JL—No. Ba,

44

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

but that there are many of his young men who will gladly join either Te Kooti or any one else who will get up a war party. A partyr of Waikatos and Ngatimaniapotos are now on their way to drive Te Kooti away, but I believe their views are very questionable. I have, &c., The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. William N. Searancke, R.M.

Enclosure in No. 135. Mr. Brabant to Mr. Searancke, R.M. Sir, — Raglan, 22nd January, 1870. I have the honor to report to you that I have this day seen Hone to One, of Aotea, who informs me that last week he, by invitation, paid a visit to Tawhiao, at Kawhia. He was accompanied by Te Kewcnc tc Ilaho and Hakopa Te Kotuku. Tawhiao expressed a hope that all war was now over, at the same time stating that his only fear w;as that Te Kooti might drawsome of the King Natives to his side. Tawhiao proposed to Hone te One that he (Hone) should return to his old residence at Kawhia. The latter replied that if he did so it must be distinctly understood that he was still an adherent of the Government, to which the King consented. Hone is now on his road to Auckland to endeavour to obtain the Hon. Mr. McLean's consent to his return. It is said, however, that Te Tapihana of Kawhia, andalso all the Ngatimahuta, arc displeased at the King having (as they consider it) given back his land to Hone tc One. Te Kewenc proposed to Tawhiao to petition the Government to allow a vessel to visit Aotea to buy produce, &c.; to this, however, he refused to consent at present, saying that this was a matter for future consideration. I am informed that it is not true (as has been stated in the newspapers) that Tawhiao will be present at the Native meeting at Raglan next month, although it is probable that Tchao may be there. I have, &c., Herbert W. Brabant, W. N. Searancke, Esq., R.M., Hamilton. Clerk to the Bench.

No. 136. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 25th January, 1870. Colonel Moule moved this morning at daylight from Hinuera, with 120 men, in charge of supplies for Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell's force, leaving an officer and twenty-five men behind him to protect the post, and the like strength to protect the next post, which he forms to-dny, viz., Tirau, distant between twelve and fifteen miles from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, with whom he will form a junction to-night with his mounted Constabulary. He will also supply him to-night with four day-s' rations. Arrangements are being made to keep up a plentiful supply of rations of all descriptions. The friendly Natives will receive all protection. Everything is progressing satisfactorily. I hope to hear from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to-night, and will lose no time in communicating with } rou. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.C.F. The Hon. the Defence Minister.

No. 137. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 25th January, 1870. Messenger jusi in from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell with following despatch:— " Camp, Tapapa, 25th January.—4'o Hon. D. McLean. —Sir : You will have heard from Lieut.-Colonel Moule of what occurred here up to yesterday; and in continuation of my despatch of yesterday, I have to state that Kemp, with 200 fricndlies, went out yesterday to endeavour to get round to the left of the enemy's position, and remain there during the night, and the rest of the force was to take a circuitous track to the right at daylight this morning. " Circumstances prevented me leaving camp so early as I intended, and proved vciy fortunate, as, just as we were preparing to start, the camp was attacked by the enemy in considerable force, from a bush close to which the village is situated. The eneny were speedily driven off, but not before wc had lost one Native killed and six wounded, and one European dangerously wounded. The enemy left three dead behind, and must have suffered severely, as they were fired on within fifty yards of the Camp. They carried an Finglish flag, and were several times mistaken for fricndlies. It is quite possible that Kemp may fall in with the enemy on his way back, and be able to do some damage. At present the fog is so thick I cannot see fifty yards off. Another medical officer is much required, and a supply of medical comforts for the wounded. I have not a round of ammunition but what is in the men's pouches, and this