AGAINST THE REBEL NATIVES.

55

A.—No. Sa.

I trust the Government will take an early opportunity of suitably recognizing his services.— Thos. McDonnell, Lieut.-Colonel Commanding Field Force.—To St. John Branigan, Esq., Commissioner, A.CF. " N.B. —I have just learned that the enemy lost five killed and had four wounded when they attacked Tapapa."—T. McD. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.

No 185. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Auckland, 31st January, 1870. Received your telegram, and glad to find that you have discovered the enemy's position. If you wish Fraser to co-operate, you had better communicate with him at once; he should leave a sufficient number of the Arawa to cut off Kooti's retreat by way of Horohoro or Rotorua. I suppose he is guarding the Rotorua passes; but he ought to have communicated with you. If you consider it important that he should hold a position at Rotorua, he can do so or join you at once. Forward telegram herewith to him. To Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Tapapa. Donald McLean.

No. 186. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Fraser. (Telegram.) Auckland, 31st January, 1870. lam quite at a loss to know what your movements are. I fully expected the Arawa would guard the Rotorua passes to the Urewera country, aud that you would co-operate with McDonnell. If you have good reasons for taking up a position at Rotorua, you should have stated them to McDonnell, who has been expecting you hourly at Tapapa. The enemy has positions near Kaimai. It seems to me that your delay at Rotorua is a mistake that should be at once rectified. To Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, Rotorua. Donald McLean.

No. 187. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist February, 1870. Received your report of yesterday and was glad to find that Kemp and Topia, with 300 Whanganuis, and Lieut. Preece with 40 Arawas, had made an expedition in pursuit of the enemy, whose position had been ascertained without any loss on our side. The loss of Winiata and his arms, and the surrender of a prisoner, will give confidence to the forces under your command; and I trust from the additional knowledge you are gaining of the country aud the enemy's movements, that the next expedition will be able to inflict a heavier blow. I approve of the course you have adopted with the Ngatiraukawas. There is no desire to fight with them if they will abandon Tc Kooti and remain peaceable. If not, they must be prepared for the consequences of adhering to him. I note what you say in reference to the Militia and Constabulary, and feel sure you will not detain the latter longer than you require them. Inform Lieut. Preece that I am much gratified with his conduct, and that I will take an early opportunity of submitting his name to the Governor for promotion. I am glad to hear that the forces under your command, both Europeans and Natives, are behaving with zeal and energy. Donald McLean.

No. 188. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist February, 1870. I feel particularly anxious that you should endeavour as much as possible to prevent Te Kooti from getting back to the King country. The passes to the Urewera appear to be sufficiently guarded byr the Arawa. It is more important that he should be kept from falling back on the Mokau country, than if he should unfortunately escape to the Urewera. I sincerely trust that with the force under your command, and your vigilance, neither of these contingencies will arise. Where any of Tawhiao's Natives are co-operating, y rou should ■encourage them in every way —in this respect Topia will be of great assistance to you. Donald McLean.