A.—N«. Ba,
AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.
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in no war or disturbance unless called upon to do so by the Maori King. lam now starting for Cambridge. Tana is there on his way to see Tawhiao. The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. W. N. Searancke, R.M.
No. 179. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Mr. Searancke, R.M. (I'elegram.) Auckland, 29th January, 1870. Much obliged for your telegram. I hope you will see Tana, and that his Natives will all be reconciled to a pursuit of Te Kooti. Donald McLean.
No. 180. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 2.9 th January, 1870. Present state and strength of force in Patetere District is as follows:—At Hinuera, fifteen miles from Cambridge, 1 officer 25 men of Waikato Militia; at Paparama, nine miles further on towards Tapapa, 2 officers 21 men of Auckland (Wairoa District) Militia; at Tapapa, McDonnell's force, inclusive of Constabulary, Topia's, Kemp's, and Arawas, 628; Moule's force, including Constabulary, is 139 (45 being Waikato Militia) ; total, 816. I need hardly say that transport alone for this large force is very great, exceeding £30 per day. It should also be borne in mind that, in the absence of Constabulary and Militia from this district, it is now quite defenceless, and at the mercy of any marauder. I have thought it necessary to furnish you with this information, in order that you may be able to order the Militia to be sent to their respective districts, or the Waikato Constabulary, or a portion of them, returned to their district whenever you may think it necessary. Colonel Moule, I think, is more required here than at Tapapa. Benzoni returned here to-day, after wandering about in the bush for last two days. He has, however, been to Tapapa and made himself acquainted with the wants of the troop*. No official information from McDonnell, but from other sources of information Te Kooti is supposed to be not far from his old position in the Patetere ranges. McDonnell was to have left his camp this morning in quest of him. Do jou wish me to remain here for the present ? The Hon. the Defence Minister. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.C.
No. 181. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Mr. Commissioner Branigan. (Telegram.) Auckland, 29th Januaiy, 1870. Received your telegram. Inform Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell and Lieut.-Colonel Moule that I am most desirous that the Militia should return to their respective districts, and look after the harvesting of their crops. That Lieut.-Colonel Moule should return to Cambridge with the Waikato Constabulary. McDonnell, with his force, will hold the positions from which Lieut.-Colonel Moule retires, if he deems it necessary as a matter of strategy. These instructions are to be carried out at once, unless good reasons can be assigned for not doing so. Donald McLean.
No. 182. Hohepa Tamamutu to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Friend Mr. McLean, — Tapapa, 30th January, 1870. Salutations to y rou, who are carrying on good works for this Island. We have arrived at Tapapa, to raise the weapon against the bad men who are troubling us, and a few of the people of these places have been killed by vs —fifteen. Te Kooti is in the bush wandering. Now, O friend, I will not cease my work against the murderers. The thought of us, the Maori Chiefs who arc going through this district, is that the peaceful people are to be left in peace; but those who have taken part with Te Kooti are to be put to the sword. Enough of those words of mine. This is just a silly word of mine to you. Has Locke asked you to appoint me Captain over the men of Tuwharetoa ? Twenty of my men arc guarding Tokano: there are thirty here fighting. But it rests with you. If you consent, write to me. That is all. Your friend, Hohepa Tamamutu, Officer.
No. 183. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 30th January, 1870. Colonel Moule just arrived. Brings the following despatch : —" Camp Tapapa, 30th January. 14
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