A.—No. 7.

At about half-past 1 at night, Captain Ross came over from the Karaka with a report that a Native had come into their camp from the pa, and told them that the people had evacuated it. At daylight next morning, the friendly Natives took possession of it, and it was immediately afterwards occupied by Lieut.-Colonel Trevor, and a party of the 14th Regiment, who now hold it. Major Rookes, of Her Majesty's Colonial Forces, who volunteered to command the party which marched to occupy the Karaka heights, deserves the highest credit for the courage, ability, and zeal with which he executed that march, under circumstances of great difficulty, and for the energetic and successful manner in which he carried on the operations after he got the heights. Upon his promptitude and energy the success of the whole affair mainly lies. Major Rookes informed me that the conduct of Captain McDonell is especially deserving of notice, for distinguished gallantry and energy. He also spoke in high terms of the conduct of Captain George, commanding the Forest Rangers, on this occasion, and of the good conduct of the officers and men of his corps. Major Rookes also praised highly the conduct of Captain Ross, his Adjutant. The Colonial Government will, I am sure, do full justice to the claims of those officers and men who have established such strong claims on the gratitude of the Colony. The conduct of Her Majesty's Colonial forces on this occasion could not for either daring or endurance have been surpassed. The conduct of the Native Chiefs, especially of Haimona, Te Kepa, Epiha, Aperaniko, and Karehana, and of the Natives, deserves the highest praise, and will, I have no doubt, be amply recognised by the Colonial Government. # # * #■# # # * # I have, &c, The Secretary of State for the Colonies. G. Grey. Enclosure 1 to No. 3. Major Rookes to Lieut.-Colonel Tbevoe. Sir, — Position in rear of the Weraroa, 21st July, 1865. I have the honor to report that after a long and toilsome march of six hours, we arrived at the Karaka last night. In the course of the night I requested the Native Chief Haimona to send spies into a kainga, who returned reporting that they found no one there, but as there was a doubt, I directed the following detail to march at half-past 4 this morning, and endeavour to surprise and capture it, which was done, fifty prisoners taken, a like number of arms, and two kegs of ammunition. Captain McDonell, who commanded this force, deserves the greatest credit for the very able manner in which he has performed this important duty. The Kupapas, under their Chiefs, and the Native Contingent, are deserving of your notice. I purpose, if possible, sending the prisoners in. We are entrenching ourselves but slowly, from a deficiency of tools. Lieut. Ross will explain everything to you. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Trevor, 14th Regiment, Cecil Rookes. Commanding Field Force before Weraroa Pa. Enclosure 2 to No. 3. Major Gray to Major Rookes. Sin,— Before Weraroa Pa, 21st July, 1865. I am desired by His Excellency the Governor to inform you that he has read with great satisfaction your letter to Lieut.-Colonel Trevor, in which you report that the force under your command had taken up an important position, and captured fifty Native prisoners. Captain McDonell and the officers under his command, together with the Native chiefs engaged in this affair, shall be brought by His Excellency prominently under the notice of the Colonial Government. I have, &c, W. R. Gray, Major Rookes, &c. Major, A.D.C. . Enclosure 3 to No. 3. Major Gray to Major Rookes. Sic, — Before Weraroa Pa, 21st July, 1865. I have the honor by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to request you will send in your prisoners to-morrow morning. It will be necessary for you to augment the force of forty men who are to be sent to conduct the prisoners into camp, by 50 of the Kupapas under your command. I have, &c, W. R. Gray, Major Rookes, &c. Major, A.D.C. Enclosure 4 to No. 3. His Excellency the Governor to Lieut.-Colonel Trevor. Sir, — Before the Weraroa Pa, 21st July, 1865. In reference to the report of Major Rookes, regarding the capture of fifty Native prisoners, I have the honor to state that from the small force at his disposal, he is unable to furnish an escort to the friendly Natives who are about to convey to him supplies, and to bring back the prisoners. Under these circumstances of serious emergency, I trust that you will furnish a party of forty men, with a due proportion of officers and non-commissioned officers, to act as an escort to the friendly Natives, who are all well armed. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Trevor, Commanding 14th Regiment. G. Grey.

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