AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

43

A.—No. is.

No. 131. Lieutenant Hill to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 25th January, 1870. The following posted to you from Manuwhiri this evening : — -"To Mr. McLean,— "Te Kuiti, 25th January, 1870. '■' Friend, salutations to you. You have pursued Te Kooi. Had he gone outside (of the King country) your pursuit of Te Kooti would have been correct. Scud back the Maoris. That is all. "Manuwhiri." J. 1). Hill.

No. 132. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Mr. Commissioner Clarke. Sir, — Auckland, 25th January, 1870. I herewith enclose copy of instructions to Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, which I have to request you will aid in carrying into effect. It is most important that the Arawas should be aware that Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell is, by last accounts, within five miles of the enemy's position, having killed one man and taken three others, and one woman, prisoners, and was prepared either to attack or invest the enemy's position. Should the latter course be adopted, instant co-operation by Lieut.-Colonel Fraser may be of the utmost importance. Colonel Fraser will show you the letter addressed to him. 11. T. Clarke, Esq., Civil Commissioner, I have, &c, Tauranga. Donald McLean.

Enclosure in No. 132. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Fraser. Sir,- — Auckland, 25th January-, 1870. I have to acquaint you that Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's forces have reached to within five miles of Te Kooti's position at Hinuera Ta Papa, having killed one man and taking three men, and one woman, prisoners. I have to request that you will immediately move, with such force as can be spared from Tauranga, to co-operate with Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, aud open communication with him. Such of the Arawa as are available are to advance immediately to co-operate with Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, or to cut off Te Kooti's retreat. Be good enough to communicate with Captain Montgomerio, of the " Blanche," whose •co-operation would be invaluable. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, Commanding Donald McLean. Tauranga District.

No. 133. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Mr. Commissioner Branigan. (Telegram.) Auckland, 25th January, 1870. lam anxious to hear any news, you may have. lam writing to Mr. Searancke to look after the friendly Natives ; any that come for protection within our lines should be well treated. Has Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's force got supplies yet ? Mr. Commissioner Branigan, Cambridge. Donald McLean.

No. 134. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Air. Searancke. (Telegram.) Auckland, 25th January, 1870. Do your best to keep up a friendly intercourse with all the Natives —a little kindness of expression in these times goes a long way. Let me hear what opinions you form, more •especially of the friendly Natives. Mr. Searancke, R.M., Hamilton. Donald McLean.

No. 135. Mr. Searancke, R.M., to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir, — Hamilton, 25th January, 1870. I have the honor to forward for your information a letter I have this day received from Mr. Brabant, at Raglan, confirmatory, in some respects, of my views. In a private letter Mr. Brabant informs me that Tawhiao told Hone te One that "the kaumatuas of his party decided everything, and that he himself was seldom consulted." My own views as regarding Tawhiao's party arc that he himself, and a large majority of his followers, are in favour of remaining at peace,