A.—No. 3,

12

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

I intend to lead them to think I am trying the same thing again, and conducting the movement in. a slovenly manner, taking care that they shall just see the Cavalry apparently through negligence. As they are in great force from Pupatapu to Nukumaru, I feel no doubt that we shall succeed in drawing them into the open, and with the whole force I may be able to strike a satisfactory blow. lam not sure whether anything will come of the Native Contingent —probably not. Pete has written to say he is coming with his people. I shall give Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell the option of accepting or declining the service of these Maoris. I think they are about the worst of these tribes as regards courage in the field. I have, &c, The Hon. Colonel Haul tain. Gr. S. Wiijtmohe, Colonel.

Enclosure in No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Sub-Inspector Newland to Colonel Whitmohe. Head-Quarters, Sir,— Woodall's Redoubt, 27th November, ISGS. I have the honor to inform you that I marched this morning with all the Cavalry, being sixtysix of all ranks and corps, three hours before daylight to Wairoa, and remained five or six hours at that place, returning at 11 a.m. with despatches from Captain Hawcs. I reached Nukumaru graveyard at about 1 p.m., and in accordance with your orders, remained in concealment until an opportunity presented itself to act. After waiting about an hour and a half, perceiving a considerable number of Hauhaus about Mr. Handley's woolshed, I directed some of the men to advance dismounted, and followed with the rest of the force on horseback. Unfortunately a carbine went off accidentally which gave the alarm, and prevented our being as completely successful as we had hoped; but as soon as possible wo mounted the dismounted men and charged, killing eight with sabre, revolver, or carbine, besides wounding others. I wish particularly to mention the extreme gallantry of Sergeant G-. Maxwell, of the Kai Iwi Cavalry, who himself sabred two and shot one of the enemy, and was conspicuous throughout the affair. Many others of all corps behaved extremely well, but I think it would be invidious to particularize further. The enemy turned out immediately and kept up a sharp fire, following us about three miles. In accordance with my instructions I did not risk any further engagement, as the horses were tired, and the infantry were still at some distance. The enemy is encamped in large force in rear of Nukumaru, near the bush, and has six bell tents erected. I returned to camp at C p.m. I must acknowledge the assistance rendered to me by Captain O'Halloran, of the Patea Yeomanry Cavalry, and Lieut. Bryce, commanding Kai Iwi and Wanganui Cavalry. These gentlemen were prominent in this affair, and set their men a gallant example. I have, &c., The Hon. Colonel Whihnore. W. Newla:nt>, Sub-Inspector, A.C.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from Colonel Wiiitmoue to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. Sic, — Wanganui, 2nd December, 18G8. I have the honor to report that I have embarked on board the p.s. " Sturt" and the s.s. *' Ladybird " the following Colonial troops : — No. 1 Division, Armed Constabulary ... ... ... ... ... 45 No. 3 Ditto ditto ... ... ... ... ... 50 No. 6 Ditto ditto ... ... ... ... ... 55 No. 7 Ditto ditto ... ... ... ... ... 55 Artillery Volunteers ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 212 I regret to say that the feeling of the population seems to me to be one of panic, and all express an unprotectedness not justified by the circumstances of the district; but as the papers have published numbers entirely different and very much beneath what we have left, which will tend to encourage the enemy, and to prevent the risk I have still more reduced the force I take with me, which is now below 250 men. At this moment there are some absentees, who during my short absence to write instructions broke through the sentries, and cannot be found. Probably I may yet pick these up, but at present they are not on board. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell is raising a Kupapa force in the spirit of my instructions, a copy of which is sent to you, and if he succeeds may be of great use. I hope he will not attempt to attack Titokowaru, if he does, I fear he will be defeated. I have expressly ordered him not to do so. The force left under Lieut.-Colonel lierrick is as follows (I am unfortunately unable to get exact numbers), viz.:— Armed Constabulary ... ... ... ... ... 230 Patea Yeomanry Cavalry ... ... ... ... ... 12 Militia called out ... ... ... ... ... 100 Cavalry Volunteers ... ... ... ... ... 50 392 without officers. Besides this, some of the country Militia are on pay protecting the blockhouses and completing their garrisons which are still short. I find besides these forces there are 700 Militia (first and second class), including those living immediately beyond the south bank of the Wanganui Biver.