AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

63

A.—No. Bb.

I have written to Major Boberts, and sent a telegram to Mr. Ormond with this news. I will write officially when I get back to Te Teko. Believe me, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister. George Preece.

No. 86. Major Bopata Wahawaha to His Honor J. D. Ormond. To Mr. Ormond — Te Wairoa, 19th May, 1870. Friend, salutations to you, engaged in our duty of carrying out this great work, the putting down of evil. Friend, do not be annoyed on account of my return. The reason for my return was the hasty attack by Ngatikahungunu, that is to say, the frightening of the Hauhaus by them ; perhaps these Hauhaus have gone to report to others, and probably those who were in the pas have evacuated them. That was the reason why there was the trouble in the summer campaign. What recompense arc the people to have who are fatigued with the pursuit, seeing that the Hauhaus have run away. I did not return through fear of the Hauhaus; but you must look at and consider what I have said in this letter. However, let our work stand over until the next summer, when it can be finished. If you and I together work at it, it will be finished. Porter knows my thoughts and he will let you know my opinions in respect of our work. That is all. Major Bopata.

No. 87. Captain Preece to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Fort Galatea, 2nd May, 1870. I have the honor to report for your information that the Ngatiwhare and Ngatiawa are camped within two miles of this, and will come in this day. Hapurona and Hamiora are amongst them. I have also the honor to forward the enclosed letters received from Buatahuna, in which the Urewera say they will not come in, but I am informed privately by the messenger that it is quite likely Paerau will come out after Hapurona has been out some short time. 1 have, &c, George Preece, Capt. P.S. —Since writing the above, Ngatiwhare have come in; they are now talking while I write this. G. P.

Enclosure 1 in No. 87. To Arama, to Tukehu, — Buatahuna, 16th May, 1870. Friends, salutations to you both. We have received your letter in which you say that we are to go to Te Karamuramu to make peace. Friends, I have become a Government man through Te Keepa and through your letters. Well, I will always be a Government mau at my own place. This is a word from us to you : Cease slaying the land and the people ; let your sword and my sword be laid aside. Te Kooti is not here. Should you come in here we will all be in trouble again, for Te Kooti is nflt here. Let us cease writing one to another. Cease; it is stopped with the stopper of Houmea. From Paerau, Te Whenuanui, To George Preece, Captain. From all the Chiefs of Tuhoe. Friend, send Hiria and Ihimaera here. That is all.—From all Tuhoe.

Enclosure 2 in No. 87. To Mr. Preece, that is to say, to all your Eunanga,—■ Buatahuna, 16th May, 1870. Friend we have received your letter in which you say that we are to go out. Give heed, we have sent our mouth-piece to you. That is all. As for us we will not go out. Lot us alone here, and do you remain yonder at your place, for Te Kooti is not here ; Don't urge to come. Don't come this way, go as you are going ;if you come here the law will have been broken by you and by me also. lam afraid because the peace made with Eru has been covered with blood by you yourself. What matters it if you say that that peace was made by Te Kepa only ; no, that law which you yourself have broken was made by the Governor. Now, I will not go out; leave me alone here. My occupation is to sleep, but it is for you to awake me out of my sleep ; if you come here I will wake up. This is another word to you : send Hiria and her companion here. Be quick. That is all, From Tuhoe-potiki, That is to say from all the Tribe.

Enclosure 3 in No. 87. To Hoani, — Friend, salutations to you, that is to say, to all of you. This is a word to you :Do not let any person go to Whakarae, for all that district belongs to me, by day and by night, and in the months. That is all. 17