F.—No. 1

PAPERS RELATIVE TO SURRENDER

42

Enclosure 8 in No. 47. Inspector Cumming to His Honor J. D. Ormond, (A., 94—C. 4). Armed Constabulary Inspector's Office, Sie — Te AVairoa, 16th July, 1871. I have the honor to inform you, that after considerable difficulty I have arranged with the Natives here to proceed to Titikiki to-day, (strength as per note)*. Pack horses for carrying stores are engaged at 6s. 3d. per diem; the drivers (three) to be rationed at Government expense. Ten days rations per man are supplied by Mr. Carter at ll|d. per ration. I had great difficulty in arranging about the amount of pay the Natives should receive, but finally I gained my point, that they should get the same pay as the Ngatiporou ; and as I am not aware what that is, will you kindly inform me. "Abigail," the Native woman who went to the Lake (see letter A., 93 —C. 4), has not yet returned, but just now Tamihana has brought to me a man named Hirini, who has just arrived from the Lake. Hirini gave mo a match box containing sixty-eight percussion caps, which ho states Te Kooti gave him to forward to Government, as he (Te Kooti) would not be a receiver of stolen goods ; and as he got them from Makirini he was sure they were such. Hirini further states that he crossed Te Kooti, and all his people, in two canoes from Paetai to Marau ; that there were about forty men, women and children. He thinks thirty of them could fight, but does not think all were armed. Te Kooti stated to Hirini that he was going to Tauranga to take back a section of the Ngaiterangi, but this he says he does not believe. The men whom Makarini says were taken by Te Kooti joined him of their own accord, as they were connected with the cap stealing; and Te Kooti told them he wished to have nothing to do with them, and wanted to send them away. Altogether the statements are so contradictory that I think it is time a post was established at Waikare-Moana, to ascertain facts. Tamihana writes to you by orderly. Perhaps you may learn something more from him. I will only go as far as Turiroa to-night, and push on to-morrow. I have, &c, G. J. Cumming, Inspector A.C., His Honor J. D. Ormond, Commanding Te AVairoa General Government Agent, Napier.

Enclosure 9 in No. 47. His Honor J. D. Ormond to Inspector Cumming. Sir,— Napier, 19th July, 1871. Your letter of the 16th instant reached me last evening, and from the information it contained there can be no doubt Te Kooti has been at Waikare-Moana. The woman Abigail, as I expected, was sent by Te Kooti to put us off the scent, and it is a pity she was allowed to go back to the Lake, as no doubt she will have taken Te Kooti information as to your movements. The information given by Te Kooti about the rifle caps is rather in Makarini's favor, as showing there is no good will between them, and certainly Makirini has acted loyally in at once giving information when Te Kooti appeared in his district, which he would not have done had he desired to shield him. As Tamihana Huata's letter shows considerable animus against Makarini, you will please moderate, as far as possible, the tone of the Wairoa Natives, as the wish of the Government is rather to cement friendly relations with the Urewera than to estrange them. With regard to the action of the force under your command, you must, of course, be guided by circumstances. My opinion is, that Te KNioti will retire from the Lake district on your advance, and it is important speedy information should be received as to the direction he goes in. Respecting the arrangements made by you as to the pay of the Natives employed, the same are satisfactory, and I will make inquiry and acquaint you as to the pay of the Ngatiporou; meantime, you can inform the Natives they will receive the same pay as Ropata's men, whatever it may be. I have, &e, Inspector Cumming, Armed Constabulary, J. D. Ormond. Commanding District, Wairoa.

No. 4S. The Hon. the Defence Minister to His Honor J. D. Ormond. S IE) — Colonial Defence Office, Wellington, 27th July, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, dated 30th June, Ist July, and 21st July, 1871, enclosing various reports and letters relative to the present expedition under Major Ropata, as well as a copy of the diary kept by Captain Porter. The plan adopted by Major Ropata, of having four scouting parties converging on one spot, gives greater likelihood of the discovery of hiding places, and inspires more confidence than if they were in small bodies. It is also very difficult at a distance to limit the strength of an expedition required to move through such a country as the Urewera during the winter, and the numbers must be very much left to the discretion of the officer commanding. * Armed Constabulary—2 Officers, 2 Sergeants, 14 Constables; total 18. Natives—2 Officers, 2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 28 Privates; total, 35.