OF MR. McLEAN ON THE EAST COAST.

23

A,—No. 4a,

Lieut.-Col. Lambert to Colonel Haultain. Napier, 22nd October, 1868, 4 p.m. Steamer in from W Tairoa landed men at Mahia who would arrive at Clyde this day about noon ; landed stores at Clyde, and sailed from thence this morning, It appears to have been a false alarm as the enemy does not appear to have been seen. Settlers gone to their homes. Some houses at Military Settlement have been plundered, others not touched. Enemy thought to be between Wairoa and Poverty Bay—this is only rumour—this is all the intelligence [ could get from Captain and Mate of Steamer. No report from Officer in command. Friendly Natives may have plundered houses. C. Lambert.

Colonel Haultain to Major Lambert. Bdgs., 22nd October, 1868. A rou are to proceed with as little delay as possible to Wairoa to take command there. T. M. Haultain.

Mr. J. D. Ormond to Colonel Haultain. Napier, 22nd October, 1868, 7 p.m. Enquiry shows St. George's letter the only letter received here. Purport of that letter Native scouts have exaggerated vicinity of enemy and immediate danger at Wairoa. Question for consideration now is, what has to be done. Ngatiporous' arrival will make our Native force on pay at Wairoa, 500 men. Enemy have plenty of food, hold Upper Wairoa country, cultivations and food of Friendlies. The menace is same as ever though less immediate, the difficulty of attacking enemy greater, he being further off and in difficult country. If enemy has to be fought we shall probably have to attack, and shall want small force to lead. Men from Auckland might be stopped here till Richmond's arrival; if wanted then ready, if not, St. Kilda could take them on. Major Lambert still here :he might be stopped to work men into shape whilst detained here. "Ahuriri" due here now. Letters, late reports, Ac, will be sent you by her. Please reply about men, orderly sent to Wairoa. Deighton and Tuke directed to report immediately state of their district. Blamed them for not reporting by steamer. J. D. Ormond.

Mr. Joseph H. Rhodes to Mr. C. E. Haughton. Napier, 29th October, 1868, 3.20 p.m. The "St. Kilda" returns to Wairoa to-morrow, to fetch Mr Richmond and Mr McLean. No despatches from anyone at the Port. Hoteni and 157 men came down in the "St. Kilda" and landed at Wairoa. Henare Potae and 100 men are placed under Major Biggs at Turanga, to check disaffection there. So reported Major Green to me who has returned to tbe place in the " St. Kilda." Joseph H. Rhodes.

Mr. J. C. Richmond to Major Lambert. Wellington, 4th November, 1868. If nothing can be promptly done, send back Heretaonga Natives, the Ngatiporou. Keep fifty of Ihaka AVhanga's men for a defensive garrison, at 2s 6d per diem, as long as necessary. Could not spare the Auckland Constables, the Patea Force being in shocking disorganization still. Send telegrams as often as you can. J. C. Richmond.

Mr. D. McLean to Mr. J. C. Richmond. November Oth, 1869. " St. Kilda" left yesterday morning for Wairoa, Major Lambert went on to Wataroa. Hauhaus had left. Party of them supposed to be moving to Poverty Bay. Heuheu is here from Taupo. No late news from there. Donald McLean.

Mr. D. McLean to the Defence Minister. November 7th, 1869. Napier natives are back from Wairoa. Reached Wataroa, found no enemy. Shot an old man, took a woman prisoner. Found grave of scouts. Re-interred bodies. Hauhaus said to be going to Poverty Bay Enemy should have been followed up to Puketapu and Poverty Bay. Propose " St. Kilda" should proceed to Poverty Bay to ascertain whereabouts of Hauhaus. Donald McLean. Colonel Haultain to Mr. D. McLean. Wellington, Bth November, 1868. Instructions go to Major Lambert by " St. Kilda," to make expedition to Reinga as suggested by him. Copy of telegram ordered to be sent to you. " St. Kilda" should start as soon as possible. T. M. Haultain.

Mr. D. McLean to Mr. J. 0. Richmond. November 9th, 1868. Major Lambert states " Expedition returned, no enemy appearing/ I have, as directed by tbe Hon. Mr. Richmond, embarked tbe Natives on board ' St. Kilda.'" My impression is that your instructions conveyed no direction of the kind. It was fully intended to find out the position of the enemy before breaking