A.—No. Ba.

24

PAPERS EELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

fighting is in the Wanganui, or whether it will be desirable to go up the Mangomu-a-te-ao. Kingi Herekiekie, who came with our party from Wanganui, is making successful efforts to bring in his tribe, Ngatituwharetoa, who were lately with Te Kooti, Ten men. who have hitherto been living up the Mangonui-o-te-ao, are expected to come here (Aomarama) to-day or to-morrow, and twenty men are to come down the river to-morrow. J. Booth, R.M.

No. 55. Mr. Booth, R.M., to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 9th January, 1870. In conversation with Mr. Buller, I am informed that Wi Pukapuka has just returned from Tokangamutu, and states that Topia and Kemp had received a message from Tawhiao, by the hands of Aporo, ordering them to desist from following Te Kooti, and that those chief's had agreed to do so. I think the true version of the story will be found to be as follows ; When Topia and the war party arrived at Whakahoro, they were met by Aporo, who professed to have been sent by the King, and who made every effort to induce Topia to return, but without effect. He (Aporo) then asked Topia to remain where he was until he again could visit Te Kooti and Tawhiao. This also Topia refused to do. Aporo then left the war party to return to Waikato, and twelve hours after his departure, a man named Huiatahi arrived at Maraekowhai with a letter from Manuwhiri, by directions of Tawhiao, approving of the course which has been taken by Topia. No further news than what I have above stated had reached Topia's party on Thursday, or I should have heard of it before leaving Ohinemutu last evening. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. J. Booth, R.M.

No. 56. Mr. Buller, R.M., to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. (Telegram). Wanganui, 9th January, 1870. Telegram of this morning forwarded to Mr. Fox by mounted orderly. Mr. Booth arrived this afternoon bringing news of the expeditionary force down to Thursday last. It will be seen from Mr. Booths memorandum, that he discredits Wi Pukapuka's story. Topia's force was at Rakura, on Wanganui River, on Thursday morning, preparing to start for Taumarunui. By latest advices from Topini''s people, Te Kooti was moving from place to place ; his present whereabouts not exactly known. Two spies sent out by Topini to watch Te Kooti's movements have not returned, —supposed to have been killed. Mr. Booth starts on return trip to-morrow morning with a small supply of provisions. Kemp's force, when last heard of, badly off for food, and relying chiefly on fern root. Tamati Waaka and all the Manganuiateao Natives have come over to our side. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. W. Buller, R.M.

No. 57. Lieutenant Preece and Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Tapuaeharuru, 11th January, 1870. Marino te Hingohi has arrived from Tuhua; left there 29th ; was detained by floods at Pukcrimu Creek, near Te Papa. Te Kooti's scouts had seen the Ngatihau advancing; he at once abandoned Taumarunui and retired to Otamakahi, on Tuhua side of Ongarae River. To Kooti had said, if Topia went up Ongarae to Te Rongoroa, nine miles from Otamateahi, he would fight. He has nearly 300 men. Te Waru is with Marino's people; wishes to give in, but is afraid on account of murders committed by his brother. Ngatihau were to be at Taumaraunui the clay Marino left. If Te Kooti retreats it will be by Maraeroa. Marino came that way. Marino left orders with his people to communicate with Topia, and send men to Tokano with news via Moerangi. Rewiri te Mamuhi returned from Urewera country ; some of them wished to kill him, but Te Whenuanui stopped them. After much talk, Whenuanui said he wished to come out with his part of the Urewera and make peace, and will come to Ohinemutu when Arawas send for him. George Preece. J. D. Ormond, Esq. Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel.

No. 58. Major Mair to Mr. H. T. Clarke, Civil Commissioner. Sir, — Tauranga, 12th Januarys 1870. I have the honor to report upon information received relative to the movements of Te Kooti, and in the first place would call your attention to a letter from Mr. G. Preece, copy attached, marked No. 1, in which he says that Te Kooti wishes to get into the Urewera country, but that Kereopa wishes him to go to Patetere.