A.—No. Ba.
10
PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS
sent them away : aud, on saying "goodbye" to them, I told them 1 would lie most happy to bring their excellent conduct to your notice. Not only in camp but before the enemy they were all that could be desired. I cannot say too much in their praise. Ever obedient and willing, never having superstitious dreams on the eve of an expedition, —a trick so common amongst our Native allies, —but one and all engaging in the work with heart and soul, it was indeed a pleasure to command them. Much of this good spirit was, no doubt, infused and fostered by their leaders, Major Kemp and Captains McDonnell and Wirihana, and I would be glad if the Government will acknowledge the services of these officers and the men. It would be an incentive for them to again come to the front should their services be required, and would also be what they well deserve. I found it necessary to send Dr. Walker with Lieutenant Turei to Wanganui. The latter was badly wounded through the lungs, and required constant medical attendance. The Natives under Captain McDonnell arc struck off pay from this date, and those under Kemp from the date of arrival at Wanganui. I have, &c., His Honor J. D. Ormond, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Col., General Government Agent, Napier. Commanding Taupo Field Force.
No. 17. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Te Haroto, 21th November, 1869. I have Very little news to give you. Arrived here to-night. Last night was at Tapuacharuru. Found Roberts away looking after convoy at Kaiteriria, which was exposed in event of Hakaraia moving. A Native from Patetere brought word to Tapuacharuru that Hakaraia and Kereopa had marched to attack it, but had been stopped by Ngatiraukawa, who, 100 strong, kept watch at Waotu to prevent him passing. It is believed no attack will be made at Tapuacharuru, but that they will join Te Kooti. Nothing is known here or at Tapuacharuru of Te Kooti. He is in the mountains somewhere, but where not known. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell has hunted the bush to close to Tuhua, which is near forty miles from here, but no signs. The Natives all say Te Kooti is in the King's country. Kemp and Wanganuis left on Sunday for Topia's meeting. There seems no hope of finding Te Kooti; all has been done that can be done without going into the King's country, and that, of course, is out of the question. I intend to arrange as I before advised you, but cannot settle details until I have seen Natives, which I do to-morrow. The only Natives now here are, Arawa, 130, and 100 Europeans. The road question is exciting great attention everywhere, and I shall arrange at once for forming the line to Tapuaeharuru ; the road is most easy, and will effect great saving in transport. Boats here are now commencing. I shall be here two days at least, and have a good look at the country toward Tuhua. Let Mr. McLean hear about Ngatiraukawa stopping Hakaraia; the information was brought by a half Hauhau, called Wiripo, and Natives say can be relied on. Native opinion here is Nini and Ngatituwharetoa will not ■come in whilst Te Kooti is near ; they are afraid of him. They have left him. That gives you the news worth sending. The Hon. W. Fox, Wellington. Ormond.
No. 18. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Colonial Secretar.. (Telegram.) Napier, Ist December, 1869. News has just come here from Tapuacharuru, dated yesterday, to the effect that Te Kooti had been joined at Tuhua by Kereopa and thirty men, and that they were to attack Tapuacharuru, and would reach Waikaka, one day's journey from here, yesterday. Poihipi's people are on the look-out, and all Roberts' Division are there, and ready also. I only hope the news will prove •correct. The information was brought to Poihipi by Pctera, and Poihipi says it is to be relied on. The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Ormond.
No. 19. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Napier, Ist December, 1889. Information from Tapuacharuru, dated yesterday, says that Kercopa, with thirty men, has joined Te Kooti at Tuhua, and that they intend to attack Tapuacharuru, and were to be at Waikaka yesterday. Roberts is sending instructions to Morrison to advise you at once if Kooti is found to be moving on Tapuacharuru. In such case take all the men you can, and get to Tapuacharuru as quickly as possible. Canoes, of course, will be quickest if wind suitable. Take no notice, however, of this telegram unless you have confirmation of the news from Morrison. There is no other news. It would be a great chance if Te Kooti would go to Tapuacharuru. To Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Tokano. Ormond.