A.—No. Ba,

46

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

account of the broken nature of the country. We made an attack upon their encampment, but there were no men there, only 100 horses. The Ngarauru had joined with Topia. Had Ngatihau been with Topia, Tapa and Uru would have rushed on, and many of the Hauhaus would have been killed, for those that were killed, were killed by Ngarauru only. The Hauhaus have escaped into the bush. We will remain here. There are 600 of us, Europeans and Maoris. When Te Kooti is caught, then only will we return. That is all. Aperaniko Taiawhio.

No. 142. Topia Turoa and others to Mr. Fox. To Mr. Fox, — Tapapa, 25th January, 1870. Friend, salutations to you ! On the 24th we attacked the camp of the Hauhaus : one was killed and three men were taken prisoners, and two women. At night the Hauhaus approached our camp, and at five in the morning they fired at Ngarauru, who were taking up food. Whiro, of Ngarauru, was killed. Three were wounded—Karaitiana, of Ngatihau ; Utiku, of Pipiriki, and Tamihana, of Ngarauru. Of the Arawas two, and of the Europeans one. Of the Hauhaus there were three; we got these, and their guns also. Major Keepa and the 200 of Whanganui did not see this fight; they had gone to Te Kooti's camp. Those engaged in this fight were the No. 4 of Ngarauru, No. 5 Ngatihau, No. 6 Pipiriki, Te Arawa, and the Europeans. This was a great fight. That is all. Topia Turoa, Toma Tahupotiki, Rini Parakiato, Pine Piato, Te Heketua, In fact from all Topia Turoa's officers.

No. 143. Topia Turoa to the Hon. the Defence Minister. To Mr. McLean, — Tapapa, part of Patetere, 26th January, 1870. Salutations to you. Friend, here is your letter of the 12th January, it has reached me, and I have seen in it your love and all your plans (or views). O Mr. McLean, great is the gladness of my heart in consequence of your sending this talk to me. Friend, hearken you. We have arrived here at Tapapa; we came by way of Taupo; we are aware of the plans which you made sacred to us. Friend, listen you. On the 24th instant we arrived, and Tapapa was taken in the morning by us. There were no people in it, they rushed right out. The Arawa attacked another kainga, and captured three men, four women, and some children also. One was killed : he ran away, and was shot at by the Arawa and killed. On the 26th (instant) we were assailed by Te Kooti at 5 o'clock in the morning : he attacked my people, four of Ngarauru, who went to procure food. One was killed, and another struck but not killed. I and my men then engaged them—loo of Ngaurauru, Ngatihau, and Pipiriki. My men who took part in that conflict numbered 150; also Te Arawa, Colonel McDonnell and his men. The number of Hauhaus killed was four; we got them into our possession. Killed of us, one ; belonging to Te Arawa, one, who is not yet dead; of the Pakehas one, he is not dead yet; but it is probable these will reach death. Te Keepa and his men did not see (take part in) this fight, as they had gone to assault the pa, and the pa was taken by him and his men. No one was killed. All of that. Topia Turoa.

No. 144. Pehimana Te Tahua, Tapa, and Uru, to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Friend, greeting, — Tapapa, 26th January, 1870. This is to inform you about myself and my tribe, Ngarauru. We came in the war party of Te Keepa and Topia—fifty-two. One is dead; he was killed by Tc Kooti. A party went to procure food; one was killed, and three escaped, one of whom was wounded and lives named Tamahana. The one who was killed is Whiro, a boy of rank. You know Hare Tipene Karoro —that boy was his. Whereupon they (the enemy) were engaged by Ngarauru, Whanganui, and Te Arawa—that is by Colonel McDonnell, Topia, Pehimana, Henare, and their tribes. The number of Hauhaus who fell is three. The Hauhaus retreated. Friend, we shall continue to fight against Te Kooti. We fought at Tapapa on the 25th January. I and my tribe were sent here by Mr. Fox to fight against Te Kooti. That is all. From your friends, Pehimana Te Tahua. Tapa. To Mr. McLean. Uru.