PAPERS RELATIVE TO

A.—No. Ba,

16

force at once, so as to be able to dismiss the pack-horses, and bo dependent only on what we carried ourselves. William King had agreed to provide as many horses as were required at eight shillings per diem ; when called on, however, he only brought twelve. Captain Skene had therefore to get more as best he could. When I marched from this, I took with me one horse for ammunition, one for the surgeon, and one for the officers. The remainder joined me at Otara with ammunition and provisions for the whole force (Arawas and all) as per margin, for four days, and even then I was forced to borrow some horses we found in the plains. As the river road was very bad, I found it necessary to allow one horse for the officer in charge of the pack-horses. Moving troops to the westward of this place entails crossing the Waioeka, and I had on each occasion to get what boats I could; several I obtained without charge, others must be paid for. These accounts for ferryage include several crossings before this last one. I must mention here, that Mr. Black offered, in the event of further provisions being wanted for my force, to send round to Ohiwha his schooner " Eortune," without any charge. The sacks and cord were absolutely necessary, as I possess only two pack saddles (both condemned by a Board). Going up an imknown river, I had to foresee the chance of having to cut my way through bush to turn a position ; I therefore got four tomahawks, now on charge. The candles were got when pressure of work compelled me to have the Orderly-room clerks writing at night; and the lantern was for night use, in consequence of pickets being under arms before daybreak. I regret very much that the defection of the Arawas and guides at To Ponga should have rendered this expense useless, except so far as regards the destruction of the crops along my road. I have, &c. The Under Secretary, Colonial Defence, J. H. St. Joiik, Major, Wellington. Commanding Opotiki District.

357.

Enclosure in No. 29. Exteacts from Camp Oedees. 10th March, 1868. 1. Twelve Natives of the Ngatai Tribe, with pack-horses, are this day taken on pay at the rate of Bs. per diem, without rations. 2. Six pack-horses, in charge of Sergeant Allen, have been hired this day at the rate of 10s. per day (Sergeant Allen, contractor), without rations. 5. Seven pack-horses have been this day hired at 10s. per. diem, including drivers (Trooper Mahoney is the contractor for this service), without rations. After Orders. —A whaleboat and a crew of five Natives are this day hired for the purpose of taking provisions to Ohiwha, at the following rates : —Whaleboat, 10s. per diem ; crew, 3s. each daily, without rations. 11th March, 1868. 2. The whaleboat and crew, hired for transport in yesterday's orders, are this day struck off pay. 14th March, 1868. 2. The whole of the Natives and horses employed packing are struck off this date. M. N. Bowee, Captain and Camp Adjutant.

No. 30. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultaot to Major St. Johjt. Mt deab St. John,— "Wellington, 28th March, IS6B. I was very sorry that I could not remain in the Bay of Plenty to assist you in chastising tho Natives who have recommenced hostilities at Opotiki and neighbourhood, for the difficulties of prompt communication with you are so great that it is almost impossible for me to give you instructions to meet the ever-varying circumstances of your position. I left directions with Mr. Clarke to send back any of the Arawas who were troublesome and would not obey orders, and to replace them by others : so I hope you have been able to get at the rebels, and to give them a good lesson. You will probably be reinforced by a division of Constabulary from Waikato, and perhaps by another from Patea, in which case Colonel McDonnell would come with them ; but all this depends on the course that events are now taking. I have, &c, T. M. Haultaot.

No. 31. Copy of a Letter from Major St. John to Captain Holt. (No. 88.) SlB, — Camp, Opotiki, 17th March, 1868. I have the honor to acquaint you that on tho Oth instant I received information that two friendly Natives of Bakuraku tribe had been murdered at Ohiwha that morning by the Hauhaus. After consulting with Major Mair, R.M., who agreed with me that this attack came within the permissive orders given to me by the Hon. the Defence Minister, I started that evening in pursuit, sending off orders to Major Eraser to meet me in Waimana. At Hokianga we found only one body, but that dreadfully mutilated. Major Eraser joined me at Mukutahuahua at 4 a.m. on the 11th, and that night I marched on to Otara, following the tracks (quite fresh) of the attacking party. Otara was reached before dawn, but finding the enemy entrenched on a spur, I had to wait for light to make the attack. The eroemy did not wait, but bolted into the bush, leaving us in possession of a redoubt with rifle pita, which, with another two days' work, would have been difficult to take. We have found books belonging to the murdered Maori, and property of the surveyors driven off six months ago.