A.—No. Ba,

4

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

No. 2. The Civil Commissioner, Tauranga, to the Under Secretary, Native Department. (D. 58-2) Civil Commissioner's Office, Sir, — Tauranga, 20th August, 1869. In continuation of my report of the 16th instant, D. 57-2, I have the honor to acquaint you that I have received another letter from the Pirirakau Natives, pressing their invitation upon the Ngaiterangi to go out and meet them at their settlement. In my communication above alluded to, I wished to disabuse my mind of the feeling of distrust I have been accustomed to entertain towards the actions and motives of this hapu, and I ventured to hope that their request emanated from a genuine desire to make common cause against any attempted aggression by Te Kooti. I regret to state that I believe this is another instance of their disingenuousness and a desire to draw out the Ngaiterangi for some ulterior purpose. After perusing enclosures Nos. 1 and 2, I can come to no other conclusion. On their own showing, all fear of Te Kooti had passed away, yet they still urge their request. On the other hand, I am glad to be able to inform you that the Ngaiterangi show a disposition to be guided by me in the matter, and have refused to go. I have received, or become possessed of, several Native letters from different quarters, all of which purport to convey correct information of Te Kooti's movements, but are so contradictory of each other that no dependence can be placed on any one of them. I enclose the originals (with translations) of these several documents with the primary object of showing how hard it is to arrive at the truth. In enclosure No. 2, I am informed that Te Kooti is gone to Whanganui ; in No. 3, that he is gone to Mokau, and that on his return Tauranga or Rotorua will be attacked. No. 4 supports this latter statement; and in No. 5, lam cautioned against receiving statements from other sources, and am told that Te Kooti has returned to Ruatahuna. I yesterday received certain information that the three Native prisoners who made their escape from the Monmouth Redoubt, reported in my letter of the 9th instant, have reached the Patetere District. Maihi Pohepohc, nephew of the old Chief Hakaraia, who, with his uncle, joined Te Kooti at Taupo, has again visited his relatives at Maungatapu. There was a great gathering of people on the occasion, to hear of the doings of Te Kooti in Waikato. Maihi made a long statement, the substance of which, as related by Te Ranapia, and corroborated by Arama Karaka and Parete, is contained in the enclosed Memorandum. If there is any truth in the statement that Te Kooti has retired towards Taupo, we shall soon hear of it. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, Hy. T. Clarke, Wellington. Civil Commissioner. Enclosure 1 in No. 2. To Te Kuka and Te Puru, — Te Umuokorongaehe, 12th August, 1869. Friends —Salutations to you both, and to our parent. This ends the greeting. This is a word to you for you both to come here in the love manifested by Tawhiao for all the people in Tauranga. From Nga Tupara.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. To Henry Clarice, —• Te Whakamarama, 16th August, 1869. Friend—Salutations. Your letter has arrived; we have seen it, and it is good. We still invite you and your children (the Ngaiterangi) to come here on the 17th of August. Te Kooti has gone to Wanganui. A mailman came to us on the 15th, with this news. This is all. From Pene Tuaia. Enclosure 3 in No. 2. To Mr. Clarke, Civil Commissioner, — Ohinemuri, 4th August, 1869. Friend —Salutations to you and your tribes. This is a word to you. A man has come here to Ohinemuri from Te Kooti. I have seen him and my ears have heard his words. This is the word : Tauranga is to be the place where the blow of Te Kooti's weapon will fall, and Kotorua also; and now, O friend, concerning this matter, do not think that I am speaking falsely. Listen. Tc Kooti is at Mokau at present; when he returns from thence perhaps (the fighting) will begin. Don't tell Ngaiterangi of this letter of mine, but rather tell the Arawa; that will be well. Be careful, be watchful; and if I hear further news I will write and inform you. I write this on board the boat in the evening. My hands arc trembling through anxiety and love for my tribe the Arawa. This is all. From your loving friend, To Henry Clarke, Tauranga. Topi Te Kahuwiiara (a Ngatiraukawa).