A.—No. 6.

time, entered the left thigh and passed through the right, the injury to the right thigh being veryslight. lam able to report most favourably of his condition ;no alarm need be felt by his friends. Next day (Sunday) we were attacked about eight a.m. in the most deceitful manner, by about 200 of the enemy, who advanced armed, in three bodies, close to our main position, under a flag of truce, they- intention being to take us oft' our guard, and then fire at us. We however, providentially, did not pay any attention to their flag, as no flag of truce should be respected earned by such a large body of armed men, and I ordered them to be fired on before they could come up with us. This was the signal for them to begin, and we had a fair hand-to-hand fight, with about equal numbers, in an open place, and without the aid of trenches, in which the enemy were totally defeated, with a loss of thirtyfour killed, and at least that number wounded, their men falling in all directions as they attempted to regain their pa, from which, I may add, a hot fire was kejit up during the engagement. Our loss consisted of Trooper Hirtzcl of C.D.F. being slightly wounded in the leg. I trust your Honor will pardon any hurriedness visible in this Despatch, as it is being written under great difficulties and during an incessant fire. Before closing this, as the aspect of affairs remains unchanged, the Hau Haus being too dispirited to attack us, and their pa being too strong to be taken without a little time, I beg to call your Honor's attention to three points which I feel it my duty to write about: — 1. Nearly all the breech-loading ammunition is unfit for use, and if some really good be not sent at once, I shall have about eighty men without ammunition. 2. The attitude of the Native allies is of such a nature as to make me quite agree with your Honor that it would be impolitic to give them any more arms at present, and that their general laziness, both in action and in camp work, renders it necessary for me to be reinforced by at least 100 Europeans as soon as possible. I trust your Honor will be good enough to do so. 3. Hand grenades and rockets arc much required, and would be of invaluable service against this pa. It is my pleasing duty to inform your Honor that nothing can be better than the health and spirit of all Europeans under my command. All look forward to an early reduction of the pa, and all are eager for the attack. I cannot conclude, however, without mentioning how much credit is due to Lieutenant Wilson and Ensign Richardson for the manner in which, with only about thirty men, they so gallantly defeated and forced their way through four times their number. The only regret I have is, that the bodies of our unfortunate comrades had to be left on the field, although strenuous efforts were made by Captain La Serre and Lieutenant St. George, with a mixed force of Volunteers, to recover them, which the near approach of night alone prevented their doing. Captain La Serre's party brought in one wounded man, Private Swords, who died the same night. I wish particularly to bring under your Honor's notice, that Lieutenant St. George was the first to volunteer to go to Lieutenant Wilson's assistance. To all the officers my best thanks are due, for the support they have given me since active operations commenced. It has been hard work for both officers and men, as we have been obliged to keep awake all night, and the enemy have taken good care that we should not sleep much in the daytime. Since writing the above, I have heard that the defeat of the rebels on Sunday has had the effect of making the Hau Haus of the pa Earerera consent to an unconditional surrender, and I am about to take steps concerning it. I have made just now a prisoner of a Native called Koti, on suspicion of being a spy. I have, &c, James Feasee, His Honor Donald McLean, Brevet-Major Commanding Forces at Turanganui. Agent General Government, Napier. No. 2. Copy of a Letter from the Undee-Seceetaey, Colonial Defence Office, to Major Fbaser. (No! 778.) • Colonial Defence Office, Sin, — Wellington, 2nd December, 1860. With reference to that passage in your Despatch of the 21st November, in which you state— " Next day (Sunday) we were attacked about S a.m. in the most deceitful manner by about 200 of the enemy, who advanced armed, in three bodies, close to our main position under a flag of truce, their intention being to take us off our guard and then fire on us. We, however, providentially, did not pay any attention to their flag, as no flag of truce should be respected carried by such a largo body of armed men, and I ordered them to be fired on before they could come up with us. This was the signal for them to begin, and we had a fair hand-to-hand fight with about equal numbers, in an open place, and without the aid of trenches, in which the enemy were totally defeated, with a loss of thirty-four killed and at least that number wounded, their men falling in all directions as they attempted to regain their pa, from which, I may add, a hot fire was kept up during the engagement. Our loss consisted of Trooper Hurtzell 'being slightly wounded in the leg:" I am directed by the Honorable Colonel Russell, acting for the Defence Minister, to request that you will furnish the Government with the means of affording every explanation which may be asked for upon the several circumstances therein stated, and that you will be good enough to call for and forward to this office, a separate statement from each officer present in the field on that occasion of all the incidents detailed in the passnge alluded to which fell under his own immediate observation. I have, &c, Major Fraser, Commanding Colonial Forces, J. Holt, Capt., Waiapu. Under Secretary.

4

DESPATCHES FROM MAJOR FRASER,