A.—No. 1

48

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF

No. 27. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. (No. 110.) Government House, Auckland, My Lord, New Zealand, 28th October, 1869. I have the honor to transmit herewith the usual monthly report from the Minister for Defence and Native Affairs. It will be seen that Te Kooti has been defeated with heavy loss in two actions, especially in that fought on the Ith instant at Tokano, not far from the central lake of Taupo. The chief Te Heu Heu, one of the most influential of Te Kooti's adherents, has since surrendered, and will be treated with great leniency by the Colonial Government, as he appears to have been partly forced into joining the rebellion, and does not seem to have been concerned in any murders in cold blood of unarmed persons, or of women and children. 2. I annex copies of two despatches from Colonel McDonnell, who is now in command of the Colonial Eorces in the Taupo District, and of one despatch from Major Kemp (Te Kepa Eangihiwinui), wdio behaved with his accustomed skill and gallantry. It will be seen from his report that of the five hundred and fortytwo (512) officers and men engaged on the side of the Government in the action at Tokano, only one hundred (100) were Europeans, the remainder having been friendly Maoris under Kemp's immediate command. 3. This is the latest intelligence known here up to this date. The monthly English mail leaves Auckland this day. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

Enclosure in No. 27. Memorandum by Mr. McLean. Since the departure of last mail the only military operations have been in the interior of the North Island, at Taupo. The offensive was assumed by Te Kooti on his return from tho Waikato country, where he had been during the past month, endeavouring to open negotiations with Tawhiao, the Maori King. On the West Coast of the North Island nothing authentic has been recently heard of Titokowaru, who is known to be living with his adherents in the fastnesses at the back of Taranaki. On Te Kooti's return from the Waikato to Taupo, he killed some friendly Natives, burnt their villages, and threatened Wanganui, Napier, and the Bay of Plenty settlements. Our Native allies at Taupo appealed for help from the Government. The Ngatikahungunu, the Arawa from the lakes, and some loyal Wanganui Natives, under Major Kemp, together with two divisions of Constabulary, making in all a considerable force, were sent to Taupo, under Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's command. A few skirmishes of a desultory nature took place between detached parties of our Native allies and the enemy, with unvaried success on our side. On the 25th September, as will be seen in the annexed copy of Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's Despatch, Te Kooti, exasperated by his previous defeats, and evidently determined to avenge his losses, attacked our position at Tokano. He was gallantly repulsed and driven back, leaving six of his dead in our hands, our loss being trifling. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell pursued the enemy as far as the nature of the country would allow; the troops suffering from continued bad weather, provisions being very scarce, and transport both expensive and difficult. On the 4th October, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell reached Te Kooti's position, who was strongly posted on the edge of the bush. An action ensued, which resulted in his defeat, leaving thirty-seven dead bodies on the field, and losing twenty-one prisoners, Te Kooti himself being severely wounded ; our loss consisting of one, viz., a gallant and promising officer, Captain St. George, New Zealand Militia, and three friendly Natives. Te Heu Heu, an influential chief of Taupo, who was forced by Te Kooti to join his band, has given himself up to the Government, and it is proposed to treat him with every leniency. Te Kooti's whole loss in killed during the month is ascertained to have been fifty-seven men. Confidence is gradually being established in the district between Wanganui and New Plymouth, round the base of Mount Egmont, which for some years past have been continually exposed to the inroads of the rebels, but have recently been more accessible, although not considered quite safe while Titokowaru is at large. Eoad-making has been begun in various districts, and Natives are being employed upon them. Auckland, 27th October, 1869. Donald McLean.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 27. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. Sib, — Camp Poutou, 26th September, 1869. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Defence Minister, that on the morning of the 25th instant, about 10 a.m., the enemy appeared in force on the hills above Tokano, and