A.—No. Bb,

30

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

had left, but returned on the news of the approach of the Kawanatanga. On this news we ran in the direction of Whakatano to Omaruteangi, leaving Te Kooti in Buatahuna. We ascended Te Wharau, and went on through the swamps till we got to Neketuri. I forgot to mention that while in Buatahuna To Kooti wrote to Waioweka, telling the Whakatohea to be prepared for his coming, and to send some people to Opotiki as scouts. Aporo took the letter. Some of the Whakatohea then came to visit us ; among them was Pera (now a prisoner here). This man also took a letter to the Whakatohea, but Ido not know its contents. From Neketuri we went down to Tawhana ; we descended the river, and after two nights on the road reached Waioweka. We were told by Pera that the Whakatohea outside (i.e. the friendly Whakatohea) were prepared, waiting for Te Kooti. This which lam going to say is a word of no consequence, as it relates to myself. [It is, however, of importance, bearing on the Whakatohea question.] On reaching Waioweka, I was told by a man,, with only one eye and a squint [must be Baniera of the Whakatohea], that my wife was outside. Te Mokena had sent her to join me and had given her £10 to pay for a guide, but the Whakatohea would not let her go. Tho officer with the long beard (Captain Walker) and Piahana Tiwai wanted her to go up. Here, in the evening, Arapera and an old man, a relation of mine, told me that he had seen twenty casks of powder which had been taken by the Whakatohea up the Waihau, and left in a secret spot for Te Kooti. [Some of the powder got in Maraetahi, flasks of FPF sporting powder.] There is not one of the Whakatohea, chiefs or otherwise, who has not been all for Te Kooti. We remained some time at Waioweka when we heard that Te Kooti was on the way, aud had seen at Ohiwa the army crossing over. He then moved in the direction of Waioweka, and keeping through the country about the lower part, reached Waihaua. The Whakatohea were expecting him there ; therefore, when he told them to go up the country they went. They started by themselves,, and Te Kooti remained with his men and killed two Arawa. His force was about 100 men, but badly armed. He then came up the river, opened his church and had prayers. [This church was destroyed at Maraetahi.] He also sent thirty men with food to tho Whakatohea. He then came up himself to see us, stayed two nights with us, and told the Whakatohea to come down to his pa to get food and to be organized in one body. He then went back, and afterwards the Kawanatanga came and took us. This story was related to myself and Lieutenant Porter, and translated by him. It is as nearly as possible in the words of the narrator. 2nd April, 1870. J. H. St. John, Lieut.-Colonel.

No. 54. Captain Mair to Mr. Clarke, Civil Commissioner. Sir, — Kaiteriria, 7th April, 1870. I have the honor to make the following report for your information • — I started from this place on the 29th ultimo, with seventy men; camped for the night at Ngakau Lake. On the 30th struck across the Kaingaroa Plains, and camped at dark at Punatakahi, near Wairapukai. On the 30th it rained heavily, so I remained in camp, sending orderlies to Opepe to acquaint Major Boberts. On the Ist I moved down to the Arawhata Tawhito, and met Major Boberts there with ten troopers. We then went on towards Heruiwi, and, having .carefully scouted it and Maniania, we camped for the night. No traces of the enemy. Next day sent the Natives to Te Waikaramuramu for food, and scouted the surrounding country. In the evening six pack-horses from Opepe arrived, but, unfortunately, two-thirds of tho supplies brought for my men were swept away in crossing the Baiigitaiki Biver. April 4th: Major Boberts returned to Taupo, and I moved down towards Fort Galatea. Scouted Pukehinahina, Ti Tapiri, and Tututarata without finding any fresh tracks of the enemy. Crossed the Eangitaiki at Ngaheringa, and camped for the night opposite Tauroa, at Taumata Wahine. Sent scouts along the Ahikereru road, and to Tauroa; they returned about midnight. Beached Fort Galatea on the sth, at 12 o'clock; was disappointed at not meeting Captain Preece, who had promised to be there on the 3rd or 4th instant with sufficient men and supplies to enable our united force to scout Ahikereru, Eaungaehe road, and, being now quite out of supplies, I was unable to remain out any longer, so I started for this place, slept at Ngakau Lake, and came on here yesterday. The men are very tired with eight days' marching; and after they have rested for a day or two longer I will start for Paeroa, from which position I will be able to scout the whole of the Kaingaroa plains as far as the Arawhata Tawhito. Tho Natives are most of them very badly off for want of clothes; many of them have a considerable amount of pay due to them for services in Taupo last year, and also for the Tapapa expedition. On the Kaingaroa Plains wo had both frost and snow, and extra clothing is absolutely necessary for the men. I have, &c, Gilbert Mair, Captain, The Civil Commissioner, Tauranga. Commanding Arawa Contingent.

No. 55. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Napier, 9th April, 1870. 5.30 p.m. Mr. Hamlin just in from Wairoa. From his accounts, the late news of Bopata's success has stimulated the Wairoa Natives, who have decided to go on to Waikare-Moana in force. They have sent out to get all their force together from the coast, and Hamlin says they really mean business at last. They will go about 300 strong. He returns on Monday to accompany them. The enemy's fires are seen