TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY

A.—No. 4 a,

36

tive orders. The Captain says they will not proceed without Ropata. Let me know what is to be done. The men have all been sworn in individually to serve for twelve months, and it was explained to them that they were soldiers. Lambeet.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. Napier, llth March, 1869. Ropata states that his guns have been kept on board the " St. Kilda," and complains of it. As the Ngatiporou may be required for service at any moment, I consider it would be most impolitic to retain their guns. Could you let the " St. Kilda" take an English mail on to Wellington to-morrow, and return again to take the Ngatiporou back ? It would be a great convenience to the public to get a mail sent. Donald McLean.

Colonel Haultain to Mr. D. McLean. AVellington, llth March, 1869. Ropata's guns will not be taken from him. The " St. Kilda" will not return to Napier for some time. She will go to West Coast. T. M. Haultain.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. Napier, 12th March, 1869. Evening News of the 9th states Pitcairn's murder. Te Kooti at Opotiki ; place surrounded by hostile natives ; party of Arawas taken prisoners at Ohiwa. Paragraph states Colonel Harington communicated with Pollen ; mentioned Pitcairn's murder, but wants confirmation. " Tauranga" had taken arms and ammunition to Tauranga. Same paper has reports of murder at AVaikato, not confirmed. Donald McLean.

Colonel Haultain to Mr D. McLean. AVellington, 12th March, 1869. Your Telegram received. There are about 180 armed Europeans at Opotiki, besides a number of Friendly Natives, who are thoroughly committed on our side, and there is a Redoubt at the Township, besides two good Block Houses five or six miles in advance. T. M. Haultain.

Mr. D. McLean to Colonel Haultain. Napier, 10th March, 1869. Te Kooti is reported to be at Tauaroa, on the way to Taupo, about half a day's journey from the north end of Runanga, with a large force. It is uncertain whether he intends to join Rewi, or make for AVaikare Moana or Napier. Tbe natives of Taupo are much alarmed ; Pohipi will try to apprehend Te Kooti, but I fear he is not strong enough. Donald McLean.

Colonel Haultain to Mr. D. McLean. Wellington, 19th March, 1869. Te Kooti, having been driven back from AVhakatane with severe loss, and by a very small force, is not, I think, very likely to attack Napier unless largely reinforced. The Government have very favourable reports of the peaceful intentions of Rewi and the King. T. M. Haultain.

Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet to Mr. J. C. Richmond. Napier, llth March, 1869. Ropata here ; he appears to have made up his mind not to proceed. He says the Ahuriri Natives are to meet him at 11 o'clock on his way to Pakowai. Fox wants orders. The natives are determined to land. Lambeet.

Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet to Colonel Haultain. Napier, llth March, 1869. He wants to land his people, and " St. Kilda" take them back on her next trip up coast. Lambeet.

Colonel Haultain to Lieut.-Colonel Lambeet. AVellington, llth March, 1869. Tell the Ngatiporou that Tito Kowaru has retreated from the Waitotara towards the Patea, and that Whitmore is pursuing them. If they will come on they will be in time to assist in destroying these cannibals. T. M. Haultain.