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distinction the Government can bestow. I shall be very happy to designate them for such a purpose, but here I think it would be invidious to do so. I shall therefore confine myself to remarking, that for their willingness and cheerfulness, the operation could not have been carried out at all, and to stating that I did not see one solitary case of misbehaviour throughout the affair.

While these operations were being brought to a close, another part of the general plan was being carried out by the gallant Major Fraser, who has often led our fellow settlers to success. It was arranged that Major Fraser should pass over the harbour-mouth and Petane, to intercept any fugitives from Omarunui, and to prevent reinforcements coming up by that route. The smart little affair which followed is so well described by Major Fraser that I cannot do better than forward his despatch to you with this, trusting that you will recognise the behaviour of the officers whom he names.

Later on in the day, after attending the Native meeting with your Honor, at Pa Whakairo, to concert further operations to complete the discomfiture of the survivors of the Hau Haus in that part of the Province; and after revisiting my own home, where I had assembled a small body of Volunteers to hold one of the roads to Titiokura, I rode across to Petane, reaching Major Fraser in the night. Finding that he was not likely to be immediately assailed, and therefore not in want of reinforcements, I returned this morning to Napier. I cannot conclude this despatch without expressing the obligation I feel I am under to the following officers for the zealous assistance rendered to me by them, which made my task a light one:—

Major Lambert, commanding the main body of Militia, whose gallant example was most valuable and conspicuous.

Major Fraser, who co-operation prevented the Hau Haus from again establishing themselves in the part of the country.

Captain Kennedy, who was severely wounded early in the action, and led his company with great coolness and gallantry.

Captain Rhodes, who brought all his men that could get horses from Clive and Havelock, a distance too great to be marched on foot in time, and who performed valuable service in delaying the fugitives.

Captain Buchanan, whose Volunteers contributed so much to the final success, and who showed them so gallant an example.

Captain Birch, who collected the scattered time, the Napier country districts, and brought all to the field.

Captain Gordon, who raised his troop in a few hours, and, armed with sabres alone, performed so much valuable service.

Lieutenant Wilson, who, after Captain Kennedy was wounded, took command of his company, and showed it an example of cool courage and zealous obedience to orders.

Captain Withers, who, in two hours, at

Napier, completed the equipment of the whole force, and arranged all the details of the movement, besides assisting me all day in the field.

Captain Hamilton Russell and Mr. Agnew Brown, who acted as staff officers throughout the day most zealously, and performed much dangerous duty.

Mr. Hamlin, who acted as my interpreter, and who on two occasions rode under a hot fire to carry my orders, and was wounded in doing so.

With this affair, and the few days further operations required, I trust that the recent unsettled state of this district may cease, as nearly all the turbulent spirits are now killed or taken, and that your Honor may once more have the satisfaction of seeing the blessing of peace restored to our Province; and I trust I do not transgress in acknowledging the great assistance afforded me on all occasions by you, to which and to the harmony and concert with which your Honor's transactions with me have been distinguished, together with the noble conduct of our settlers, is wholly due the signal success of the late operations.

G. S. WHITMORE, Lieut.-Colonel
Commanding Militia District.
To His Honor the Superintendent,
Hawke's Bay.

Enclosure No. 2.
Captain Carr's Station, Petane Valley,
13th October, 1866.

Sir,—I have the honor to report for your information my proceedings consequent on your orders to me of the 11th instant. I marched as therein directed at 2 a.m. on the 12th, and crossed my company (a) over in boats to the Petane Spit, along which we proceeded. The march was rendered very fatiguing by the heavy sand, but the men went along well, and in the highest spirits. We reached the "Pa" about 6 a.m., and there halted for the purpose of seeing if it were inhabited and by whom; we only found in it three men, with a number of women and children. The men I arrested in accordance with your instructions to me. After a short time we proceeded to Captain Carr's station, and I caused all the settlers in Petane near that station to be assembled there. We arrived about 8 a.m., and I should imagine the length of the march to be altogether some twelve miles. Shortly after our arrival, and while awaiting your orders and the mustering of the settlers—two officers, when proceeding to bathe, saw a body of horsemen in the distance and informed me of the fact. I accordingly posted my men in such a position as to guard against accidents, and awaited their arrival. They proved to be an armed party of Hau Haus under Paora Toki, Rangihiroa, and Anaru Matete, to the number of about 22; they had, I must mention, to pass through a gorge before they could see us, and so I was enabled to surround them, and, in compliance with your orders, call upon them to surrender. This was accordingly done,

(a) Strength of Company—1 Field Officer, 8 Subalterns, 1 Assistant Surgeon, 87 rank and file.