A.—No. 16,

10

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING

This has proved a most valuable position for the protection of the coast line communication between Opotiki and Whakatane, as well as other settlements to the North. The state of discipline here appeared very good; sentries are regularly posted, and proper attention is paid to order and cleanliness. The men, although expressing a desire for the termination of their period of enlistment, six months of which remains yet to be performed, were cheerful and confident. At Opotiki a part of the Whakatohea tribe, numbering fifty men, besides women and children who were lately brought in by Rapata and Kemp, chiefs of the Ngatiporou and Whanganui tribes, were being detained. They are allowed to retain their arms upon Rapata pledging himself for their future good conduct. The remainder of this tribe, to the number of forty men, are still at a settlement up the Waioeka Gorge, about two day's march from Opotiki. Messengers were sent by them a few days ago for the purpose of ascertaining the intentions of their friends at Opotiki towards Te Kooti, before deciding upon their future course of action. The reply which has been sent to them, together with a letter from Lieut -Colonel St. John, warning them of the danger they incur by exhibiting any leaning towards Te Kooti, will probably have the effect of inducing them to come in and surrender to the Government. Erom ail the friendly tribes, however, along the coast I hear strong doubts expressed of the prudence of placing any reliance upon them, and all regret that they have been left in possession of their arms. Tho day previous to my leaving Opotiki the portion of the tribe which had been detained there were permitted to return to their settlements at Opape and Omarumutu, about five miles distant, on account of the labour and difficulty of conveying their food so great a distance. They have pledged themselves to assist Lieut.-Colonel St. John in capturing Te Kooti in the event of his returning to Waioeka. The general opinion of the Natives at present is that in the event of Te Kooti obtaining reinforcements inland, he will return to make another attempt upon Opotiki; but according to latest accounts it would appear that the Urewera are falling away from him discouraged by the loss of their leader Te Waru and so many of their tribe. The threat of Rapata to the Whakatohea of speedy retribution in the event of their proving faithless, is the best guarantee for their future good behaviour. At Torere, thirteen miles south of Opotiki, is the stronghold of Wiremu Kingi and the Ngaitai. This tribe has ever proved loyal, although strong efforts were made by Te Kooti to gain them over. They number sixty good fighting men, soldierly, well-disciplined, and obedient to their chief. Wiremu Kingi will keep a close watch upon the actions of the Whakatohea, towards whom he bears little love. The next settlement is at Maraenui (the Whanauapanui), distant from Torere fifteen miles. This together with the adjoining settlement at Te Awanui has sixty-five fighting men. However wavering these tribes may have been during past years, they now give the strongest assurances of their adherence to the Government, and their determination to assist to the utmost in suppressing To Kooti and all offenders against the peace of the country. The recent succcessful expedition under Kemp and Rapata has inspired confidence and tended to confirm their allegiance. At the Kaha, about six miles from Te Awanui, is a settlement of the Whanauteutu, under Matenga their chief. These are some of the finest Natives on the coast, quiet and industrious. They express a strong desire to be enabled to give as good a proof of their loyalty as the Ngatiporou, Whanganui, and others have. The last settlement before reaching the northern limit of the Waiapu District is at Raukokore, where there are fifty-five fighting men, twenty of whom are at present serving at Patea. These people were a few years ago strongly imbued with Hauhauism, but now express, as the other tribes do, their determination to uphold the Government. In a speech made to them by their chief Te Hata, when I was present, he deplored the evils which the country had suffered during late years, and expressed his conviction with that of his people that by supporting the Government only could they hope for any security in future. The general tone of the Natives throughout I found most satisfactory. This is no doubt in a great measure owing to the prompt action lately taken by the Government to break up and capture Te Kooti and his followers. The unanimous opinion however expressed by the Natives of this coast is that the branches only are being lopped, while the root and trunk live in the Waikato. I have, &c, The Native Secretary, Wellington. J. H. Campbell, R.M.

EAST COAST. No. 9. The General Government Agent, Napier, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir, — Napier, November 6, 1869. I have the honor to enclose a report from Mr. Locke together with some enclosures it contained. The report describes for itself the particulars of the subjects which engaged Mr. Locke's attention. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, J. D. Ormond. Wellington.