Wellington 14th. September 1870. Sir, I have the honour to enclose certain public documents, records of the Native and Defence Departments, upon the subjecy of a charge brought by Mr. Parris, the Civil Commissioner at Taranaki, against a Mr. John Purdie, who held a Commission in the Taranaki Militia. Mr. Parris charges Mr. Purdie with having, in the course of an official interview in the Civil Commissioner's office, used certain threats against him; the result of which was that His Excellency the Governor was advised to cancel, and did cancel, the Commission held by Mr. Purdie. Mr. Purdie petitioned the House of Representatives, and the Public Petitions Committee has agreed to a report which has been adopted by the House, and a copy of which I herein enclose. The effect of which was to recommend the Government to cause an enquiry to be made into his case, ''by an Officer or Officers of the Volunteer or Militia Force, invested with the power to administer oaths, of superior ranks and in no way connected with the Province of Taranaki.'' I have the honour to request that you will give the Government the benefit of your services in conducting the enquiry suggested by the House of Representatives. I enclose a Commission which will clothe you with the necessary power, and the Government consider that the rank you hold in the Imperial Service is a sufficient compliance with the suggestion of the Public Petitions Committee on that point. You will receive an allowance of two guineas (£2.2.0) a day while employed on this or any other enquiry you may undertake at the request of the Government, with necessary conveyance by sea and land when travelling. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient servant [Copy unsigned] The Honble. Lt. Col. Russell M.L.C. etc. etc. etc.