A.—No. Ba.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

""Sturt" will be pushed on to him to Opepe, and may be in time if needed; everything I think is in good train. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell sent Inspector Cumming to communicate with me, and I had him at Haroto station last night. The information sent by Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, and obtained from Hauraki and Petera, is of late date, and confirms in all particulars the information you got by Wanganui. Te Kooti, no doubt, is at Tuhua. Kereopa is said to be urging him to bolt to Hakaraia's country, but Te Kooti will not agree. Te Kooti said to have received letter from Tawhiao, to sheath his sword: this letter he tore up and threAV away. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell sent for leave to go at Te Kooti at Tuhua, but wanted men before he could undertake it. The moving him on towards Moerangi Avill enable him to support Kemp, should Kemp need it. In my opinion, Inspector Roberts Avill be sure to come in for a brush, as Te Kooti must retreat by Oruanui if attacked by Kemp. To the Hon. W. Fox, Wellington. Ormond.

No. 31. The Hon. the Premier to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th December, 1869. Kemp and his party left Wanganui town on the Bth at noon. They might reach Ranana next night, 9th. Ohinemutu is half a day further. There Topia would meet them, if not sooner. The state of excitement they were in about the news of Te Kooti attacking Topini would make them push on, but I fancy it would take two or three days more to reach Tuhua, if you look at the map and consider the rapid character of the river. His Honor J. D. Ormond. William Fox.

No. 32. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram,) Napier, 10th December, 1869. Mr. Fox telegraphs me to-day that Wanganuis are pushing up the river; he expects them to be at Tuhua three days from now, I give them five days at least. No doubt they are furious at Te Kooti threatening Topini; my belief is that Te Kooti will try to bolt to Patetere; Inspector Roberts will do all he can to stop him. I gather that in shape of supplies you have just got some from Tapuaeharuru, and that twelve horse-loads left Runanga yesterday for Tauranga. Full loads shall be ready on Mr. Way's return, to go back to you at once. I think that, if possible, you should move to Moerangi, even if you use most of your Natives in bringing food after you by canoe ; however, you know the country well, and are in earnest, and will do, I know, what is possible. Ministers are sanguine as to results of present movements —I am hopeful. Of course if there were any certain news of Te Kooti bolting, you would push to assist Inspector Roberts in stopping him. To Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Tokano. Ormond.

No. 33. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Major Roberts. (Telegram.) Napier, 10th December, 1869. I hear from Mr. Fox to-day that the Wanganuis have gone post haste up the river, furious at Topini's treatment. I believe they mean business, and am also of opinion that Te Kooti will try to escape to Patetere, and that you will come in for your share of the work. I wish you had more men, but perhaps these men Lieutenant Mair has brought will come in. Mark if lam not right in thinking Te Kooti will try and make for Hakaraia's country, i.e., to Patetere. Fifty men arrived last night from the depot by the " Sturt," and marched to-day to Petane. Mr. Branigan will now acquaint you how many will go on to Opepe, and be available in case you want them. At any rate, Tarawera will be occupied, and you will get enough men at Opepe to cover your supplies through to Tapuacharuru, without taking off any of your force from their work of watching the road against Te Kooti. About supplies, I will push up all I can. Full loads shall be ready for Mr. O'Halloran on his return, and I hope for Mr. Way also. In another week new contracts I have arranged will begin, and we shall have no further trouble about supplies. Mr. Fox thinks Kemp will be at Tuhua by Monday. I think that too soon, —but no doubt the Wanganuis are in earnest. On positive information that Te Kooti was coming your way, you might send for men to Tokano ; but I leave that to you. I shall be much out in my reckoning if you do not have a share in the work. Now that the West Taupo Natives are friendly, viz., Marino of Waikaha, I see no objection to your moving further westward than Oruanui, if you think it necessary to do so. Let me hear from you. To Inspector Roberts, Haroto, Runanga. Ormond.