OF REBEL NATIVES, ETC.

F.-JTe. 1

45

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 49. ESTIMATE of the Number of the UREWERA TRIBE.

No. 50. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. Defence Minister. Sir, — Napier, 7th August, 1871. I have the honor herewith to enclose a letter from Inspector Cumming, with information from the Lake AVaikare-Moana to the 2nd instant, from which it would appear that Te Kooti has gone back to the bush, although there is no very definite information on the subject. I also enclose letters from Te AVhenuanui and Makarini, which show that the Urewera are acting up to the arrangement made with them here. I gather from Inspector Cumming's letter that little will be attempted until the arrival of the force under Captains Preece and Mair, or that under Major Ropata. It is, I think, quite possible the latter will arrive at the Lake first, as the road from Ruatahuna, where the Arawa Contingent is, is and has been barred for some days past by snow. A strict watch is kept by Inspector Scaunell upon the outlets from the Urewera country, by which Te Kooti might endeavor to escape to AVest Taupo and Waikato. I also forward copies of former correspondence on this subject, which I omitted to notice in the former part of this letter. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, J. IX Ormond. AVellington.

Enclosure 1 in No. 50. Inspector Cumming, A.C., to his Honor J. D. Ormond. Armed Constabulary Inspector's Office, Sir,— Te Wairoa, 27th July, 1871. I have the honor to report that I arrived at AVaikare-Moana about noon on Sunday, tho 23rd instant, having been detained three days at Te Ariki by floods and the weather. Immediately on arriving at the Lake we lighted a fire as a signal for Makarini to come across. In a short time a canoe put off about three miles to the right of Onepoto and made for the fire, at the same time we could see a canoe leave Tikitiki; the canoe from the right landed first (my men being kept out of sight), there were two hardy-looking Natives with it. They, when questioned about Te Kooti, stated that ten of TeJKooti's men had crossed the Lake the previous night, and gone to AVhanganui-o-Parau, up one of the arms of the Lake, with some sick people, and they expected they would return during the night. They wished to go away to bring their families, but I would not let them go till Makarini came over. On his arrival he informed us that if not actually Te Kooti's men they were spies, and if let go would inform him of our movements, so I have kept them. Makarini looks bad and dejected, but was delighted at our arrival. The man Hirini, who brought the caps, is a Chatham Islander, and one of Te Kooti's best friends ; him also I have kept. The woman went back to Te Kooti, and is now living with him as his wife, so that Hapimana and the Wairoa Natives are quite satisfied that Makarini is true. Makarini stopped with us till about 8 p.m., when he went back to Tikitiki with Captain McDonnell and six Natives. All Makarini's people have gone to Te Kooti except five lads. I advised Makarini to send round to all the people about the Lake for those who were for the Government to come to him, and those who did not would be considered as Te Kooti's men and treated accordingly. He said it was good, and he would do it. The whole population about the Lake are favourable to Te Kooti, and give him every information and assistance. Ido not think if Makarini's statement is true 12

Place or Kainga. Eapu or Sub-Tribe. Names of Chiefs. Men. Women Children. Grand ToUl. .hikereru Warahoe 10 6 8 tuatalrana iVaikare-Hoana... T Ngatihoraarube i Ngatirongo ( Ngaiteriu f Ngatiruapani i. Ngatimatewai Te ILiunui Paerau Te Whenuanui Te Aliikiiiata Te Makarini Te Harau Mokonuiarangi Te Puehu Te Purewa and ... Kereru j 50 30 48 40 34 2G "e Kakari laungapowhatu 'auaki and Opokere 'awhana 'auwharemanuka 'e Waimana 1 Ngatihuri Ngatirongo and ... Mahurehure 15 20 8 17 lit 8 11 3 5 Ngaitama Ngatikuri ] Tamaikowha ■10 18 27 173 173 114 4G0 G] Commaii1 LBKItT ding Ar; VIair, C i\va Flyii laptain, ng Colu: Kaiteriria, 11th J 1871. mn.