A.—No. Ba.

12

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

Another heavy strain is put upon the Transport, but I hope to keep necessary supplies up. The information respecting Tauranga, and the desire of Kereopa to push for and attack that post, caused me to direct Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, who was here in the " Rangatira," to arrange with the captain to land him there en route to Auckland. I considered this necessary as I had applied to Mr. McLean for fifty men from Tauranga, who might have been brought away by "Star of South" before the "Rangatira" reached Auckland, and whose absence would seriously weaken that post if attacked. The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Ormond. 11-35 p.m. I see the Haroto telegraphist has sent you report of the fires in the Urewera country; I can make nothing of it yet. The idea at Haroto is that Te Kooti is returning to Waikarc-Moana. There is little doubt that the fires, which arc several, and apart, arc evidence of a large party. Ido not think it possible Te Kooti can be there, but think it is a war party from Urewera going by concert with Te Kooti to Taupo. If this should prove so, we shall have our hands full. It is idle, however, to speculate, pending further information. The supplies for the front arc, I am sorry to say, in a most unsatisfactory state, and the difficulties seem to increase. An experienced Quartermaster would be invaluable. Where is the " Sturt" ? She may be wanted. Branigan tells me I can get fifty men from depot, if urgently wanted. Advise me in morning about " Sturt." The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Ormond.

No. 24. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Wellington, 6th December, 1869. "Sturt" started for Patea on Saturday last, and will probably be back here to-morrow. I will send her on to Napier without delay. I will see Lieut.-Colonel Gorton, and try to arrange for Quartermaster. Let me know whether you want men by " Sturt." I will inquire number of available men from depot. Employ temporary Quartermaster if you wish. I think fires must be Te Kooti returning to Urewera. Mr. Fox is at Wanganui. Hope soon to hear of Upper Wanganuis and King party co-operating. Will tell the telegraphist at Haroto to telegraph to y rou. Gisborne.

No. 25. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Wellington, 6th December, 1869. You have received telegram from Mr. Fox, stating what he proposes to do about pushing on Kemp and party to Taupo. When you get more definite news, telegraph to him and me what you advise. There are fifty Armed Constabulary men at depot here ready to take the field. W. Gisborne.

No. 26. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram.) Napier, 6th December, 1869. I received telegram about 1 o'clock this morning, with some further news from Taupo. Te Kooti was not, and had not been, at Te Papa; and as far as I can make out, he is still not far from Tuhua. Wc shall hear more probably to-day, and, I hope, find out the meaning of the Urewera fires. The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Ormond.

Enclosure in No. 28. Mr. Morrison to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) sth December, 1869. Petera's news about Natives at Te Papa overset. They turn out to be a party of King Natives escorting Hauraki through, who think Te Kooti is in that direction, as they saw fires some distance off, towards Moerangi. Tlitiri and two men are also in from Te Papa; they return to-day. His Honor J. D. Ormond. Morrison.

No. 27. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram.) Napier, 6th December, 1869. I received this morning Mr. Fox's telegram, with the news brought by Wi Tarata; it confirms the latest news I sent you, brought from Te Papa, that Te Kooti is still close to Tuhua. I have not