22

A.—No. 1

DESPATCHES EROM THE SECRETARY OE STATE

when in the field by order of my commission, but that otherwise I was not to interfere with tho operations of the Colonial Forces. Major McDonnell was thus placed in this district independent of all control, and with power to summon the Imperial Troops to his aid. I hastened to assure Major McDonnell, on his arrival, that he might rely upon our cordial co-operation at any moment, and I further obtained the permission of the Major-General to draw a force of 250 men, instead of 150, when called upon. Additional transport was sent up from "Wanganui. It was arranged that artillery should accompany the force if required, and a medical officer of the Staff was sent specially to Patea from Auckland. In fact, every preparation was made that a thoroughly efficient field should be ready at a moment's notice. As already shown, Major McDonnell's movements were independent, and conducted without my knowledge, and the first information I received of his expedition of the 2ud October, which appears to be the occasion of these animadversions on the part of the Colonial Ministry, was Major McDonnell's report, which he kindly forwarded to me for the Major-General. In transmitting this, I could not refrain from expressing my regret, in a letter addressed to the Assistant Adjutant-General, that the Imperial Troops had not been enabled to take a share, as it was very plain that a larger force would have led to very satisfactory results. It has come to my knowledge, even, that Captain Noblett, 2-18th Regiment, has upon more than one occasion urged Major McDonnell to apply to him to co-operate with him. I cannot say that I approve of it, and Major McDonnell would of course not have complied, except under very urgent circumstances, as it was contrary to the instructions. Thus it will be seen that not only was a considerable force of the Imperial Troops held in readiness to move at a moment's notice, but that everything was done to evince our sympathy with the Colonial Forces, and our anxiety to share with them in actual service in the field. I have, &c, J. H. Eocke, Major, 18th Eoyal Irish, Thg Assistant Adjutant-General, Head Quarters, Patea. Commanding Wanganui District.

Major Bakes to Captain Leach. Sie, — Assistant Adjutant General's Office, Head Quarters, Wellington, sth August, 1866. I am directed by the Major-General Commanding, to request that you will give instructions to the Officers commanding at posts in the Wanganui District, to be most alert and vigilant in the performance of their duties, availing themselves of every possible opportunity of harassing and attacking the enemy in their respective commands. Should the Colonial Forces, now supposed to be in the neighbourhood of Ketemarai, under Major McDonnell, require aid from Imperial Troops, you will be good enough to direct a force (if possible) of 150 men, from Patea, Manawapou, and Waingongora, to be at once formed under either Major Eocke or Inman, of the 18th E. 1., with a view of their co-operating with the Colonial Troops. The Field Officer of Her Majesty's Forces, of course, taking command when on service in the field with the Colonial Troops. But should Imperial aid not be asked for, it is scarcely necessary to state that the Imperial Officers are not to interfere with the operations of the Colonial Troops. I am directed also by the Major-General to request that you will be pleased to draw the attention of Officers commanding at posts to pages No. 201, 202, &c, of the Queen's Eegulations and Orders for the Army, in regard to aiding the civil powers in case assistance is required by the civil authorities. The Major-General deems it advisable that Major McDonnell should be made acquainted with the purport of this letter. I have, &c, T. D. Bakee, Major. A. A. General.

Captain Leach to Major Eocke. Sie, — District Office, Wanganui, Bth August, 1866. Agreeably with instructions received from the Major-General Commanding the Forces in New Zealand, lam directed by the Colonel commanding this district, to request you will be most alert and vigilant, availing yourself of every possible opportunity of harassing and attacking the enemy in the vicinity of your command. Should the Colonial Forces, now supposed to be in the neighbourhood of Ketemarai, under Major McDonnell, require aid from the Imperial Troops, you will be good enough to form a force, consisting of 150 men, with proportions of officers and non-commissioned officers, made up as follows, viz. : — From Patea (both banks) and Kakaramea, 120 men; Manawapou, 18; Waingongora, 12 ; to be under your command, and to move where required, with a view to co-operate with the Colonial Troops —you, of course, taking command when on service in the field with the Colonial Troops. But should Imperial aid not be asked for, you are not to interfere with the operations of the Colonial Troops. lam further directed to draw your attention to pages 201, 202, &c, of the Queen's Eegulations and Orders for the Army, in regard to aiding the civil powers in case assistance is required by the civil authorities. Tou will be good enough to acknowledge the receipt of this letter. I have, &c, E. Leach, Capt. Major Eocke, Commanding 2-18th Eegt. and Troops at Patea. D.A.A.G.