A—No. Sb

78

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

men, and twenty-three women and children. The Chiefs are Mohi Te Wero, Wi Patene Turanui, and Eangiaho. They had five stand of arms, which I have taken possession of. Eangiaho and Mohi left Euatahuna on 28th May. Urewera undecided whether to come out or not, say the Government give them the chance of coming in on this side and fight them on the other (Waikaremoana side). The men who have come in are from the Horomanga Gorge. Baerau is at Waikare. He went to learn about the fighting there. There is more chance of the Urewera giving in now than ever there has been. I think if a letter were sent them by the Government telling them to surrender it might go far to induce them to give in, but unless they actually come out there will be no dependence on them. Te Kooti is still at Waioeka. Urewera refuse to give him shelter in their country. I think a party of picked men might be successful in capturing him if properly managed, and should advise Hoani Baiaka accompanying such party, as he knows Te Kooti's whereabouts. I have, Ac, Major Eoberts. George Preece.

No. 104. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. Deeence Minister. Sir,— Napier, 20th June, 1870. I have the honor to transmit copies of correspondence referring to the Waikaremoana expedition. The unexpected arrival of the " Taranaki" has prevented me reporting upon the operationsat length, and I have only time to forward the correspondence. In his letter, dated 18th inst., Mr. Hamlin transmits correspondence with the Urewera, regarding their surrender, and I would particularly call your attention to those letters. lam not of opinion that Te Kooti is, as Mr. Hamlin has been informed, at Waikaremoana, and I also think that the Urowera letters do not justify the conclusion that they intend to surrender. I am unable to add more, or should lose the present opportunity of transmitting the correspondence. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, J. D. Ormond. Wellinton.

Enclosure 1 in No. 101. Mr. F. E. Hamlin to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir,— Te Matuahu, June 11th, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that we have found out the nest of the Hauhaus. There are about 100 men at the foot of Huiarau, at the landing place, on the track to Buatahuna. They are very much alarmed, and have been reinforced from Buatahuna. Te Waru and people took off to Maungapowhatu. We have had communication now with them two days, and I expect some of them to surrender to-day, and once the ice is broken I think they will all give in. They are dreadfully afraid of our people that, after surrendering, they will be butchered. I have, however, assured them that their lives will be spared, and all terms with them will rest with the Government. I shall allow them ample time for surrender, after which all flags of truce will bo disregarded. If I get no decisive answer by Monday, I shall renew active operations. The whole of their women are sent into the bush towards Buatahuna. They say that from Euatahuna out, and down to Maungapowhatu, have accepted the Eongopai, and the Taupo side is the Taha Ngawari to surrender to. It is quite evident the Bongopai granted to them by Majors Kemp and Eopata are only nominal, and they can turn against any other Government party they think proper. The whole of their canoes are now penned up in a small arm of the Lake. We have been within 400 yards of one another conversing. The only reason lam giving them time is that I am in hopes once the ice is broken nearly if not the whole will give in, and it is utterly impossible to take them otherwise, as it is all bush work ; they will not stand fight, and the nights are too cold for night work. I have, &c, F. E. Hamlin.

Enclosure 2 in No. 104. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Mr. F. E. Hamlin. Sic, — Napier, 15th June, 1870. I am in receipt of your report of the 11th inst, and gather from it that the enemy had retired to the extreme end of the arm of the Lake towards Huiarau leaving I conclude, Tiki Tiki, and the other kaingas in your hands. I also note that you had proposed to the enemy to surrender, and partly expected he would do so, I myself incline to the same opinion and trust it may be so. It is necessary under those circumstances to convey instructions for your guidance as to the course to be taken should the enemy surrender, and also in the event of his retiring upon Buatahuna or Maungapowhatu. In respect to the former the surrender must be as you have put it to them, an unconditional surrender, subject to what the Government may decide about them, and they would, of course, be taken by you to Wairoa until the determination of the Government in respect to them was made known. I regret to hear that Te Waru and his band have retired to Maungapowhatu and thus escaped falling into our hands. The natives now at the Lake, are, I conclude, the Urewera under Paerau and Whenuanui. In the event of the enemy retreating to Buatahuna or Maungapowhatu I have communicated with the Governnent as to the steps to be taken and have now to inform you it is not considered desirable