THE OPOTIKI DISTRICT.

27

A.—No. Ba.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 48. O Feietto, — This is my letter to you, knowing you are a trustworthy friend of the Queen. You are not to speak abroad of this letter, as it is for you alone. Listen; the Hauhaus have come to Waiaua and Awaho, and several of the Whakatohea have come here from Opape, and gone to Opape from here. This Ido not like, as I hear the Hauhaus are come to get recruits from Opape. I also hear that the Whakatoheas in the "Waioreka are waiting for me to go out in order to come down on the plain and murder women and children. Therefore, until I get more men, I cannot leave this place. The Whakatohea have plenty of guns, and can defend themselves. I wish you to go to Opape, and see if the Whakatoheas are going to stay with the Queen, or going to the Hauhaus. Captain Mair will go with you. I send you some guns. These are in charge of Captain Mair, and to be given if he thinka requisite. J. H. H. St. Joira.

No. 49. Copy of a Letter from Mr. H. T. Claeke to the Under Secretary, Native Department. (D. 47.) Civil Commissioner's Office, Sir,-— Tauranga, 14th March, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that I have received a hastily written pencil note from Major Mair, bearing date 9th instant, conveying the intelligence that on Sunday morning early the Hauhaus came in great force to Ohiwa. A party of ten crossed over to the Island of Hokianga, in Ohiwa, and murdered an old man of the Upokoreho hapu named Kororahi. The unfortunate man was partly mutilated. The Hauhaus, after burning down the huts at Te Punawai Eakuraku's settlement, retired. It is the intention of Major St. John to follow them up. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, H. T. Clarke, Native Department. Civil Commissioner.