AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

A.—No. 8m

19

I would also respectfully submit that the present position of the Military Settlers of Opotiki and •our faithful allies to the eastward and westward of that settlement is very critical, so long as Te Kooti remains in the Waioeka Valley, where there is little doubt he will for a time establish himself, unless driven out. The report that the Urewera have separated themselves from Te Kooti is only partially true, as it is clear a considerable number of them were present at the attack on Opape. Tamaikowha's party never joined Te Kooti at any time. I also enclose a copy of a letter from Wiremui Kingi, the principal chief of Ngaitai, in which he acknowledges that the reason why his settlement, Torere, was saved, was because it was garrisoned by a force of fifty men. I would also beg of the Government to accept with caution his remarks against the Whakatohea Tribe. There is and also has been a shade of bitterness existing between the Ngaitai and Whakatohea, respecting the occupation by tho latter of Opapo. But at the same time I shall not be surprised if tho Whakatohea men join Te Kooti, not because they are disloyal, but because he has secured their women and children. Some of the women have recently escaped, and they report that it is the intention of Te Kooti to make an example of three or four of the principal men now in his hands, who have taken active part against him. The enclosed letters, arrived in Tauranga just half an hour after the " Sturt" left, and I am now about to send them by special orderly, Peter Grant. Be good enough to direct that he be sent back to Tauranga as soon as possible. I have, &c, H. T. Claeke, The Under Secretary, Native Department. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 1 in No. 11. Mr. Clarke, Civil Commissioner, to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Civil Commissioner's Office, Sir, — Tauranga, 15th March, 1870. From reports received from Opotiki, it appears that a portion of Te Kooti's followers made a raid upon Opape, one of the Whakatohea settlements in that neighbourhood, and carried off some men, women, and children ; but from the very meagre nature of those reports, it is impossible to arrive at a correct estimate of the exact position of matters in that district, or of the operations (if any) being carried on against the enemy. I have therefore the honor to request (unless the instructions you have received to proceed to Taupo are imperative), that you would be good enough to visit Opotiki, and from personal inspection and investigation furnish the Government with a full report, so as to enable it to take such measures as will be necessary to prevent further disasters to our allies on the shores of the Bay of Plenty. As I am unable to proceed to the spot at once, you will not only confer upon me a personal obligation by acceding to my request, but will do the Colony a good service. I have, &c, Henry T. Claeke, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Tauranga. Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 2 in No. 11. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to Mr. 11. T. Clark, Civil Commissioner. Sir,— Maketu, 19th March, 1870. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, requesting me to proceed to Opotiki, and from personal observation collect such information for the Government as to enable it to take steps to prevent further disaster in the District. On receipt of your letter I proceeded without delay to Opotiki, and now report for the information ■of the Government. I returned here at 4 a.m. this morning, having left Opotiki at 11.30 a.m. yesterday, and now forward what I have been able to collect, and which can be relied upon. Major Kemp, with some of Ngatiawa (the latter headed by Hori Te Kawakura) and some of the Whakatohea headed by Tiwai, started up the Waimana from Ohiwa in search of Te Kooti on or about the 3rd instant, as well as I can make out; Hone having told Major Kemp that they were sure to come across Te Kooti's trail. After pushing through the bush for some distance they cut a trail made by a strong body of men, and leading in tho direction of Opotiki. This trail was not followed, but the force went on along a small bush track leading to Tamaikowha's place, ' Tauwharemanuka.' On reaching Otara, two shots were fired by Tamaikowha and another Native, as a warning to their people at Tauwharemanuka; these shots were replied to by volley after volley from Kemp. _ A messenger was then sent on by Kemp with a flag of truce, and proposals of peace. The force halted for the night and went on next morning, and Kemp had an interview with Tamaikowha, who told Kemp he accepted peace with him, but that if any Pakeha came up the Waimana, either to settle or survey, he would serve them the same way he had served Bennett White, Moore, Beggs, and others. Peace was then made, and Major Kemp presented him with a revolver and ammunition. Tamaikowha told them that Te Kooti was at Opape, which information proved to be too correct, and that if they went there they would be sure to fall in with him. The force remained here four days after this, but two days were taken up with making peace. Tamaikowha had eighteen men with him. Topia with 140 men did not accompany this expedition, but on receipt of information given to him at Ohiwa, that Te Kooti was advancing on Opotiki, he moved off to that settlement and then to Opape, afterwards returning to Opotiki. On Major Kemp's return to Ohiwa, from his interview with Tamaikowha, he followed onTopia's track, and reached Opotiki on or about the 9th instant,