AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES. .

37

A.—No. Ba,

" Sir, — " Tapuaeharuru, Taupo, 17th January, 1870. " I have the honor to inform you that operations have commenced against Te Kooti, in the Patetere countiy, under Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, and as great difficulty will be experienced in supplying that force from Napier by way of Tauranga, I have the honor to request that you will, as far as possible, assist in furnishing Colonel McDonnell with as much food, &c, as you can. The bearer of this (Wetere), Hitiri's nephew, will carry your letter to Colonel McDonnell. I have, &c.—S. Locke, R.M." St. John Branigan, Esq., Commissioner, A.CF. W. Moule, Inspector.

No. 99. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to Hon. D. Pollen and Mr. Commissioner Branigan, Auckland. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 20th January, 1870. Native messenger from Mr. Locke says that Colonel McDonnell's forces will be at Waioaha on 22nd instant. To communicate with, and supply Colonel McDonnell's forces, it will be necessary to occupy the country, and establish posts between here and Waioaha with about 200 men. I have 108 available, and to make up the required number I shall have to call for volunteers from 180 Militia now assembled here. There is no supply of provisions here for such a force, and barely enough for the immediate wants of the district itself. You will have to send from Auckland, without delay, supplies of food for 900 men; tools, tents, and camp equipages for 200. You must appoint at once a qualified officer to receive and forward these supplies from here, and to hire necessary transport, which he will be able to do on the spot. I have a supply of ammunition sufficient for present wants. There is a good dray-road from here to Matamata; thence I would have to pack the supplies to McDonnell's forces. A number of pack-saddles would be required. I could maintain a small force in the field for a few days to co-operate with McDonnell's, but we must both depend on you for supplies. The Hon. D. Pollen and St. Johm Branigan, Esq. W. Moule, Inspector, A.C.

No. 100. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to Mr. Commissioner Branigan. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 20th Januaiy, 1870. Have you any instructions on the subject of Mr. Locke's letter from Tapuacharuru, as the messenger which brought it is very anxious to return immediately. Mr. Firth has just passed through here on his way to Auckland. W. Moule, Inspector, A.C

No. 101. Hon. Dr. Pollen and Mr. Commissioner Branigan to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th January, 1870. Letter from Mr. Ormond, Napier, just received, dated 17th instant. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell and Major Kemp, with their forces, 700 men, are moving from Tapuaeharuru towards Patetere, probably by the Horohoro Road. They have taken a small supply of food from that place, and will want supplies from Cambridge at once. Can you open communication with McDonnell ? What can you do in the way of supplies and transport ? What do you require ? Daniel Pollen, St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.

No. 102. The Hon. Dr. Pollen to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th January, 1870. Mr. Commissioner Branigan has left Auckland for Waikato. I sent you a message this evening about supplies and transport. My answer to Locke's messenger will depend upon yours. Daniel Pollen.

No. 103. The Hon. Dr. Pollen to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th January, 1870. Keep the Native Messenger till afternoon to-morrow, Mr. McLean will be here by that time. Supplies are on the road to Mercer to-night. Daniel Pollen. 10