AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

17

A.—No. Ba.

No. 38. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Napier, 14th December, 1869. Telegrams received from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. He had just received letters from Jerusalem from Kemp and Booth. They advise him that Topini te Mamaku had gone over to Kooti, but that Topia was to be depended on; also, that the Manganui-o-te-ao Natives are all right. Topini's defection will materially assist Te Kooti. Topini has about 100 men. Mr. Booth and Captain McDonnell were both with Kemp and Topia at Jerusalem, and I should judge have gone with them to Tuhua. Kemp and force were to leave for Tuhua yesterday, I3th. Topini is reported by Mr. Booth to have sent for Titokowaru. Kemp writes Lieut.Colonel McDonnell his force is 400 strong, and urges him to occupy the roads, so that when Te Kooti bolts he can be caught. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell advises me that Kemp relics on him for food. It is impossible for me to provide it for 400 additional men. My means are barely able to keep present force going. You will hear more from me presently. The Hon. William Fox, Wellington. Ormond.

No. 39. His Honor J. D. Ormond to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) Napier, Isth December, 1869. I append Mr. Booth's letter. On looking over Kemp's, I see it is not worth sending, and refers more to how he wishes Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to dispose his forces; but it shows that Kemp relies on acting in concert with Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Kemp must have written other letters to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, as the latter quotes to me several things as from Kemp's letters, which arc not in what I have. Captain McDonnell also writes to his brother to similar effect as Mr. Booth. On the food question Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell writes me, "As you will see by Kemp's letter, he expects food from me." All this is opposite to what you arranged. I expect early information of Kemp's force having reached the Upper Wanganui country; wc shall hear decisively then about Topini. Heard this morning from Inspector Roberts; he has occupied Oruanui and a place called Putetarata, a few miles further on. "Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Hiruharama, 11th December. The Wanganui Natives, including Topia's people, will leave Ohinemutu for Tumarunui (Tuhua) about Monday (13th) ; they intend to go by the river; some may go by Manganui-o-tc-ao. It is impossible to say what time they will be there, as Topini te Mamaku is giving assistance to Te Kooti, and has sent for Titokowaru to join them. Topia and Pehi are to be depended on, and the Manganui-o-tc-ao Natives are safe. Kemp and Mete Kingi have written to the Natives who are now at Taupo, which letter you will sec. —J. Booth, R.M." The Hon. William Fox, Wellington. Ormond.

No. 40. The Hon. the Premier to His Honor J. D. Ormond. (Telegram.) Wellington, I7th December, 1869. I have a long letter from Mr. Booth, dated Ohinemutu (I'opia's place) 13th. It is too long to repeat, but substantially contains nothing but what you know. The force 600 strong —the largest ever mustered on the river for vs —would advance same day. Topini appears either neutral or taken. Topia is apparently true to the backbone, and says his joining us was arranged withTawhiao. Pehi and Tahana seem also quite firm. Topia is the actual commander, but Kemp heads 300 out of the 600. Mr. Booth reports the strongest enthusiasm prevailing. The only thing I now fear is Te Kooti being advertised by Topini, and bolting before Topia got up. His Honor J. D. Ormond. William Fox, Premier.

No. 41. Mr. J. Booth to the Hon. the Premier. Sir, — Ohinemutu, 13th December, 1869. I have the honor to report that the Natives intend leaving this place this morning fo the purpose of following up 4'e Kooti, and that it has been decided by Topia and Kemp to go by way of the river. When the men were paraded yesterday they numbered 600 picked men. Kemp takes command of 300, and Topia has command of the rest. He hopes also to be joined by more men to-day and to-morrow. The men under Topia are his own men from Manganui-o-te-ao aud this place, together with the men from Pipiriki, Hiruharama, and all the Ngarauru. They arc to take three ensigns, and are in every way the same as Kemp's men. 5