A,—No. Ba.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

No. 239. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Memorandum of Instructions for Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. From the best information that can be obtained, it appears clear that after the fight with the Arawa under Lieutenant Mair, at the back of Ohinemutu, on the 7th instant, Tc Kooti with the remnant of his forces have retired into the Urewera country. It is the desire of the Government that every advantage should be taken of the present season, and the disorganized state of Te Kooti's forces, to follow him and the notorious murderers and promoters of rebellion associated with him into the Urewera countiy, and, by a well-devised co-operative movement, crush effectually the sources of the disturbances which have for the last few years distracted this Colony. To do this, I propose — Ist, That Major Ropata Wahawaha should approach the Waikarcmoana and Ruatahuna districts from the Turanga or Poverty Bay side with such a force as will enable him to overcome any obstacles that might present themselves to his advance. 2ndly, That another column will be sent from the Hawke's Bay and Wairoa side to Te Oncpoto, on the Waikarc Lake, to protect the Wairoa and Hawke's Bay frontier, cut off any of the enemy who may retreat in that direction, and otherwise cooperate with you as shall seem most advisable. 3rdly, The disposition of the forces from the Bay of Plenty side will be left to your own discretion and judgment; but I would strongly impress upon you that, -a$ the force is composed almost entirely of Natives, who have a good knowledge of the country through which you will have to pass, they should be consulted on all occasions, and their opinions allowed due weight. An arrangement has been made with the chiefs of-each tribal division that they shall themselves report, through you, to the Government as to the nature of the operations in which they have been engaged. It is almost impossible to foresee the circumstances in which you may be placed, and which may r necessitate an alteration of the plan I have herein proposed, but the Government have every confidence in your discretion and judgment to carry into effect its wishes as speedily and as effectually as possible. With a view to stimulate the Natives to active exertions, I have intimated to them that, in the event of their terminating the present expensive expedition successfully in three weeks, the Government will handsomely reward them in addition to their ordinary pay. Tauranga, 11th February, 1870. Donald McLean.

No. 240. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Sir, —- General Government Offices, Auckland, 18th February, 1870. Referring to my instructions of the 11th instant, respecting operations in the Urewera country, I have now the honor to acquaint you that the Government, after full consideration, have decided that no European force should be engaged on this expedition, as it is contemplated to give the chiefs of each tribe the command of their own followers. You will therefore cause the whole of the I.uropcau force to be stationed at some position at or near Maketu, as the latter would be the most convenient post for their removal to any other place where their services may be required. The arrangements now in progress for the advance of the forces from the Bayr of Plenty need not be in any way interfered with, beyond the withdrawal of the Europeans, and you will be good enough to explain to the chiefs that this is being done in deference to their own wishes, and from a desire to give them full and exclusive credit for their achievements. I have, &c., Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, Commanding Field Force. Donald McLean.

No. 241. The Hon. the Defence -Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 18th February, 1870. As the Arawa may deem it desirable to have one European with them on the Arawa expedition, I have the honor to request that you will intimate to the chiefs that Lieutenant Gilbert Mair will accompany them if they desire that he should do so. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell, I have &c., Commanding Field Force, Maketu. Donald McLean.

No. 242. The Hon. the Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, 18th February, 1870. I have the honor to request that you will take an early opportunity of visiting Auckland, as there are several subjects upon which I desire to consult you.