T.—2r.

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430. You say tli*t the Natives could not bo followed back to the ranges. Witnesses said there was a road, and they tried to intercept thorn at the gorge, but were too lato ?—There was no gorge there. 431. The gorge is at the entrance to tho ranges? —There are only three gorges, ten miles apart. 432. They had to go into these ranges to get into the back country? —I am speaking of getting into a position of safety. 433. Mr. Hutchison.} They went up the Waioeka Gorge?— Yea. 434. Mr. Monk.] One member of the Committee asked the question as to whether the ferryman was friendly or otherwise? —Yen. 435. It was thought tho Nativo would act friendly to both sides, but be distrusted by both sides ?—Yes. 436. This Native would be protected by the Ureweras, who would sanction his staying there ? —Yes. 437. He would give information to both sides?— Yes. 438. Mr. Holland.} Mr. Kelly stated that Mr. Gwynneth had given that order on instructions from the commanding officer ?—1 suppose that would be so. 439. Is it not the practice of the commanding officer to have the camp orders posted in a conspicuous place every night?-—I have never seen them done like that at Opotiki. 440. Each commanding officer of a troop would have instructions to provide so many men for certain work next day ?—Yes, if they were wanted. .*...' 441. Therefore, that should be a copy of the camp order of the instructions given to him ? 442. Mr. Morrison.} You have stated you were thoroughly well acquainted with the country from Opotiki to Tauranga?—Yes. 443. And that you were present in Opotiki on this 28th June, 1867 ?—Yes. 444. Was there any shelter alongside of that road between Ohiwa and Opotiki, where any one could fire or jump out on any passer-by? —Oh, yes, all along the beach. 445. Very heavily wooded?— Timbered, and regular caves in the land that you could get into all along the bluff. 446. You have also stated, in your opinion, it was a very dangerous road from Opotiki to Whakatane, especially to Ohiwa? —Yes, in those days it was. 447. I suppose, being a resident in the district, you would be pretty well acquainted with the whole of the officers?— Yes, I was acquainted with them. 448. Did you know District Adjutant Bower ? —Yes, well. 449. Was he a man that every dependence could be placed upon his word?— Yes, I think so. 450. You have also stated that the paymaster used to go round once a month ? —Yes. 451. I suppose when you refer to the paymaster you refer to Captain Percival?—Yes. 452. Can you tell the Committee, at the time Bennett White and the mailman were murdered, whether Captain Percival was in Opotiki?—-I could not tell you. Very likely he was there. 453. You are not sure of it?— No. 454. You also, I suppose, would know Major Hair?— Yes. 455. What position did Major Mair occupy from a military point of view?—He commanded the Native contingent. 456. And was also Resident Magistrate ?—Yes. 457. Did he take command together with the Bay of Plenty Cavalry or the Waikato troop?— He was in command of the district. Whenever Major St. John went away he was in command. 458. After Major St. John went away, had Major Mair anything to do with the Volunteers ? —Yes, he had all to do—he took command. 459. From a military point of view what office had he ? —He was major. Major St. John was senior, then followed Major Mair. 460. You are perfectly sure that the whole of the Bay of Plenty Volunteer Cavalry thought that this was a very dangerous and hazardous undertaking that Cornet Wrigg and McDonald took upon themselves in carrying these despatches ?—Yes. 461. And that it was the general opinion of the troop that they would not be seen again?—l heard several of the members state so. 462. The Chairman.] As a member of the Bay of Plenty Mounted Volunteers, Mr. Kelly, did you see any active service?— Yes. 1 was in one expedition to Whakatane in command of the troop. 463. What position in the corps did you attain to ?—Captain of the Bay of Plenty Cavalry. 464. On that memorable day in which White and the mailman were killed, did you consider your life in danger as you rode along the beach from Ohiwa to Opotiki ?—Yes; they would have fired at me, but it was ten to one they w.ould not hit me. Then, I had my revolver in my hand, and went as fast as the horse could go. 465. Are you of opinion that there was about that time considerable risk?— There was always, for months and months, until the Government stationed tho Arawa Tribe on the top of this bluff at Ohiwa, and then there was no danger afterwards. 406. In reference to scouring tho country by troops, could that bo done to any extent?— No ; the scrub, fern, and ti-trec prevented it. 4(17. The country, then, from Opotiki to Ohiwa was more or less broken, rough, and covered with luish and scrub?— Yes. '108: I think you stated in your evidence that Mr. Edwards left the neighbourhood of Opotiki immediately after the murder? —I could not tell you the exact time. He took a position in a store fifty miles south of Opotiki.