AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

7

A.—No. Ba.

alluded to. Maihi informed the Archdeacon that Te Kooti had 800 men, who, if not actually with him had embraced his cause, made up as follows : — Te Kooti's immediate followers . . . . .. .. 250 Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato .. . . . . . . 300 Tuwharetoa (Taupo) . . . . . . .. 150 Urewera, &c. .. .. . . . . .. 100 Total .. . . . . .. 800 men. Te Kooti will go leisurely back to the Urewera country, via Napier. When in the Urewera country he will organize expeditions against the friendly Natives, commencing with the Ngatiporou, against whom and the Arawa he entertains a deadly hatred. I have received information from Taupo that Te Kooti has actually arrived at Rotoaira, and from a letter I received from Tapuaeharuru to-day it would appear that he is fortifying Mocrangi, and his mounted men are visiting different Hauhau villages, apparently for the purpose of making observations and collecting information. I very much regret to have to state that there is very little doubt now of the defection of Te Heuheu, and the principal part of his people, to be followed, I hear, by many more who have hitherto held out. Herewith I enclose the copy of a Native letter on the subject. I also enclose copies of correspondence between myself and Captain St. George, which contain several items of information respecting Te Kooti, but chiefly to other matters relating to the Native force now garrisoning Tapuaeharuru. The question of transport has become a serious one, inasmuch as it will entail a heavy expenditure, which I have endeavoured in every possible way to obviate. The enclosures will, however, explain themselves. I also transmit a copy of a letter from Dr. Nesbitt, covering an original letter from Tawhiao to the Ngatiwhakaue, and a copy of their reply thereto. I forward the original letter, to which I attach some importance, although couched in rather ambiguous language. It is, however, generally considered among the Arawa as a challenge. There is, however, no ambiguity in the reply sent by the Ngatiwhakaue chiefs, and will, I think, clearly illustrate the relations which exist between ourselves and the Arawa. With regard to the letter from Tawhiao, I was struck the other clay, when looking over a copy of the Southern Cross of the 19th instant, to sec copies of two Maori letters purporting to come from Tamati Ngapora to Mr. Charles O. Davis, in which a reference is made to a letter which had been sent to the Arawa at Rotorua. This, I suppose, is the letter referred to, and is in the handwriting of Hunia, Tawhiao's secretary. The Tauranga Natives, now that there is a certainty of Te Kooti having left Waikato, are again settling down to their usual occupations. I enclose a copy of a letter from the Pirirakau chief Rawiri to Enoka te Whanaka, one of our principal men, throwing further light upon the late attempt to draw the Ngaiterangi from their allegiance. I have every reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the leading men. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department. 11. T. Clarke, Civil Commissioner.

Enclosure 1 in No. 5. To Perenara, — Te Raoatanga, 18th August, 1869. This is to inform you that Te Kooti has arrived at Rotoaira. His permanent place of abode will be at Waitahanui. Then he will turn and fight against you. Be you on your guard. Tc Kooti's plans are very strong and complete. This is all. This is the word of Manga (Rewi Maniapoto) to you. Do you all come back to the Hauhaus. This is his fixed word, and also Tawhiao's. Manga is with Te Kooti, looking on at his work ; he is without any followers, and is travelling cautiously. This is also another word for you to listen to : Ngatituwharetoa Tribe will support Te Kooti firmly, and have not dispersed (or gone back to their homes). This is all. Tini Wata. Petera. Rangihinea. And from all of us.

Enclosure 2 in No. 5. The Civil Commissioner, Tauranga, to Captain St. George, Taupo. Sir, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Tauranga, August 11, 1869. I have the honor to inform you that I have, in accordance with your request, intrusted to Perahama Te Kunu and Te Hemopo, a parcel, directed to your address, containing the sum of two hundred and twenty-one pounds and seventeen shillings sterling, less six pounds advanced to the Natives named in the margin. They also take with them two kegs of Enfield ammunition, and the rest of the horses will be loaded up with flour. Colonel Harington lias managed to send a supply of provisions as far as Kaiteriria, from which place it will be necessary for you to make the best

Te Pohipi, £2 Perabaroa, £2. Te llemopo, £2.