the present petitioners. Moreover, it is obvious that no favourable answer can be expected to this application. The War Office will naturally reply that the question should have been referred to me in 1865, while the Imperial Troops were in the Colony, and now after a lapse of seven years, when it is practically impossible for the Imperial authorities to institute enquiries through their own Officers. The Home Government will also probably point out that no evidence is given such as would justify them in applying to the House of Commons for a special vote in this matter; and further, that the accounts between the Imperial Government and the Colonial Government, arising out of the War, were finally settled in 1868 - three years after the date of this claim. (Signed) G.F.S. Government House Wellington July 6th. 1872.