DISTURBANCES AT PATEA.

35

A.—No. 8.

As that measure, in the present aspect of affairs, would however put every operation necessary upon a larger footing, I hesitate to do so till I hear whether the Government will back me in the matter. One good feature in the quarrel between Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa is the one that it will bring the Wanganui and some of the Napier tribes once more heartily into the field. On the other hand, the Ngatiraukawa will be reinforced by all the Hauhaus of this coast, and the present quarrel may precipitate the open co-operation of all the former rebel tribes holding back as yet. It is perfectly clear, therefore, that tho Government must now lose no time in putting our coercive machinery upon a more comprehensive footing, particularly as any large move to the west of Patea will leave the country between the Patea, Waitotara, and Wanganui Rivers entirely to the mercy of the Hauhaus. A dangerous crisis is evidently at hand, requiring, in tho first instance, great caution in the choice of "which end of the stick to got hold of;" but there can be no doubt as to the immediate necessity of an enlargement of our forces for active service, and a more comprehensive extension of our field, of operation. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain, Tuos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Minister of Colonial Defence. Commanding Patea District.

No. 58. Copy of a Letter from Colonel McDonnell to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. (No. 2.) Sis,— Wanganui, 6th July, 1868. I have the honor to state that, in view of the foregoing exposition of affairs, I intend to call out the rest of the Patea Militia, and am going to acquaint Colonel Gorton with my view of the safety of the Wanganui District. I also beg to represent that as, in all probability, my operations will require the division of my forces into several bodies, and as each body will require the services of some one thoroughly acquainted with the Maori language and customs, I beg to propose the appointment of my brother Edward McDonnell to Major Yon Tempsky's Division, to act with tho latter as interpreter and adviser on Maori matters, holding the rank of ensign. As he knows the country round Ngutu-o-te-Manu, his services as guide will be valuable. My orders to Captain Pago at Waingongoro, and Major Hunter at Waihi, are, for the present, to temporize. If any report of a skirmish, in which our men are supposed to be worsted, has reached you, you may understand that the retreat of our men was in accordance with my instructions. The present flooded state of tho Waingongoro Biver prevents at present any effective advance further west; and as it is very important I should hear without delay of the immediate result of the Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa quarrel, I shall remain here for a day or two, unless news from the front make my immediate departure overland necessary, all bars being impassable at present. I have, &c, Colonel Haultain, Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Minister of Colonial Defence. Commanding Patea District.

No. 59. The Hon. Colonel Haultain to Colonel McDonnell. (No. 357-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sis,— Wellington, 11th July, 1868. I have received your letters from Wanganui, Nos. 1 and 2, of the 6th instant, reporting that a collision had taken place between the Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa tribes, and furnishing other important Native intelligence, with your suggestions and recommendations in view of the present unsettled state of affairs; and I need scarcely assure you that your opinions have received from the Government their most careful consideration. Though they are quite ready to endorse your estimate of the value of Katene's information, they do not consider it would be either prudent or politic, at the present time, to capture the chiefs of the Pakakohe or other professedly friendly or neutral tribes, and are unwilling to sanction the initiation of any measures which might tend to increase the number of the hostile Natives, and the consequent necessity of more extensive military operations. You are quite justified in calling on all the Patea Militia for duty : I can, however, see no prospect of sending you further reinforcements at present. Should you, therefore, be pressed by a superior force, you must fall back and report at once to the Government. I have no objection to your appointing Mr. E. McDonnell as interpreter to Inspector Yon Tempsky, and while so employed he will receive the pay of an ensign; but it must be understood that he holds no military rank, and as there are no vacancies in the district, I regret I can offer no prospect of a Militia commission. Although Mr. McDonnell's knowledge of tho country and of the Maori language and character will no doubt render his services valuable in many respects, the Government cannot recognize him as an " adviser on Maori affairs," either to Inspector Yon Tempsky or any other officer to whom he may be temporarily attached, for they do not consider that such an appointment is either necessary or that it would be desirable. I have to thank you for the very full information you have afforded the Government in the letter now under reply. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, T. M. Haultain. Commanding Colonial Forces, Patea.