PAPERS RELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

A.—No. 8b

52

Enclosure 5 in No. 77. Sub-Inspector Newland to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir,— Te Wairoa (probable date, 28th April, 1870). I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 26th instant, and beg to inform you that Air. Hamlin left Te Kapu on Tuesday last with 135 Natives, and proceeded in the direction of the Marumaru, but they have been unable to proceed further in consequence of the bad w reather. On Wednesday, the 27th, I supplied Ihaka Whaanga with rations and ammunition for seventy-five of his men, who have proceeded to join Mr. Hamlin. Up to yesterday they had not left the Marumaru, but may have done so to-day, it being fine, and I think the weather is somewhat settled. His intention is to go up the Wairoa Eiver, visiting Whataroa, Orewha, Onepoto, and returning by the Waihua. I have made arrangements with Mr. Hamlin to send me any information regarding his movements, which I will forward to you without delay. He has taken Air. Saunders with him, in consequence of hia knowledge of the country, which he desired me to mention in my report to you. Mr. Witty left Mohaka on Monday last, the 25th, and proceeded in the direction of the Putere. His force have made up their minds to visit Tikitiki and Pukerua. Some of the Eiver Natives joined Mr. Witty's party, but I do not know his strength. I received a copy of despatch forwarded to you by Major Westrup, by which you will see that Eopata is at Turanganui. I have, <fee, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier. W. Newland, Sub-Inspector A.C.

Enclosure 6 in No. 77. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Mr. F. E. Hamlin. Dear Sir, — Napier, 3rd May, 1870. I heard from Captain Newland that you had left Te Kapu with your expedition, and were at Marumaru on the 29th, detained by bad weather: also that Mr. Witty had left on the 26th for Waikare-Moana by Putere, and intended going to Tikitiki. On the 30th, the " St. Kilda" returned from Poverty Bay with news that Eopata and 300 men were there. I sent tho " St. Kilda" off with Air. Locke on Sunday, Ist May, at daylight. He is to see Eopata off for Waikare-Aloana, and then make for Wairoa to let you know Eopata's plans. Yesterday I received the enclosed letter from Alajor Westrup, with an extract from a letter from Captain Walker, of Opotiki, to Mr. 'Porter, who goes with Ngatiporou. You will see what these letters say, and that there seems every probability that Te Kooti is at Waikare-Moana. I have requested Captain Newland to send this letter after you, in order that you may arrange your movements so as to allow Eopata to get behind, if possible, before you go at the enemy. You will see the importance of this, and do your best to meet it. Ido not at all know where you can get food on the road, so as to stop ; but I conclude there are cultivations about from which you can get some supplies. At any rate, do what you can, for it is most important, if Te Kooti is at the Lake, to prevent his escape. I am inclined to think your keeping about Tikurangi and Te Kiwi, would keep the enemy employed in watching you, whilst Eopata got round him. It is also very important for you to advise Bopata where you are, and what you are doing, if it is possible to do so. You will hear Eopata's plans from Mr. Locke, to whom I will write to send all particulars after you at once, on his arrival at Wairoa. You will understand thoroughly, from what I have written, how to shape your course. I should advise, if the enemy shows, that you just keep his attention engaged until you are sure of Ngatiporou being up to cut off' his retreat. It would bo a grand termination for you to finish off' this business, and I believe a little judgment now will do it. So far as I can judge, Bopata will not leave Turanga until this morning. You will know better than I can tell you how long it will take him to move up. He will go by way of Te Bcinga I expect, and from there take a way so as to come out behind Waikare—at least, that is my opinion. lam somewhat anxious about Witty's movements. I believe very much in what he is trying to do, viz., get round from Putahi to Tikitiki, but he should not risk anything in doing it. I wrote him to this effect. Now that you are likely to have to check your advance, try and communicate with him, and support him as much as you can. It will be advisable also that he should know Eopata's movements, and try to make his dash at Tikitiki simultaneously with your advance on Onepoto, and Eopata's on Waikare. If we can only make these movements simultaneously, we must end the business, and you should use every endeavour to arrange matters so. I will write no more on what is to be done on your side the Lake. You will understand thoroughly the position of things, and do the best you can to meet it, I know. From the Taupo side I hear from Captains Mair and Preece that Kohi (Hapurona), and a section of Ngatiwhare, are desirous of coming in, and that Te Tuhi and some others have done so. I am endeavouring to arrange a movement from Ahikereru towards Buatahuna, simultaneously with yours and Bopata's attack on Waikare-Moana ; and I have allowed time for Bopata to get up. What I have directed to be done from that side is, from the Ngatiwhare prisoners' information. Captain Mair telegraphs me that Te Waru is still alive, and that he and Eeihana were lately at Waikereru-o-ana, which is somewhere about the Lake. I have nothing further of interest to communicate ; and relyifig on your judgment to make the operations you are engaged in a success, and wishing you every good fortune, I have, &c, Mr. F. E. Hamlin, Wairoa Exiedition. J. D. Ormond.