AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

A.—No. 8*

15

efforts you are using to get the Natives on your side to co-operate with Eopata and the other tribes who have taken the field against the enemy. His Honor J. D. Ormond, I have, &c,

General Government Agent, Napier. Donald McLean.

No. 32. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Oemond. Sic, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 21st March, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Major Westrup's letter to you of the 3rd instant, in which he mentions the departure of the expedition under command of Major Eopata, who had decided to push straight through to Maungapowhatu and on to Waikare-Moana. I have also perused with much interest Mr. Witty's report of the movements of tho scouting party under his command, and feel gratified to find that the Mohaka Natives display so much zeal in the present movements against Te Kooti. I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your instructions of the 10th instant to SubInspector Newland, Commanding at tho Wairoa, and to convey to you my entire approval of them. His Honor J. D. Ormond, I have, &c, General Government Agent, Napier. Donald McLean.

No. 33. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, Ist April, 1870. I have the honor to, acknowledge your two letters of the 21st instant, written in reply to reports made by me respecting operations endeavoured to bo carried out from the Wairoa into the Urewera country, and I am gratified to find the course pursued by me has met with the approval of tho Government. I believe an expedition has now left the Wairoa for Waikare-Moana, composed of Constabulary, Mohaka Natives, and Hapimana's people, in all about 130 strong. The Natives were to be accompanied by Messrs. Hamlin and Witty, and the force would, I think, be able to ascertain whether the enemy are in any force at Waikare-Moana Lake, and what is going on in that district, —■ information which might be of considerable value at the present time. I have, <fee, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

No. 3-1. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 19th March, 1870. I have the honor to enclose copies of correspondence respecting tho proposed expedition from Wairoa, and regret to have to report that the Natives have at length declined to go up to the lake. There is no doubt the fear that the enemy will come down upon their settlements in their absence is the main cause. The force of Constabulary was too small to attempt moving it to the lake, and I have had no option but to leave things as they are. I have sent a letter to the care of Sub-Inspector Newland, addressed to Eopata, in case he opens communication with Wairoa, telling him the reason he has not been supported, and that food and ammunition will be supplied on his requisition. lam inclined to believe Eopata will come out at Wairoa. I have requested Mr. Witty and the Mohaka Natives to make an expedition by way of Putere, to where they can look down upon Lake Waikare-Moana, and got what information they can of what is going on there. They went the other day to this position, and I have no doubt will go again, and they will probably ascertain whether there is any indication of Eopata being at WaikareMoana. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Oemond.

No. 35. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 23rd March, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated 19th March, informing me that the Wairoa Natives have declined to go up to Lake Waikare-Moana. I have directed Mr. Clarke, C.C. at Tauranga, to send 90 Arawas, under the command of Captain Preece, to take up a position at To Teko, two miles above Kokohinau. This will afford protection to the friendly Natives at the latter place, who have lately suffered from an attack of Te Kooti's party, aud will, moreover, be a great check on any movement of the enemy on Whakatano or Matata. Captain Mair's force at Kaiteriria has also been increased to eighty men, so that these two officers will be able to send out scouting parties from their respective posts. You will be good enough to let Major Eoberts know of these alterations, as it may be of great assistance to him if he moves towards Eangitaiki. I have directed Lieut.-Colonel St. John to proceed to Opotiki this day, and assume command of the force in that district. I have, &c, • His Honor J. D. Ormond, Donald McLean. General Government Agent, Napier.