OE REBEL NATIVES, ETC.

17

P.—No. 1

I enclose translation of a letter I sent after Eopata, warning him that Ngatihuri were abetting Te Kooti and keeping him informed of all movements. Before sending this letter I referred to the Hon. the Premier to ascertain if he approved of the action I proposed in regard to Ngatihuri, should it be found they were acting as described. He entirely approved what I recommended, and Eopata was informed accordingly. I should also state that I told Whenuanui and Paerau what I had done, and they agreed Ngatihuri deserved punishment if what was said of them is true. We shall probably next hear of the expedition from Poverty Bay, which is the nearest point to Te Haupapa. and where Eopata will come out. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Osmond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 28. [translation.] Captain Hotene to His Honor J. D. Ormond. To Mr. Ormond, — AVairoa, 14th March, 1871. Friend, —Salutations to you. You have most likely heard from Captain Porter the news of Major Ropata's travels. They have been very short of food. The hills also are very bad, and the rivers. It was this that knocked us up : we were so tired. We saw nothing of To Kooti; but the Urewera who adhere to Te Kooti we saw at Maungapowhatu. These people are hiding Te Kooti. Te Kooti will not be caught: there are so lew of them. Himself and twenty men are all that are with him. AVe have been to most of his places. Now this second trial to find him has only one thing against it, —it is too near the winter, frost, &c. We shall be destroyed. However, we must trust to Providence. Friend, we are very much pleased with Captain Porter, who is accompanying us. Friend, I did not write to you before, as I did not think we should survive; but now we are here I know we are alive. Captain Hotene.

Enclosure 2 in No. 28. His Honor J. D. Oemond to Major Ropata. To Majoe Ropata,— Napier, 18th March, 1871. Friend, —I have your letters of the 15th inst., stating you were about to start in again to see if you could find Te Kooti. lam dark about the action of Ngatihuri when I read Captain Porter's letter telling me what they said at the interview with you. I came to the conclusion they were deceiving you and shielding Te Kooti. Yesterday I heard from Mr. Clarke, who telegraphed me. Hoani Paiaka and Kohi tell him that Ngatihuri are thoroughly with Te Kooti, and are deceiving you, informing Te Kooti of all your movements. They say further that if Te Kooti is pressed by you he will make for Ruatahuna. They give no information as to where Te Kooti is, except that Ngatihuri know. The Urewera disapprove strongly of this conduct of Ngatihuri, and are assembling at Tahuaroa, where they are flying a Government flag sent them from here. AVhenuanui and Paerau have beeutold of all this, and that the Government will treat as enemies any hapus shielding Te Kooti, and they agree it is right and fair. Those two and their people return at once to Ruatahuna. I have communicated the above to the Government, and their decision is that you are to inquire into the conduct of Ngatihuri, and if you find they are concealing Te Kooti and deceiving you, then you are to treat them as enemies, and take them prisoners with you to the coast. Friend, there is no other way. An example must be made that this double dealing cease. This letter will be sent after you from AVairoa, as it is important you should know what it contains. You will, however, use your own judgment as to when you will see about Ngatihuri's work. The first thing is to look after Te Kooti, and test whether he is at Te Haupapa. That is all on that subject. Respecting Renata Hamuhamu, I have referred your letters to Mr. McLean. Meantime, he must remain in custody. The law is very strict in such a case as his, where there is distinct proof of murder sworn to before a Magistrate. AVith regard to Kuare and Rewi, lam glad you have taken charge of them. That is all. Let me hear your thoughts about Ngatihuri and the work you have in hand. J. D. Oemond.

No. 29. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sie, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Bth April, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd March, enclosing one addressed to Major Ropata, respecting the expedition on which he is now engaged, and warning him of the doubtful conduct of the Ngatihuri. 5