A.—No. Ba.

34

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

Te Kooti is at present at Patetere, about half-way between Tauranga and the Thames. His force is estimated at 300 strong. As usual he threatens various points—the Thames, Rotorua, and Tauranga; but the latter seems to be decided upon by Hakaraia, Kereopa, and Te Kooti, as the place they most earnestly desire to attack, to revenge losses at the Ranga. The Wanganui Natives of Topia's party having committed themselves by following up Te Kooti, no danger need be apprehended from that quarter, and the necessity for maintaining a force at Tokano appears to me to have been removed, and its concentration at a point more easily supplied and accessible is at present most important. The Arawa contingent from Ohincmutu, Rotokakahi, and Kaitcriria should be allowed to return to their homes for a time, as they can render more efficient aid from those points than from Taupo at present. I have to request that you will at once send a messenger to Mr. Ormond, acquainting him with the instructions which you have received. Should you receive certain subsequent information as to Te Kooti's movements, you will use your own discretion as to the course you may deem it advisable to adopt. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, I have, &c, Commanding Taupo District. Donald McLean,

No. 84. Hauauru Poutama to Mr. Searancke, R.M. To Mr. Searancke, — Te Kuiti, 14th January, 1870. Friend, salutations to you. This is a word to you. If the stick, i.e., weapon of Te Kooti touches you, I and my companions (or people) will be there, for the hearts of myself and my companions are dark in consequence of the confusion made by that man. We are now asking (to be allowed) to fight him, but (our request) is not sanctioned. And now should you fight, I will be your assistant. If you approve, do you send a letter to me. These words end. Hauauru Poutama.

No. 85. Mr. Firth to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 15th January, 1870. Trusty messengers returned with information that Te Kooti has gone from Okaura to Tapapa on Patetere ranges. Reported to have come secretly from west side of Waikato expecting support and ammunition by way of Ohinemuri. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. J. C Firth.

No. 86. . The Hon. the Defence Minister to J. C. Firth, Esq., Cambridge. (Telegram.) Auckland, 15th January, 1870. Much obliged for your information and attention. I have only just arrived from the Thames. Shall be glad to hear further from you; meantime, Colonel Moule has been fully instructed. Donald McLean.

No. 87. Mr. Firth to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 16th January, 1870. Two messengers have just come from Te Kooti w rith the following message from him to me and the Kupapas : " Hohaia, I have heard that the Kupapas are afraid, and have gone from Matamata. Remain at your kaingas both you and the Kupapas. I will not harm you nor your cattle, because of the peace (Maungarongo) made by William Thomjison and Hohaia at Pukctuku. Your lands (part of the country) are safe. I will not fight there." The two messengers have gone on with this message to the Rauotehuia, where the Kupapas now are. I think Te Kooti is tired of fighting, and would surrender if he thought the Government would spare his life and those of his companions. If you can see your way to doing this, you might send up a Government officer. A meeting on neutral ground might perhaps be arranged. Reply. Please show this to Colonel Moule. J. C. Firth, Per S. J. Owen, Lieut. Commanding Detachment.