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!.-NoJ 23

I recommend that each of the settlements should occupy both sides of the rivers, as there will be more water frontage, and a greater scope of land within a reasonable distance of the township, aud it is also desirable for defensive purposes. I have also, in compliance with your telegraphic message of the 24th June, visited the Native village of Kirikiriroa, which I consider a favourable position for another military settlement. The landing places are good on both banks, and there would be a sufficiency of good land for 500 or GOO men, but two or three miles further down the river. The soil on both sides is more sandy, and continues generally inferior as far as Ngaruawahia. Tliere is plenty of wood on the left bank at Kirikiriroa. I have directed the surveyors to proceed with their work at each of the three places. I have the honor to be, Sir, Ac, &c, T. M. Haultain", Colonel Commanding 2nd Eegiment Waikato Militia. FURTHER MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING THE MOVEMENTS AND LOCATION OF THE WAIKATO MILITIA REGIMENTS. No. 1. MEMORANDUM for His Excellency the Governor. In transmitting the letter of the Superintendent of Hawke'a Bay for His Excellency's consideration, Ministers beg to express their opinion that it would be desirable to reinforce the garrison there. Ministers think that this is desirable as a precaution only, as from all they can learn they do not consider an outbreak so imminent as Mr. McLean apprehends. In reference to further Military operations at Tauranga, Ministers state their view as follows : — They do not desire to press the General to carry on offensive operations there, but wish to leave it to his discretion as to whether, in the present state of affairs, it is desirable or not, to do so. Ministers desire that a strong post should, at all events, be maintained tliere for the present. FEEDK. "WIIITAKER. Auckland, 11th May, 1864. Enclosure to No. 1. COPT of a Letter from the Superintendent of Hawke'a Bay to the Colonial Secretary. Auckland, 11th May, 1864. The present very critical state of affairs in the Province of Hawke's Bay impels me again to renew my representations of yesterday on the necessity of taking early steps for the safety of the lives and" properties of the inhabitants. I have already had the honor of stating that the more immediate danger to be apprehended is from the Uriwera tribe, of the Upper Wairoa, who have been actively engaged in hostilities against Her Majesty's forces. This tribe is resident within the Province of Hawke's Bay, and only two days' march from Napier. They occupy a wild and inaccessible part of the country, from which they can with impunity make inroads upon the settled districts. The Uriweras have openly avowed their determination to attack Napier, and from their wild, savage state, and revengeful feelings, consequent upon losses sustained at Orakau, there is every reason to expect they will soon carry their threat into execution. The friendly or neutral chiefs do not disguise that such is the intention. Emissaries are now engaged in enlisting the co-operation of other disaffected tribes to join the Uriwera. Te Bangihiroa, of the Ngatihincuru, of Tarawera, and Te Poihipi, of Taupo, are most active in their exertions to excite other tribes, both against Europeans and Natives at Ahuriri. The time allowed by the Natives for an attack does not exceed twelve or fourteen days. Supplies of ammunition have been lately stored at the Pohui, on the Taupo road, for this purpose, and again removed from there to the Tutera range, with large quantities of provisions. It has also been proposed that the Native women and children at Tangoio, Petane, and other villages north of Napier, should be removed for safety to the Tutera and Maungaharuru ranges. The scarcity of food in the districts where hostilities prevail —the love of war, plunder, and excitement that still exists among the large majority of the different tribes, and the facilities with which supplies can be obtained in the Ahuriri district, fully indicate the very dangerous and precarious position of that Province. To protect the Province from impending danger, and prevent its becoming an easy prey to the Natives, I would earnestly solicit the early aid of the Government to afford that protection which it will be admitted the urgency of the case so justly demands.

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