A.—No. 13

AFFAIRS ON THE WEST COAST.

13

Killed. Eeweti (chief of Ahitahi hapu). Paramena Rangihekeihu (chief of Mawhitiwhiti). Heremaia Pakiki. Child (son of Pumipi, of Mawhitiwhiti). Child (son of Katene, late Native guide). Wounded. Hone Wiremu (went over to the rebels with Katene). On the occasion of the attack on the same place on the 21st August, there was one Native killed, an elderly person, father of the notorious character Tohe, who headed the ambuscade on the occasion of the murders at Ketemarae, on the 9th June last. The above information was sent to me by the chief Wiremu Manaia, of Te Kauwae. Up to the present time I have heard of no alteration of the previously declared intention of other tribes not to join the Ngutu-o-te-Manu Natives, but it is impossible to say how they will be affected by the repeated successes of the Natives against our forces. It would be to tho interest of the Province if all agitation on local matters was discontinued for a time, pending the issue of the present struggle to punish a very small section of Natives [now in rebellion against the Government, contrary to the wishes of other tribes to whom we should be careful not to give the slightest pretext for joining them, by agitating such questions as the occupation of the confiscated lands, and prospecting for gold beyond the limits of the present military settlers' lines. I am, however, glad to be able to report that two prospecting parties have very recently returned from the district between Urenui and Ngatimaru without molestation from the Natives in that part, followers of Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake, who at first raised objections to it. I have, &c., R. Paeeis, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Mr. R. Paeeis to the Hon. the Native Ministee. (No. 265.) Sic, New Plymouth, 18th September, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency's Government, that yesterday, during my absence on a visit to the Natives north of Waitara, the chief Wiremu Manaia Kukanui, of Te Kauwae arrived in town, bring further particulars of the melancholy disaster to the Colonial forces on the 7th instant, his account of which is something perfectly horrible. From his statement it would appear that after the officers fell, the Europeans attempted a very irregular retreat, in detached parties, some taking one track, and some another, in attempting which they were intercepted by the enemy, and became scattered in the bush, tho consequence of which was the Natives were hunting them down until the third day; the last of them they fell in with were three in number, all of whom were killed. He also states that he was informed at the Waihi camp, that one man came in on the fifth day with scarcely any clothing upon him, and that many others were then supposed to be yet alive in the bush. The enemy is said to have taken thirty-seven rifles, besides revolvers and swords, and their loss is what I reported on the 4th instant. They have abandoned the Ngutu-o-te-Manu District, and are said to be gone South, further particulars of which I hope to obtain by the overland mail, due to-morrow. Wiremu Manaia proposed that the Kauwae people should come North, offering to settle any place I would mention, during the continuance of hostilities, stating as a reason for wishing to do so, that they were afraid of both parties, the enemy and the Colonial forces. But as the Ngutu-o-te-Manu Natives have ail gone South, I have prevailed upon him to remain at Te Kauwae. I have, &c, R. Paeeis, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 18. Copy of a Letter from Mr. H. Halse to Mr. Paeeis. (No. 350-2.) Native Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, Ist October, 1868. I am directed by Mr. Richmond to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 265, of the 18th ultimo, reporting further particulars of the recent repulse of the Colonial forces near Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. I have, &c, H. Halse, The Civil Commissioner, Taranaki. Assistant Under Secretary. No. 19. Copy of a Letter from Mr. R. Paeeis to the Hon. the Native Ministee. (No. 266.) Sic,— New Plymouth, September 19th, 1868. In further reference to my letter of yesterday, I have now the honour to report that the 4