A.—No. 3b

6

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY

No. 12. Copy of a Letter from Lieut.-Colonel Lton to the Hon. D. McLean. Sir,— Patea, sth July, 1869. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter received from Colonel Whitmore. I had made preparations for starting on the expedition, according to instructions, on Monday, the 28th June, but was unable to march on account of the heavy rain. The weather, however, somewhat clearing, I sent the force to Waihi (230 men all ranks), and went to that place myself on Saturday. I heard at Manawapou that there are from 250 to 300 Hauhaus at Parihaka, consequently I should leave a strong force of rebels in my rear whilst proceeding to the Waitara, and Patea would be comparatively undefended, having left only 80 men to garrison the place and guard 233 Hauhau prisoners. I consider it would be throwing too strong a temptation for the Hauhaus to resist, knowing as they well do our movements ; besides, as I was going myself by the beach, with only a small escort, I consider it doubtful whether I should be allowed to pass unmolested. I also may add, that the bush track in rear of the mountain is at this time of the year impassable. There are some seventy creeks and rivers to cross, and amongst them the Patea. I received a letter from Major Brown, Taranaki, informing me he was unable to march the day agreed upon, in consequence of the heavy fresh in the rivers. Under these circumstances, I have the honor to request you will be good enough to send me further instructions. Mr. Booth, R.M., is writing to the Native Office, and will give further particulars respecting the Natives at Parihaka. I have, &c, To the Hon. the Defence Minister, William C. Lton, Lt.-Col., Wellington. Commanding Patea District.

Enclosure in No. 12. Extract from Letter received from Colonel WniTMORE, dated " Waterloo-day, 1869." " Major Brown leaves by the ' Wanganui' to hunt up Titokowaru, and Colonel Haultain wishes me to instruct you to co-operate and take command of the operation. " The idea is for you to go round the mountain to Mataitawa, where you will be supplied again, thence by a road (for which a guide will be found) to Paki Paki and up the banks of the Waitara, till met by Major Brown. " That officer will leave his camp at or near White Cliffs by an inland track, and on the third day strike the Waitara a little above Paki Paki. " .After meeting, your supplies will be exhausted, but we are led to believe that abundance of cattle, maize, and potatoes and pigs, will be found there. " Titokowaru, much dejected and short of ammunition, is somewhere about there, and it is with the object of bringing him to book that this expedition is set on foot." True extract —Porster V. Goring, Sub-Inspector, Acting Adjutant.

No. 13. Copy of a Letter from G. S. Cooper to Lieut.-Colonel Lton. (No. 541-2e.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— Wellington, 10th July, 1869. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the sth instant, No. 33, in which you express your reasons for not proceeding on the proposed expedition against Titokowaru, and to inform you that, considering the exposed state in which you would have left Patea, and other circumstances detailed by you, the Defence Minister considers you have displayed much judgment in the course you have adopted. I have, Ac, Lieut.-Colonel Lyon, Commanding Militia G. S. Cooper, District, Patea. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 14. Copy of a Letter from Major Brown to the Under Secretart for Defence. (No. 298.) Taranaki Militia and Volunteer Office, Sib,— New Plymouth, 7th July, 1869. I have the honor to transmit for the information of the Hon. D. McLean, copy of a letter received by me from Colonel Lyon, under which the expedition to Ngatimaru has been abandoned. I also enclose copy of my reply. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Colonial Defence Office, Chas. Brown, Major, Wellington. Commanding District. Enclosure 1 in No. 14. Copy of a Letter from Lieut.-Colonel Lton to Major Brown. Mt dear Major Brown, —■ Manawapou, 4th July, 1869. I received your letter all right; I did not expect the force could start. I was at Waihi last night, but it is impossible to get through the bush at this season —all the rivers and creeks are flooded. I also learn there are 300 Natives at Pariahaka, and it would be hardly safe to take all my force to