Wellington 9th. November 1850. Sir, I beg to submit, for your Excellency's perusal the enclosed Police Reports from the Taranaki district; which has been in rather a disturbed state, from the wanton, proceedings of the Europeans, namely:- W. Henwood and M. Connor, who, it appears, shot at and wounded a native horse; although there has not been sufficient evidence to ensure their being committed for trial. Taranaki is at present in a state of tranquility. How long it may continue is uncertain. From all I can learn, recent occurrences occasion some anxiety among both settlers and natives, for the introduction of military protection. The location of pensioners, where their service as labourers would be in constant demand, would prove infinitely more acceptable to the European population than regular troops. I regret very much that reckless Europeans should act with such indiscretion in a settlement where the natives are so easily excited; and I have sent instructions to the police, to use the utmost vigilance in detecting and apprehending future offenders. The Kawau, or town natives, whose horse was shot, ever since the occssion of their land to the Government, been reckoned the quietest and most friendly tribe at New Plymouth. Recent events, however, induce me to doubt whether they could be so fully relied on as hitherto, in the event of any aggression from the more avowedly hostile Puketapu tribe. I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient servt. (Signed) Donald McLean Inspector of Police. To:- His Excellency Sir George Grey. K.C.B. Governor-in-Chief.