A.—No. 1

32

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF

Constabulary, will be stationed at posts protecting tho frontiers of settlements, and the line of telegraph now in process of extension from Napier towards Taupo, ultimately to join tho wire from Auckland to Waikato, when accomplished, will place all the chief towns of Now Zealand in communication with each other. About the date of the last Memorandum, Te Kooti left the pa he had been occupying on the southern shore of Lake Taupo, and being joined by Te Heu Heu, tho principal chief of that part of the Island, proceeded to Waikato, with a following of about 300, for the purpose of seeing the Maori. King. He was met and received by Rewi Maniapoto, and by Tamati Manuwhiri, uncle of Tawhiao, whose influence with the latter was expected to be sufficient to induce him to receive favourably, if he did not join, To Kooti. It was also believed that Titokowaru, Kereopa, and Ilakaria would meet at Waikato, and it was for some days unknown, what attitude Tawhiao would assume towards these men. During this period, tho settlers in the Waikato District, and all who foresaw the disasters which would probably result to the Colony from a union of the rebel leaders, wore in a state of anxious suspense, and war in its worst forms threatened the country. At this time, when a threatened outbreak, not clearly defined but nono the less dangerous, was hanging over the Colony, your Excellency will no doubt recognise the spirited manner in which the Volunteers of the Wairoa, Waiuku, and Thames Districts came forward for the defence of their fellowsettlers in the Waikato. The reports of Majors Tisdall and Cooper on the subject are attached. Among the Natives matters soon assumed an unexpected form, for no sooner had Kooti arrived in Waikato, than he commenced to make demands which even those most desirous of joining him regarded as outrageous. He ordered the greenstone ornaments and other heirlooms, so valued by the Maori people, to be given up to him or destroyed ; he also demanded to be recognised as their prophet, that the religion he taught should be embraced, and that Orakau, a valuable tract of land, should be given up to him as payment for the Hriwera who fell in its defence when taken by the Imperial and Colonial Eorces under General Cameron. This was tantamount to asking for all Waikato, and Tawhiao, no doubt feeling that his next step would be to proclaim himself King, (indeed, ho had likened himself to Jehu already,) refused to see him, and used all his influence against him. Copies of letters and telegrams received by the Government, detailing these occurrences, are enclosed, from which it will be seen that Te Kooti was compelled to leave Waikato, and the more imminent danger which threatened tho district has for the present subsided, although it cannot be said to have passed away, for there is no knowing under what circumstances Te Kooti might return. On the West Coast the Pakakohe tribe, who are more or less implicated with Titokowaru in tho murders of settlers, and other unprovoked outrages, have, to the number of between 300 and 400, including men, women, and children, either been brought in by scouting parties of the Colonial Eorces and friendly Natives, or given themselves up. Of these, about 95 men have been removed from Patea to Wellington, and, while awaiting trial by the Supreme Court, are placed on board a hulk in this harbour. Though there are no military operations to report this month, there is yet no doubt that the danger of the Colony is very great. The hostile Natives are numerous and unsubdued, and only waiting their opportunity to pounce upon that settlement which shall seem to them most to invite attack. The central position occupied by r Te Kooti enables him to threaten Waikato, Taranaki, Tauranga, Opotiki, Poverty 13ay, Napier, and other places. Titokowaru also threatens Taranaki, or again, he can descend upon the Patea and Waitotara, and were it not for the restraining power exercised over the rebels by the presence in New Zealand of Her Majesty's 18th Eegiment, there is no doubt that active hostilities would before now have been resumed. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 7 in No. 12. * Telegram from the Governor of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for tho Colonies, London. Wellington, New Zealand, 7th August, 1869. Ministers request me to state that Resolutions have been passed almost unanimously in both Houses of the Now Zealand Parliament, praying for the retention of the Eighteenth Regiment as a garrison and moral support. An Act has also been passed, and transmitted by this mail, binding the Colony to pay whatsoever contribution the Imperial Government may demand. If the retention of the Eighteenth is sanctioned on these terms, it is requested that a telegram may be sent immediately to General Chute, at Melbourne. G. E. Bowen.

No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Boaven, G.C.M.G., to the Bight Hon. Earl Granville, E.G. (No. 105.) Government House, Wellington, My Eoiid,— New Zealand, 20th August, 1869. In continuation of my Despatch No. 91, of the 27th ultimo, I have now the honor to transmit copies of the following Official Beports and Papers, all containing interesting and valuable information respecting this Colony : —■ (1.) Abstract Beport on the Progress of the Geological Survey of New Zealand during 1868-9. (2.) Second Beport on the Thames Gold Eiclds, in the Province of Auckland.