PAPERS EELATIVE TO MILITARY OPERATIONS

A.—No. Bb,

92

disinterested motives that the Government invite them to do so. Natives have been told recently that the Government are using patipati (treachery), and it is quite possible that a statement like this, made by a European, may have reached them, and p>erhaps have the worse effect. I have, &c, Gilbert Mair, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Captain Commanding Wellington. Arawa Flying Column.

Sub-Enclosure 1 in No. 118. To Mr. Clarke, at Te Papa, part of Tauranga,— Buatahuna, 12th July, 1870. O loving friend, salutations. We have arrived at Buatahuna, both personally and by letter also (alluding to letters to the Urewera from the Government and from Arawa chiefs). The answer to us from the whole of the Urewera is that it is good (c pai ana). Friend, we cannot go out yet —not during the days of the present month. Friend, make haste and send word to Waikare. Do not allow any expedition there (to advance from that side). The Urewera are undecided—are looking both ways. Enough. From Hapurona Kohi. Hoani Paiaka. Hamiora Potakurua.

Sub-Enclosure 2 in No. 118. To Captains Mair and Preece, — Baiatahuna, 12th July, 1870. Friends, salutations. We have arrived at Buatahuna, both ourselves and the letters. The answer of all the Tuhoe tribe is very favorable, but we will not return to you for some time. Wait patiently for us, as this is not a work of little importance ; therefore it cannot be completed in one day. This is all. From Hapurona Kohi. Hamiora Potakurua.

Sub-Enclosure 3 in No. 118. Buatahuna, 12th Jnly, 1870. To Biharoa, to Patene, and Te Barua, at Kaiteriria. To Te Amohau, to Ngaiiuruhuru, and all Ngatiwhakea, at Ohinemutu. To Matene, to Te Mapu, and Te Pokiha, at Te B.otuiti. To Petera Pukuatua, To Bewi Tereanuku, and Temuera Amohau, at Maketu. Friends, —Salutations in these days of goodwill. Ist. We have arrived at Buatahuna both personally and by letter. The word of the Urewera to us is favourable, but we will not be out for some time, as this is no small work, and cannot be completed in a day. 2nd. Soon a second letter will be sent to you, shewing further particulars. This is all. From Hapurona Kohi. Hoani Paiaka Hamiora Potakurua.

Buatahuna, 11th July, 1870. To Arama Karaka and Tukehu, at Te Awa o to atua. To Te Kepa, at Tarawera. To Petera Pukuatua, Bewi Tereanuku, and Temueiia, at Alaketu. To Mr. Clarke and Colonel Moule, at Tauranga. Friends, salutations. Friends, we are in trouble with the Urewera, because on our arrival here we told them that we were the only Government Natives (messengers). However, soon afterwards the Urewera scouts at Te Wharau caught a party of Government Natives coming up from Whakatane. They were Ngatiawa, Ngaitonu, and Ngatipukeko. Now, the Urewera don't like these people, and will not allow them to enter the boundaries of Buatahuna ; besides, it is wrong for them to come unasked by a different road—by the roads of the first peace-making of the Arawa and Europeans. The word of ail Tuhoe is that the road by which they will go out is the one by Eangitaiki, because Hiria, who went out by the Whakatane road, got into trouble. This is the word of all Tuhoe. Our word to you, and also to Mr. Clarke and the Colonel, is that the work of these people may be stopped. Wait till our work here is finished. It is wrong to intrude this way, and they (the Ngatiawa and Ngatipukeko) will not be well received. Twice have the Ngatiawa caused me trouble : First, when Te Kepa Toihau took a spear to me, and now this affair. Send a word to them that they cease this child's work. All Tuhoe have agreed to come out, but they will not be ready for some time, as it is no small work, and do not, therefore, be impatient, but wait. Do not listen to what Bakuraku says —the Urewera know nothing about him ; he is on his own account. O loving friends, salutations. All is well, but the cause of the delay is that Eru Tamaikowha has not yet arrived. Enough. From Hapurona Kohi. Hoani Paiaka.