THE OPOTIKI DISTRICT.

11

A.—No. Ba.

have committed any actual outrages, and are still threatening violence, you may send the steamer on to Tauranga to Mr. Civil Commissioner Clarke with a report of your position; and he has been empowered, if he thinks it expedient, to enrol and despatch to your assistance 100 or 150 Arawas, and on their arrival you may proceed at once to chastise the offenders, following them up as far as you can prudently and conveniently venture with your limited means, and with the small amount of transport that is at your disposal. When in Auckland a few days ago I directed that your requisition for brcechloadiug carbine ammunition should bo complied with, and a further supply has been placed on board the " Sturt," together with some spades and axes, and a quantity of lint and bandages, &c., and Lieut.Colonel Harington will be directed to send you some revolvers from Tauranga for the Volunteer Rangers ; but I must remind you of the necessity of taking proper care of all articles of equipment that are issued to you, and that very much more attention than has on former occasions been exercised must be used in preparing correct muster rolls of the Militiamen and others who are employed under your orders. Any further neglect in this respect will seriously militate against your future employment. You have on pay a large number of officers in proportion to the men, and one of the captains must be directed to do the duty of adjutant and quartermaster without additional pay. Estimates of money that will be required for the payment of your men, &c, must be sent in without delay. I have, &c., Major St. John, T. M. Haultain. Commanding Colonial Forces, Opotiki.

No. 17. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Mr. H. T. Claeke, (No. 78-3.) Colonial Defence Office, Sib,™ Wellington, Bth February, 1868. The Government have received reports from yourself, from Major St. John, and Mr. Mair, that certain rebel Natives have reappeared in the vicinity of Opotiki, and are threatening to attack the settlement, and the steamer " Sturt " has been despatched to assist in reinforcing that place if necessary. I enclose you an extract of a letter 1 have addressed to Major St. John which will explain to you the wishes of the Government in this respect, and you are authorized to enrol and send to Opotiki, for service against the rebels, a party of from 100 to 150 Arawas (with two or three European officers), who are to receive 3s. a day without rations, or 2s. a day if their food is to be supplied. Lieutenant Pitt is to bo one of the officers, the other may be selected by yourself from those that arc available on the spot; but I shall be very glad if you can secure the valuable services of Major Mair, whoso qualifications as a commander have been proved on various occasions, and I have written to him requesting him to let you know whether he will undertake the duty. Should Major St. John apply to you for provisions, &c, you must furnish him with such, as are procurable at Tauranga, and you should without delay send in estimates of money that you will require for this purpose, and for the payment of the Native force. The Government, in full reliance on your judgment, leave it optional with you to refuse to comply with Major St. John's application for assistance, if you think such is unnecessary or would be attended with unsatisfactory results. The steamer is to return to Wellington with reports of your proceedings with as little delay as possible. I have, &c, H. T. Clark, Esq., T. M. Haultain. Civil Commissioner, Tauranga.

No. 18. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultaijt to Major Mate. My deae Maie, — Wellington, 7th February, 1868. St. John will show you the instructions he has received relative to sending to Tauranga for Arawa reinforcements. In the event of their coining over, I should be most glad to secure your services as their commander, and have written to Mr. Clarke to that effect. Should you therefore be disposed to take the field again, will you go up by the " Sturt " and arrange with him ? There is no other available mail I can compare with you in judgment, courage, and coolness in action, and I hope you will bo able to undertake the service. Yon would receive the same field-allowance as you had at Tauranga last year when similarly employed. Tours very truly, T. M. HAITLTAIIf.

No. 19. Copy of a Letter from Major St. Joira" to Captain Holt. (jSTo. 35.) Sir,— Opotiki, sth February, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that on the Ist instant, I received information from Major Maiiyß.M., that the body of rebels.assembled again on the "Waimana had once more started on the 30th ultimo, supposed on their way hither. No sign having been seen of them as yet, lam of opinion that their scouts have let them know that full preparations had been made to meet them, and that so they do not dare attack. 1 therefore this day make a fresh reduction as per state annexed, and have consulted with Major Mair, K.M., as to the propriety of still further reducing. Wo however came to the conclusion that, with the information in his possession, it would be dangerous to make such a reduction, as would leave the settlement open. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, J. H. St. John, Major, Colonial Defence, Wellington. Commanding Opotiki District.