A.—No. 8,

32

PAPERS RELATIVE TO NATIVE

fortunate enough to just hail Colonel Gorton, who was landed after some trouble. Upon arrival in town lat once sent messages to the chiefs of Wanganui. Mete Kingi called at my house: I gave him the letters intrusted to my care by the Hon. Colonel Haultain, and then proceeded with the chief to where the other Natives had assembled. The letters were read and I awaited a reply. I have not time to enter into detail, it being late, and I having been busy all day, and the " Storm Bird " returns tomorrow at 8 a.m. The chiefs are willing and most anxious to help, not only to avenge the late murders, but to go at the root of the disturbam-c, but persist in going to Wellington first. Though I tried hard to persuade them that two would be sufficient, six insisted upon going at the least, and I consequently applied to Colonel Gorton for their passages, who is reporting the matter by this mail. Captain Kemp, late N.G, with Mete Kingi, M.H..R, proceed overland to Wellington, calling in at Parawanui to confer with the Ngatiapa, and intend, with one or two leading men of this tribe, to talk with Ngatiraukawa, and try and induce them to assist in punishing the murderers of the Europeans in the Patea District. I intend accompanying Kemp and Mete Kingi as far as Parawanui on Monday next, and if anything of importance transpires I will communicate with the Government from that settlement. Captain McDonnell proceeds to Wellington to-morrow with Hori Kingi and the other chiefs, and will more fully explain the purport of their visit. I understand that the Hauhaus have committed further outrages in burning the Europeans dwelling-places at Waingongoro (see map of the Patea District in the Defence Office), but I have heard of no more murders excepting a report of a Mawhitiwhiti Native (see map above alluded to), who is reported to have been shot by the Hauhaus, a report I have every reason to believe is true. If this proves to be correct, my own opinion is that Wharematangi and other Natives south of Mawhitiwhiti, excepting Ahitana's tribe, are sincere in their friendship, as reported by Mr. Booth, B.M. There is great enthusiasm in town and every one appears to be deeply grateful for the prompt measures taken by the Government. Captain McDonnell will consider it his duty to explain anything I may have omitted : at the same time I may say he is proceeding to Wellington at tho request of the chiefs, who pressed him to accompany them. I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, The Under Secretary, Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Fatea District.

No. 51. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 355-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 11th July, 1863. I have tho honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Wanganui, 19th June, reporting your arrival at that place, and an interview you had had with the Natives. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, I have, &c.. Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. T. M. Haultain.

No. 52. Copy of a Letter from Inspector Huntee to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 10.) Camp, Waihi, Sic,— 28th June, 1868. I have the honor to inform you that Wireani Manaia, of Kauae, has this day come into camp and told me that two of his people left his kainga yesterday for Taranaki, although he tried all means in his power to slop them. He also states that yesterday a Taranaki Native came to him and said that he bad been sent as a deputation from a runanga held in Taranaki, and composed of Taranakis, some thirty Waikatos, and twenty Keteonetea Natives, to Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, to ascertain the origin of the present hostile movements, and he informed me that the decision of the runanga was, that if tho murders had been committed consequent upon any land being surveyed or seized by the Government, they would join against the Pakeha, but not for any other reasons. He also informed me that Tito Kowaru has declared it to be his intention to recover all the land as far as Waitotara, and that he will murder all Europeans up to that place when he can. I have caused written notices to be put up at the various settlers' houses and public houses in the district, warning unarmed parties from straggling or going about without suitable escorts. Strong parlies of Natives have been constantly straggling through the bush from the Ketemarae clearing to the Waingongoro Biver for the last few days, and the friendly Natives state that reinforcements have arrived from Taranaki. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, W. Huntee, Inspector, A.C, Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. Commanding Camp, Waihi.

No. 53. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to the Officee Commanding Colonial Fosces, Patea. (No. 353-2.) Colonial Defence Office, SlE,— Wellington, 10th July, 1868. I am directed by the Defence Minister to acknowledge receipt of Inspector Hunter's letter (addressed to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell) of the 28th ultimo, reporting on the intentions and movements of the rebel Natives. 1 have, &c, Feas. Stevens, The Officer Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea. (For the Under Secretary.)