AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

13

A.—No. Ba.

yet heard of Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell moving to Tapuaeharuru, and trust now that he has not done so, the information of Te Kooti being on his way there being evidently unfounded. No doubt he has talked of doing so, and hence the report. I await more definite information before sending further orders to Taupo. In regard to Kemp and Topia moving up Wanganui River to attack Te Kooti, I consider their doing so most desirable. There is little doubt that he is there, and they only can stir him out of it. As to supplies, they will feed themselves; they will go by the river, and not come into Taupo at all. I hear the Upper Wanganui Natives have plenty of food. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's force will have to keep watch at Tokano, in case Te Kooti doubles on us that way. Inspector Roberts has too small a force to do much at Tapuacharuru in the way of stopping Te Kooti. He has moved thirty of his men to Tarawera, about which post he was anxious, which leaves him only thirty-five Europeans. Fifty more men are much wanted for there and Opepe. Before making requisition to you for the depot men, I will wait and hear what the fires were which were seen last night on the Urewera Road. If the enemy come out on our convoys, I shall want the fifty men at once. All day I have been reorganizing the transport arrangements, have made fresh contracts, and put everything in much more efficient state. Also, I have full supplies on their way to the front, so that the want of food will soon be remedied. The Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Ormond.

No. 28. The Hon. the Premier to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 7th December, 1869. News just brought down river that Te Kooti has plundered Mamaku's cattle and crops, and is going to attack him. All Wanganui furious. Kemp wants to go 500 strong; they will feed themselves. The news is from Pehi. No white man will be allowed by me to accompany them except Mr. Booth as far as Pipiriki. " Sturt" will be sent to you. To His Honor J. D. Ormond. Wm. Fox.

No. 29. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Napier, 7th December, 1869. From uncertainty as to your whereabouts have not communicated past few days. Believe you heard that l'e Kooti's reported movement did not take place, and that you have not left Tokano. In event of your having done so, you must return with your force at once. The following plans are, by the direction of Ministers, to be carried out, and are now conveyed to you for your guidance. From Upper Wanganui it is learnt Te Kooti is still at Tuhua; he has plundered Mamaku's settlements, .and threatened to attack his people. The Wanganuis, under Kemp and Topia, have left Wanganui River (Ranana) to-day. Mr. Fox says they go 500 strong, and they will attack Te Kooti at once on getting up to him; they are not to be interfered with in any way, and will feed themselves. Kemp is instructed to communicate with you from Manganui-te-ao; he will let you know when he intends to attack. You will move your force as far towards Moerangi as you can, so as to effectually watch that side of the lake, and bar Te Kooti if he attempts to bolt in your direction. You will, on learning from Kemp, communicate his intelligence to Major Roberts, who has orders to look out at Oruanui, and prevent Te Kooti's escape in that direction. Ministers consider the present movements can scarcely fail of their object, and Mr. Fox says the Wanganuis are furious at Te Kooti molesting Mamaku. Transport arrangements to Tokano have broken down in past week from idea that you were at Tapuaehararu. Convoy will leave Runanga for Tauranga on Friday morning, and re-loads will be ready at Runanga to send second supply at once on return of convoy. You will consider this despatch strictly confidential, as any word of the Wanganuis' movements might reach Te Kooti and defeat the plan. Reply to what extent you can carry out your part of movement, and say how boats progress. To Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Taupo. Ormond.

No. 30. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Napier, Bth December, 1869. Received your telegram, and have directed Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to send to Manganui-te-ao to ascertain Kemp's and Topia's movements. I have told him they are not to be interfered with, and both he and Inspector Roberts have distinct instructions as to the duty required of each. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, on learning Kemp's movements, is to advance towards Moerangi, and prevent escape that way. Inspector Roberts is to move on Oruanui and cut him off in that direction. The men you are sending me by "Sturt" have enabled me to send Inspector Roberts back all his own division, and he has quite 100 Arawa with him; thirty of the men coming in the 4s