A.—No. Ba,

26

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

Enclosure 3 in No. SS. Rawiri Tangitu to Major Mair. Tc Whakamarama, Bth January, 1870. To Mr. Matr, director of affairs at Te Papa, Tauranga,—■ Friend, salutations. This is my word to you. It is not clear to me when this man will come here. If it should become clear to me that it is Tawhiao (his work), my letter of explanation will go to you. Enough. From To Mr. Mair, Tauranga. Tangitu.

Enclosure 4 in No. 58. Rawiri Tangitu to Te Puru. To Te Puru, — Te Whakamarama, Bth January, 1870. That is to you all both above (eastern part of Tauranga,) and below (western part). I have heard from the man who was sent, that Te Kooti will come here. This is an established word. Enough. From Tangitu.

No. 59. Mr. Hetit to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Alexandra, Bth January, 1870. I came from Tokangamutu yesterday morning; before my arrival there Aporo had returned. Topia's force at Taumarunui, with 600 men. Topini and party (number unknown) object to their coming any further. Tc Kooti has gone further towards Ongaruhc, about thirty miles from Te Kuiti. I saw Manuwhiri and Manga, they were all in great confusion. Reports in circulation there that large numbers of Europeans were assembling at Alexandra and the Thames, on the road to join the Taupo force. Orders were given for all the women and children to go on the ranges. I told them the reports were false, and they returned to their homes. Aporo returned yesterday to Taumarunui with instructions to stand between both Topia and Te Kooti. The Waikatos are assembling to follow and support Aporo, to prevent a collision if possible. Rewi requests mc to inform you that Te Kooti, having complied with their request to remain quiet, will not be given up to you. Further important news may be expected in a few days from Ongaruhe. I return to-day at noon. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. Louis Hetit.

No. 60. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. (Telegram.) Auckland, 9th January, 1870. If a messenger can be got to McDonnell, let him know that I wish Te Kooti followed up and the Arawa supported as quickly as possible. To Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Cambridge. Donald McLean.

No. 61. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Mr. L. Hetit. (Telegram.) Auckland, 9th January, 1870. Now that Kooti has gone to Ohincmutu, I suppose the Waikatos are satisfied, and not likely to trouble themselves about him. Give me your opinion. To Mr. Louis Hetit, Otorohanga. Donald McLean.

No. 62. Mr, Hetit to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 10th January, 1870. All I know is this : a Native rode in about two hours ago, giving us all caution to be on the alert. That Aporo had returned and brought this news on his arrival at the late camping place; that Kooti and all his mob were minus and the camp broken up, and he does not know in what direction Te Kooti is gone; and that 4'opia has not heard of Te Kooti's movements ; he is still at Taumarunui, but Ido not know if it is a fact, this report, but I shall soon hear. I have not heard from Manuwhiri or Manga. I will soon let you know if there is anything of importance. The Hon. the Defence Minister. Louis Hetit.

No. 63. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to Mr. Commissioner Branigan. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 10th January, 1870. I heard at Alexandra this morning that Te Kooti had disappeared, and I think it probable that