FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY

A.—No. 3c

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block-house. It is only an organized force that can bo of any good. A few picked men are better than a large number of undisciplined Militia. Let me know what you propose before deciding anything. Be certain that the Hauhaus mean fight before disturbing a large number of the townspeople, &c. To Colonel Lambert, Napier. T. M. Haultain.

No. 54. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 261.) Napier, 12.26 p.m., 22nd April, 1869. Have you received telegram to-day in time for ammunition for Whitmore per Wellington? lam sending off Captain Withers in the pilot-boat to Mohaka, with a few men. He ought to be there by 4 p.m. Reply at once. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 55. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. (Telegram No. 258.) Napier, 11.20 a.m., 22nd April, 1869. Ensign Witty has sent in a despatch from Mohaka Block-house, dated yesterday, saying that Hauhaus had again descended within two miles and a half of Mohaka; two flags flying; numerous fires burning. Witty believed they had heard of ammunition in block-house, which should not have been left there. Richardson's troop ordered up again. We shall send two cutters with thirty men at 3, when tide permits them to go out. This will cause much alarm. I wish " St. Kilda" may come round by Wairoa, and learn news. Hapuka, with fifty armed Natives and other Wairoa Natives, in pa, and Witty has sixteen men ; so I am despondent. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 56. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 1.35 p.m., 22nd April, 1869. lam at Spit. Can you come to office at once, and have some talk about the march of Richardson's troop? I can get a smart craft to take them at 4 p.m. ; they can be off Mohaka, to land, at daylight. Richardson is here. Says he cannot cross twenty of his horses till 4; can't possibly reach Mohaka till to-morrow afternoon with tired horses; will quite knock up troop for days, and render them unserviceable for Whitmore. Would prefer going by sea, dismounted. Beach smooth to-day ; pilot says every indication of fine weather. Lose not a moment, as Richardson must get his troop in from Petane to embark. To Hon. Colonel Haultain, Wellington. Russell.

No. 57. Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. H. R. Russell. (Telegram No. 440.) Wellington, 2.10 p.m., 22nd April, 1869. I think it will be a very good arrangement to ship the troopers for Mohaka, and leave their horses to rest. I will instruct Lambert. lam at the office. To H. R. Russell, Esq., Napier. T. M. Haultain.

No. 58. Hon. Colonel Haultain to Lieut.-Colonel Lambert. (Telegram No. 441.) Wellington, 2.11 p.m., 22nd April, 1569. Ship the troopers and send them to Mohaka by sea, so that their horses may have a rest. To Colonel Lambert, Napier. T. M. Haultain.

No. 59. Hon. Colonel Haultain to Hon. H. R. Russell. (Telegram No. 443.) Wellington, 22nd April, 1869. Let the troopers go as soon as possible by sea, and return without delay if Hauhaus arc not iv force. It will at least give their horses a rest. The lifeboat should go also. I don't think you need any Militia, but have Tanner's troop warned to be ready in case they are wanted. To H. R. Russell, Esq., Napier. T. M. Haultain.

No. 60. Hon. 11. R. Russell to Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 5.49 p.m., 22nd April, 1869. Two of Hapuku's mounted men just crossed (4 p.m.). Left Mohaka last night. Confirmed report that Hauhaus were iv force at Putcre to within two and a half miles of block-house; besides Mohaka