A.—No. Ba,

60

PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

and cover Arawa settlements during the absence of all the available men; positions proposed to be taken up either Ake Ake or Oropi, where the back cross-roads meet, and would be Te Kooti's most probable line of retreat." Lieutenant Mair's report is quite at variance with the above, and I cannot believe the Arawa country could have been left destitute of men for its protection. This marching and counter-marching, with conflicting statements of officers, is not calculated to put an end to present difficulties. I trust, with the force now available, that a more definite course of action may be adopted, and that Lieut.-Colonel Fraser will report on the grounds he had for the course taken by him. Donald McLean.

No. 202. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, sth February, 1870. Nothing from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell as yet. Inspector Pitt has just arrived; he brings no news. Kemp and Topia are out since Tuesday morning, and nothing yet known of their whereabouts. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell is at Tapapa, and anxiously waiting to hear something of them. I expect despatches from Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell this evening. Captain Wilson is here. Wiremu left yesterday, duly instructed. A large meeting of Natives is being held at Ohineroa to-day, the result of which I hope to learn to-morrow. St. John Branigan, Commissioner, A.CF.

No. 203. Mr. C. Marshall to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sir, — Waipa, 4th February, 1870. I have the honor to inform you I arrived here last evening by canoe, after delay in seeking my son, who accompanies me. On the river I met a party (Minarapa), who has been sent to return the (King) gum-diggers in Waikato, and to assemble at Te Kuiti in consequence of the reported escape of Te Kooti from the forces. There is greater excitement up here with respect to Kooti than with Europeans, as they say they are between two fires- —Te Kooti, whom they are in great dread of, and also the forces in following up the pursuit if he should come this way. I told them Wi Te Wheoro had been intrusted with a message on that head; and, moreover, that I was cognizant of instructions having been sent to the forces in accordance with that message, and not to interfere in any way with Matutaera's district: that he, Matutaera, would take action in his district. I explained to them, as emanating from myself, that between Matutaera and the authorities Te Kooti must be arrested, at which they seemed to experience satisfaction. The Natives are assembled at Tc Kuiti. I go on to-day to Hangatiki, and, from the reception we have received, I think it possible we may reach Te Kuiti. I have explained to them that my son's and mine is merely a friendly visit to old friends. I shall not hurry back, unless I hear something of consequence to communicate, provided I am not turned back sooner than I anticipate. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Auckland. C. Marshall.

No. 204. Mr. Commissioner Branigan to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (Telegram.) Cambridge, sth February, 1870. Fallowing just received : —" Camp Tapapa, sth February, 1870.- —Sir, —I have the honor to ackowledge receipt of telegram from the Hon. Mr. McLean, of the 4th instant, and for his information beg to state, in reply, that I could not do otherwise than believe Lieutenant Mair's statement about the unguarded state of the other side of the ranges. He assured me that he himself, just before he left, put thirty old men on pay at Ohinemutu without authority, but that they could not hold the place one hour. The plan I have acted on since I came here has been to catch and crush Te Kooti. Knowing that he is in the bush, and hearing that one side of it was unprotected, I considered that I could hardly have done otherwise than send the force I could best spare to guard that side. The information received by the Hon. the Defence Minister that 150 picked men were guarding the passes, I know nothing of, neither did Mr. Mair, who left on the 31st ult. Lieut-Colonel Fraser has not yet arrived, and I cannot understand the cause of his delay. Topia and Kemp have been in the bush since daylight of the 2nd instant; they had four days'rations with them and will return to-night. I have hopes they have been able to do some good. I saw yesterday immense volumes of smoke from the bush in the direction they are in. I have sent a strong scouting party this morning towards the place I expect Kemp and Topia to come out by; and Henare te Pukuatua, with sixty men, Europeans and Natives, will come along the edge of the bush to Tapapa from Horohoro to-day and to-morrow.