V.— No. ]

46

PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER

that Te Kooti can have been at Euatahuna on the 15th. He is somewhere about Oraarau, he flits ;\bout from One part to another, but generally lands about there. The night of our arrival fires were seen under the Bluff Panekiri, which Makarini declared to be Te Kooti; this I doubt, but that he is about the Lake I have no doubt. My present plans are, 30 men at Tikitiki, 20 at Onepoto, and I came down to try and get some 10 or 20 more Natives to occupy Te Kiwi. This post must be occupied to ensure the safety of the packmen with food, they would have to go from Te Kiwi with the pack horses, hand over the rations at Onepoto, and return the same day ; it is absolutely necessary that an escort should accompany the horses, as it is a most dangerous road and open to Te Kooti for ambuscades at any time. Tamihana cannot give me any more men, so I am taking seven Armed Constabulary up to Te Kiwi aud must trust to them. I have directed a bridge to be replaced, which has been washed away, on Colonel Herrick's road under Gentle Annie, when this is done the track will not be so dangerous. Had I been aware of the nature of the country about the Lake, and especially of the situation of Tikitiki and Onepoto, I would certainly have taken the 100 men that Hapimana suggested; they would not be one too many to hold with safety the three posts, and be able to make a dash. At all events, pending vour instructions or a chance occurring this is what I will do for the present. As usual the Commissariat arrangements on first starting are at fault, but I think I have got all in proper training now. I hoped to get Tamihana to canoe from Te Kapu to Te Ariki, but his terms were so exorbitant that I would not agree with him, and must therefore pack by the Hinepaka Valley from Turiroa. The Government boat, which would have been of great service, is useless, and Mr. Down, boatbuilder, states cannot be repaired. I have one Armed Constabulary at Turiroa to receive stores from Wairoa, two at Te Ariki to receive and forward, and on Monday will have seven at Te Kiwi to escort pack-horses to the Lake, leaving here only six at Wairoa and five at Te Kapu. I applied to the Commissioner for ten more men, there is plenty of work for twice that number in this district. I enclose for your consideration an application from Dr. Scott for an appointment, aud if you intend we are to occupy the Lake for some time I would beg to recommend it. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, G. J. Cumiiixg, Inspector, A.C., General Government Agent, Napier. Commanding Te Wairoa.

Enclosure 2 in No. 50. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Inspector Cumming. Sir,— Napier, 31st July, 1871. I am in receipt of your letter of the 27th instant, informing me that the force under your command is in occupation of Tikitiki and Onepoto, and that you believe Te Kooti to be at a place called Whanganui-o-Parau, on AVaikare-Moana Lake ; also, that you had returned to AVairoa to arrange for the occupation of Te Kiwi, for the protection of the people who take up your supplies. As you say nothing of any intention to examine AVhanganui-o-Parau, or follow up Te Kooti, I judge that you deem he is in some strength, although I cannot see where he can have got a following from. It appears to me more likely that Te Kooti will have bolted into the bush than that he will threaten your communication with AVairoa. At any rate, lam glad you have occupied Te Kiwi with a lew Constabulary in place of taking more Natives on pay. I entirely approve the course you have taken in securing Hirini and the other two spies from Te Kooti. You will please keep them in custody; also, the directions you have given that those Natives who are not favorable to Te Kooti should at once join Makarini at Tikitiki, where they can be kept under surveillance. Captains Preece and Mair, who have been detained at Taupo by floods, and are now at Ahikereru, have been this day advised of the information contained in your letter, and instructed to make at once for Waikare-Moana. On their arrival every exertion must be used to find Te Kooti, or his tracks, and follow him. It is most probable that when pressed he will try and make through tho bush towards either Runanga or Tarawera, and a sharp look out will be kept on that side. I do not add more, but hope at an early date to hear the force from Taupo has joined you, and that energetic measures have been adopted. There are eight men of the Armed Constabulary from Wellington here for Wairoa, and will leave for there in the " Hero " on Tuesday. I shall be obliged by your cautioning the officer in charge at AVairoa that the orderlies who come here with despatches generally seem to know all the information they bring, which is speedily circulated. I have, &c, Inspector Cumming, Armed Constabulary, J. _). Ormond. Commanding District, Wairoa.

Enclosure 3 in No. 50. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — Onepoto, AVaikare-Moana, Ist August, 1871. I have the honor to report my return to the Lake early on the 30th ultimo. The weather had been so bad (a gale of wind and constant rain) that little or nothing could be done during my absence. Makarini managed to get over from Tikitiki on Saturday ; he has now fifteen men, and as you will see by the enclosed letter from Whenuanui that he will be here from Ruatahuna in a day or two, and