had better opportunities of judging than I had, but a great many more must have been wounded in the retreat through the scrub, as the firing was very heavy, and well directed. I have, &c, The Hon. J. C Richmond, George Preece, Native Office, Wellington. Native Interpreter.
No. 23. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. J. C. Richmond to AY. S. Atkinson, Esq., R.M., Turanganui. (No. 61-3.) Sir,— AVellington, February 13th, 1869. I have the honor to request you to visit Tuparoa and AVaiapu by the St. Kilda, which brings this despatch, taking with you Sergt. Ferris, of the Turanga Militia, for the purpose of recruiting the Armed Constabulary among the Ngatiporou tribe. The details of terms are contained in instructions to Sergt. Ferris, which you will please deliver to him, and in the Acts and Regulations referring to the Constabulary, enclosed herewith. It will be most advisable that the usual term of engagement for three years, as well as the other conditions of service, should be adhered to ; but if the length of engagement is an obstacle, Sergt. Ferris will be justified in accepting enlistment for twelve months. The Government rely much on your reasoning and influence with the Chiefs in obtaining their cordial assent to the enlistment, and wish you to explain thoroughly that the men will not be detained to the full limit of their engagement if the peace of the country is sufficiently established to allow of their returning to their homes earlier. I have, &c, W. S. Atkinson, Esq., R.M., Turanganui. J. C. Richmond.
Instructions to Sergt. Ferris, with regard to raising Natives for Armed Constabulary. (Forwarded under cover to AY. S. Atkinson, Esq., R.M., Turanga.) The Government desire to raise sixty (60) or seventy (70) men for the Armed Constabulary, from the Friendly Tribes upon the East Coast. You will select them from the Ngatiporou or any tribe not connected with the rebels, except the Ngatikahungunu. The Ngatiporou would do best for the service required, and the number might, if necessary, be made up of a few very carefully chosen from the Aitangahauiti or the Turanga tribes. You are to limit the enlistment generally to men under twenty-five years of age, of good character, temperate habits, and of a healthy physique. The terms of enlistment will be for twelve (12) months, if a longer term is objected to, and the men will receive the pay and allowances, and be in all respects subject to the regulations for the Armed Constabulary, copies of which are enclosed for your information. You will in the first instance raise whatever men may be available at Tuparoa ; and then proceed to such points of the coast on the Ngatiporou country as you may deem most suitable for your purpose, filling up from the more southerly tribes on your return. I have, &c, J. C Richmond.
No. 24. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. Dr. Pollen, Auckland. Sis,— Napier, 16th February, 1869. I have the honor herewith to forward the translation of a letter received from Rihimona of Nuhaka, who obtained his information from Ihaka AVhanga, the principal chief of the Mahia, near Table Cape ; it appears that Karipa, son of Tamihana Ruatapu, who had been with Te Kooti, had arrived at Te Muriwai, near Poverty Bay, and informed the Natives of that place that the Hauhaus were proposing to make a descent on Opotiki, AVairoa, or Turanga. I have no information at present on the subject beyond what the letter contains. I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Auckland. Donald McLean.
No. 25. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sis,— Napier, 12th March, 1869. The general threatening aspect of affairs in the North Island induces me to discharge what I conceive to be my duty to the Colony, by representing to His Excellency's Ministers what in my opinion is the position of the East Coast, the part of the country with which I am most connected, and to indicate the action which I conceive advisable to meet present difficulties. The various settlements on the East Coast are threatened with destruction, murders are committed at different points, and life and property deemed quite insecure. At AVairoa, Te AVaru, with about sixty of his own followers, besides adherents from the Uriwera and other tribes, is ready to attack any outsettlers or friendly Natives who may come within his reach, while the friendly Natives, bewildered by different and conflicting instructions, are at a loss to know, while willing to act, what steps to take for the public safety, and although constantly appealed to on the subject, I do not feel that the Government place me in a position to enable me to act with sufficient authority in this matter.