A..—No. 5

*©potiki tragedy, and the discomfiture of the Europeans on the East Coast, show the real state of mind -of the bulk of the Native population. They firmly believe that the Pakeha will be driven into the sea. I do not put the lea^t faith in any promise coming from either " Te pooti o to riro kore" or " Pooti ote rire." Neither are to be trusted, and unless some active measures are not soon taken to check the fanatics, I fear we shall have to record many such diabolical acts as occurred at Opotiki. From information we have lately heard it in reported, with every probability of truth, that Hori Tupaea and party were acting with the other Pai Marire fanatics on a pre-arranged plan, and were to have met at Whakatane. Comparing dates at the usual rate of travelling on such occasions, they would have met at Whakatane. Another rather startling fact is that one of the Tius, now a prisoner in this camp, has had concealed about his person an axe-head, which was only discovered some time after his return from Wellington. "Was this intended as an instrument of execution, blessed by Te Ua, or has it been used as such on any former occasion ? I beg to enclose two documents received from the East Coast, one a copy of instructions to Kcreopa and Patara, issued by " Te Ua Haumene," and the other a circular letter written in English, evidently by the deserter accompanying Kereopa's expedition, signed " William Butler" (Patara.) I have, &c, HZETBY J. CIaEKE, The Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. Civil Commissioner. r To Mr. Clarke,— Te Matapihi, 14th April, 1865. Friend, —Salutations. Listen you to the plan we have considered on hearing the word of Waikato and also the word of "William Thompson, viz., that he had ceased to have any consideration (for peace) ; that he had left Te Uu to carry out his own designs. The word of Waikato is, that they have no consideration for Ngaiterangi ; that they (Ngaiterangi) will be all exterminated, and the Arawa : also. It is quite true that this threat has been made. The tribes who are attached to the G-overnor will be destroyed. We have been considering about guns, powder, and lead (ball) for us. Friend, do not be long considering this matter ; we know not when (how soon) evil may touch us. Friend, hasten to consider; but it is not necessary to consider long, because we can see in our hearts the thoughts of those men who (used to be) leaders ; they are silent now, but we know. Friend, hasten to submit our request and yours also, because you are the Commissioner of Tauranga, and the medium through which the plans put forth by the chiefs are to be submitted. Wihemu Patens, Hoiiepa Pahaone, Wibemu Paheba. ' To Colonel Greer and Mr. Clarke,— 12th April, 1865. Sins, —Don't be weary on account of the many reports in circulation. On this very day, Tamate Hapunana returned from the Taheke (Rotorua). He went from this yesterday, and returned to-day. He met a messenger from l'ahirua, who states that the Waikato army is in the cultivations. They number one hundred and fifty, under Matutaera (the King). They are waiting for the rest of Waikato and Kereopa's party from the South ; they are also waiting for William Thompson's party. When all the war party of Waikato is assembled, Ngatiraukawa will bring up the rear; when they have accomplished this, then we shall hear certainly whether the enemy intend to attack the lakes or Maketu. The Paerauta (the Natives inland of Rotorua) who number one hundred and fifty, say that if they arrange to attack the lakes, they will withdraw and become Queen's men ; if Maketu, they will agree, becnuse it is occupied by white skins, the race they had threatened in years gone by. A man from Te Puke has arrived, who states that he has heard that two hundred and fifty (the vanguard) have arrived at Te Puke. The messenger of Kercopa and Patara has arrived at Waikato. Kereopa and Patara have a protecting party of three hundred, but where this army of Kereopa's is, is not yet known ; had it been known, we should have heard from Tukehu and Hohaia. In my opinion the reason why the Waikato party is keeping close in the bush is, that they are waiting for Kereopa's fighting party ; when Kereopa is close in the neighbourhood, they will attack Maketu to divert our attention, while Kereopa quietly slips into our pas. lam sending a messenger ■to see about this party of Matutaera's (the King.) Written by William Marsh. Bth April, 1865. This is to show my opinion regarding the subject of the letter (copied below). It is possible that the threat held out by Kereopa to Awa at Whakatane, when he said that on his return from the South he would destroy all non-combatants, whether Maori or Pakeha —that is to say, all the unarmed, •is correct. One of his threats was, that when he returned from canvassing for war that then the God 'of War would show himself. As soon as the blockade has been declared war is at hand. My reason for these remarks is on account of this letter from Puhirua of which this is a copy. To William Hikairo,— Puhirua, 2nd April, 18G5. Fbhens, —Salutations. This is my word to you. Come to this place on the receipt of this t letter. There is a fixed purpose (I am serious) in what I now say to you. Hearken you, this is the time for you to return to us ; if you leave it for some future time you will not be able to come. Do ■ you listen, your relative William Thompson is gone to fetch all his relations. For this reason, we say to you come back to us. This Island is saved (or showing itself above water) ;do not be faithless, but believing. Do not tell this to any one. keep it to yourself.

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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW