A.—No. 8b

58

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

and fifteen boys, as I knew we should have taken any force that was there so much by surprise that they would have been panic-stricken, and I was very vexed when we were compelled to give it up. The Natives say if the Government wish it they will go round to Tikitiki in the summer; butunless there is some means of transport across the lake, it is now too late in the season to attempt it. I must give the Natives credit of trying every possible means of getting round, and no blame is to bo attached to them. Bcgretting that circumstances have prevented me carrying out my intentions, I have, &c., J. D. Ormond, Esq., Napier. James Wm. Witty.

Enclosure 4 in No. 82. Mr. J. W. Witty to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Dear Sir, — Wairoa, Wednesday Evening, May 4th, 1870. Since writing my report this morning, I have determined to start to Te Kiwi on Friday with forty of the Wairoa Natives, and have arranged with Sub-Inspector Newland to take up a fresh supply of biscuits, &c., for Hamlin's party. This will be necessary, as there arc very few potatoes at Tukurangi, and I expect less at To Kiwi, and none at Onepoto. For a day before the Mohaka Natives left mo at Putere, our rations were all done; and one reason why they would not come round by way of To Kiwi was that there would be no means of living, whereas by way of Te Putere they could get pork and potatoes. They said that if it was intended to cross the lake, they would come up by way of Wairoa, and carry enough rations to take them across. I shall not tako upon myself the responsibility of" calling them out again without your permission ; but to save time, if you think it necessary, you could write to Paora Eerepu, and ask them to follow mo to the Lake. I have, &c., J. D. Ormond, Esq., James W. Witty. Agent General Government, Napier.

Enclosure 5 in No. 82. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 7th May, 1870. Since writing my letter of yesterday, reporting on the proceedings of the expeditions to-Waikare-Moana, I have received the attached letter from Sub-Inspector Newland, covering a report from Mr. Hamlin, giving particulars of the progress of the Wairoa expedition. From Mr. Hamlin's report you will sec that, on the 3rd, a portion of his force surprised a small party of the enemy, killing three men and one woman ; that the expedition had reached Whataroa, about twenty miles this side of Waikare-Moana Lake, were in capital spirits, and intended to cross the lake. I transmit herewith copies of my replies to Sub-Inspector Newland and Mr. Hamlin. Noinformation had been received at Wairoa up to yesterday of Major Eopata's movements. I have, &c, The Hon. tho Defence Minister, Auckland. J. D. Ormond.

Enclosure 6 in No. 82. Sub-Inspector Newland to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir,— Te Wairoa, 6th May, 1870. I have the honor to forward you the enclosed copy (as tho original is written in pencil) of despatch received this morning from Air. Hamlin; by it you will see that he has come across a few Hauhaus, and been so far successful. The chances are now that nearly all tho Natives will go from the Wairoa, and if so I would require more biscuits, as I have only a few bags left; the flour they decline taking, as they have no means of cooking it, and are ahvays on the move (and Mr. Hamlin objects to having fires lit except for what is absolutely necessary, so as not to let the enemy know anything of his movements). He has sent for biscuits and groceries, and I will send with Air. Witty's party as much as they can possibly take; also a pack-horse, with grapnels and rope, as he informs me tho Natives have made up their minds to cross the lake. I am going to Te Kapu at once with Mr. Witty, to ration and start his party off; the number I am unable to state at present. I anticipate they will reach Tukurangi to-night, as they are in high spirits from Mr. Hamlin's success. I have instructed my orderly to hand his despatches over to Tait, as I consider it necessary you should be placed in possession of this important news at once, and wait Tait's return. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, W. Newland, General Government Agent, Napier. Sub-Inspector, A.C.

Enclosure 7 in No. 82. Mr. F. E. Hamlin to Sub-Inspector Newland. Sir, — Near Whataroa, Ohiwa, 4th May, 1870. I hereby forward a report of the progress of the expedition from To Wairoa for tho information of the Government. 25th April. —Collected all the force available at Te Kapu, numbering 120 men.