A;— No. Ba,

AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

49

It is the earnest hope of the Government that the present operations will terminate Te Kooti's murderous career. Donald McLean.

No. 156. Major Jackson to the Hon. the Defence Ministeb. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 26th January, 1870. Two of McDonnell's force now here. Report Te Kooti supposed to be about four miles off, in bush. Two of wounded dead (one European), others likely to recover. Kemp's men, in two divisions, were to start this morning, as soon as fog cleared, to look up with the intention of attacking Te Kooti. Report the force in good spirits. Messenger starts for McDonnell's at daylight to-morrow. W. Jackson, Major.

No. 157. Major Jackson to the Hon. the Defence Ministeb. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 26th January, 1870. Scout just brought information that Te Kooti, at about 4 p.m., this day, was at Te Waotu, apparently preparing to cross with the sanction of the King Natives. Rewi was, two days' ago, at Heruiwi with a force, and is now edging towards Tc Waotu. It is certain that the King Natives are not only giving a free passage to Te Kooti but that it has been pre-arranged. Te Kooti has left part of his force behind as a blind. Te Kooti is to go to Kuiti, and from thence to Tokangamutu, there to remain. The garrison at Alexandra, Kihikihi, and Rangiwahia are about 125 men altogether. P.S. —I am sending tw ro men to Colonels McDonnell and Moule, who will reach them in about four hours. Any answer? Wm. Jackson, Major.

No. 158. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Major Jackson, Cambridge. (Telegram.) Auckland, 27th January, 1870. The information received by me to-day from the Natives is to the effect that Rewi has gone to prevent any of his people joining Te Kooti. Are the scouts who gave you this information Europeans or Natives, and what has been their means of obtaining it ? Donald McLean.

No. 159. Major Jackson to the Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 27th January, 1870. The scout's name is Moore, a European living with a Native woman at Maungatautari; has been employed by Mri Branigan for some time. Previous information always correct. He has returned and purposes visiting Te Waotu. Should he find the information false he will at once return. He has been the last few days with the Natives himself. Wm. Jackson, Major.

No. 160. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Auckland, 27th January, 1870. I feel much gratified with the success that has already attended the operations of the forces under your command. By telegram from Waikato I hear that Rewi is exerting himself to prevent Natives over whom he has any influence from joining Te Kooti. This being the case you will be careful to avoid any course that may create a rupture with Rewi, the aim being to catch Te Kooti and his band without provoking hostilities with Rewi or Tawhiao's adherents who are peaceably disposed. A message to Rewi, if he is in your neighbourhood, expressive of these views, would remove apprehension. Donald McLean.

No. 161. Tana Te Waharoa to His Excellency the Governor. To Govebnor Bowen— Ohineroa, January 22, 1870. Friend, salutation to you, the holder of the last covenant of Governor Grey and Wiremu Tamihana. This is my word to you : Perhaps this command to fight is by you; if it