A.—No. 8.

22

PAPERS RELATIVE OT MILITARY OPERATIONS

sure McDonnell and the Natives will follow him, and account for him if possible. Our forces seemed to have behaved splendidly. Te Kooti, it now seems, was in the redoubt, and escaped. McDonnell's despatch will be telegraphed to-morrow. He and his force deserve every praise. Ormond.

No. 28. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Napier, Bth October, 1869. I send you Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's despatch in full, and congratulate the Government on one of the most complete successes we have had. I should like to hear from you what course you decide shall be pursued with Te Heuhcu and his tribe, who, it seems, are certain to surrender themselves. This engagement secures peace to Taupo, and opens Kai manawa, which can now be tested. Ormond.

Enclosure in No. 28. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — Camp Poutou, sth October, 1869. I have the honor to state, for the information of the Government, that on Saturday, the Ist instant, I left this post, accompanied by the Mounted Constabulary under Sub-Inspectors Richardson and Handley, to join the Arawa and No. 2 Division Armed Constabulary at Kotukutuku, leaving instructions with Major Kemp, Captain McDonnell, and the other chiefs, to march from here on Sunday night, and join me at Papakai. On Monday morning the two forces joined at Papakai. The enemy were plainly visible about two miles further on, having built a redoubt on the edge of the bush, in a strong commanding position. At Papakai the force halted for breakfast; but a short time was allowed for this necessary meal, as word was brought in from our outlying sentries that the enemy was moving out to attack. On receipt of this intelligence I ordered Lieut.-Colonel Herrick, with No. 2 A.C., Major Kemp, with Captains McDonnell and Wlrihana, and Hare Tauteka's men, to advance and take possession of the range on the left flank, whilst I moved out with the Ngatikahungunu and Arawa on the right, the Mounted Division bringing up the rear. The whole force advanced in this order for about a mile. Kemp's party came into contact with the enemy's skirmishers, who were now in position about half a mile in front of the redoubt, and quickly dislodged them, following them up wildly, and driving them back on their main position in confusion, and with some loss. The Ngatikahungunu and the Arawa were also successful in forcing the enemy to evacuate a small earthwork, used most probably as a picket station, and some broken ground on the opposite bank of the Wanganui, where several of the enemy fell. Our natives, stimulated with jealousy of each other, were ripe for anything, and advanced with a steadiness and determination such as I have never seen equalled. The Wanganuis set the example, by charging up the face of the hill on which stood the redoubt, closely followed by the Ngatikahungunu and Arawa. Though exposed to the galling fire of the enemy, who fought well, they had in a short time taken the trenches by the front and right of the redoubt, undermining the parapet, jumping up and firing into it. I deeply regret to state that Captain St. George was killed within a short distance of the redoubt, whilst charging with No. 2 Division and the Arawa. Shortly after this charge the redoubt was taken by storm,, in which we lost three men killed and three wounded. Twenty-seven bodies of the enemy were found inside the redoubt and in the trench, and ten more bodies were found in the field,making a total loss on their side of thirty-seven as seen by us. Over twenty women and children were taken prisoners, and one man belonging to Taupo. I regret to say that Te Kooti escaped, as I know for certain that he was in the pa. Some of the women are severely wounded. I have much pleasure in testifying to the gallantry displayed by No. 2 Division Armed Constabulary, under the command of Sub-Inspectors Scannell and Northcroft, and also to Major Kemp and Captains McDonnell and Wirihana, and the Wanganui Natives under their command, who in this, as mx every former occasion, behaved admirably. My thanks are also due to Rcnata and Henare Tomoana of the Ngatikahungunu, and Hohcpa Tamamutu, Paora Hapi, and Kcpa of the Arawa, for the courage displayed by them in leading on their men. My thanks are more especially due to Lieut.-Colonel Herrick, for the able assistance which he rendered to me during the day in the furtherance of my plans. The Cavalry succeeded in recapturing a large number of the horses taken by Te Kooti from Henare Tomoana, at Tauranga, some time since. I sent a force out this morning under Henare Tomoana, to try and find out the present position of the enemy. I have brought No. 2 Division here, as our rear is open, and I fear that Te Kooti may attempt to escape in that direction. I have also come down myself for the purpose of getting more ammunition, and intend returning to Papakai to-morrow. I append a list of our killed and wounded. Te Heu Heu and Matuahu have sent me word to-day that they have had enough of it, and have left Te Kooti, and will surrender themselves to-morrow. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond. Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel.