AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

93

A—No. Bb.

No. 119. Captain Preece to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Te Teko, 24th July, 1870. On my way down met an Urewera of the Ngatihaku hapu, who told me Bangiaho had gone down the day before to Te Teko with letters. I arrived here yesterday. Found Captain Mair had left for Tauranga on the 19th. Manuera had come in with two letters from the Urewera. I enclose you the copy of the one to the Arawa; the other, to Captain Mair and myself, had gone on to Tauranga before my arrival. I also enclose you tho letter from all the Urewera Chiefs, brought by Bangiaho, who. has gone on to Matata. I have not seen him ; but from what Kawana (the man I met) tells me, the Urewera are inclined to surrender, and will send another messenger out shortly. Te Waru and all the men who retreated from Waikare are at Buatahuna. Kohi is on his way out with a lot more men; they will be at Eaoraopatete to-morrow. lam sending them up some food, as they are without any. Some of the Urewera have just come back from Waioeka. Te Kooti is there with a few men. I leave here for Tauranga to-day, to get pay for my men. Shall be back on the 30th. George Preece, Captain Commanding Te Teko.

Enclosure 1 in No. 119. Hapurona Kohi to Arama Karaka and others. Euatahuna, 12th July, 1870. To Arama Karaka, Tukehu, Te Kepa,— Friends.—We have arrived at Buatahuna. We came and delivered the letters. The only reply made by the whole tribe of Tuhoe (Te Urewera) was that it was very good. However, we will not soon get to you, for this is not a small matter which can speedily be disposed of. After tho next letter their intentions will be known. That is all. Hapurona Kohi.

Enclosure 2 in No. 119. Urewera Chiefs to Arawa Chiefs. Buatahuna, 16th July, 1870. To Arama, Tukehu, Te Kepa, Tawa, TeTeko; To Paora, Temuera, Ngahuruhuru, Plori, Te Pokiha, Petera, Maketu; To Mr. Clarke, Tauranga. Friends, salutations to you all. Friends, Hapurona and Bangiaho have arrived, and we have seen them ; their words are good, and so are your letters. Salutations to you all. The words of greeting end. Friends, give heed. The peace has been consented to ;it is very good, and very just. We have nothing to add to it. As for me myself, I will not go to you, because lam confused by the many words from you, the Government. That is all. If you approve of these words, send Bangiaho. From Te Whenuanui. Te Haunui. Paerau. Indeed from the whole of Tuhoe-Potiki [the Urewera].

No. 120. Captain Porter to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir,— Gisborne, 26th July, 1870. I have the honor to make a hurried report of events that have transpired since my leaving Wellington. lam about to take the field again. I landed here on the 24th, Bopata going on to Opotiki by the " Luna." It was intended I should go by land to Waiapu, and meet him on his return. It was my intention to start on Thursday, 28th, taking with me the money for Ngatiporou. The news received to-day has quite altered my plans. From Tologa Bay we have news to the effect that at daylight this morning some few natives who were out early from the pa were surprised by thirty or forty Hauhaus, who fired at them, wounding two. They (the Hauhaus) then fired at the pa from a hill some short distance off. Such was the state of affairs when the messenger left. Major Westrup has now ordered some Volunteers and Armed Constabulary, with some Natives, to proceed to re-inforce. Sub-Inspector Bichardson and myself go in charge lam in hopes Eopata is on his way back from Opotiki, and that on hearing of the affair he will at once ship men in pursuit. Failing Bopata's early arrival, I will endeavour to get Uawa Natives to go. I deem this affair a badly conducted surprise party foiled in its object. It may be fortunate the Luna is on the coast, to enable celerity of movement. I will continue my report on arrival at Tologa Bay. I have, &c, T. W. Porter, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Captain and Adjutant. 25