F.—No. 1
12
PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER
He has left this place some time, ever since August. I have now arrived at this place, Maraetahi, but this has also been deserted some time. lam at a loss to know where he can have hid himself, perhaps at Euatahuna; or if not there, I cannot tell where he is. This is all from your friend Major Eopata.
Enclosure 2 in No. 19. Captain Portee to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Tauranga, sth February, 1871. January 29th. —Expedition force under Major Ropata marched from Waikohu. Followed bed of Waitaha three days to Makihoi; following three days track lay through dense bush. Reached Te Wera 26th, supposed hiding-place of Te Kooti. Found in pa twenty-seven whares, evidently unoccupied for months, or since his raid on Tologa Bay. Searched clearing in vicinity, and around bed of Te Motu, all uncultivated. Struck Waioeka near source. 31st. Found pa of Te Kooti, Pa Rangiora, abandoned ; signs of three men there lately; tracks leading to Maraetahi; followed tracks up in a clearing; found their names written up, intimating they had visited the place in search of Te Kooti, being followers of his escaped from Tologa Bay, and wishing to rejoin him. Reached Maraetahi Ist February ;no traces of Hauhaus. Convinced that neither Te Kooti or his followers are in vicinity of Motu, Te Wera, or Waioeka, from source to mouth. Men much fatigued; must rest to sth, when march through country to Waimana, where I rejoin Ropata with supplies to take us to Ruatahuna. Telegraph further instructions to this port to reach me before the Bth. T. W. Porter, Captain and Adjutant, E.C.D.
Enclosure 3 in No. 19. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. (Telegram.) Napier, sth February, 1871. Feiend, —I have your letter of the 2nd, and see the search after that reptile Te Kooti has not so far been successful, and that no trace can be discovered as to his hiding-place. The only chance I see of finding him is through the Urewera. Whenuanui was with me yesterday, and urged they should be used. He knows the return of himself, Paerau, and people depends upon Te Kooti being caught. Tell his people so, and that he is urgent for them to assist; also for them to collect under your direction at Ruatahuna. Friend, I have nothing to add to former letters respecting objects of the expedition. You will no doubt march to Ruatahuna by the most likely route to effect your object, and I wish you success. There is no further news from Waikato; the raruraru still continues, but Waikato is afraid, and I think tries to draw back. Ngatiraukawa have left the King side, and Maihi their principal chief, with others, will arrive in Napier to-morrow to settle relations for the future. You may hear more about Waikato when you reach Ruatahuna. Mr. McLean is at the Bay of Islands, but comes here after return to Auckland. Captain Porter will translate this to you. My interpreter is not here. That is all. From your friend, Major Ropata, Maketu, Opotiki, Waimana, Ormond. Care of Captain Porter, Opotiki.
Enclosure 4 in No. 19. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Captain Porter. (Telegram.) Napier, sth February, 1871. Received yours dated yesterday, and note progress of expedition. There seems no doubt Te Kooti is not hiding where he was reported. Can you get no information as to his whereabouts from Hira Te Popo or other former associates ? From fact of three men looking for him, he is doubtless hiding somewhere in the back country. I see Major Ropata marches to Waimana, where you join him with supplies. There are no further instructions to add to what you have. Major Ropata will doubtless march to Ruatahuna by the most likely routes for Te Kooti's hiding, and gathering the Urewera. A number of Whenuanui's people are reported to be at Ruatoki. This was confirmed yesterday by Whenuanui, who saw me and urged that his people should be called on to assist in securing Te Kooti. Urewera can be told Te Kooti's capture would allow return of Whenuanui, Paerau, and rest of tribe to Ruatahuna. Your next report will be from Ruatahuna. I send letter for Ropata to your care. Ormond. To Captain Porter, Maketu, Opotiki.
No. 20. Captain Poetee to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Maketu, Bth February, 1871. Telegrams to hand. We march to-day to rejoin Ropata. Maimana sent letter to Tamaikowha to induce him to go with us to Ruatahuna. We march by Ruatoki, and see Te Whenuanui's people, some of whom may accompany us. Hira Te Popo supposes Te Kooti at Waikare. Ho thinks the Urewera know of his whereabouts.