A.—No. 4a,

Mr. F. E. Hamlin to Mr. J. C. Richmond. AVairoa, 12th October, 1868. Arrived here 10th instant. Scouts under Karaitiana Rotoatara have been out fourteen days. No tidings ; great alarm as to their safety. Friendly Natives mustering to send an expedition in search to ascertain, if killed to take revenge. Settlers hard at work finishing redoubt. Division among Friendly Natives from AVaihirere —Paora Apatu's pa and up to Tamihana Hoati's pa, being one section ; and Ngatiruru Pukiaka to Kabu, being the other section. Latter section strong, in a very doubtful state. To disarm them very injudicious, with a superior force. Natives at Mohaka in a very healthy state. Ready to serve north or south of home. Pass to Rewi te Nahu not yet gone. No chance of communication with ex-prisoners, or else would do so. Have been requested by Deighton and Captain Tuke to stay for a day or two to await result of present movements. Deficiency of arms at .Mohaka, 31 Enfields, fair supply of ammunition, 19 muskets, no ammunition. Have sent to Ihaka AVhanga to consult with him, will be here I hope to-day ; have also sent to Te Waru to come down to have friendly chat. Very doubtful as to coming in. Nama been sent for, strongly suspected as having been implicated in the supposed murdered scouts. If Karaitiana Rotoatara killed will be very much felt by Government. Ex-prisoners supposed to be in great force at or near pa Puri. Will endeavour to find the number of arms in every tribe along the coast. F. E. Hamlin.

Mr. Ormond to Mr. J. C. Richmond. Napier, loth October, 1808, 9.45 a.m. Intelligence from Wairoa. Have letters from Deighton, Hamlin, and other scouts, all showing great excitement and alarm ; cause disappearance party scouts fourteen in number under Karaitiana. Belief of Deighton and Wairoa Natives scouts murdered. I see no sufficient ground for this. Scouts may be captured and detained. Wairoa Natives generally reported as unreliable. The Friendlies have raised party 100 strong and gone to see after scouts. Mohaka Natives and Ihaka Whanga's party sent for by Wairoas. Sub-Inspector Tuke in command at Wairoa, a good man. Deighton's letters say fighting imminent. AVhen McLean arrives will urge his going AVairoa at once. If McLean not left Wellington communicate this telegram. Ormond.

Mr. D. McLean to Mr. J. C. Richmond. Napier, 15th October, 1808. The murder of Native scouts by ex-prisoners renders reinforcements necessary without delay. Major Fraser and his men, who know the country and Natives, would be of great value. If assistance is not immediate I fear tbe Wairoa will be lost. Prisoners are in great force, joined by Te Waru. Donald McLean.

Mr. J. C. Richmond to Mr. Donald McLean. Wellington, 10th October, 1868. Osmond's and Withers' Telegrams received. " St. Kilda" under orders for Napier, AVairoa and AVaiapu to-morrow. Wdl bring all available men. I come in her, and hope you will be able to join. Reply with latest news. J. C. Richmond.

Mr. D. McLean to Mr. J. C. Richmond. Napier, 10th October, 1868. STErs I recommend and desire approved for meeting Wairoa difficulty. To obtain assistance Ngatiporou tribe. I can obtain their services. May have to go myself to get them. Ngatiporou and Wairoa Native force will have to be paid and fed. Steamer procurable here to transport Ngatiporou to AVairoa. Again urge that Major Fraser and force be sent back at once ; he knows the Natives well, and worked with them efficiently before. Tuke meantime best officer to command. Prompt action necessary. Reply requested. Donald McLean.

Lieut.-Col. Lambert to Colonel Haultain. Napier, 19th October, 1808, 2 p.m. Messrs. Richmond and McLean embarked with thirteen Europeans and sixty Natives for Wairoa. Latest from Tuke, 17th. Enemy in force. Te Kooti, AVaikatos, and Ureweras within five miles of Clyde. Wairoa Natives in their pahs. A Native taken prisoner almost in sight of Clyde. J. Richmond requested 6

TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY OF MR. MCLEAN ON THE EAST COAST.