A.—No. Bb,

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

8

No. 18. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Major Westrup. General Government Offices, Sic,— Auckland, 19th February, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that Major Eopata Wahawaha has been instructed to land his Native force, en route for Waikare-Moana, at Poverty Bay. You will therefore be good enough to assist him by every means in your power. Major Eopata has named Lieutenant Borter, of the Volunteer Cavalry, Poverty Bay, as an officer he would like to accompany the expedition, and I have no objection to his doing so, provided that he volunteers for the service. The force being composed exclusively of Natives, I do not consider that it would be judicious that Europeans should form part of the expedition. You will be good enough to report to me the date of the arrival and departure of the force from Boverty Bay. Inspector C. D. Pitt has been appointed, and proceeds this day to assume charge of the Armed Constabulary in the Sub-District of Poverty Bay, but you will continue to command the district as heretofore. I have, &c, Major Westrup, Commanding Militia and Volunteers, Donald McLean. Boverty Bay.

No. 19. Mr. Locke, E.M., to the Hon. the Peemier. Sic, — Turanganui, 19th February, 1870. I have the honor to inform you of my arrival at Poverty Bay on the evening of the 18th. No information whatever has yet been received from Major Eopata; it is believed here that he is in Auckland ; therefore I have sent messengers up the coast with letters to Te Mokena, Captain Hotene, and Major Eopata, requesting them to push on with Ngatiporou as quickly as possible. I have also desired Mr. Campbell, 8.M., who goes with his family to Waiapu by the " Coomerang," to see Eopata and the Ngatiporou chiefs. The Europeans and Maoris here are on the alert. I have, &c, S. Locke, The Hon. William Fox, Auckland. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 20. Major Westrup to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sic, — Turanganui, Poverty Bay, 24th February, 1870. I have the honor to report the arrival at this post of Major Eopata Wahawaha, with about 300 men of Ngatiporou Tribe, by the " Sturt." Lieutenant Porter and Mr. Blackstock will accompany the expedition as volunteers, but no other Europeans. I will assist Mr. Locke in getting the expedition started as soon as possible. Inspector C. D. Bitt, A.C., has arrived to take charge of the Constabulary stationed here. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister. Chas. Westeup, Major.

No. 21. Major Westrup to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. Sic,' — Turanganui, Boverty Bay, 27th February, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that Major Eopata Wahawaha, with the Natives under his command, started for their destination yesterday afternoon, all the men in high spirits. The expedition will not proceed far up to Monday, but after that day it will push forward witji all speed. The force numbers about 400 men. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. Chas. Westeup, Major.

No. 22. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Major Westeup. General Government Offices, Sis,— Auckland, 16th March, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 27th ultimo, reporting that Major Eopata, with 400 Natives, had started on their expedition, and am pleased to hear that the force were in such higji spirits. I have, &c, Major Westrup, Poverty Bay. Donald McLean.