D.—No. 9,

4

PROCEEDINGS OE A BOARD OE INQUIRY

We could see by the flashes the firing continued. Dr. Brewster came to the door of Major Hunter's whare, and told me we were to feed the horses. I obeyed tho order —tied up the horses and fed them. Another order was sent across to the stables a short time after, to mount twelve men to escort the Surgeon. The men mounted immediately. We waited about a quarter of an hour before the doctor was ready. When wo arrived at Turu Turu Mokai, I—being the senior there —placed six men in charge of Sergeant Bennett to act as vidcttcs. I posted them myself in the vicinity of the redoubt. About a quarter of an hour after I had done so, Major Yon Tempsky arrived at the redoubt, and I made my report of what I had done to him. Inspector Hunter.'] At tho time you asked me about saddling the horses, was it not the usual feeding time, and was it not my order that the horses were to be fed as usual, and kept saddled in case they were wanted ? —lt was before the usual feeding time, and there was no order of the kind given. Sergeant C. Bennett, A.C., being duly sworn, states : About 6.30 a.m. of the 12th July, I was awoke by No. 5 Division being called out, and told there was firing at Turu Turu Mokai. All the mounted men were on parade before Major Yon Tempsky left the ground. I then received an order from Sergeant Anderson to saddle up. I believe every horse was saddled before No. 5 Division was a quarter of a mile from the redoubt. About ten minutes after we were saddled up, somebody called out that a man was coming through the fern in his shirt. I requested Sergeant Anderson to ask the Major commanding to let me go with a couple of men to succour any wounded. I received an answer to remain where I was. We were then ordered to feed. Some few minutes after, we were ordered to form an escort for Dr. Brewster. In about an hour from the time we first saddled up, wo started. I arrived at Turu Turu in a few minutes. I was then placed by Sergeant Anderson, with six men, as videttes. In about a quarter of an hour Major Yon Tempsky arrived. When I first arrived at the redoubt, one of the survivors said if we had arrived ten minutes earlier we must have caught the enemy. Inspector Hunter.'] Did you receive the order to saddle up before or after Major Yon Tempsky left the camp ? —Almost directly after. The evidence against Inspector Hunter being closed, the Board proceeded to take the evidences in favour of that officer. Inspector William McGee Hunter, A.C., here handed in a written statement, which is marked A., and attached to the proceedings. Major Yon Tempslcy being duly sworn, was examined. Inspector Hunter?. Tou remember the attack on Turu Turu Mokai on the 12th July? —Tes. Were yon in command of this post at that time ? —Tes. When the rumour of the attack was reported here, did you order out the mounted portion of my division to support Turu Turu Mokai ? —No, and for the following reason: no firing being heard on account of the wind, and but a few flashes seen by myself, I deemed the affair of little importance, not requiring special speed. The Board.] What instructions did you send Inspector Hunter when you went out on the morning of the 12th July ?—To take command of the post during my absence. Did you relieve the redoubt at Turu Turu Mokai, or did the cavalry ?—I did ;by following a track between tho redoubt and the bush, forcing the Natives thereby to run to tho bush, where I followed them. On my return to the redoubt from the bush, I found the cavalry at the redoubt. Sergeant W. Bassett being duly sworn, was examined. Inspector Hunter.] Did you receive an order from me to send out men to relieve tho wounded who were reported to be on the road ?—I received an order, but Ido not remember who sent it. The man who brought the message came from Major Hunter's whare. I sent out the men with stretchers as ordered, under charge of Sergeant McEarlane, A.C. Senior Sergeant Anderson being recalled, was further examined on his former oath. • Inspector Hunter.] When you informed me Major Yon Tempsky ordered me to take charge of the camp in his absence, what answer did you take to him from me ? —I told Major Yon Tempsky it was all right. Why did you not take the whole answer, as stated by you in your evidence ? —I did not like to take such an answer from one officer to another. I should not have made use of the expression in my statement, had I not thought I should have been put on my oath. Major Yon Tempslcy being recalled, was further examined on his former oath. The Board.] How many men fit for duty did you leave in camp when you went out on the morning of the 12th July ? —The garrison consisted of about one hundred men, and I took out about fifty. Do you consider Inspector Hunter would have been justified in sending out the cavalry, and thereby reducing the strength of tho post, after you had taken away about fifty men?— Under ordinary circumstances, Inspector Hunter would not have been justified in further reducing the garrison. It being four o'clock p.m., the Board adjourned until further orders. A. M. A. Page, President. D. Michie Brown, Sub-Inspector, Armed Constabulary. George Buck, Captain, Volunteer Militia.

Tuesday, 14th July, 1868. The Board assembled pursuant to adjournment. Major Yon Tempslcy being recalled, and on his former oath stated: Under the extraordinary circumstances that were communicated to myself and Major Hunter (to the effect that the rebels had