160

to state that the preparatory measures then
contemplated have been carried into effect.

On Thursday, the 11th inst., Major Fraser
arrived from the Wairoa with the forty rank
and file of the Military Settlers, accompanied
by the chiefs Kopu and Ihaka Whaanga
with thirty of their followers.

The same afternoon Lieut.-Colonel Whit-
more, who was in town waiting for orders,
had the Forces under his command marched
at midnight towards the several positions to
be assigned to them, as detailed in his full
and explanatory despatch herewith enclosed.

I may be permitted to state that the zeal,
alacrity, and high spirit displayed by all
classes of the European inhabitants during a
time of imminent danger, reflects the
greatest credit upon the community, who as
loyal subjects were prepared and resolved
to uphold Her Majesty's lawful authority
within the district.

Almost simultaneously with the movement
of the European forces, the friendly Natives,
of Pawhakairo were communicated with by
Mr. Locke, a gentlemen who justly possesses
great influence with them. The several
chiefs and their followers were, with Mr.
Locke, at their positions by daylight—hav-
ing failed in every effort used to bring about
a settlement of impending hostilities.

I addressed a letter to the insurgent Na-
tives at Omarunui, the translation of which
is herewith enclosed, having previously, in
order if possible to avert bloodshed, re-
quested Lieut.-Colonel Whitmore to sur-
round the enemy's position with a large
force, in the hope that this might be the
means of inducing unconditional surrender
without recourse to arms.

In this expectation I was however disap-
pointed, and after granting a further exten-
sion of three-quarters of an hour beyond the
time stipulated in my letter sent by Mr. In-
terpreter Hamlin to the enemy, the white
flag was hauled down, the Union Jack
hoisted, and the Forces advanced to the
several positions assigned to them by the
Officer commanding.

The engagement which then took place is
so ably described by Lieut.-Colonel Whit-
more, that without any addition of mine the
Government can gather the fullest informa-
tion in reference to it from that gallant offi-
cer's despatch.

I herewith enclose plans of the enemy's
position at Omarunui.

Almost at the same time that military
operations were taking place at Omarunui,
Major Fraser's small force of Military Set-
tlers, ably seconded by Capt. Carr, of the
R.A., and some Volunteers, became engaged
at Petane, with Te Rangihiroa, the head
chief of Taranwera, a most turbulent and
dangerous man, who took a prominent part
in promoting the Hau Hau faith at Waira-
rapa and elsewhere.

This chief and eleven of his followers
were killed.

The loss sustained by the enemy in both
engagements is 33 killed and 29 wounded,
and 47 taken as prisoners.

The casualties of the combined forces of
European and Natives have been one Eu-
ropean and two Maoris killed, and one Offi-

cer (Capt. Kennedy), eight Europeans and
four Maoris wounded.

I herewith enclose Major Fraser's de-
spatch, addressed to Lieut.-Colonel Whit-
more, reporting the spirited engagement
that took place under that gallant officer's
command at Petane.

I should fail in my duty to Lieut.-Colonel
Whitmore and the officers and men of both
races under his command, if I did not repre-
sent to the Government how strongly I feel
that services so cheerfully rendered and so
ably carried out are deserving of some
marked public recognition on the part of his
Excellency's Government.

I feel assured that the result of such suc-
cesses as those of last Friday will exercise
such an influence throughout this Island as
must tend to neutralize the designs that are
being matured by the Hau Hau fanatics for
the extirpation of the Europeans and
friendly Natives.

The enclosed copy of a letter from the
Rev. S. Williams shows that an attack on
the town of Napier had been planned by
Panapa and Rangihirea. It is also stated
by the prisoners that the attack was to have
been made in three days.

I have also to report that an expedition
has been started this morning to follow up
Paora Toki, Auaru Matete and others, to
Titiokura, composed of seventy Volunteers,
under Lieut.-Colonel Whitmore, the Mili-
tary Settlers under Major Fraser, and about
one hundred of the Natives of the district,
with Ihaka and Kopu's followers from the
Wairoa.

The capture of Paora Toki, who is a most
badly disposed Native, would be of great
importance.

The instructions to Lieut.-Colonel Whit-
more are herewith enclosed.

I should recommend that the prisoners
taken be sent to the Chatham Islands,
and that the Government should be pre-
pared to meet any future emergency that
may arise in this district, and that a sup-
ply of arms and ammunition be sent
without delay in a Government steamer, to
be retained on this coast during the present
unsettled state, and while the Natives are
concocting plans in the interior for a com-
bined movement on this district.

I have, &c.,
DONALD MCLEAN.

Enclosure No. 1.
Napier, 13th October, 1866.

Sir,—I have the honor to inform your
Honor that in conformity with the arrange-
ments made with you on the evening of the
11th instant, I caused the Napier Militia
and Volunteers, number as per margin (a)

(a) Europeans—Strength, armed men—

Natives—Nearly 200, of whom 70 were on the hills