Col. Sec. Napier, 5th May, 1865. Sir, In the distribution of the troops in New Zealand to winter quarters I would submit for the consideration of the Govt. whether that it would be wise and expedient as a measure of policy to have one regiment quartered at Napier for the winter. There is already barrack and hut accommodation for 500 men and additional huts for which building material would be provided by the Province could be easily erected. From the communications I have from time to time forwarded respecting the state of the East Coast it must be apparent to the Govt. that the European settlements are far from being secure. The East Coast, Taupo, Patea and other districts in the immediate vicinity of this Provce. are looked upon by the Natives in arms against the Govt. as places of refuge in case of defeat. The importance of preserving the tranquillity of the tribes on the East Coast cannot be overrated, and nothin can tend so much to attain this object as the presence of a considerable body of troops at a point from which parties could readily be sent to any district in wh. they might be required to act. By stationing such a force here for a time the effect would be gained of inspiring confidence in the loyal Natives, inducing waverers to join the Govt., and keeping the badly disposed in check. I trust it will be apparent that in making this representation to the Govt. I do so entirely upon general grounds, my sole object being, to endeavour to avoid an outbreak which in the very unsettled state of the Natives might at any time occur, if timely measures of precaution be not taken to avert it. The tribes on the East Coast, of wh. this Province is the centre, are the only ones remaining neutral; and every effort is being made to induce them to join the ranks of the rebels. Should these efforts be successful a general New Zealand war wd. be the certain and immediate consequence. These Districts towards the East Cape are the most thickly populated and the best supplied with every means for carrying on a war, of any part of N. Z. The importance of preserving tranquillity on this Coast is therefore obvious and I think if this object can be attained by quartering at Napier our tenth part of the regular forces it will not have been done at a cost disproportionate to the results. In any course the Govt. may decide upon, I will not fail to do the best I can with the means placed by you at my disposal, to preserve the peace; but I fear that however successful I may be in staving off danger for a time this Province and the East Coast generally must be in a most critical and exposed position if the Natives perceive that there is not a sufficiently strong force to repel the encroachments of fanaticism and resistance to British supremacy.