A.—No. 4a,

24

TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY

up the expedition. The Chiefs are indignant at having to return without doing something. I believe if Tuke and the Natives had gone on as arranged before we left, that we should soon have had an account of the enemy. The present state of things is very unsatisfactory. Are you coming up in " Sturt ?" You did not name Wataroa as the point to return from. Donald McLean.

Colonel Haultain to Major Lambert, Wairoa. (To be forwarded by " St. Kilda.) Wellington, Bth November, 1868. You can go up the river to Reinga with Ngatiporou and Europeans as you propose, and on return, if the Hauhaus are quiet, the Ngatiporous are to proceed home in the " St. Kilda." The pay of the Militia and Military Settlers serving in their own district is 4s. a day and not 55., and these can get no more. Rations to their families must be charged against the men. Mr. Tuke to explain why he named ss. as the rate of pay. Militiamen get no pay for mere parade. Keep down all unnecessary expenditure. The Wairoa Militia are to get only 2s. 6d. and rations. T. M. Haultain.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. November 10th, 1868. I consider, it would be quite necessary to retain. Tuparoa Natives until more is known of the Hauhaus. The murder of the scouts prove that they will not remain quiet. Uncertainty with reference to them worse than a state of actual warfare. News of their intended plans received from Taupo confirmed by prisoners. Be glad to hear from you on this point. Donald McLean.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. November llth, 1868. AVant authority to employ steamer from Auckland, and to send Captain Tuke to command at Poverty Bay. Authority wanted to enrol some volunteers. Withers gone to Wairoa. Despatched letter to Major Lambert to keep vigilant guard at the Wairoa. Instructions to Military Officers in present juncture should come through me, otherwise unity of action cannot be obtained. Donald McLean.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. Napier, llth November, 1868. Report by " Tawera," Poverty Bay taken by Hauhau prisoners. Biggs, Wilson, and others, twenty-seven in number, killed. Will send particulars in a few minutes. Donald McLean.

Mr. D. McLean to Mr. Stafford. Napier, llth November, 1868. Forwarded telegram two hours ago to Colonel Haultain, reporting attack of Hauhau prisoners on Poverty Bay. Major Biggs and twenty seven Europeans and nine Natives killed. Please read telegram addressed to Haultain, if he has not left for AVanganui. Send me reply. Donald McLean.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. Napier, llth November, 1868, 6.6 p.m. Report from Poverty Bay confirmed. Place attacked at 3 a.m. on Tuesday last. Killed Major Biggs, wife, child, and woman servant; Capt. AVilson, wife, family, and man servant; Goldsmith's daughter and son ; Welch, wife and child ; Dod and Peppard, Cadell ; 27 to 30 known to be killed and 9 natives. Donald McLean.

Mr. Stafford to Mr. D. McLean. (Urgent j llth November, 1868. Have got your telegrams. Haultain is gone to Wanganui. Am consulting with Richmond and Hall. Will telegraph shortly. How many European men are at Turanganui? Is anything known of Westrup? AVhere is " St. Kilda ?" Are any Tuparoas gone home, if not, where are they ? E. W. Stafford.

Mr. D. McLean to Mr. Stafford. Napier, llth November, 1868, 9 4 a.m. Thirty Europeans at Turanganui. Stockade crowded with refugee women and children. Nothing is known of Westrup. " St. Kilda" at Poverty Bay. Tuparoa still at Wairoa. Tuko is here ready to take command at Poverty Bay. Henare Potae at Turanganui stockade with 100 Maoris. Donald McLean.

Mr. Stafford to Mr. D. McLean. Wellington, 11 th November, 1868. Send first steamer that can be got to Poverty Bay. Send Tuke. Enrol any force necessary to relieve settlers there. Steamer should remove women and children from Poverty Bay. Government cannot un-