AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

19

A. —No. Sa.

No. 46. The Telegraphist, Alexandra, to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 16th December, 1869. The following information received from Mr. Reynolds :—Te Kooti and Kereopa at Maraeroa. Aporo, in King's name, ordered them to return and keep quiet. Te Kooti and Kereopa refuse, saying they were on the road to Te Kuiti to make their own laws. King at Orahiri, on his way to Kawhia, at once returned, and has sent messengers to all his people to assemble at Te Kuiti, as fighting is expected. To the Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. D. Mahony, Telegraphist.

No. 47. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 16th December, 1869. The following just received from the Officer Commanding at Alexandra : —"Te Kooti and Kereopa were at Tuhua on Sunday, on their way to Tokangamutu. Aporo, King's messenger, saw Kereopa, who told him that he did not recognize the King, and would make laws of their own. The Ngatiraukawa, under Topini, have joined Te Kooti recently." To the Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel.

No. 48. Mr. Searancke to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 20th December, 1869. The Native report states that Te Kooti has been joined by the Urewera, by Topia, and by Kereopa, and now musters 400 men; is still at or near Maraeroa, at foot of Rangitoto, awaiting other Natives to join him. Ie Kooti's intentions are said to be an attack on the King's party at Te Kuiti, and the Europeans. Tawhiao is at Te Kuiti, and is collecting his friends from all parts; all Natives from Kawhia, Hauturu, and the coast, have mustered at Te Kuiti. These reports arc confirmed by Hone Te One, who arrived from Raglan this morning. To the Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. William N. Searancke, R.M.

No. 49. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 28th December, 1869. Captain Bockett, of Rangiaowhia, has just received a warning from the Natives of Wharepapa, that Te Kooti and his party, including Kereopa, are at a place called Rangitoto, which is about twenty-seven miles from Kihikihi, and that mischief is meant. The Maori messenger to Captain Bockett said that Tawhiao had sent twice to Te Kooti, ordering him to keep quiet, but that he refused, and laughed at the messengers. Officers commanding posts have been ordered to be vigilant. W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel.

No. 50. Mr. Commissioner Clarke to the Hon. Dr. Pollen. Memo, for the Hon. Dr. Pollen. 31st December, 1869. I forward for your perusal a report just received from Lieutenant Gilbert Mair, who has just returned from Taupo. The report that Te Kooti has been rejoined by the Urewera, is confirmed by an old man just arrived, from Mokau (Te Reweti Tamarire) now in this office. The general impression appears to be that Te Kooti will try to get into Patetere, old Hakaraia's and Kereopa's place. Should this be the case, Tauranga and the Arawa settlements should be carefully watched. H. T. Clarke.

Enclosure in No. 50. Lieutenant Mair to the Civil Commissioner, Auckland. Civil Commissioner's Office, Sir, — Tauranga, 30th December, 1869. I have the honor to make the following report to you upon my visit to the Taupo District. At Orakeikorako, on the 7th, I overtook a party of Tuhourangi and Ngatirangitihi, about forty in number, who were on their way to Taupo, to volunteer their services in operations against Te Kooti.