A.—-No. Ba,

52

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

believe are on their way here now. On my arrival in camp this morning I received information that Te Kooti was at Waotu, also that this had been telegraphed to the Hon. Donald McLean. I sent out Lieut. Preece with some mounted Natives to scour the country in the neighbourhood of that village. He has returned. Ten Native scouts are yet absent for the purpose of trying to ascertain if Te Kooti has left the bush for the open country between here and Waotu. Unless I receive other information as to his vicinity, it is my intention to go with, or send a force of 200 men into the bush to-morrow to find out if possible the road or direction he has taken. Should Te Kooti really have gone into the King's country, I trust I may receive instructions how lam to act; and in case I am to follow Kooti wherever he goes, I would suggest the Hon. the Defence Minister coming here to see the Natives first: it would do a vast amount of good just now, and some of the head chiefs seem to expect it. Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding F_eld Force.

No. 173. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Mr. Commissioner Branigan. (Telegram.) Auckland. 28th January, 1870. Glad you are back; please forward telegram to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. I think third-class Militia might be struck off pay. I have telegraphed to Major Jackson on the subject. Mr. Commissioner Branigan. Donald McLean.

No. 174. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Auckland, 28th January, 1870. It seems Eraser has gone by Rotorua. You need not send there, as the Arawa are instructed to guard Plorohoro and all the passes. Taupo you know best what to do with, as you have just come from there. I know you will do your best to punish Te Kooti, and keep on good terms with the neutrals and friendlies. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Donald McLean.

No. 175. Mr. Searancke, R.M., to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 28th January, 1870. By a European and Native now arrived from Piwhina I hear that Rewi and Henare were at Aotea yesterday, desiring the Natives to remain quiet and not have anything to do with Te Kooti, who is now at Te Waotu, and believed to be on his way to Mokau, where Tikaokao is still. The Hon. Defence Minister, Auckland. William N. Searancke, R.M.

No. 176. Mr. Searancke, R.M., to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 29th January, 1870. I came from Alexandra last night with Te Wheoro, and from the anxiety and wish expressed by both Tawhiao and Tamati that he should remain for a few days, I would strongly recommend you to send him back to Te Kuiti. He will be at Mercer this evening. You need not be under any apprehensions of the Ngatimaniapotos joining Te Kooti. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. W. N. Searancke, R.M.

No. 177. Mr. Searancke, R.M., to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 29th January, 1870. Te Raiiii has requested me to apply for arms and ammunition for himself and Hargreaves and their followers, about fifteen in number. They have collected at Tamahera, and ask for them for purposes of self-defence, or offence if called upon. I have no objection. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. W. N. Searancke, R.M.

No. 178. Mr. Searancke, R.M., to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Hamilton, 29th January, 1870. Te Raiiii has now arrived, and informs me that he has seen all the Ngatihaua Hauhaus, Te Pirirakau and Ngatipaoa, and they decline having anything to do with Te Kooti, and will join