P.—No. L
OF REBEL NATIVES, ETC.
7
I wish you to go to Opotiki, as we arranged, to try if you can hear anything about Te Kooti. It is said that he is staying at Te Wera. Inquire carefully. Do not be rash. We must work cautiously. This letter you will keep to yourself: let no one else see it. This is what I want you to inquire about: —l. Where Te Kooti is staying. 2. The Urewera will know whether he intends remaining there, or going to some other place. 3. The means of capturing him ; whether by what you said to Te Urewera, or by the thousands (the reward for capturing him) that you and I talked about. This you will consider, and let me know what you think about it. Captain Porter may go with you. From your friend, Major Eopata. Donald McLean.
No. 6. Memoeandum from the Hon. the Defence Ministee to His Honor J. D. Ormond, Government (Confidential.) ASent> Na PierFoe "the protection of Poverty Bay for the next two months I propose that Major Ropata should establish himself there, with 100 good men of the Ngatiporou. Those men may occasionally employ themselves in cutting grass, or otherwise ; but during the time they are acting on the defensive they will be allowed Is. a day and rations conditionally that they hold themselves in readiness, if required, at any time to take the field against Te Kooti or any of his band that may threaten that neighborhood. If Major Ropata should, at his own discretion, deem it necessary to take the field, the Natives will receive pay for the period they may be actually engaged against the enemy at the rate of 3s. per diem and rations. It is not proposed to undertake any expedition at present against Te Kooti, unless a really good prospect of capturing him offers. The present arrangement is not only intended as a protection to Poverty Bay, but as a more -speedy means of following up Te Kooti should he attempt any more depredations. I have explained all this fully to Major Ropata. Donald McLean. Defence Office, Wellington, 17th November, 1870.
No. 7. Captain Peeece to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. (Telegram.) Fort Galatea, Bth December, 1870. Kawana, who has just returned from Ruatahuna, reports that he has reason to believe Kereopa passed three miles below here, whilst I was camped between here and Arawhata. I have had men out every day, both up and down, and have seen no traces; still it is quite possible for them to pass without leaving any trace, as it has been raining here heavily, and our own trails are quite washed out. I have not seen Kawana yet, but have sent for him. To look after this country well, I ought to have authority to mount ten of my men, and give them two shillings per diem extra. I hear from Hoani Paiaka that Te Waru and party will come out here on the 27th. I will send you more information when I see Kawana. Since writing the above I have seen Kawana. He says Kereopa has been wandering about by himself; and the only reason he has for thinking he got through is, he saw one man's footprints at Horomanga. Geo. Preece, Captain.
No. 8. Captain Peeece to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. (Telegram.) Fort Galatea, 9th December, 1870. Te Waeu, Reihana, (murderer of Karaitiana at Wairoa), eight men, thirty women and children, made ,an unconditional surrender to me at Horomanga to-day. He brings in a few stand of arms. His hapu is nearly destroyed by fighting and illness. I will send them on to Te Teko to-morrow. They say report ,about Kereopa is not true; did not get past Maungapowhatu. Hoani Paiaka, who came with Te Waru [says] Te Kooti sent a man to Ruatahuna, but he brought no news of his movements. Urewera seem in constant communication with Te Kooti, but do not care about giving information of his movements. Igo out with scouting parties daily. Hardly think Kereopa has got through; still, it is •quite possible for him to do so during the rain without leaving tracks. Geoege Preece, Captain.
No. 9. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Captain Peeece. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th December, 1870. lam very glad to hear that Te Waru and party have surrendered unconditionally. Tou must see that they are properly guarded and fed at Te Teko, until arrangements are made respecting them. It is