A.—No. Bi,

AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

39

No. 111. Mr. Searancke, R.M., to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 21st January, 1870. Aporo and a party of Waikatos have been sent by Tawhiao's orders to all the Ngatiraukawa settlements, to stop them joining Te Kooti. William N. Searancke, R.M.

No. 112. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 22nd January, 1870. Please bear in mind that, in present state of the telegraph line, between four and five hours elapse before you can receive intelligence from this, or we can receive your instructions; matters are therefore in such training that convoy of supplies can move so soon as your orders to that effect are received. It is much to be regretted that Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell has not been more explicit as regards his movements, but there will be no difficulty in finding him. Steamer with first supplies expected between 7 and 8 p.m. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.

No. 113. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 22nd January, 1870. Just received following from Major Jackson : —" Kihikihi, 21st January, 1870. Some Natives just in, report that Rewi, with a force, is at the place where Te Kooti crossed Waikato expecting Europeans to make an attack on Te Kooti, in which event they intend to cut off the stragglers from Kooti's band as payment for the pigs and horses Te Kooti stole on his march through the King's country." St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.

No. 114. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. (Telegram.) Auckland, 22nd January, 1870. Any messenger from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell ? How far is his force from Cambridge ? Have any supplies been forwarded to meet him ? Is Kooti still in same position ? Donald McLean.

No. 115. Lieut.-Colonel Moule to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 22nd January, 1870. No messenger from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. His force is supposed to be about fifty miles from Cambridge. No supplies forwarded as none have yet arrived. Te Kooti supposed to be still in same place. W. Moule, Lieut.-Colonel.

No. 110. The Hon. the Defence Ministeb, to Mr. Commissioner Branigan. (Telegram.) Auckland, 22nd January, 1870. Can you give me any fresh news respecting Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's force ? Supplies are being pushed up. Can good guides be procured ? Mr. Commissioner Branigan, Cambridge. Donald McLean.

No. 117. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 22nd January, 1870. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, according to his messenger, was to be at Waimahana to-day, where he would await Lieut.-Colonel Moule's reply. First portion of supplies will be here this morning by steamer, remainder will arrive in tolerably quick succession. Any number of reliable guides, who know every inch of the country, can be procured. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.