OF REBEL NATIVES, ETC.

f.—n». i

37

Enclosure in No. 46. Major Ropata to His Honor J. D. Oemond. [Translation.]. To Mr. Oemond, — Turanganui, Ist June, 1871. My friend, salutations to you. I and my people have arrived at Turanganui, here, on the 31st of May, and I mentioned to them about 50 men going into the bush, but Ngatiporou said they did not like to do so. That it was not right to let me go with only (50 men. This is a piece of caution on their part- I then tried to find out some arrangement that they would agree to, that is I agreed to have four different expeditions, one to go by Te Ahimanu on to Whakapunake and Te Reinga, from thence to go in by Ruakituri to Te Papuni. Another to go by Tarewa on to Tahunatawa, on to Puketoromiro and Te Papuni. Another to go by Pangakorako on to Kaikoura, thence into Waihau crossing Te Hangaroa through Manga Piopio on to Tahunatawa crossing at Pa Popeka, to Pukeopu, Mokonuiarangi and on to Te Haupapa. And the other to go in by Wharekopae, on also to Papokeka, on to Hangaroa, Pounui, over Tauwharetoroa and on to Te Papuni also. These expeditions will now cross each other. Going in line (in a body) is now given up, as perhaps that was the reason of our being unsucessful, therefore I agreed to have 200 men and divide them into four lots of fifty men each, I am also desirous to have all these places searched quickly while it is winter, and perhaps catch them together. These expeditions will start on Monday, the sth June. All from your friend, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. Ma joe Ropata.

No. 47. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Defence Ministee. Sie,— Napier, 21st July, 1871. I have the honor to enclose copies of correspondence connected with the expedition under the command of Major Ropata, engaged in searching for Te Kooti. The energy and determination evinced by Major Ropata and his men, in continuing a most difficult and arduous service, with short supplies, and at the present (in that country) most inclement season, are beyond all praise. I would also beg to bring to your notice the service rendered on this, as on many former occasions, by Captain Porter; this officer is not only of great use to Major Ropata in the field, but his services are most valuable to the Colony in connection with the Commissariat of the Ngatiporou expeditions, as on the occasion referred to in his letter of the 3rd ultimo. You will observe that I have taken care to acquaint Major Ropata as early as possible of the information received from AVaikare-Moana, that Te Kooti had appeared there, aud I have little doubt he will at once take steps to intercept his retreat from that district. I also beg to enclose copies of correspondence with Inspector Cumming, as per margin, who, in accordance with your authority, I instructed to occupy Tikitiki, Waikare-Moana, and so give support to the Urewera, who might otherwise have drifted or been forced into Te Kooti's ranks. Major Cumming marched from Wairoa on the 16th instant, and will probably reach Tikitiki to-day. The force employed is only fifty strong, but is ample for the object intended, and I have no doubt if Te Kooti be still in the Lake District, Inspector Cumming will speedily drive him out of it; whilst it will assure the Urewera that the Government does all in its power to support them in the friendly course they have of late taken. In connection with the present operations against Te Kooti, I have to report that in accordance with the authority conveyed in your telegram of the 15th instant, I instructed Captain Preece, with the Native Contingent under his command, stationed at or near Fort Galatea, to proceed at once to Ruatahuna, which place it is more than probable Te Kooti will make for; and I have heard from Captain Preece, in reply, that he would march at once as instructed. I may observe that this movement of Captain Preece's force will not only give support to Te AVhenuanui, Paerau, and their people; but, in conjunction with the occupation of Tikitiki and Major Ropata's movement, will do all that can be done towards Te Kooti's capture, and most likely prevent his receiving support from the Urewera tribes. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. J. D. Oemond.

Enclosure 1 in No. 47. Captain Porter to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir,— Militia Office, Gisborne, 3rd July, 1871. I have the honor to report, for the information of Government, my arrival here on Friday evening, having parted with Major Ropata on the 28th ultimo at an old camping place of Te Kooti's, within three hours march of Te Haupapa, bringing a force of 80 men, 50 of whom are left at Makaretu; the remainder have accompanied me for the purpose of conveying supplies for the force. These men are selected in consequence of their having horses to assist in carrying provisions, for which I purpose allowing them Is. per diem extra whilst so employed. As this is a 10