FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE MILITARY DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND. (IN CONTINUATION OF PAPERS PRESENTED ON THE 23rd JUNE, 1858.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1860 Session I, A-06

A—No. 6

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE MILITARY DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND. (IN CONTINUATION OF PAPERS PRESENTED ON THE 23rd JUNE, 1858.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

A—No. 6

III

SCHEDULE.

MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE IN NEW ZEALAND.

H fkom wnojr. DATE. SUBJECT. i BARKACK ACCOMMODATION AND LODGING MONEY. Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. June 25, 1858 Referring to Lord Stanley's Despatch of 12th March, and proposing to refer the question on the subject to the Legislature. 2 Col. Wynyard to Governor Browne. Aug. 23, 1858 Referring to previous Despatches" upon the subject, and informing His Excellency the Imperial Authorities had made no provision for the purpose— en closing Letter to that effect from the Assistant Commissary General to the Major of Brigade. Aug. 23, 1858 Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. Aug. 26, 1858 Stating that the Legislature had passed two voteg, appropriating monies for the purpose, which could be at once available. 3 Col. Wynyard to Governor Browne. Aug. 27, 1858 Observing that the above Memorandum did not notice the question of Lodging Money, and requesting a distinct reply upon that matter. Col. Wynyard to Governor Browne. Aug. 28, 1858 War Office, June 8, 1858 Transmitting a Memorandum, received by the Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers from the War Office, upon the subject. Col. Wynyard to Governor Browne. Sept. 6, 1858 Urging a speedy settlement of the question, previous to the termination of the quarter —under the alternative of being obliged to act according to the terms of Lord Stanley's Despatch. « Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. Sept. 8, 1858 Submitting two schemes to the Imperial Authorities for the adjustment of the question, urging also for consideration the peculiar present circumstances of the Colony. 8 Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. Sept. 10, 1858 BARRACKS AT TARANAKI. Demurring to the justice of charging their coat on the Colony, as they were sent for and erected by the Military Authorities on their own responsibility. 9 Col. Wynyard to ■ Governor Browne. Sept. 11, 1858 Commenting on the above, stating they were ordered by the Officer Administering the Government, .who at the time was Her Majesty's Representative in the Colony. 10 Minute by the Governor. Sept. 13, 1858 Transmitting the above, acknowledging that, pending a reference Home, the Barracks were paid for out of the Military Chest, under a distinct agreement as to the repayment of the money. Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. Sept. 16, 1853 11 Renouncing all claims of a retrospective nature for Barracks; proposing, however, to take the sense of the Legislature upon the question, if the Imperial Authorities so wish it.

IV

MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE IN NEW ZEALAND— continued.

rA M W FROM WHOM. DATE. SUBJECT. H O ft LODGING MONEY. 12 Col. Wynyard to Governor Browne. Oct. 4, 1858 Assist. Com. Genl. Oct. 4,'58. Under Sec, Oct. 1, '58. Stating that the Colonial Authorities had refused the repayment of monies advanced out of the Military Chest on that account, and requesting some distinct guarantee for iti repayment, pend • ing a reference Home — enclosing Correspondence upon the subject. 813 Memorandum by the Governor. Oct. 5, 1858 Decliuing to give the guarantee required, distinct assurance from Ministers, that they will abide by the decision of the Home Authorities. 9 M Memorandum by Mr. Stafford. Oct. 6, 1858 Observing that such an assurance was intended, and that all duly authorised payments made would be refunded, if the Home Authorities decline to commute the charge, as proposed in the Memorandum of 8th September. 9 15 Memorandum by Mr. Whitaker. Nov. 24, 1858 LOCAL CORPS. Upon the Despatch of Secretary of State of 9th August, enclosing Colonel Wynyard's suggestions for the formation in New Zealand of Local Corps of Militia and Volunteers. 9 1 Colonel Gold to Governor Browne. July 1, 1859 BARRACKS. Transmitting Estimates tor the year 1859-00 for the repairs. &c., of Barracks and Civil Buildings— enclosing Explanatory Letter upon the above from the Commanding Eoyal Engineer. 10 1C Colonel Mould. June 29, 1859 11 Memorandum by Mr. Tancred. July 21, 1859 Stating that there are no other funds at the disposal of Ministers for the above purpose thau the vote of £1,500, and recommending that a selection be made of the works of the most urgent necessity to be done. 12 17 Comdr. Campion to GUN BOATS. Transmitting description and estimate of cost of maintaining either of two different Classes of Gun Boats. 12" 18 July 21, 1859 Governor Browne. Colonel Gold to Governor Browne. July 23, 1859 AUCKLAND DEFENCES. 14 19 Transmitting a Memorandum from the Commandiug Royal Engineer, as to the best mode of Defence for Auckland, and the principal Mercantile Ports in New Zealand. Colonel Mould. July 22. 1859 17 20 Memorandum by the Governor. July , 1859 Referring to the above two Despatches, and suggesting such portions of them as seem most fitted for present adoption. 21 Memorandum by Mr. Richmond. July 26, 1859 Advising that some portions of the schemes proposed be immediately acted upon. 18 Memorandum by Mr. Taucred. Aug. 1, 1859 Recommending that the Commanding Royal Engineer be requested to report on the most advisable manner of proceeding in the execution of the works proposed to be carried out. 18 22

A—No 6

V

MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE IN NEW ZEALAND— continued.

DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

si J3 to ** 3 FROM WHOM. DATE. SUBJECT. o 23 Colonel Gold to Governor Browne. Colonel Mould. Aug. 16, 1859 Transmitting Report from Commanding Royal Engineer on the erection of a Battery on Okahu Point, in Auckland Harbour. 18 19 Aug. 15, 1859 24 Colonel Gold to Governor Browne. Aug. 25, 1859 Transmitting Report from Commanding Royal Engineer on the erection of a Battery on the Bean Reef in Auckland Harbour, with estimates of the relative cost of each plan of Defence. 19 Colonel Mould. Aug. 23, 1859 21 26 2G Minute by the Governor. Memorandum by Mr. Whitaker. Aug. 26, 1859 Aug 30, 1859 Coinciding in opinion with Colonel Mould. Recommending the erection of Batteries on the Bean Reef. 21 27 Memorandum by Mr. Richmond. Sept. 23, 1859 Recommending that Peace having been proclaimed, the commencement of the works be postponed. 21 28 Memorandum by the Governor. Sept. 2G, 1859 Urging the danger of delays, and suggesting that the sum of £3,500, voted for the erection of new works, be appropriated for the commencement of the works proposed— enclosing Letter upon the above subject, renewing a protest upon the proposed stoppage of the works; and transmitting a Report from the Commanding Royal Engineer upon the same matter. 21 Sept. 26, 1859 22 Colonel Gold to Governor Browne. Colonel Mould. Sept. 25, 1859 29 Memorandum by Mr. Richmond. Oct. 12, 1859 Referring to the above, stating that Ministers are not of opinion that the urgency of the case is such as to justify them anticipating the action of the General Assembly in a matter of such 23 grave moment.

May 25, 1858 Barrack Accommodation. —Transmitting copy of a Letter from the Treasury, enclosing one from the War Office, and a Report from the Commissioners of Audit respecting an expenditure of £7,400 for Barracks in New Zealand. 24 Aug. 9, 1858 Local Corps.—Transmitting a copy of a Letter from the War Office, enclosing one from Colonel Wynyard respecting the formation of Local Corps of Militia and Volunteers. 25 Dec. 1C, 1858 Naval Force in New Zealand.—Transmitting correspondence with the Admiralty regarding the increase of. 26 Jan. 17, 1859 Military Force in New Zealand.—Trausmitting correspondence with the War Office respecting the increase in strength of the Service Companies of the C5th, and the formation of Volunteer Artillery. 27 5 May 5, 1859 General Defence op Australia.—Transmitting copies of correspondence between the Home Authorities and the Governors of New South Wales and Victoria as to the most efficient means of providing for the Naval protection of the Colonies, and the adjustment of the cost of the Transport of Troops from Colony to Colony, or to the Mother Country. 81 Notb.—For fiirtlu cr Papers on (lie subject of Military Defence, see the next Paper, A—No. Cα.

2

MILITAEY DEFENCE. COPY OP A MEMORANDUM BY ME. STAFFORD. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 25th June, 1858. military. With reference to Lord Stanley's Despatch, No. 2, of the 12th March last, His Excellency's Advisers have to remark that they still adhere to the opinion expressed in their Memorandum, marked Military, of the 6tb May, 1857, that New Zealand is at present unable to bear the expense sought to be cast upon her, of providing Barrack accommodation. As however Lord Stanley has announced on the part of the Imperial Government that the Troops will be withdrawn if such accommodation is not provided, and as great calamities to the Colony must be expected to ensue if it be left without Troops, His Excellency's Ministers will propose to the Legislature, now in Session, to vote a sum on account of the expenses of Barrack accommodation in New Zealand. At the same time, it is necessary to state that the charge thus imposed on the already heavily burthened resources of a young Colony, will tend materially to check its progress, and delay the arrival of the time when it will be able to make any large or permanent provision for its Military Defence. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM COL. WXNYARD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 23rd August, 1858. Sir— Mth June, 1858, J n reference to my communications as set forth in the margin, founded on instructions from w °" '***• the Home Authorities, respecting which I beg leave to observe, I as yet remain uninformed of the rio. i 725. c ' ' ' views taken thereon by the Colonial Government, I have now to state for your Excellency's infor28th June, 1858. 'nation that I have just ascertained, no grant by the Imperial Patliament has been passed for the No. 1745. repair and maintenance of Barracks and other public Buildings or for the Lodging-money for Officers vuu letter en- an( i Jfl en \ n thie Command. \ugust 1868. " Under these circumstances, I trust I may be pardoned if I presume to request an early reply to my Letters above alluded to, as it is absolutely necessary some final decision should be come to before the termination of the current Quarter. I have, &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. Commissariat, Auckland, 23rd August, 185 S. Sir,— (Enclonue.) I have the honor to request you will bring to the notice of the Officer Commanding the Troops in this Colony, the circumstance that no Vote appears to h;ivo been taken in the Annual Estimates for the current year for Lodging Money in this Colony, which was estimated at £5,122. The whole amount of Vote No. 7, iv which this allowance is included, allotted to New Zealand, is £1532, which is less than the sum estimated for Salaries, Rents, and Contingencies; leaving the Lodging Allowance totally unprovided for. I therefore respectfully submit for his consideration, if it is not contemplated by the Authorities at Home, that all expenses under this head should be met and provided for by the Colonial Governmt. I have, &c, (Signed) 11. Stanley Jones, Assistant Commissary General, The Major of Brigade, Controller of Army Expenditure. &C.j &c, Auckland. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. STAFFORD. Colonial Secretary's Office, tarv. Auckland, 2Gth August, 1858. With reference to the communications from the Colonel Commanding the Forces noted in the 1858. margin, and to the Estimates forwarded therewith, His Excellency's Ministers have to state that a Voto v £1500 for repairs of existing Barracks for the current year having been passed by the Colonial I ;ture, the Military Authorities can expend any sums not exceeding in the whole fifteen hundred pounds in maintaining and repairing existing Military Buildings.

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A—No. C

All payments on account of such expenditure to be supported by proper vouchers. The Committee of Supply having determined that all new works were to be charged against the Province within which they might be Greeted, it will be necessary that the Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers should from time to time explain the nature and object of each work; the whole sum approved for that service being Three thousand five hundred pounds. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM COL. WYNYARD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 27th August, 1858. Sir,— As the enclosure accompanying your Excellency's communication of this day's date has reference only to two subjects, viz, the repair of existing Barracks and the construction of new Barracks, and takes no notice whatever of the third point alluded to in my Letters (enumerated in the margin), and as the instructions are equally explicit in all, I trust your Excellency will pardon me if I lith jum, m again allude to the Despatch of the I2th March last regarding Lodging Money for Officers and Men in No - this Command, and in so doing I request to be favoured with a distinct reply on the subject ; the more *^ li ( so as the Parliamentary Grant for this service in New Zealand has been suspended, as already made known to your Excellency in my letter of the 23rd instant. I have no wish to press unduly these details on the noticeof the Colonial Government, however, in my position, I have no alternative but to carry out the instructions received from the Authorities at Home, and in the absence of further pecuniary concession, to seek your Excellency's opinion and decision as to the alternative laid down in the Secretary of State's Despatch above alluded to, for it is evident the allowances in question must be forthcoming from some source or another, if the Troops are to be retained in the Colony. I have &c. (Signed) E. H. Wtntard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. COPY OP A DESPATCH FROM COLONEL WYNYARD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.li. Auckland, 28th August, 1858. As the subject of the enclosed communication, just received from the Commanding Royal Engineer fully bears out my Letter of yesterday's date addressed to your Excellency on the subject of Lodging 'for Officers and Men in this Command, I hasten to submit the same for your perusal and information. I have &c, (Signed) R. H. Wyntakd, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. Royal Engineer Office, Auckland, 28th August, 1858. I have the honor to forward herewith for the information of the Colonel Commanding the Enc]lwur . Forces, a copy of a Memorandum I received by the June Mail from the Inspector-General of use. Fortifications. I have, &c, (Signed) Tnos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. The Major of Brigade, &c., &c, Auckland. Barracks. War Office, Bth June, 1858. MEMORANDUM FOR THE COMMANDING ROYAL ENGINEER AT AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. In reference to the various correspondence that has taken place relative to the expenditure Enc]Qiure ) incurred since February 1857, in the maintenance and repair of Barracks, &c, in New Zealand; The Commanding Royal Engineer is informed that the question as to whether tho Imperial or the Colonial Government shall provide the expenditure requisite for Barrack services of every nature

4

at New Zealand, lias again been under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government and that it has been finally decided that the general charges for Lodging Officers and Men, including the maintenance and repair of Barracks, and the construction of such additional Barracks as may be required, shall beborne by the Colonial Government, being in adherence to the decision notified to the Commanding Koyal Engineer by Letter from this Office dated 26th August 1857 ° T V* containing a copy of a Letter from this office to the Colonial Office dated 4th August, 1857. For the I. G F. (Signed) Edward Belfield, A. I. G. F. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM COL. WYNYARD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 6th September 1858. Sin,— 15th June, 1858, As in about three weeks hence, on the termination of the present Quarter, the Lodging No. \-x. Money for Officers and Men will fall due and as the Letters I have had the honor to address your Ex»7ih Aug., m."» 8, cellency on this point remain unanswered, while on the other hand, no Funds are provided by the Imperial Parliament for this Service in New Zealand for the year 1858-9; I earnestly entreat I may be speedily favoured with some decision, for unless I am duly enabled to pay the Troops under my Command, and meet the requirements of the Service authorised by Regulation, there will remain, I apprehend no alternative on my part but to draw your Excellency's special attention to the terms clearly and distinctly laid down in the Despatch from the Eight Honorable the Secretary of State, of 12th March last, conveying the final decision of Her Majesty's Government on the subject. I havfe, &c, (Signed) R. IT. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. CorY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. STAFFORD. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland Bth September, 1858. Military With reference to the communications, noted in the margin, from the Colonel Commanding the rrr = _ —- Troops in New Zealand, relative to the payment of the Lodging: Money of Officers stationed in the ?7lh Aug., 1838 „. 1 rT . _ „ > a j • i \. J i J-re i • • ■ i. J • • , u nri Tunr Colony, His Excellency s Advisers have had great difficulty in arriving at a decision. JtUil Aug., 1000 * , * , . 1 • P 1 ■!* 1 IP /*! 1 ■ 1 T"» J Sth gent 18»" In previous correspondence on the subject or the contribution to be made trom Colonial .bunds towards the expenses of the Troops in New Zealand, Mr. Labouchere stated that for the future the Colony would be expected to provide for the maintenance and repair of existing Barracks, and the construction of such additional Barracks as might be required. In reply to this demand, His Excellency's Advisers endeavoured to satisfy the Imperial Authorities, that the time had not arrived when it was either just or expedient to enforce such a demand against the Colony. By a Despatch from Lord Stanley, dated the 12th of March last, the Governor was informed that Her Majesty's Imperial Government adhered to the decision of their Predecessors ; and therefore, during the late Session of the General Assembly, two sums were granted for the purposes specified by Mr. Labouchere, viz, the repair of existing Barracks, and the construction of new Buildings. In order to meet this new burthen, it was necessary to raise additional revenue ; and, with this intention, additional Customs Duties were imposed upon articles, previously so heavily taxed, that it is doubtful whether a proportionate additional Revenue will be raised under the new rates. By the communications referred to from the Colonel Commanding the Forces, it would now, however, appear that Lord Stanley intended greatly to increase the demand made by Mr. Labouchere— the Colonel Commanding' stating that no provision having been made by the Imperial Government for pecuniary allowances to Officers and Men in lieu of Barrack accommodation—it is necessary that Funds for these purposes should be found by the' Colony, besides the amount required for the repair and erection of Barracks. His Excellency's Advisers have therefore to adopt the alternative of either authorising upon their own responsibility a large expenditure of public money, without reference to the Legislature, or of permitting all the Troops in New Zealand to be at once removed. They cannot take upon themselves the latter responsibility, and are therefore compelled to undertake to pay, until the next Session of the General Assembly, the demand made by the Colonel Commanding ; if, on reconsideration, the Imperial Authorities shall decide to exact from the Colony this additional charge. Towards covering this expenditure, should it have to be met, it will however be necessary that the sums granted by the Assembly for new buildings be in the meantime withheld ; the sum voted for repairs will therefore be alone available, at present, for Military purposes. It is essential that the Authorities should be made aware how impolitic it would be to enforce this new demand, which is especially onerous, from the circumstance that up to the present time, although Barracks have been provided for the Men, no Quarters have been erected for the Officers ; and they consequently receive an allowance disproportionately large,—from the scarcity and high rent of houses in a now Colony. Tlie Advisers of the Crown in New Zealand are most desirous that, for the future, irritating questions of this nature should not arise between tier Majesty's Imperial and Colonial Governments ; l

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A—No. 6

All payments on account of such expenditure to be supported by proper vouchers. The Committee of Supply having determined that all new works were to be charged against the Province within which they might be Greeted, it will be necessary that the Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers should from time to time explain the nature and object of each work; the whole sum approved for that service being Three thousand five hundred pounds. • (Signed) E. W. Stafford. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM COL. WYNYARD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 27th August, 1858. As the enclosure accompanying your Excellency's communication of this day's date has reference only to two subjects, viz, the repair of existing Barracks and ihe construction of new Barracks, and takes no notice whatever of the third point alluded to in my Letters (enumerated in the margin), and as the instructions are equally explicit in all, I trust your Excellency will pardon me if I wth June, 18*8, again allude to the Despatch of the I2th March last regarding Lodging Money for Officers and Men in No -! this Command, and in so doing I request to be favoured with a distinct reply on the subject; the more *** ££*•• IBis, so as the Parliamentary Grant for this service in New Zealand has been suspended, as already made known to your Excellency in my letter of the 23rd instant. I have no wish to press unduly these details on the notice of the Colonial Government, however, in my position, I have no alternative but to carry out the instructions received from the Authorities at Home, and in the absence of further pecuniary concession, to seek your Excellency's opinion and decision as to the alternative laid down in the Secretary of State's Despatch above alluded to, for it is evident the allowances in question must be forthcoming from some source or another, if the Troops are to be retained in the Colony. I have &c. (Signed) E. H. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c., &cCOPY 01' A DESPATCH FROM COLONEL WYNYAKD, C.8., TO GOVERNOII GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 28th August, 1858. As the subject of the enclosed communication, just received from the Commanding Royal Engineer, fully bears out my Letter of yesterday's date addressed to your Excellency on the subject of Lodfing , for Officers and Men iv this Command, I hasten to submit the same for your perusal and information. I have &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. Royal Engineer Office, Auckland, 28th August, 1858. I have the honor to forward herewith for the information of the Colonel Commanding the Enclesure) Forces, a copy of a Memorandum I received by the June Mail from the Inspector-General of ethJun^'ew. Fortifications. I havo, &c, (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. The Major of Brigade, &c, &c, Auckland. Barracks. War Office, Bth June, 1858. MEMORANDUM FOR THE COMMANDING ROYAL ENGINEER AT AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. In reference to the various correspondence that has taken place relative to the expenditure EncloJure) incurred since February 1857, in the maintenance and repair of Barracks, Bm., in New Zealand; The Commanding Royal Engineer is informed that the question as to whether the Imperial or the Colonial Government shall provide the expenditure requisite for Barrack services of every nature

4

at New Zealand, has again been under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government and that it has been finally decided that the general charges for Lodging Officers and Men, including the maintenance and repair of Barracks, and the construction of such additional Barracks as may be required, shall be borne by the Colonial Government, being in adherence to the decision notified to the CommandingEoyal Engineer by Letter from this Office dated 20th August 1857 W" containing a copy of a Letter from this office to the Colonial Office dated 4th August, 1857. For the I. G F. (Signed) Edward Belfield, A, I. G. F. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM COL. WYNYARD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 6th September 1858. Sin, — leth June, lean, As in about three weeks hence, on the termination of the present Quarter, the Lodging K<>. i7-'G. Money for Officers and Men will fall due and as the Letters I have had the honor to address your Ex- -~ th Au e> 18M, >cellency on this point remain unanswered, while on the other hand, no Funds are provided by the Imperial Parliament for this Service in New Zealand for the year 1858-9; I earnestly entreat I may be speedily favoured with some decision, for unless I am duly enabled to pay the Troops under my Command, and meet the requirements of the Service authorised by Regulation, there will remain, I apprehend no alternative on my part but to draw your Excellency's special attention to the terms clearly and distinctly laid down in the Despatch from the Eight Honorable the Secretary of State, of 12th March last, conveying the final decision of Her Majesty's Government on the subject. I havte, &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, "&c, &c. COPY 01? A MEMORANDUM BY MR. STAFFORD. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland Bth September, 1858. Milwart, With reference to the communications, noted in the margin, from the Colonel Commanding the ■>-th"*u iir,i7 Troops in New Zealand, relative to the payment of the Lodging Money of Officers stationed in the "iii \u~~7bmT Colony, His Excellency's Advisers have had great difficulty in arriving at a decision. *h sent 1858 - In previous correspondence on the subject of the contribution to be made from Colonial Funds towards the expenses of the Troops in New Zealand, Mr. Labouchere stated that for the future the Colouy would be expected to provide for the maintenance and repair of existing Barracks, and the construction of such additional Barracks as might be required. In reply to this demand, His Excellency's Advisers endeavoured to satisfy the Imperial Authorities, that the time had not arrived when it was either just or expedient to enforce such a demand against the Colony. By a Despatch from Lord Stanley, dated the 12th of March last, the Governor was informed that Her Majesty's Imperial Government adhered to the decision of their Predecessors ; and therefore, during the late Session of the General Assembly, two sums were granted for the purposes specified by Mr. Labouchere, viz , the repair of existing Barracks, and the construction of new Buildings. In order to meet this new burthen, it was necessary to raise additional revenue ; and, with this intention, additional Customs Duties were imposed upon articles, previously so heavily taxed, that it is doubtful whether a proportionate additional Revenue will be raised under the new rates. By the communications referred to from the Colonel Commanding the Forces, it would now, however, appear that Lord Stanley intended greatly to increase the demaud made by Mr. Labouchere— the Colonel Commanding stating that no provision having , been made by the Imperial Government for pecuniary allowances to Officers and Men in lieu of Barrack accommodation—it is necessary that Funds for these purposes should be found by the Colony, besides the amount required for the repair and erection of Barracks. His Excellency's Advisers have therefore to adopt the alternative of either authorising upon their own responsibility a large expenditure of public money, without reference to the Legislature, or of permitting all the Troops in New Zealand to be at once removed. They cannot take upon themselves the latter responsibility, and are therefore compelled to undertake to pay, until the next Session of tho General Assembly, the demand made by the Colonel Commanding ; if, on reconsideration, the Imperial Authorities shall decide to exact from the Colony this additional charge. Towards covering this expenditure, should it "have to be met, it will however be necessary that the sums granted by the Assembly for new buildings be in the meantime withheld ; the sum voted for repairs will therefore be alone available, at present, for Military purposes. It is essential that the Authorities should be made aware how impolitic it would be to enforce this new demand, which is especially onerous, from the circumstance that up to the present time, although Barracks have been provided for the Men, no Quarters have been erected for the Officers ; and they consequently receive an allowance disproportionately large,—from the scarcity and high rent of houses in v new Colony. Tlie Advisers of the Crown in New Zealand are most desirous that, for the future, irritating ■stions of this nature should not arise between Her Majesty's Imperial and Colonial Governments ;

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A—No. 6

and, with that view, they submit that one of the following courses might with propriety be adopted, viz.,— 1. That Officer's Quarters shall be at once built on sites to bo provided by the Colony; to construct which, the Imperial Government should advance a sum not exceeding Thirty Thousand Pounds, —for which the Colony should be charged per annum, at the rate of 4 per cent, for interest, and 2 per cent, for a sinking fund. That, in order to secure the repayment of the advance, the property in the sites shall be vested in Imperial Officers, with a power of sale whenever the interest or sinking fund shall fall in arrear. The whole Barrack accommodation, for Officers and Men, to be then kept in repair by the Colonial Government; and whenever the debt shall have been repaid, the land and buildings to become the property of the Colony. 2. If the Imperial Authorities do not concur in this arrangement, —which would be preferable to any other, —it is proposed that, instead of the Colony being called upon from time to time to meet specific charges, it should contribute for the present, towards defraying the expenses of the Military establishment maintained in it, the sum of Five Pounds per annum for each man. If either of these arrangements are adopted, it is submitted that no further demands on account of Military expenses should be made upon the Colony for five years, at the end of which time the question might be reconsidered with reference to the then position of New Zealand, —which, if able, would no doubt be willing to contribute more largely towards the expense of maintaining the Military Force necessary to preserve it from anarchy. If Her Majesty's Imperial Government shall think fit to accede to either of these propositions, the Colony may be able to bear up against the very heavy burthens to which it is subject, and may, at no distant day, be in a position to relieve the Imperial Government from a large portion of the Military expenditure now incurred on its account. If, on the other hand, further pecuniary demands are made on the Colony, there appears to be no alternative but the withdrawal of the Troops. No doubt such an event would seriously imperil the Colony: but the Colonists would have no option. They are not in a position, at present, to bear increased pecuniary burthens; and, if the alternatives be, that increased burthens must be submitted to or the Troops withdrawn, the latter must necessarily be accepted. In making this statement, His Excellency's Advisers do not shut their eyes to the result which, sooner or later, would no doubt prove most disastrous. Without an adequate Military Force, peaceful relations could not, for any length of time, be maintained between the different Races of Her Majesty's subjects; and a war of Races, if it did not speedily exterminate the Aborigines, would certainly annihilate all hope of their civilization, and, while injurious in every way to the Colonists themselves, would be most embarrassing to Her Majesty's Government. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. copy of a memorandum by mk. Stafford. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 10th September, 1858. With reference to Lord Stanley's Despatch, No. 20, of the 25th May last, with its enclosures, Military." relative to the expenses incurred for Barracks at New Plymouth, His Excellency's Advisers have to Baracks at Ntw v state that the Iron Houses for the Barracks in question were, in April, 1855, ordered from Melbourne p| - nouth J"by the Military Authorities, on their own responsibility. To meet the expenses thus incurred, no Colonial funds are available, the House of Representatives having refused to appropriate any portion of the public revenues of New Zealand towards defraying these expenses, on the ground that they had been incurred at a time when the power of exercising a control over the Executive proceedings of the Government had not been conceded to the Legislature. The House of Representatives has now undertaken to provide the sums required in future for maintaining existing, and constructing new Barracks; but there is no probability that it will consider that a retrospective charge like the present, is different in character from any other charges which might be advanced on account of expenses previously incurred for similar purposes in New Zealand. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. COPY OF A LETTER FROM COL. WYNYAUD, C.8., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 11th September, 1858. Sib,— Before I transmit for the information of the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for War, a copy of the Minute accompanying your Excellency's communication of this day's date, respect- September loth, ing the sum set forth in the margin, advanced from the Military chest in 1856, on account of the outlay incurred for Barracks at Taranaki, for the sole purpose of relieving the Colonial Funds, and that too, £6,232 4 ° on the special guarantee of your Excellency that, if disallowed, it should be foithwith repaid, which repayment I must observe was postponed in April 1857, agreeably to the terms of a further correspondence with a renewed assurance that the responsibility would of course rest with yourself.

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I deem it my duty respectfully to record my dissent to the view now taken of this question by your Responsible Advisers. It has not, I conceive, any thing to do with the original construction of the Barracks at New Plymouth, it was simply an advance made on your Excellency's request and guarantee, from the Military chest in 1856, to relieve a pressure on the Colonial funds, which advance was ordered to be recovered (vide my letter of the 20th April 1857, alluded to in Mr. Stafford's Minute of the Bth of the following month) but postponed on a further pledge of responsibility, and now, when a final decision is communicated, and a settlement pressed, your Excellency's Advisers repudiate the claim altogether; a step, I humbly conceive, should have been taken, if taken at all, when the subject was last under consideration, and then duly admitted by them, and not now after a lapse of nearly a year and a half; for could Iby any possibility have foreseen such a result, I much doubt if I should have been justified in making the original advance, nor do I think your Excellency would have been induced to have made the request, supported with your personal guarantee, as regards its repayment if disallowed by the Home Authorities, if you could have anticipated this result. I beg, in conclusion, to observe that the Iron Barracks at New Plymouth were not ordered from Melbourne by the Military authorities on their own responsibility, but by the Officer administering the Government, who was for the time being Her Majesty's Representative in this Colony, and these proceedings received the approval of the Right Honorable the Secretary of State. I have Bee. (Signed) R. H. Wx-nyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. COPY OF A MINUTE WITH COLONEL WTNYARD's LETTER OF lITII SEI'TEMBEB 1858. Government House, 13th September, 1858. Prior to the erection of Barracks at New Plymouth the Secretary of State had positively directed that no further expense should be incurred on account of Her Majesty's Government either for Barracks or Fortifications in New Zealand. An urgent necessity arose—the Officer administering the Government was entreated to send troops for the salvation of the settlement— vide Memorials and Petitions both to the Local and Home Governments. Whon he did send troops to remain permanently, it became necessary to provide Barracks, and he did so on his own responsibility, at the expense of the Colonial Government.—The Assembly refused payment: not because it disputed the necessity or the propriety of the expenditure, but because it desired protection without expense. If the necessity for Barracks at New Plymouth, at the time they wore built, admits of a doubt, the Colonial Government might dispute the payment for them ; but even if they were now removed, they must be replaced by others, or New Plymouth would be abandoned to the Natives. The question soems to me precisely similar to that winch was mooted in reference to Ahuriri, where Ministers were forced to incur the expense for Barrack accommodation because Her Majesty's Government refused to do so. The Barracks at New Plymouth were built before Responsible Government was established, but Responsible Government has enjoyed the benefit of them, and been spared the expense which Ministers must necessarily have incurred unless they had determined to leave New Plymouth to the Maories— added to which, the debts and credits of the Colony, together with the Crown Lauds, which far exceeded the former in value, were all transferred to and accepted by the Colonial Government when Responsible Government was granted. In conclusion the Governor observes that Colonel Wynyard's statement of the case is perfectly correct.—He consented to repay the cost of the Barracks at New Plymouth into the Colonial chest, which was then empty, on a distinct understanding that his so doing should not prejudice the ultimate decision which has now been communicated by the Secretary of State to the Colonial Government. (Signed) T. Gore Browne. •> COPY OS A MEMORANDUM j)T >£K. STAFFORD. Auckland, September 16th, 1858. With reference to Colonel Wynyard's letter of the 11th instant, and the Governor's minute thereon, on the subject of the Barracks erected at New Plymouth in 1855, Ministers have to make tin following observations. Colonel Wynyard is under some misapprehension when he states that these Barracks " were not ordered from Melbourne by the Military Authorities on their own responsibility, but by the Officer Administering , the Government." No records exist of the Civil Authorities having even b(?en informed, much less of their havingapprove M conveyed by letter, dated the 16th April,

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1855, from Colonel Baddeley, Commanding Roj'al Engineers, to Captain Ross at Melbourne, —the latter Officer being requested "to purchase and transmit to New Plymouth nine corrugated and galvanised iron houses," which, Colonel Baddeley states, "should not cost more than £150 a piece, or £1350;" to meet which sum, he directs Captain Ross to draw a Bill on the Colonial Treasury of Auckland, adding—"for the due payment of which I hold myself responsible." This letter is countersigned. "Approved,—R. H. Wyntakd, " Colonel Commanding the Troops." On the 9th July, 1855, bills drawn at Melbourne through the Union Bank, amounting to £4591 lGs. on account of these Barracks, were presented at the Colonial Treasury, Auckland. The Civil Government, having , no information with respect to this demand, the Colonial Treasurer addressed a letter to the Colonial Secretary, requesting the instructions of the Officer Administering the Government, who thereupon, by minute dated 10th July, requested the Officer Commanding the Troop 6to state " whether ho knew of the arrival of these drafts, and, if so, whether they are fully due, —and that the service connected therewith has been complied with and carried out." The Colonial Treasurer's letter having also been referred to the Auditor General, that Officer reported as follows:— "This is a claim for £4591 lGs. for Barracks for the Troops at New Plymouth. "Tt appears by the correspondence that the expense authorised by the Military Authorities was only £1350. It would also seem that the Barracks were not required for the purpose for which they were purchased, and that the Engineer Officer holds himself responsible for the payment of the expense originally authorised, —namely, £1350. The question referred to the Audit Department is, what arrangements are necessary for the due acceptance of the Bills. "In reply it is found that no provision has been made for this service;—that it is not shown that the expense ought to be borne by the Colony;—that it is greatly in excess of the amount authorized; — and that there are no funds in the Treasury but Land Deposits, which are not available for the Service. (Signed) "Chari.es Knight. "July 11th, 1855. "Auditor-General." The statements conveyed in the above report were not impugned by Colonel Wynyard, either as Officer Administering the Government, or as Commanding the Troops; but he writes that " arrangements must be made under any circumstances for the due acceptance of these bills." It is thus evident that the first step taken by the Officer Administering the Government, in connection with these Barracks, was to apply to the Military Authorities, as the parties who had ordered them, for information, —subsequently he ordered, on his own responsibility, the payment of their cost out of the Colonial Revenue. When the Governor arrived in New Zealand (the House of Representatives having in the meantime refused to make good the sums required for the&e Barracks), His Excellency called upon the Officer lately administering the Government, to refund the sum of £4631 expended on them, until the Imperial Government had decided what was to be done, —adding " there is no authority in this country by which he could expend money disallowed by the House of Representatives." After some time the refund required was made from the Military (best, —it being understood between the Governor and the Colonel Commanding, that the question was to be referred to the Imperial Authorities. With respect to this understanding, it is sufficient to observe that the Governor and the Officer Commanding the Troops (two Officers of the Imperial Government), whilst declining to take upou themselves the responsibility of spending Colonial funds, would appear to assume that the Home Government could apply these funds, the appropriation of which, by the Constitution of Government of New Zealand, is solely vested in the Colonial Legislature. Colonel Wynyard, in his letter of the 11th instant, further states that the present Advisers of the Crown in New Zealand, admitted, by Mr. Stafford's Memorandum of the Bth May, 1857, a claim for repayment of this sum to the Military Chest. On reference to that Memorandum, which relates not only to the cost of the Barracks already erected at New Plymouth, but to the cost of future Barracks, no such admission appears,—on the contrary, it is stated that the General Assembly having made no provision for these purposes, and the Colonial Revenue not appropriated by that body, being expressly appropriated by an Act of Parliament, it could not legally be applied to them. The Governor, in his Minute on Colonel Wynyard's letter, imputes to the House of Representatives other motives for refusing to make good the cost of these Barracks than those assigned in the Resolution adopted by the House on the subject. Upon the imputation thus conveyed by His Excellency, Ministers do not desire to comment: —it is sufficient for them, that, on the only occasion when the question of making good this cost was brought before the House, it refused to do so. It having Been shewn that the Barracks in question were orJered by the Military, not the Civil, Authorities, wls > were not even informed on the subject,—it is also to be observed that the Colony was not required to meet the charge of erecting and maintaining Barracks in future, for nearly two years after the Barracks in question had been ordered :—the previous correspondence on the subject of Military expenses chargeable on the Colony, referring only to fortifications against an enemy from t, —not to accommodation for Troops. To meet this charge from Colonial Funds, would therefore he virtually ante-dating - by two years, the arrangement recently accepted by the Colonial Legislature. Until the Legislature had intimated its opinion on the subject of Military expense?, the Ministry of New Zealand have always hitherto declined to sanction them, even with respect to the future; the

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Barracks erected at Napier being no exception to this course, —as the funds were provided by the Provincial Government of Wellington. They are still less inclined, therefore, to do so with respect to retrospective charges, —which, if admitted in this case, might be extended to the cost of constructing all the other Barracks hitherto erected in the Colony. If the Imperial Government should desire it, they will, however, submit the question to the General Assembly in its next Session —but without pledging themselves to make it a Ministerial question, or even to support it as a Ministry. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. COPY OF A LETTER FROM COL. WYNYARD, C.8., TO GOVF.RNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 4th October, 1858. Sir—, It is with much regret I feel called upon to trouble your Excellency again with a October 4, )858. correspondence connected with the Military expenditure in this Command, but the enclosed letter from the Senior Commissariat Officer will explain the position in which I am placed for want of funds to meet the demands under the Head of Lodging Money for Officers and Men, which I informed your Excellency was disallowed on the Estimates from Home. From the views taken of the question by the Colonial Authorities, I have no alternative but to request some steps may be taken for meeting the necessary outlay for this service froir the funds of the Colony, or some distinct guarantee for the repayment of the same, in the event of the issue being continued from the Military chest, pending a reference Home. My reading of the Colonial Secretary's Minute of the Bth September 1858, certainly led me to conclude that, in altering the grant for repairs, and construction of buildings, the sum of three thousand five hundred pounds (£3500) set apart for the latter purpose, was available for the payment of Lodgings, &c, for the present. The wording of the Minute alluded to runs thus : " They cannot take upon themselves the latter responsibility, and are therefore compelled to " undertake to pay, until the next Session of the Assembly, the demand made by the Colonel "Commanding, if, on reconsideration, the Imperial Authorities shall decide to exact from the Colony " this additional charge." I have, &c, (Signed) R. IT. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. Commissariat, Auckland, 4th October, 1858. Sir,— (Encioiure) In reply to your letter of the 14th ultimo, No. 1135, instructing me by direction of the Officer Commanding the Troops, to make a claim upon the Colonial Government for the sums paid on account of Lodging money from the commencement of the financial year, I now do myself the honor to report, for the information of the Officer Commanding the Troops, that the Colonial Government have declined making the repayment in question. I beg to hand you October 1.1850. j ierew ;th, copy of the reply of the Under Colonial Secretary to my letter. I have, &c, (Signed) H. Stanley Jones, Assistant Commissary General. The Major of Brigade, &c, &c, &c, Auckland. Colonial Secretary's Office. Auckland, Ist October, 1858. Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 489, of the 29th ult., (Enclosure.) transmitting a statement of sums expended for Lodging money, hire of buildings, &c, from the Ist April last, and requesting the repayment of the amount into the Imperial Treasury chest under your charge, as you had been instructed by the Officer Commanding the Troops in this Colony, that the Colonial Government had consented to pay the same. In reply, the Colonial Secretary desires me to state, that some misapprehension on your part, appears to exist, as to the course taken by the Colonial Government in this matter. Ministers, in a Memorandum of the Bth ultimo, marked " Military," which has been forwarded by His Excellency the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, submitted certain proposals to the Imperial Government as to the mode in which for the future, accommodation for Officers should be provided.

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Pending a reply to that Memorial, it was arranged that no payments on that account should be made from the Colonial funds, on the understanding that, if required by the Imperial Government, after consideration of the Memorandum referred to, the sums expended for Officers' quarters after the sth April, 1858, until the next session of the General Assembly, should be provided by the Colonial Government. 1 have &c. (Signed) W. Gisborne, EL S. Jones, Esq. A. C. G., Under Secretary. Comptroller of Army Expenditure. COPT OP A MEMORANDUM BT THE GOVERNOR. Government House, sth October, 1858. As there appears to be some misunderstanding, the Governor declines to give the guarantee suggested by Colonel Wynyard in the 2nd paragraph of his letter, without some distinct assurance from Ministers, that they will abide by the decision of Her Majesty's Government. (Signed) T. Gore Browne. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. STAFFORD. Colonial Secretary's Office, 6th October, 1858. Referring to the Governor's Memorandum of yesterday's date on Colonel Wynyard's letter of the Militaiy, 4th instant, it is observed, that the assurance required by His Excellency, was intended ; and appears — to have been conveyed in Mr. Stafford's Memorandum of the Bth September last (Military) ; wherein it is, in effect, stated, that the charge on account of Lodging money from the sth April, 1858, would be paid, until the next Session of the General Assembly—if, on reconsideration, the Imperial Authorities should decide to exact it. In accordance with that statement, all duly authorised payments on that account which may be made from the Military chest, pending the decision of the Imperial Government, will be replaced from Colonial Funds, —if the decision is adverse to the commutation of the charge, proposed in the Memorandum of the Bth ultimo. In the mean time, it is requested that the charges on account of this service may be periodically reported to the Colonial Government, in the form required by the Imperial Government, with a view to their ultimate audit. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. WHITAKER. 24th November, 1858. His Excellency's Advisers have had under their consideration the Secretary of State's Despatch of Military. the 9th August last, with the enclosures, including Colonel Wynyard's suggestions relative to the formation in New Zealand, of local Corps to be composed of Pensioners, Volunteers from the line, Discharged Soldiers, and Militia. Colonel Wynyard offers no suggestion as to the manner in which he would attempt the formation of such a Corps, and His Excellency's Advisers are quite at a loss to understand in what manner it would be possible to carry such a scheme into effect. If Colonel Wynyard means that men in New Zealand would be inclined to enlist for the same pay that Her Majesty's regular Troops receive, there cannot be a doubt that he is altogether mistaken. With labourers' wages at from ss. to Bs. a day, it is impossible to conceive that men could be found to accept much less as soldiers. The pay given to the Police is a fair criterion, as they are mostly of the same class as those Colonel Wynyard states may he expected to avail themselves of an offer of 6ervice in a Colonial Corps. The Police pay in Auckland is as follows :— Inspector £275 per annum. Sergeant Major .'.... 9s. 7d. per day. Sergeants 6s. 7d. " Corporals 6s. " Privates ss. Gd. " As regards one class of men—discharged soldiers—Colonel Wynyard has himself tried the experiment as to whether, after being discharged, they are willing to enter the military service. In August 1857, about one hundred men were discharged from the 58th Regiment; a few days afterwards the news of the disaster in India was received, and Colonel Wynyard feeling that a large reduction of the force under his command was not desirable, was anxious to re-enlist some of the men, and having " reason to suspect that many good men had been much disappointed," he caused an advertisement to be inserted in the New Zealand Gazette, making known the terms upon which they could return to the Regiment; but the result was that not a single man re-enlisted.

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On the other hand, if Colonel Wynyard's intention is, that men should be enlisted for regular service with Colonial pay, the expense, even if the men could be procured at all, would be far beyond what it would be possible for the Colony to pay. The annual cost of a Regiment of a thousand men would not fall much short of £100,000, besides which, the loss to the Colony would be very serious, in fact ruinous, by the absorption of so large a proportion of the available labour ; and after looking at the men whom it would be necessary to take, in order to be able to make up such a force, and the many drawbacks to its efficiency in other respects, it would be greatly inferior to one of Her Majesty's Regiments of the Line, though at least three times more expensive. Many suggestions have from time to time been made, as to the best mode of organizing a Military Force for the Colony, but of all these, the proposal of Colonel Wynyard appears to be the most wild and impracticable, and it is difficult to conceive how a person of his experience in the Colony could have seriously suggested it. It must at once be admitted, that Her Majesty's Troops at present on service in New Zealand are not sufficient to garrison the different stations which it is necessary to occupy, and there is no spare Force available for any emergency which may arise, His Excellency's Advisers have felt themselves called upon from time to time to represent the inadequency of the present Force in the strongest terms, but Her Majesty's Imperial Government has not regarded those representations. At the same time, as His Excellency is aware, his Advisers have not lost sight of the propriety and importance of making the Colonists available to assist in the protection of the country. The impossibily of raising a Force for permanent or regular duty in this Colony ; except unreasonable expense and ruinous consequences be disregarded, cannot be questioned ; but it is possible to place the inhabitants in such a position, as to be able to support Her Majesty Troops in case of necessity. Obviously, the best and most feasible course, is to place the Militia, in which, as a rule, every man between the ages of 18 and 60 is liable to serve, in the best state of efficiency that circumstances will permit. This must necessarily be a work of considerable time, but it was undertaken as soon as the sanction of the General Assembly could be obtained for incurring the necessary expense ; and satisfactory progress is now being made. In New Plymouth, a permanent Staff has been established, and the whole available male population has undergone a course of training and exercise. In Auckland, a permanent Staff has been appointed, and the whole Militia divided into companies, and Officers have been appointed to each. In addition to this, a system of Volunteering has been established, and already two companies of Rifle Volunteets have been formed in Auckland, and are fast progressing towards efficiency. In Wellington a permanent Militia Staff is about to be established, By these means it may be expected that the greater part of the male population may eventually be made serviceable in case of an emergency. It would be out of the question lo attempt a campaign with such a Force, but in the event of the service of Her Majesty's Troops being required in the field, it would be available for the temporary defence of several of the posts necessarily requiring protection. Although therefore, the discharge of men from He» Majesty's Regiments, and the location, as settlers in the Colony, of men accustomed to Military service will not have the effect of producing a Military Force of the character suggested by Colonel Wynyard, yet such men, having been regularly trained soldiers, will be of the greatest use as part of the Militia (in which in common with the rest of the settlers they are liable to serve) and as Volunteers, by rendering such Corps much more readily trained, and afterwards mucli more effective on service. Upon the whole, it is believed that no more than is being done, can be successfully undertaken, and it may be fairly expected that in the course of a reasonable time, the colonists of New Zealand will be in a position to render to Her Majesty's regular Troops all the assistance which can be fairly expected from them towards the defence of the country against a Foreign Enemy or internal commotion. (Signed) Frbdk. Whitaker. COPY OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL GOLD TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, Ist July, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's information the Estimates for the year 1859-60 for works and repairs to Barracks and Civil Buildings as rendered to me by the Commanding Royal Engineer, and in so do\ftg, to request I may be favored with instructions on the subject at your Excellency's earliest convenience. The total amount of this Estimate will no doubt be considered high, in explanation of which I ;2Dth June, iBS9.)beg to enclose the covering letter from Colonel Mould. It is desirable that the Estimates, &c, be returned with your Excellency's pleasure noted thereon. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Gold, Col. Commanding the ForcesHis Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c.

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Royal Engineer Office, Auckland, 29th June, 1859. Sic,— I have the honor to forward herewith for transmission to the Colonial Government the Esti- (Enclosure,) mates for works and repairs to Barracks and Civil Buildings proposed to be carried on by the Royal Engineer Department in the New Zealand Financial year commencing Ist July proximo, and I beg to submit a few remarks with reference thereto. The Estimates lor new works amount to £10,820 12s. 2d., those for Barracks amounting to £9087 3s. Bd., and those for Civil Buildings to £1733 Bs. 6d. The Estimates for repairs to the two classes of buildings being respectively £ 3232 2s. 7d. and £228 1,55. 7d., making a total of £3460 18s. 2d. These amounts are large, as was also stated in the correspondence covering previous Estimates, which arises partly from the circumstance that for two or three years, pending the arrangements for transferring the obligation of the repair of Military Buildings from the Imperial Government to that of the Colony, nothing but casual repairs were executed, and thus the Buildings have sensibly deteriorated, and partly from tlie necessity of providing additional accommodation for the Troops, to carry out the Regulations recently pron.ulgated, with a view to their sanatory condition and consequent increased efficiency. Further, it is my duty to bring forward every service that is demanded by the several Military Departments, or which may appear to me to be requisite for the convenience, health and discipline of Her Majesty's Forces, and the necessary requirements of those Departments, leaving it for the consideration of the authorities who grant the necessary funds, whether they will execute the whole of the works and repairs in the year for which they are proposed, or will postpone those least pressing, so as to spread the expenditure over a more extended period. On the presumption that the latter proceeding will be adopted I beg to indicate so far as regards new works, those services that should take precedence of others in execution. Under the head of Barracks, the provision of a new Regimental Guard-room with a Military Prison attached, is a service of primary importance, in consequence of the very limited size of the former, and the inadequacy of the present wooden building termed the "Temporary Military Prison," to carry out suitably the punishments awarded by Courts Martial. The enlargement of the Main Guard-room at Britomart Point provided for under Item 11, is also a very necessary service, in consequence of the confined area and unwholesome condition ot the present Guard-room. The erection of a Hospital with its appurtenances at New Plymouth, provided for in Items, 32, 33, and 34 is recommended as an economical arrangement, in order to save the rent of buildings, which will probably have eventually to be met by the Colony ; for a similar reason Items 37 to 40 are proposed, and if the services provided for therein at a total cost of £480 are carried out, an annual saving of Lodging money, which is to be paid by the Colony, will be effected to the extent of £164. Items 52, 53, and 54 were services included in a special Estimate forwarded for consideration on the 21st December last, to meet the requirements of the service when the lease of the Buildings occupied by the Commissariat expires, which will happen on the 30th September next. For these Buildings, including those occupied by the Royal Engineer and Military Store Offices, an annual rent of £450 lias been paid, and though premises less extensive will suffice for the Commissariat alone, the Engineer Department being accommodated without expense elsewhere, and the Store Department being removed from the station, yet it is not probable that suitable premises, if hired, will be obtained lor less than £250 per annum. This rent, being a fresh taking, will most probably have to be borne by the Colony, hence it will be for the interest of the Government to execute the services referred to. Cogent political reasons require that W anganui should be sufficiently occupied by a Military Force, hence at least 200 men are posted there, but the Barrack accommodation, according to the scale laid down of 500 cubic feet per man, is only sufficient for 135, the consequence is the Barracks are unhealthily overcrowded, and addit o ial accommodation is most requisite. To meet this urgent want I have introduced Item 56 into the Estimate, providing for accommodation nearly sufficient to make up the deficiency. In the Estimate for Civil Buildings, Item 1, for an Armoury to contain small Arms retained for the special use of the Colony, is a service of pressing importance to relieve the overcrowded Storehouses and to admit of the stores being properly arranged according to the Regulations. The deficiency of store accommodation was represented by Colonel Wynyard, late Commanding the Forces, to the Secretary of State, and this Item (which has already been brought forward) together with Item 5 and also Item 17 of the Barrack Estimate, are included in pursuance of the instructions in your letter of the Ist instant No. 1721, which covered the correspondence on the subject, copies of whicti are attached to the Estimates. As respects the ordinary and current repairs,*lhave to remark generally, that they are requisite in consequence ol decay and wear and tear, or are services due according to the Regulations at stated periods. The only Items that call for special observation are Nos. 63 and G4. These services have been repeaudly brought forward in the Estimates submitted both to the Imperial and Colonial Governments, but have hitherto been postponed for want of funds. The present condition of the fences is such, thai i hey are not susceptible of the defence for which they were constructed, being in a most decayed condition and partially fallen from that cause, thus the Stockades are not secure in case of an attack from the Natives, and Wanganui, the most important Military post in the Southern part of the Island, is comparatively useless as a defensive position. I have sent with each of the detailed Estimates, abstracts thereof in duplicate, two of which I propose should be retained by the Government for the use of the Finance Departments, and the

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third, when revised, returned for the information of the Colonel Commanding the Forces and for record in the Brigade Office. The detailed Estimates I request maybe returned to me for record, and for the execution of the Services that may be authorised. It will be desirable that the Estimates should be approved, to the extent considered necessary by the Government, at the earliest convenient date; in the meantime, until their decision is communicated, 1 propose to continue the execution of such casual wear and tear repairs as may be required, chargeable to the Financial Year 1859-CO, in accordance with the former practice when the Estimates authorised by the Imperial Government were late in reaching the Station. It will therefore be desirable that immediate instructions should be given to the Colonial Treasurer and the Auditor, to pass vouchers for such Services previous to the authorisation of the General Estimate. I have, Inc., (Signed) ThOS. R. Mould, Col. Commanding Royal Engineers. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. TANCRED. Auckland, 21st July, 1859. His Excellency's Responsible Advisers have had under their consideration a letter dated the Ist instant, addressed by the Colonel Commanding the Forces to His Excellency, enclosing Estimates Mi"ta»t. prepared by the Commanding Royal Engineer for the year J 859-60, for works and repairs to Barracks and Civil Buildings. His Excellency's Responsible Advisers beg to state, that with respect to Military expenditure, the Colonial Executive is in precisely the same position as at the date of their Memorandum of Bth September, 1858 (" Military") to which, as also to their Memorandum of 2Gth August, 1858, ("Military") they beg leave to refer. The Sessions of the General Assembly are, at present, biennial, and that Body has not met since the date of the Memoranda referred to, and will not, in regular course, assemble till March or April 1860. The Supplies are voted for two year 3 from 30th June, 1858, and the appropriations for the service of the current financial year 1859-60, are precisely the same in amount as those for the year 1858-9. There are consequently, at the disposal of the Colonial Government, (the question between the Imperial Government and the Colony, as to Officers' Lodging Money being still under consideration by the Imperial Government) no other funds than the annual sum of fifteen hundred pounds (£1,500), appropriated in the Session of 1858 for the maintenance and repair of Military Buildings. His Excellency's Responsible Advisers recommend that the Military Authorities should be invited to select, from amongst the works included in the present Military Estimates, sucli as are of the most urgent necessity, and can be executed at a cost not exceeding the sum of fifteen hundred pounds (£1,500) available for the service; and that the execution of the works so selected should be authorised by His Excellency. (Signed) Henry John Tancred. COPY OF A LETTER FROM COMMANDER CAMPION, R.N., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. H. M. S. Elk, Auckland, July 21st, 1859. Sir,According to request I beg leave to submit to your Excellency the enclosed account of the two largest classes of Screw Steam Gun Boats in her Majesty's Service. I consider No. 1 class to be the best adapted for this Colony, and do not think it would be necessary to remove the Guns, should her services be required on any part of the North Island, there being many rivers into which she could run for safety should the Barometer indicate bad weather. The draught of water is nearly the same, whilst the additional length of No. 1 giving more deck room, would enable a larger proportion of Soldiers to be carried, without materially increasing the relative draught of water. The quantity of fuel is more than doubled. The speed increased under Steam, about two knots. A decided superiority under sai] is manifested by No. 1 class, which are fitted to admit of the Screw being lifted out of the water. The wear and tear of both classes would be nearly the same. The complement of No. 2 would be quite sufficient for ordinary purposes, and in the event of active service, the additional number could soon be drilled into the exercise of great guns. Marines' duty could be performed by Seamen. The Seamen's wages are the lowest at present paid to men in Her Maje'ssty Navy. The expenses of the Gun Boat (Stores, &c.,) not including Coal would average, as near as I can state, about six hundred pounds per annum. I have, &c, (Signed) Hubert Campion, Commander, R.N. Governor Gore Browne, C.8., &c, &c, &c.

A—No. 6

No. I.—Lee and Slaney Class. Length 160 feet C"*" l *' Tonnage ... ... ... ... ... ... about 330 tons Complement, Officers and Men ... ... ... ... 50 Draught of Water (deep) ... ... ... ... ... 8 feet Coal, about 6 days' full speed ... ... ... ... ... 50 tons Horse-power ... ... ... ... ... ... 80 Armament, 1 68-pounder, 95 cwt. ; 1 32-pounder, 56 cwt.; 2 24-pounder howitzers. c j ( under sail very well, P c \ under steam 9 knots. Can carry, standing up ... ... ... ... ... 250 Soldiers £ s. d. 1 Lieutenant ... ... ... ... ... ... 198 5 0 *1 Second Master ... ... ... ... ... ... 90 0 0 1 Assistant Engineer, Ist class ... ... ... ... 156 0 0 1 " " 2nd class ... ... ... ... 124 10 0 1 Gunner, 3rd class ... ... ... ... ... 85 0 0 1 Leading Stoker, 2s. per diem ... ... ... ... 36 0 0 5 Stokers, Is. 9d. per diem ... ... ... ... 159 13 9 6 Petty Officers, Is. 9d. per diem ... ... ... ... 19112 6 30 Seamen and Marines, Is. 4d. per diem ... ... ... 729 10 0 3 Boys, 6d. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 27 7 6 £1,798 8 9 No. 2.—Boxer and Starling Class. Length ... ... ... ... — — ... 107 feet Tonnage ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 233 tons Complement, Officers and Men... ... ... ... ... 37 Draught of Water (deep) ... ... ... ... ... nearly 8 feet Coal, 3 days' full speed ... ... ... ... ... 21 tons Horse power ... ... ••• ... ••• ... 60 Armament, 1 68-pounder, 95 cwt.; 1 32-pounder, 56 cwt..; 2 12-pound howitzers. <, , ■ j under sail fairly & P eed •" "• '•• "• '" I under steam 7 knots Can carry, standing up ... ... ... ... about 200 Soldiers £ s. d. 1 Lieutenant ... ... ... ... ... ... 198 5 0 •1 Second Master ... ... ... ... ... ... 90 0 0 1 Assistant Engineer, Ist class ... ... ... ... 156 0 0 1 " " 2nd " ... ... ... ... 124 10 0 1 Gunner, 3rd class ... ... ... ... ... 85 0 0 1 Leading Stoker, 2s. per diem ... ... ... ... 36 10 0 5 Stokers, Is. 9d. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 159 13 9 6 Petty Officers, Is. 9d. per diem ... ... ... ... 191 12 6 17 Seamen and Marines, Is. 4d. per diem ... ... ... 413 11 4 3 Boys, 6d. per diem ... ... ... ... ... 27 7 6 £1,483 0 1 Full Allowance—Rations. ( Biscuit 1 ft \ Soft Bread Ift n-, J Spirits J pint Daily ... ••• ■•• ••• ••• •••\ o .5 l 3 \ Sugar 1| ozs. Chocolate 1 oz. 4 V Tea i oz. Oatmeal £ pint m ~ J Mustard 1 oz. Weekl * ) Pepper f o z . Vinegar J pint *It allowed for taking charge of Paymasters Store*, £ 75, Warrant Officers ditto £*!• Total £10 in addition to his pay.

Speed

Daily

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14

When procurable J* 'Salt Pork 1 fli Split Peas j pint Salt Beef 1 ft On alternate days when fresh provisions cannot be procured ...-< Flour 9 oz. I Suet £ oz. Currants or raisins COPY OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL GOLD TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, July 23rd, 1559. Sir,— I have the honor to forward to your Excellency a Memorandum from the Commanding , Royal Engineer, with regard to the proposed plan of defence of the principal Mercantile Ports in New Zealand, -which being in itself so lucid and comprehensive, leaves me little to add. I deem it right to inform you, however, that the large and over-filled Magazine at the Albert Barracks, is not Bomb proof, but only Splinter proof, and would probably form a prominent object against which a foe would direct his fire, the result of which must be the annihilation of the greater portion of this City, and the destruction of the Troops in the neighbouring Buildings. I would also respectfully suggest that the two companies of Volunteer Rifles should be taught the Rifle exercise by some really competent person, (with regard to the latest system), failing which, my experience tells me, the excellent arms they now possess would be comparatively of little avail. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Gold, Colonel 65th Regt., Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. Governor Gore Browne, C.8., &c, &c, &c. MEMORANDUM BY COLONEL MOULD, R.E., FOR THE INFORMATION Of HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. Auckland, 22nd July, 1859. (Enclosure.) The Commanding Royal Engineer is of opinion that the defences of New Zealand should, for the present, be confined, as against predatory squadrons, to the furnishing the Harbours of Auckland, Wellington, and Lyttelton with effective Coast Batteries, susceptible of self-defence against a sudden attack by parties landing from boats. These three Ports are selected, as the chief commercial towns of the respective Provinces; are situated on the shores of the Harbours ; the towns contain large amounts of valuable property, moveable and immoveable, and they are peculiarly exposed to insult and destruction by an unscrupulous enemy, desirous either of raising contributions from the inhabitants, or in default thereof, of wantonly destroying the towns and the property they contain. To carry out these objects, there are unfortunately, very small means in " materiel" in the Colony, and what exist, are in Auckland, in the shape of a few Guns, of which the majority are of small calibre, mounted on Britomart Point to command the access to the upper Harbour and the anchorage in front of the town. The first point, therefore, to be considered and to be carried out, is to make this Battery as effective as practicable. The Guns, originally without any protection, were covered, upon the breaking out of the Russian war, by an earthen paiapet faced internally with sods, but this has crumbled away partially, and though frequently repaired is now in a very unsatisfactory condition; it is therefore proposed to revet the interior of the parapet about 4 feet on each side of each embrasure, and the embrasures themselves, with masonary of suitable solidity; to replace the existing ineffective shot furnace, by one of an approved construction; to renew some of the decayed and unsuitable platforms, and to renovate the defences of the land front, at a cost on the whole, as shown in the accompanying approximate Estimate of £ G77. These services should be commenced immediately, but they need not under the present aspect of affairs, be hurried on so as to increase'the expense by employing civil labour, but be executed gradually by the Military labour at the disposal of the Commanding Royal Engineer. As regards other defences at Auckland, I do not see any reason for changing my opinion, as to the extent which is requisite for protecting the large interests at stake, laid down in my Report of the loth March last, that is to say, that two powerful Batteries protected by a strong Redoubt should be established at the North Head, and another on Okahu Point, facing the Main Channel, alsosuitably defended on the land front, both posts having sufficient Barrack accommodation for their respective Garrisons. It appears unnecessary at this instant to go to the question of the expense of the requisite works, but merely to state the number of Guns, winch should be demanded for their armament, which are as follows :—

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A-No. 6

For the North Head— Norih Battery 6—68 Pounder Guns South Do 8—32 " " Redoubt 2—24 For Ohahu Pomt — Battery 4—GB Pounder Guns 6—32 " " For the protection of Port Nicholson and the town of Wellington, the Report of the Commanding Royal Engineer on the question of the reservation of land for Military purposes, proposed the occupation of Ward's Islands, facing the entrance to the Port, andof Pipitea Point, forming one Head of Lambton Harbour or Bay, on which the Town is situated,by coast Hatteries. On the former, there should be in Battery, Guns of large calibre and long range, say 68-Pounders, G in number, with a Redoubt or Keep of sufficient strength and capacity to protect and accommodate the Garrison; on the latter, a Fattery of 8-32-Pounder Guns, the gorge being closed by a loop-holed guard-house, and one or two small buildings for the occupation of the Artillerymen required to man the guns. A Battery on the other Head or shore of Lambton Harbour is scarcely practicable without considerable expense in the construction of the works to protect the defenders from a reverse fire of Riflemen from the commanding ground in the rear, it would however be desirable to have an armament, say 6-24 Pounders, for a Battery on that side, in case the Colonial Government should determine on incurring the expense necessary for an effective insurance of their fellow-citizens' property. Lyttelton, from its situation, forms an admirable target for the concentration of the fire ofa hostile squadron : unfortunately, it is so circumstanced that defensive points are not readily obtained in consequence of the difficulties of the ground round the Harbour. There is a small Island close to the farther side of the Harbour from the Town, commonly called Rhode's Island, which may be occupied by heavy guns of long range which would reach across the Harbour, but their fire would be rather uncertain, at ihe distance at which ships might pass them, there being , deep water close in shore on both sides, to a point nearly opposite the Town ; nevertheless, the guns should be demanded,to the number of 6 68-Pounders, to be mounted either in suitable works on the Island, or else disposed in a Battery whicli might be constructed on a short jetty or mole run out from the N.E. point of the Bay on the shore of which the Town is built, in whicli case there may be in addition to the Guns of large calibre, 4 others, either 32-Pounders or 24-Pounders. A Point forming the S. W. Head of the Bay above referred to should also be occupied by about 6 Guns—32-I'ounders. These two Batteries well secured an(! served, should insure the Town from pillage or insult from a small force. To recapitulate, the whole number of Guns required would be as follows :— 68-Pounder Guns 32-Pounder Guns 24-Pounder Guns Auckland 10 14 2 Wellington 6 8 6 Lyttelton 6 6 4 Total 22 28 12 All mounted on wood carriages and cast iron dwarf traversing platforms, with the exception of the 24-Pounder Guns for Wellington and Lyttelton, and the 32-Pounder Guns for Lyttelton. With these Guns should be demanded Ammunition and materials for about 200 rounds per Gun, shot aud a fair proportion of shells of an approved description, together with every article of small stores required for this service. If a proportion of the newly invented powerful Gun, " Armstrong's," could be obtained it would be desirable, but as it is most probable that all the energies of the Imperial Government will be insufficient to supply their Fleets and Garrisons with this arm, it is hardly to be expected that they would be furnished, at least at present, to the Colonies, aud perhaps not in any case except upon payment of the cost, whereas the other description of Guns above mentioned, though effective and powerful, will now be gradually thrown out of use in Europe, and doubtless will be readily obtained without charge to the Colony: it will be better to commence a defensive system in the Colony, with what may now be termed an inferior arm, than to leave the Colony entirely defenceless. Supposing the whole number of 68-Pounders cannot be obtained, the 56-Pounder, an admirable gun of long range, may be substituted. The following are the lengths and weights of the Guns required. Pounders. feet, inches. cwt. G8 10 10 112 56 11 0 97 32 9 6 50 24 9 6 50 The Guns above proposed to be demanded, together with those now in Battery in Auckland, are in number 78, for the service of which, there are in the Colony, less than one regular artilleryman for two Guns, and the numbers are not likely to be increased by the Imperial Government: it is therefore imperative that the Colonial Government should, if they desire the Colony to be exempt from insult from even a paltry privateer or small armed vessel, consider in what way the Guns, if supplied by the Imperial Government, may be effectively manned in case of necessity. It has been proposed, and the proposition is most worthy of consideration, that Volunteer Companies should hi invited to enroll themselves for Artillery service in all the settlements that may be provided with defences ; that if the invitation is answered, which it is believed it would be cordially for a branch of the service so prominent as that of the Artillery, they should be armed like regular Artillerymen, or like the present Auckland

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Volunteer Rifles with a Rifle Carbine; that they should be provided with a simple but neat uniform to be worn on special occasions; that they should be trained as far as the time that can be spared by the individuals composing the force will allow, to the practice, and to a small extent, the science of gunnery, with Garrison (runs; and when sufficient progress in the acquisition of these points has been realized, that a certain number of rounds should be allowed annually for expenditure for target practice. The same patriotic feeling that induces so many of the respectable inhabitants of the Province of Auckland with a stake in the country, to enroll themselves as Volunteer Rifles, would, it is presumed, not only bring them forward to be trained for bloodless practice, but draw them to their guns in the face of a daring enemy. Such men have much to lose even in the destruction of property, still more in the deprivation, even though temporarily, of liberty, in the event of an occupation of the country by the forces of a despotic power. Such an event it is to be hoped, may never happen; but without due defences and preparation, this rich and rising Colony may excite a keen desire for its acquisition by the enemies of Great Britain. A body of this kind would render most efficient aid to a small force of regular Artillery, without which, the latter would hardly be able to man one-twelfth of the Garrison Guns proposed to be provided, without leaving a man for the service of Field Guns which might be called into play. (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. En Approximate Estimate of the probable expense op repairing and renovating the ( iicoiuie.) WORKS AT BrITOMART POINT, AUCKLAND. £ s. d. Revetting the parapets and embrasures of the Battery ... ... 345 0 0 Renewing certain of the unserviceable platforms, 11 in number ... 162 0 0 Constructing a Shot Furnace ... ... ... ... ... 92 0 0 Renovating the earth works of the land front (by prison labor) ... 60 0 0 New Carriage for a 32-pounder Gun, to replace one decayed and unserviceable ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 0 £677 0 0 (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. (incio»u«.) Memorandum of thb numbers of Guns required for the armament of proposed Coast Defences in New Zealand. Station. Nos. of Nos. of Nos. of 68-Pounder Guns. 32-Po*nder Guns. 24-Pounder Guns. Auckland 10 14 2 Wellington 6 8 6 Lyttelton 6 6 4 22 28 12 To be mounted as follows, the whole of the 68 -Pounder Guns on wood carriages and cast iron dwarf traversing platforms, as also 22 of the 32-Pounder Guns: the 32-Pounder Guns, 6 in No. for Lyttelton, to be mounted on cast iron Garrison Carriages: the 24-Pounder Guns for Auckland, on ■wood carriages with common traversing platforms, and the 24-Pounder Guns for Wellington and Lyttelton, on cast iron Garrison Carriages. With the Guns should be demanded the necessary side arms, a proportionate quantity of small stores of every necessary description, which should be detailed by the Military Store-keeper, and not less than 200 rounds of ammunition with materials for making it up, shot, and proportion say one-fifth of shells, with fuzes of approved description. The following are the lengths and weights of the Guns required. Pounders. feet, inches. cwt. 68 10 10 112 56 11 0 97 32 9 6 56 24 9 6 50 The weights of 56-Pounder Guns are given above in case it should be deemed advisable to send out that class of Gun in certain proportions if there should not be a sufficient number of 68-Pounder Guns disposable. (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers.

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A—No. 6

Memorandum of the probable expense of making the Powder Magazine in Albert Barracks Shell-proof. (Enciowre.) £ a. d. Taking off the roof, re-fixing and re-slating .. ... ... 90 0 0 Turning additional thickness of arch over the existing arches ... ... 240 0 0 Making up side and end walla ... ... ... ... ... 210 0 0 £540_0 0 The works above estimated would make the two Magazines proof against Shells fired at a low angle from the Harbour, but not bomb-proof: nothing but a total walls of an additional thickness, would affect this. It may be observed that as the two Magazines are both over-full, at present there will not be any means of disposing of the Powder while the works are proceeding. (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. COPT OF A MEMORANDUM BY THE GOTERNOR. July, 1859. Having consulted with the Honorable, the Colonel Commanding the Troops, the Commanding Royal Engineer, and Commander Campion, the senior Naval Officer on this Station, the Governor is of opinion, 1. That the Commanding Royal Engineer should be instructed to repair and renovate the works at Britomart Point immediately, at the expense of the Colonial Government; —the approximate estimate of the probable cost of the works, amounts to £673. 2. That the same Officer should also be instructed to make the Magazine bomb-proof at the expense of the Colonial Government, the estimate for which amounts to £540. 3. That the two Volunteer Companies should be offered to be made Royal Artillery Volunteers, and that the Honorable the Colonel Commanding the Troops be asked to furnish proper instructors at the expense of the Colonial Government. 4. Steps should be at nnce taken to find out how many discharged Soldiers trained to Artillery practice, reside in the neighbourhood of Auckland; their names and residences should be carefully noted, a rate of pay fixed, and every arrangement made for calling them into active service at a moment's notice; Officers should be named, and such a rate of pay established for all ranks as would make the service acceptable should it ever be required. 5. That instead of five hundred rifles, ordered from England by the Colonial Government, the number should be increased to one thousand, with the same proportion of ammunition. 6. Having reference to the Secretary of State's Despatch No. 26, of sth May, 1859, the Colonial Government should solicit the Imperial Government to station a first-class Screw Steam Gun Boat, completely armed and manned, as described in Commander Campion's letter and enclosure of 21st July, 1859. That, on an understanding that this vessel should be retained for local service, and not removed except in case of emergency, the Colonial Government would engage to pay to Her Majesty's Imperial Government an annual sum of £3000, and that in addition, the Colonial Government would furnish coals for the use of the Steam Gun-boat at its own expense, and pay the Officers and Men the same rate of batta, or additional pay, as is paid at the same time in the Australian Colonies. The Governor, and the Honorable the Colonel Commanding the Troops, will each forward to Her Majesty's Government the views of the Commanding Royal Engineer, and request that the Guns and ammunition specified by him, may be at once supplied; but in order that they may not ask for more Guns than are absolutely required, it will be necessary for Ministers to state distinctly whether the Colonial Government will undertake to bear the expense of the Batteries in which it is proposed to place them. {Fide Secretary of State's Despatch, No. 73, dated 3rd September 1856, and its enclosures, which was transmitted to Ministers by the Governor on the 31st December, 1856.) (Signed) T. Gobb Browne. I coincide in the above opinions. C. E. Gold, Colonel Commanding the Forces. I quite agree with the opinions above expressed. (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. I perfectly agree with what ie atated in this Memorandum. (Signed) Ht. Campion, Commander, R.N., and Senior Officer present.

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COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. RICHMOND. Auckland, 26th July, 1859. Military. jj; 3 Excellency's Responsible Ministers have considered the subject of His Excellency's Memorandum relative to the defence of New Zealand, and recommend that the first, fifth, and sixth of the suggestions made by His Excellency be immediately acted upon. But instead of the fixed payment to the Imperial Government of £3,000 per annum, for a first class Gun Boat, Ministers propose that the Colony shall defray the actual annual expense of such a vessel whilst in the waters of the Colony. Referring to the concluding paragraph of the Governor's Memorandum, His Excellency's Responsible Ministers undertake to recommend to the General Assembly to make provision for the construction of the Batteries and Defences at the North Head and Okahu point, Auckland, and at the Ports of Wellington and Lyttelton, proposed by the Commanding Royal Engineer in his Report of the 22nd instant. Ministers do not doubt that the General Assembly will grant the necessary supplies for these works. And Ministers tender their advice that the works be commenced without delay. (Signed) C. W. RicnMoND. copy of a memorandum; by mr. tancukd. Auckland, Ist August, 1859. military. Referring to their Memorandum of the 26th ultimo on the subject of the defence of the Ports of the Colony, His Excellency's Responsible Advisers recommend that the Commanding Royal Engineer be called upon to report in what manner it will be most advisable to proceed with the construction of the works recommended in his Report of the 22nd ultimo, pending the arrival of the Guns, for which application has been made to the Imperial Government; and be requested to furnish specifications and Estimates for such portions of the works as he shall consider ought to be first undertaken. As the speedy completion of the whole of the Batteries will manifestly be beyond the resources at command, it would appear to be desirable, if possible, that the portion of the works to be first undertaken should be capable of being rendered complete in itself. (Signed) Henry John Tancred. COPY OF A LETTER FROM COL. GOLD TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, lfjtli August, 1859. Sir,— Augutt is, lew. In reference to your letter of the 2nd instant, with its enclosure. I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's information, copy of a communication received from the Commanding Royal Engineer, forwarding an estimate of the probable cost of the intended works at Okahu point. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Gold, Colonel Commanding the Forces. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. Royal Engineer Office, Auckland, 15th August, 1859. Sir,— (Enclosure.) Referring to my reply of the 4th instant, to your letter of the 3rd instant, No. 1898, I have the honor now to forward a Memorandum of the works, (shewing also the expense thereof) which I propose should be executed at Okahu point, to form the Battery I suggested should be placed there in mv Memorandum of the 22nd ultimo : observing, that I have not as yet taken any steps towards executing these works, inasmuch as, though the letter from His Excellency the Governor dated 27th ultimo, forwarded under cover of your letter of the 29th ultimo, No. 1885, directed that those works should be commenced without delay, yet, as His Excellency's subsequent letter of 2nd instant, required Estimates of the probable expense attendant upon my propositions, I presumed that I was to await a final approval of those Estimates and a further order to proceed. I will forward in succession, Estimates of the probable expense of carrying out the worki proposed for the North Head and for Wellington ; but so far as regards Lytteltou, I am not in a position to submit a detailed Report on the subject without visiting the Port. I have, &c, (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Eoyal Engineers. The Major of Brigade, &c, &c, &c. Auckland.

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A—No. 6

MEMORANDUM OF THE SEVERAL WORKS PROPOSED TO BE EXECUTED IN THE FORMATION OP A BATTERY WITH COVERING WORKS, AT OKAHU POINT, IN AUCKLAND HARBOUR. (Euclojum). 1. To excavate so much of the cliff as may be necessary to place the Guns on a suitable level (60 feet above the level of the sea), and to form the earthwork of the parapet of the Battery. 2. To excavate a ditch on the land front, and to throw up the earth to form a rampart to protect the Battery from attack by boat parties. 3. To erect a face with substantial rubble stone masonry, the parapet of the Battery and the cheeks of the embrasures. 4. To lay stone platforms with proper iron racers and pivots, for the traversing platforms of the Guns. 5. To construct a bridge across the ditch to the entrance of the works. (!. To make and liang complete entrance gates lined with plate-iron. 7- To construct a shot furnace of the approved pattern. S. To erect two buildings to accommodate each a Serjeant and twenty-four rank and file (50 men in all) as the ordinary Garrison with the necessary outbuildings. 9. To erect a defensible loop-holed Guard-house at the entrance from the land side. 10. To construct a Magazine to contain 200 rounds of ammunition per Gun. 11. To erect a shed for sponges and other small stores. 12. To sink and steen a well within the works. ]. To form the ground and approaches to the Battery. The probable expense of the works above specified will be as follows :— f s. d. Excavations for Battery and land front ... ... ... 1,650 0 0 Hubble Masonry revetments ... ... ... ... 690 0 0 Stone platforms with iron racers, pivots, &c. ... ... ... 325 0 0 Bridge across the ditch ... ... ... ... ... 22 0 0 Entrance Gates ... ... ... ... ... ... 28 0 0 Shot furnace ... ... ... ... ... ... 105 0 0 Barracks and outbuildings ... ... .. ... ... 900 0 0 Defensible Guard-House . ... ... ... ... 400 0 0 Magazine ... ... ... ... ... ... 300 0 0 Shed for Sponges and small stores ... ... ... ... 35 0 0 Sinking a well ... ... ... ... ... ... 120 0 0 Forming the ground and approaches ... ... ... ... 5000 £4,625 0 0 (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers, 15th August, 1859. COPY Or A LETTER FROM COL. GOLD TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Auckland, 25th August, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's consideration, copy of a communication received Auguit 2S, less from the Commanding Royal Engineer, suggesting the construction of a Battery on the Bean Reef for the defence of the Harbour of Auckland, and beg to request that I may be favored with your Excellency's instructions thereon. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Gold, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &c, &c, &c. Royal Engineer's Office, Auckland, 23rd August, 1859. Sir,— I have the honor to request you will submit the following Report for the consideration of the (Enclosure) Colonel Commanding the Forces, and should he approve of the same, that you will move him to refer it for the final decision of the Colonial Government. In the several propositions I have made at different times for the construction of Coast defences for Auckland Harbour, I have been deterred from making any recommendation to place a Battery on the Bean Reef, in consequence of the expense which I contemplated would be incurred in its erection, though always appreciating and acknowledging the suitability of its position for a defensive work; but on a careful consideration of the subject, and entering into an Estimate of the probable cost of such a work, I find that it is not beyond the reach, in point of expense, of the Colony, and it will be for the

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Colonial Government to consider whether for the insurance of the valuable property which would be liable to destruction by an unscrupulous enemy, unless redeemed by a heavy contribution, it is advisable to place the Harbour in as efficient a state of defence as possible, consistent with a moderate outlay. I have already received instructions under cover of your letter of the 19th inst., No. 1941, to construct a Battery on Okahu point, at an estimated cost of £4625, but if such a Battery as I would propose to place on the Bean Reef be authorised, that on Okahu Point may be dispensed with, and in that case an outlay of at least £000 for the construction of a bridge across the Bishop's Creek, which it had been agreed to make in consideration of the land which the Natives had given at Okahu Point, would be saved. The Battery I would propose to construct would be a powerful one, mounting 17 guns of large calibre; its position would be such as to command at a moderate range, the two channels leading into the inner Harbour, and its construction would be of the most substantial character, and be a permanent work for an extended period of time, the walls being proposed to be of hard durable stone (scoria) in large blocks and 9 feet in thickness, and that, proof against the heaviest projectiles that could be brought against them. The enclosed rough sketch shews the general form of the Battery (the probable cost of which would be j£l5,GOO) and the nature of the armament I should propose for it. I think no question can arise in the mind of any person, that this position is the true one to occupy ; two at least of my predecessors in the command of the Royal Engineers, have cast their eyes on it and referred to it in their Reports. Naval Officers have, I understand, also expressed their opinions in favor of its occupation, and Civilians, possibly to a certain extent biassed in opinion by what they may have heard, have observed that the position appears most appropriate for a defensive work. In fact there is so general and instinctive a feeling in its favor, that I do not hesitate to recommend most strongly that the project I submit should be adopted. The advantage that the position of the Bean Rock possesses over Okahu Point is, that it is so well advanced towards the main channel, that vessels coming in towards the Harbour would be the sooner under its fire, and that a raking one, which they would be unable to return, until they got abreast of the Battery and shewed their broadsides, while rounding the North Head ; whilst the 6re from the guns at Okahu Point could not be brought to bear, uutil the vessels were on the point of rounding the Head and shaping their course to run, if steamers, rapidly up the Harbor at all risks, fighting their broadsides while passing. A further advantage of a Battery on the Bean Rock, is, that if an enemy's ship passed the face of the work, it would be again under a raking fire from the guns on the left flank of the Battery directed at the stern, the most vulnerable part, where also the propeller, in the case of a screw steamer, would be liable to distruction, thus leaving the vessel helpless at a critical moment. It must be understood that though the Battery herein proposed, would dispense with the occupation of Okahu Point, yet the North Head should also be occupied, with at least one Battery, so placed as to come into action about the same time as that on the Bean Reef, and by its fire, driving vessels that may attempt to run into the Harbor, into the mid channel where the cross fire from the two sides would be most effective. A Battery of the nature contemplated, would take a considerable time in construction, at least a year and a half, with the greatest exertion, thus the outlay would be spread over a long period at the rate of about £850 a month, and would not be much felt. The Battery need not be occupied ordinarily, by more than a non-commissioned officer and half a dozen men to keep the stores in order, to air the magazine and to guard the place from unauthorised intrusion; and the maintenance of the party with fresh provisions, if they were furnished with a boat, should not exceed £50 a year. In point of fact, the current additional expense of occupation of a Battery on the Bean Rock would not exceed that of the occupation of Okaliu Point. I have &c, (Signed) Thos. R. Mould, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. The Major of Brigade, &c, &c., &c. Auckland. Memorandum shelving the difference of expense between the two projects referred to above, that have been proposed for the defence of the Entrances of Auckland Harbour. (Encloiure.) Ist. Expense of the project for occupying the North Head with two powerful Batteries and Okaliu Point with one Strong Battery, each with suitable land defences. Battery at Okahu Point as authorised - - - - 4,(123 Two Batteries at the North Head with Redoubt - - - 12,000 £16.G25

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2nd. Expense of the project for occupying the Bean Reef with a strong Fort as proposed' and the North Head with one Battery :— Fort on tht Bean Reef - - - - - 15,600 Battery on the North Head with land defences ... 7,000 £22,600 Difference of expense as against No. 2, providing for the most effective project, £5,975 (Signed) Thos. R. Mould. August 20th, 1859. COPY OP A MINUTE BT THE GOVERNOR. August 26th. I entirely coincide in opinion with Colonel Mould. (Signed) T. Gore Browne. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MR. WHITAKER. August 30th, 1859. Minister's are fully satisfied that the advantages of a Battery on the. Bean Rock are so great in comparison with one at Okahu Point, as to justify the additional expenditure required, and they therefore request that His Excellency will cause the necessary instructions to he given for the erection of the former. (Signed) Fredk. WHITAKER. COPT OF A MEMORANDUM BT MR. RICHMOND. Auckland, 23rd September, 1859. By their Memorandum of 26th July last, His Excellency's Responsible Ministers tendered their Militakt. advice that the works recommended by the Commanding Royal Engineer for the defence of the Ports of Auckland, Wellington, and Lyttelton, should be commenced without delay. The unexpected news of the Peace concluded by the belligerent powers in Europe has, however, put a new aspect upon the question of the Fortification of the Ne<v Zealand Ports. His Excellency's Responsible Advisers still entertain a strong opinion that the Harbours above referred to, should be rendered secure against the casual attacks of an enemy's cruisers or privateers, and they intend, with His Excellency's approval, to propose the necessary expenditure for the sanction of the General Assembly in its Session to be held early in 1860. But the conclusion of Peace between France and Austria, deprives Ministers of those tangible proofs of the immediate urgency of measures of defence, which could alone justify them in recommending His Excellency to anticipate the action of the Legislature in so important a matter; and as the Color.ial Government has not yet committed itself to the proposed expenditure, Ministers recommend that the commencement of the works be postponed. (Signed) C. \V. Richmond. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY THE GOVERNOR. Government Hcuse, 26th September, 1859. In forwarding the accompanying documents from the Commander of the Troops, and the Commanding Royal Engineer, the Governor thinks it necessary to repeat what he stated shortly in Council on the 23rd instant, namely, that while he is most unwilling to urge his Advisers to take upon themselves a responsibility which may be made a handle for attack by their political opponents, and from which it may not be in his power to defend them, he yet feels that, he and they, both have a paramount duty. That it is his, and their first duty to provide defences capable of protecting this flourishing settlement from the horrors of war, and of maintaining the honor of the British flag. He agrees entirely in opinion with the Commander of the Troops and Colonel Mould, and thinks that delays would be not only dangerous, but culpable, and considers that the Vote of £3500 for new works should be applied in the manner pointed out by the latter Officer. This Memorandum is written with a view to its being used or made public by Ministers, whenever, and in any manner, they may find it advantageous to themselves to do so. (Signed) T. Gore Browne.

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COPY OF A LETTER FKOM COLONEL GOLD, TO GOVERNOR GORE, BROWNE, C. B. Auckland, New Zealand, 26th September, 1859. Sib, — (Enclosure) I have the honor to forward to your Excellency, a communication from Colonel Mould, Commanding Royal Engineer, with regard to the proposed stoppage of the contemplated works of defence, and which I protested against at the last meeting , of the Executive Council. Colonel Mould, feeling in common with the generality of persons contemplating the course of events, suggests the still urgent necessity of this Colony taking advantage of the present calm, to relieve itself from its hitherto helpless state of defencelessness, and with a very just view of the duties and responsibilities of the Military Authorities, as answerable to the Imperial Government for the protection of this Colony (irrespective of political arrangements), urges the propriety of a certain sum of £3500 voted for new Military constructions, Barracks, as specified in the Appropriation Act, being now used for the purpose of forming the foundations of the important work on the Beau reef, and thus enabling him leisurely to proceed with the works, so that eventually this most commanding position may be made available for the defence of the large and rising capital of the Province. Your Excellency is aware of my views with regard to the expenditure of the whole sum formerly intended for defensive purposes, to which I still adhere; but finding this is not now the intention of the Colonial Government, it only remains for me to recommend the suggestions of the Commanding Royal Engineer, as a temporary measure, in the hope that the sum will ultimately be voted for the completion of the projected works according to the original plan. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Gold, Col., His Excellency Commanding the Forces, New Zealand. Governor Gore Browne, C.B. &c, he, &c. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY COLONEL MOULD, R. E. 25th September, 1859. (Enclosure,) It being understood that it is the intention of the Colonial Government not to proceed with the erection of any coast defences at Auckland and other Harbours especially exposed to assault, —the following observations are submitted for consideration :— It is not proposed to speculate with what Naval Power, Great Britain may be engaged in hostilities, nor to inquire into the probabilities of how soon such hostilities may commence, or on what grounds a war may be entered into; it may be sufficient, simply to notice what may be considered a fact, —the universal belief that the peace between Austria and France, of which the intelligence has recently arrived, is not a peace for Europe in general, still less for England in particular, who, there is very little doubt, will ere long, be dragged into a war from which she might have escaped as long as two Despotic Powers were exhausting their strength and resources in war with each other. In fact, there can be no reasonable doubt in the minds of thinking people, that war with one or more continental Naval Powers, is more likely, it may be said imminent, than it was when the recent war commenced five months ago. The inevitable conclusion therefore is arrived at, that if preparations then urgently demanded, unhesitatingly authorised, and ordered to be prosecuted forthwith, were necsssary, still more does the necessity now exist to carry them out. Perhap? it may not be requisite to urge them on so vigorously as was considered requisite when the works were first sanctioned ; for there is providentially a lull, a breathing time, which will admit of a more leisurely proceeding, and will give time for the arrival of the armaments demanded from England so urgently, which could be gradually mounted on the works from time to time as they wen; completed. If on the other hand, the works are stopped, the Guns will lie dismounted and useless, cumbering the stores and giving cause for many pertinent observations, not complimentary to the foresight, wisdom or patriotism of the Government. The very fact, that effective means of defence had been adopted, would be the best means of preventing an attack, which utter defencelessness or insufficient means would probably invite, if a rich booty could ba realised by a display of force threatening such attack, in case of a failure in complying with the demands of an enemy. Ministerial responsibility, it is presumed, .may be the reason of the proposed stoppage of the works of defence, with this however the Queen's Officers have nothing to do, they are entrusted with the defence of the Colony from external, as well as internal enemies, and it is their duty to lay their views before Her Majesty's Representative, respectfully requesting him to press upon the Ministers, the necessity of aiding , the Imperial Government to the extent which they are called on to do in providing for such defence. It would be a neglect of duty to suffer the lives and property of Her Majesty's subjects to be jeopardised by a failure to represent the urgency of adopting measures to secure them, as far as practicable, from harm ; hence this Memorandum is submitted by cue, (though a subordinate) of the Officers whose duty it is, to project and design for the approval of his Superiors, measures of defence. If local policy should be a bar to the adoption of such measures, the Queen's Officers will at leapt have exonerated themselves from censure, by making strong representations of their opinions on the subject.

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The above general observations having been made, it may be desirable to show that there are small pecuniary means available for the prosecution of military works by the expenditure of which, in makin- a commencement of such works, it is presumed the prmciple of Ministerial responsibility to the Representatives, the holders of the purse-strings of the Colony would not be violated. For the service of the present financial year, in addition to the sum of .£1,500 voted for the repairs of Military buildings, and which has been placed at the disposal of the Military Authorities, a sam of £3.-)00 ' was voted for new military constructions-barracks, as specified in the Appropriation Act; but as the Colony by instructions are bound to repair and provide all military erections, it is presumed that the amount is applicable to Military works of every kind. This amount has been reserved and is not at present at the disposal or the Military Authorities, it is therefore suggested that it should be applied to the purpose ot forming the foundations of the important work, the Fort on the Bean Reef, the expenditure on which could be so regulated, as to spread it over the interval between the present time and the next Session ot the Assembly, and the sum is sufficient to carry up the foundations to high water mark, at which level the superstructure would bo commenced. . Should the General Assembly at their next session, after a calm review of the then state of European affairs, consider that the time has not arrived for a vigorous prosecution of defensive works, and decline then to devote funds for such a purpose, still, if the foundations, of the especial defence to which allusion has been made, which would be the most difficult and tedious part of the work, were executed, it would be comparatively easy when the pressure of circumstances should demand the provision of means of defence, to undertake the completion of the superstructure at any moment or Pcn ° The moneT referred to has been voted and placed at the disposal and discretion of the Executive of the Colony, for purposes connected with Military defence, and it is difficult to conceive a purpose to which it could be so beneficially and legitimately applied, as to of the most important Harbour in the Colony, the seat of Government, the head -quarters of the Military I orce, and the centre of the mass of the Native population, who, if made disaffected by the intrigues of fore.gn agents, would perhaps gladly see the Englishman spoiled and humbled, and even aid in o^^^ Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers. COPY OF A MEMORANDUM BY MX. RICHMOND. Auckland, 12th October, 1859. His Excellency's Ministers have given to his Memorandum of the 2Gth September and to the accompanying letter from the Officer Commanding the Forces, and Memorandum of the Commanding Royal Engineer, the attention which the gravity of the subject demands. y Minifters have already stated in their Memorandum of the 23rd of September last, that they adhere to the opinion, that it will be advisable, without unnecessary delay, to construct works tor the defence against attack by sea, of those ports of the Colony which are at once the most important and the most exposed. The only question between the Governor and themselves is whether the urgency of the occasion is still such as to justify them in advising His Excellency to anticipate the action of the General Assembly, and to commence the works immediately. Two distinct matters appear to be somewhat confounded together m the observations of the Militirv Officers—the ulterior, and the immediate chances of a war against England. Tt may be true (as Colonel Mould confidently asserts) that the ulterior chances of such a war have been increased by the late treaty between France and Austria. His Excellency s Advisers do not venture upon giving an opinion upon this point. But it appears evident to them, and is scarcely ■ denied by the Military Officers, that the immediate chances are much diminished bythe conclusion of the Treaty and, by ori.er events. The apparent inm.inency of the danger was what justified Ministers in their own eyes, in advising His Excellency to direct the commencement of the 1 ortifications, and now that the danger, though it may be very substantial, is no longer imminent, they feel compelled t0 re No C thinf short'of an immediate and undeniable necessity for warlike preparation could justify them they conceive, in incurring, without the sanction of a Vote of the General Assembly, a very large exDenditure involving a considerable addition to the Colonial debt. Ministers fully realize the responsibility of their position, and that they will have to answer alike for their inaction and for their action. ~..., They do not understand that the institution of Ministerial Government alters their responsibilities as Officers of the Crown, and hold, that it would be criminal in them consciously to propose to themselves any Pnd of their political action, other than the welfare of the people of this Colony. His Excellency s AdXrsVlieve that they have never given any reason for supposing that they would shrink from Sieir puoUc duty through fear of the attacks of political opponents. They do not fear attack; but they do fear to afford just ground for attack. They greatly fear to usurp a power not constitutionally JheL and in so doing, to set a vicious precedent of which the evil consequences would be extensive andl With "respect to Colonel Mould's suggestion that the Vote of £3500 may be applied for the nurpoTeitTs replied, that there are liabilities against that Vote which render it unavailable. The commencement of works of the natur* proposed, would entail the loss of iho whole expenditure if he ZkTwerHot prosecuted. Moreover, as no such works were contemplated when the Vote passed, the existence of the Vote makes no difference in the question of &

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DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE. COPY' OF A DESPATCH FROM THE IIIGHT HON. LORD STANLEY, TO GOVERNOR CORE BROWNE, C.B. Downing Street, 25th May, 1858. (No. 20.) S' B > — nth Mt 858 With reference to my Despatch No. 2, of the 12th of March, relative to the expenses connected — *-—-— with Barrack accommodation in New Zealand, I transmit herewith, the copy of a letter on the subject from the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and I avail myself of the opportunity to remind you of the importance of making early provision for the payment of the sums due upon this account I have &c, (Signed) Stanley. Governor Gore Browne, C.8., &c, &c, &c. SIR C. E. TREVELYAN, TO MR. MERIVALE. Treasury Chambers, 13th May, 1858. Sir,— I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, to transmit to you (Enclosure.) 0 £ ft f rom c \y ar Office, dated 27th ult, and of a Report from the Commissioners of Audit April, 1838. of the Bth instant, relative to an expenditure of £7,400 for the erection of a Barrack in New Zealand ; ~~ and I am to request that you will move Lord Stanley to cause my Lords to be informed what steps have been taken for recovering this large expenditure from the Colony of New Zealand, and what expectation may be entertained of the early repayment of the amount. I have, &c, (Signed) C. E. Treveltan. H. Merivale, Esq., . &c, &c, &c. SIR B. HAWES, TO SIR C. E. TREVELYAN. War Office, 27th April, leW. Sir,— It having been decided in October 185G, by the Secretaries of State for War, and the Colonies, that the Colony of New Zealand should bear the expense of housing the Troops in that Island, from Ist April, 1857, as also the expense of £0,931 ss. 5d., incurred in building a Barrack at New Plymouth in 1856-7, no provision was made in the War Office Estimates for 1857-8, for those Services. In pursuance of this decision, a correspondence has been carried on since October 185G with the Governor of New Zealand, but, as yet, no definite arrangements have been made. In the meantime, however, the Officer commanding the Troops, has found it necessary to order from time to time, certain repairs to the Military Buildings, and he has given warrants on the Treasury Chest to meet the expenditure, amounting, as far as has yet been reported, to =£243 in addition to the aforesaid sum of £G,93l ss. sd. for constructing the Barrack at New Plymouth, and pending the final adjustment of the question between the Imperial Government and the Colony, I am to request that you will move the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, to sanction the allowance of £7,400 (the estimated amount required up to the 31st ultimo) as a charge upon Army Funds, unprovided by Parliament. On the recovery from the Colonial Treasury of the money expended on this account, the whole amount will of course be paid into the Exchequer as an extra receipt, I have, &c, (Signed) B. Hawes. Sir C. E. Trevelyan, X.C.8., &c, &c, &c.

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THE COMMISSIONERS OF AUDIT, TO THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY. Audit Office, Somerset House, London, W.C., Blh May, 1858. My Lords, — We beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of Sir C. Trevelyan's Letter of the Ist instant, by j^ 0 276. ■which we were informed, that before your Lordships communicated with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on the subject of the early repayment of the amount due to the Treasury Chest in respect of ( Enclo,>lre ' the expenditure of £7,400 on account of the erection of a Barrack at New Plymouth, your Lordships would be glad to be furnished with any observations we might have to offer upon it. Upon which we have the honor to report that no charges for erecting a Barrack at New Plymouth can be traced in the Commissariat accounts ; and we presume, therefore, that the expenses stated to have been incurred for this service, must have been provided for by Ordnance Drafts upon the Commissary, which have all been forwarded to the War Office for recovery from Army Funds. We have, &c, (Signed) Edward Romily, " Henry Arbuthnot, " W. H. Maberly, The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, &c, &c., &c. COPY OF A DESPATCH FIIOM THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR E, B. LYTTON, BART., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Downing street, 9th August, 1858. Sib,— With reference to the correspondence which has passed relative to the amount of Military No. 15. Force to be maintained in New Zealand, I transmit herewith for your information, the copy of a Letter from the War Department, covering copy of one from Colonel Wynyard, in which he advocates the ioth July, iese formation of a local Corps to be composed of Pensioners, Volunteers from the Line, Discharged Soldiers, and Militia. You will perceive that Major General Peel considers this suggestion of Colonel Wynyard's, to be ■well worthy of the consideration of the local Government. I have, &c, (Signed) E. B. Lytton. SIR HKNRY STORKS TO MR. MERIVALE. War Office, 10th July, 1858. Jir, — With reference to the correspondence which has passed respecting the Military Force to be (Bnclemrt.) maintained in New Zealand ; I im directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit to you for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, [the accompanying copy of a Despatch from Colonel Wynyard, in which he alludes to the advantage•; which would result from the formation of a local Force to be composed of Pensioners, Volunteers from Regiments serving in the Command, Discharged Soldiers, and Militia. It appears from the Memorandum which accompanied Colonel Wynyard's Despatch, that the Advisers of the Governor still consider, that a Force of not less than 2000 Troops should be stationed in New It has however been decided by Her Majesty's Government after careful deliberation as Sir E. )1. Lytton is aware, that with the present demand for Troops elsewhere, one Regiment (1000 strong) can only be maintained in that Colony. It becomes, therefore, a mr.tter of pressing importance, that the Colonial Government should take immediate steps for raising local Corps, for the purpose of supporting the small Detachments intq which the regular Troops must necessarily have to be divided, and Major General Peel considers the suggestion on this head of Colonel Wynyard, to be well worthy of the consideration of the Colonial Government. The local Authorities may rest assured that the Officers and Men serving in New Zealand, will give every assistance towards organizing and disciplining any local levies which may be formed, and the Officer Commanding will be instructed, should he consider it to be desirable, t grant discharges to any Men of the 58th Regiment now about to return home, who may be desirous of entering such a Corps as is proposed. I have, &c, (Signed) H. K. Storks. 11. Merivale, E &c, &c, &c.

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COLONEL WYNYABD, TO THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL. Auckland, 6th March, 1858. Sir,— In forwarding the enclosed copy of a Letter from the Governor with its accompanying (Encioiure.) Memorandum by his responsible Advisers, respecting the subject of my communication addressed to His Excellency on the necessity of increased exertions foi internal defence, and which I duly transmitted for the information of His Royal Highness the General Commanding in Chief, on the 23rd ultimo, perhaps I may be permitted to observe, that should a local Force be considered at all advisable for this Colony, very many, if not nearly all the Men serving in the Command would probably avail themselves of such an opening, which I have been given to understand, several discharged Men would also take advantage of, if so permitted, Men who being somewhat over the age for re-enlisting, or who have taken a gratuity, or who perhaps might be fit for Colonial Service, although not quite eligible for the otherwise active life of a Soldier of the Line. Such a Corps, with Pensioners, Volunteers, and Militia ought to be ample for the immediate duties of this Colony, isolated and distant as it is, particularly if placed under Officers of Colonial experience, known to the Troops, and to the Natives. I trust I may stand excused for presuming to offer an opinion on such a subject, but it has struck me at a moment like this, when the services of regular Troops are in such demand, that I might venture to deviate in a slight degree from the more legitimate objects of this communication. I have, &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding in New Zealand. The Adjutant-General, Horse Guards. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR E. B , LYTTON, BART., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Downing-street, 16th December," 1858. xr a* SlB '~ ISo - 44, I have received your Despatches of the numbers and dates specified in the margin, in which you No. si, June te, advert to the state of our relations with the Natives in New Zealand, and represent the necessity for 1858 further protection. No. 52. June 26, Her Majesty's Government have not failed to gW the subject that attention which the importance *a>? 0 £ j£ (] en ] an( l g) an d J have pressed the question both upon the Naval and Military Departments. I iasa V ' transmit to you herewith for your information, copies of a correspondence with the Admiralty, from No! 70. AugTToi which you will perceive that Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour has been desired to send the Niger iwe Steam Frigate, to Svduoy, and that on her arrival she would be employed for the protection of Mew Zealand. As soon as I shall have been apprized of the decision of the Secretary of State for War, on the question raised by your recent Despatches, I will again communicate with you on the subject of the amount of Military force to be stationed in New Zealand. I have, &c, (Signed) E. B. Lyttox. Governor Gore Browne, C.B. &c, &c, &c. MR. ELLIOT, TO THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY. Downing street, 18th November, 1858. Sir,— < Enclosure.)_ With reference to previous correspondence, and especially to your Letters of the 23rd of No * W, * UM *» March and 7th of April last, relative to the Naval and Military protection of New Zealand, lam No » June 88 directed by Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton to transmit to you for the consideration of the I*BsB Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the enclosed copies of three Despatches from Governor Gore No. S7, July 8 Browne, strongly representing the deficiency of protection at present afforded to the Settlers, in the 1858 uncertain state of their relations with the Natives. Their Lordships will perceive, that the Governor points out the great want of Naval protection, nnd the comparatively small advantage which would result from the employment on the Service in question, of a Sailing Vessel instead of a Steam Ship. I am directed to bring the subject again under the serious consideration of the Lords of tie Admiralty. Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton has urged upon the War Department the necessity of strengthening the Military Force in New Zealand, and he would press upon their Lordships the consequence and urgency of the demand for a War Steamer on the Coasts of New Zealand. Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton would be glad to be informed, what measures may have been taken by the

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Naval Authorities in tliat quarter, for the Naval protection of New Zealand, and how far the general arrangements of the Naval Service may enable their Lordships to comply with the urgent application of the local Government. I have, &c, (Signed) T. F. Elliot. The Secretary to the Admiralty. MR. ROMAINE, TO MB. ELLIOT. Admiralty, 16th November, 1858. Sir,— Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter of the 13th instant, (Enciomre.) and its enclosures, on the subject of the Naval and Military protection of Kew Zealand, I am commanded by their Lordships to state, for the information of Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, that orders have already been sent to the Naval Officer Commanding on the Australian Station, to k«ep a Man-of-War at New Zealand, and fresh orders will be sent by next mail to the effect, that the Ship of War detached to New Zealand should be a Steamer, whenever such arrangement can be made by the senior Naval Officer on the Station, consistently with the general requirements of the Service entrusted to him. I am, &c, (Signed) W. G. Romaine. T. F. Elliot, Esq., &c, &c, &c. MR. ELLIOT, TO THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY. Downing-street, 6th December, 1858. SlK,— With reference to your Letter of the 16th ultimo, relative to the question of detaching a War (Enclosure) Steamer for the defence of New Zealand, lam directed by Secretary Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton to trans- Xo 70 Au "Z mitto you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a Despatch from ' ' j'w» the Governor of that Colony, with further Reports, regarding the movement amongst the Natives in the Northern Province, for the election of a King. This Despatch has an important bearing on the question of the Naral protection of these Islands, and I am to request that you will state to the Lords Commissioners SirE. Bulwer Lytton's strong belief, that amongst the general requirements of the Service entrusted to the Naval Authorities on that Station, there is no one which, judging from the general representations of the Colonial Government, is more urgent than the presence of a War Steamer on the Coast of New Zealand. I have, &c, (Signed) T. F. Elliot. The Secretary to the Admiralty. ME. ROMAINE, TO MB. ELLIOT. Admiralty, 7th "December, 1858. Sin,— In reply to your Letter of the 6th insiant, respecting the state of affairs in New Zealand, and (Endoiure.) pointing out the necessity that exists for a Steam Vessel of War to be stationed on the Coasts of that Island, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you for the information of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, that on the 24th ultimo Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, was desired to send the " Niger" Steam Frigate, to Sydney, and that on her arrival she will be employed upon this Service. I am, &c, (Signed) W. G. Romatne. T. F. Elliot, Esq., &c, &c, &c. COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR E. B. LYTTON, BAUT., TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C.B. Downing-street, 17th January, 1859. Sir,— With reference to that part of my Despatch No. 44 of the 16th ultimo, in which you were No. 4. informed, that I was in communication with the Secretary of State for War on the subject of the mount of the Military Force to be stationed at New Zealand, and on the urgent representations con-

Sir,—

Sir,—

Sin,—

Sir,—

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tamed in your Despatches, which I then acknowledged, of the inadequacy of the Force assigned, for the War office protection of the Colony, I now transmit to you for your information, copies of a correspondence 18th Oct. 1858. between this Department and the War-Office on the subject. CO., The Letter from this Department, of the 13th of November, enters fully into the question, and to 13th Nor, la'is. a t Letter I refer you as containing my views on the subject. From the Letters received from the 30t" dk'Vsm. War-Office, you will perceive that the general demands of the Military Service have rendered it im- : ~ possible to comply with the renewed application of the Officer Commanding the Troops i a New Zealand, for an increase of the present Force of the Royal Artillery, by an ordinary reinforcement, and that the proposal of Major-General Wynyard for supplying the deficiency by sending out two Companies of Invalid Artillery for special Service in the Colony, is considered impracticable for the reasons assigned. You will however, perceive, that it has been decided to increase the force in New Zealand to 1,200 men, by raising the Service Companies of the 65th Regiment to 120 rank and file each. I trust that this additional Military Force, together with the increased Naval protection which you were informed by my Despatch No. 44, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty had decided to afford, will prove sufficient for the security of the Colony. I have, &c, (Signed) E. B. Lytton. Governor Gore Browne, C.8., &c, &c, • &c. (IR H. K. STORKS, TO MR. MERIVALE. War Office, 18th October, 1858. Sir,— (Enclosure.) Referring to your Letter of the 18th and to my reply of the 24th August last, I am directed by Secretary Major-General Peel, to transmit to you the copy of a Letter from the Military Secretary to the General Commanding-in-Chief, with its enclosure from the Officer Commanding the Troops in New Zealand, and in laying the same before Secretary Sir E. B. Lytton, I am to request that you will signify to him, Major-General Peel's wish to be informed whether Sir E. B. Lytton considersit desirable to comply with this renewed application from Colonel Wynyard for an augmentation of the Royal Artillery , in that Command, and also, if so, whether he concurs in the proposal of the Commander - in-Chief to raise Invalid Artillery for the Service. I have, &c, (Signed) 11. K. Storks. H. Merivale, Esq. &c, &c, &c. «R. C. YORK, TO THE UNDER SECRETARY, WAR OFFICE. Horse Guards, 28th September, 1858. Sir, — KnciMurt.) With reference to former Correspondence on the'question of the Force of Artillery to be kept up at New Zealand, I am directed by His Royal Highness the General Commanding-in-Chief, to transmit to you to be submitted to the Secretary of State for War, the enclosed copy of a Letter from Colonel Wynyard, renewing his request for an augmentation of the Artillery serving under his Command. My Letter of the 15th January, which Colonel Wynyard quotes, forwarded a copy of the War-Office Letter of the 13th January, 1858 (Sir Henry Storks); and subsequently a copy of the WarOffice Letter of the 24th August, 1858, was forwarded. His Royal II ighness desires me to observe, that with' the present establishment and distribution of the Royal Artillery, it would not be possible to furnish even one Company for service at New Zealand, and should Her Majesty's Government think proper now to comply with this request, His Royal Highness would suggest that two Companies might be raised aud added to the establishment for the Service in question. These Companies might be formed by non-commissioned Officers and Men now serving who are not equal to very active service, and who, when no longer fit for the discharge of the duties devolving on them, might become Settlers in the Colony. Ti:e strength of each Company might fee— 1 Captain 3 Lieutenants 1 Company Sergeant 3 Sergeants 3 Corporals 3 Bombardier! 100 Gunners 2 Trumpeters.

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The two Captains to be furnished from the Royal Artillery, and the Subalterns to be selected from half-pay of the Land Transport Corps and Field Train Department, who had previously served as Non-commissioned Officers in the Royal Artillery. I have, &c, (Signed) C. Yorke. The Under Secretary of State, War-Office. COLONEL WYNYARD, TO SIR C. YORKE. Auckland, New Zealand, 26th May, 1858. Sir,— Having communicated the tenor of your communication of the 15th January to His Excellency (Enclosure), the Governor, and having been favored in reply, with a copy of the original Despatch to the Right Honorable- the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on the subject, I beg permission to enclose the same for the information of His Royal Highness the General Commanding-in- Chief, and in so doing, Mth A "E-' lBa '- to renew my request for an increased Artillery Force in this Command, which I conceive to be the more urgently required since the Colonial Government have called upon me to detach the only Artillery Officer I have, to Taranaki, together with the few available Men of that Arm, leaving me charge of a Battery of 16 Guns, with merely four Men to work them, supported by such aid as can be rendered by the present very reduced Garrison of Auckland. The whole force of Artillery in this Command does not exceed 25 Men, of whom three are at Wanganui, where there are seven Guns in position ; four, as I have already stated remain at heaquarters, seven at Napier, and eleven at Taranaki, where the Government seem to apprehend the possibility of a collision with the Natives, on matters connected with the feud existing in that neighbourhood amongst the Aborigines for some considerable time past. The duties of an Artillery-man in this Command are not likely to be severe, and unless some unlooked for occurrence takes place, Men of long service, who, after a few years may wish to settle in New Zealand, would be quite equal to the task required of them, and enable me, besides having the Guns efficiently manned, to keep a far better eye to the preservation of the stores, which annually increase in quantity and value, and at present are very considerable. Enclosed is a copy of my Letters to the Governor, consequent on your communication. 2 4ih May I have, &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyard. Colonel Commanding in New Zealand. Sir C. Yorke, X.C.8., Horse-Guards. GOVERNOR BROTTNE, To MR. LAJBoUCHERE. Government House, Auckland, New Zealand, 25th August, 1857. Sir,— In continuance of my Despatch of the Bth instant. No. 63, I have the honor to inform you Milit*»t. that the first part of the Detachment of Troops stationed at the Bay of Islands, arrived in Auckland on the 22nd of this month, and by the mail which accompanied them, I received Petitions from the Inhabitants remonstrating, in the strongest terms against their removal, stating that "in the absence of ( ' ° ' Military protection, we do not consider our property nor yet even our lives safe." I do not participate in these apprehensions, having carefully, but quietly communicated with the Chiefs and those who are best acquainted with them, before the order was given. 2. I am, however, of opinion that it is not possible to ensure a continuance of the present security, and therefore, that a place of refuge, which could be maintained in defiance of attacks by an irregular Force, ought to be established at the Bay of Islands. I have answered the Petitioners in these terms, and have reason lo believe that the money for the erection of such a Buildin" will be subscribed without delay, as the danger is probably mageified by the Inhabitants of the District. I shall take care that the position occupied shall be approved, and the Building erected under thesupervision of the Military Authorities. 3. I take this opportunity to enclose a Letter from Colonel Wynyard, C.8., informing me that the establishment of the two Regiments serving in New Zealand will in future be reduced to G6O Rank and File, making a total of 1320 Rank and File in the Colony. Deducting casualties, and considering the Detachments which cannot without imminent danger be withdrawn, I do not consider this Force ]gihAu " na7 sufficient for the defence of the Colony, deprived as it is of all Naval protection. 4. Without presuming to dictate to Her Majesty's Government what protection should be afforded to one of its dependencies, I yet feel that I should be failing in my duty to you, if I did not say

30

that for some years to come, this Colony will be in the condition of a wooden house stored with combustibles. It is to be hoped that no explosion will take place, but the greatest care may not be able to prevent it. Under such circumstances it is worth considering whether insurauce, even at the annual expense of Military and Naval protection, may not be both the safest and most economical method which can be adopted. I have, &c, (Signed) Thos. Gore Bkowne. yard, c.B P.S.—Since the above was written I have received enclosure No. 4 from Colonel Wynyard, C.B. 28th Aug. 18)7, suggesting that two Companies of Artillery be sent to New Zealand in lieu of the number of Men taken from the 58th Regiment and 65th Regiment, and I beg to recommend his request to your favorable consideration. (Signed) T. G. B. The Right Honorable Henry Labouchere, M.P., &c, &c. COLONEL WYNYARD, TO GOVERNOR BROWNE. Auckland, No. 1688. 17t h May, 1858. Sir,— Adverting to my Letter of the 28th August last, No. 1,357, and your Excellency's leply thereto of the same date, respecti»g the augmentation of the Royal Artillery in this Command, I i«th Jan ia&n- nave the honor to forward, for your information, copy of a communication received from the Horse Guards on the eubject. I hare, &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyard, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor, &0., &c, &c. COLONEL WYNYARD, TO GOVERNOR BROWNE. Auckland, 24th May, 1858. Sir,— No. 1700. Having been favored with a copy of your Excellency's Despatch, No. 99, of the 25th of August last the P.S. of which supports my proposition for an increase of Artillery, in this Command, I shall, with your Excellency's sanction, forward the same for the information of His Royal Highness, the General Commanding-in-Chief, and in so doing renew my original request: seeing that at this moment the Guns, mounted as per margin, are in position on Poiut Britomart, with no means whatever of working them except what can be furnished by the 58th Regiment, already so reduced as to be barely — a^e *° raeet t^ie requirement of the Garrison, and no Officer (in the absence of Captain King) from —la-Pounder whom, in case of need, I could obtain reliable assistance. In such a predicament, the Battery I consider useless, except for saluting purposes, while at the same time it contains such a weight of metal that a more creditable defence would be expected of it than could by any possibility under existing circumstances be maintained, and this, I humbly submit, is a false position for Her Majesty's Troops to be in. In conjunction with my renewed appeal to the Horse Guards on this subject, I trust your Excellency may be pleased again to address yourself to the Home Authorities, for a reinforcement of this particular Arm, to the amount already specified, or at least, one complete Company, with a due proportion of Officers, even supposing it was composed of Men who after a few years Service, might be anxious to seek their discharge on the spot, and remain as Settlers in the Colony. Your Excellency will doubtless bear in mind that it was to comply with the wishes of the Government, and to meet the exigencies of the case, that I authorized the Detachment of the Royal Artillery going on the 3rd ult., and then with the understanding, it was merely for temporary purposes. I have &c, (Signed) R. H. Wynyakd, His Excellency the Governor, Colonel Commanding the Forces in New Zealand. &c, ' &c, &c. MR. ELLIPT, TO SIR 11. STORKS. Downing-street, 13th November, 1858. Sir,— I am directed by Secretary Sir E. B. Lytton, to transmit to you, for the consideration of the wth June, 1858 Secretary of State for War, copies of three Despatches from the Governor of New Zealand, on the subNo- m jeet of the Military Protection of that Colony. wth June, iias. j^ o gj ma y g 0 regarded as a ,i answer to the Despatch which was addressed to the Governor of isth j~ui iron New Zealand on the 14th April, 1858, No. 11, intimating tlio intention of Her Majesty's GovernNo 57. inent to withdraw from that Colony the remainder of the 58th Regiment, and to maintain the effective strength of the Gsth Regiment there at 1000 Meu. That Despatch was communicated to Major-

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General Peel in the Letter from this Office, of the 24th April, 1858. The Governor's present Despatch encloses an Address to Her Majesty which had been adopted by both Houses of the Legislature, deprecating such a reduction of the Troops. No. 52 encloses a Memorandum from the Responsible Advisers of the Governor, relative to the expense to be borne by the Colony for the accommodation of Her Majesty's Troops. No. 57 encloses the Report of a Debate in the House of Representative on the subject of Military protection. I am to request that you will call the attention of Major-General Peel to these Despatches. On a full consideration of these Communications, and of the previous representations of the Local Government, Sir E. Bulwer Lytton is unable to avoid the conclusion, that the Colony of New Zealand is exposed to dangers from the Natives which may lead to disasters, and may ultimately involve the necessity of employing a much larger Military Force there, than which would now suffice to arrest the threatened evils. Sir E. B. Lytton is fully aware that this question must be considered, not simply with reference to the interests of this individual Colony, but with a regard to the demands of the whole Empire. At the same time he cannot be insensible to the urgent and frequently repeated representations of Governor Browne, as to the necessity for Military protection and the absolute impossibility so strongly urged in the present Despatches of depending on a Militia Force. Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton would again invite the attention of Major-General Peel to the clear statement contained in Colonel Browne's previous Despatch No. 14, of the 25th of February last as to the Military Force required in the Colony, and to the distribution there laid down of 2,000 Men. He is inclined to believe, that if the other requirements of the general Military Service would permit of such an arrangement, tho maintenance for the present of that Force in New Zealand distributed in the manner proposed— would repay, in a pecuniary point of view, the charge which would be thereby incurred by the British Treasury ; by the stimulus which a sense of security would give to the occupation of the Territory and to increased production. Governor Browne expresses his opinion that a smaller Military Force would suffice if a War-Steamer were stationed on the Coast, which might act effectively at any one point in case of an emergency. On this subject a renewed representation will be addressed to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton has had under his consideration, in connexion with the enclosed Despatches, your Letter of the 18th ultimo, witli its enclosures from the Military Secretary to the General Commanding-in-Chief, and from the Officer Commanding the Troops in New Zealand, on the subject of an augmentation of the Royal Artillery on that Station. From Sir C. Yorkc's Letter it appears, that not even one Company of Artillery could be spared for New Zealand, but it is suggested that two Companies might be raised for that particular Service ; to be formed by Non-commissioned Officers and Men now serving, who are not equal to very active service, and who when no longer fit for tiie discharge of the duties devolving on them in New Zealand, might become Settlers in the Colony. The strength of these two Companies would be about 232 Rank and. File. That Force, together with the Goth Regiment increased to 1000 Men, would form an approach to the amount of Force estimated as requisite in Colonel Browne's Despath to Mr. Labouchere, No. 09, of the 25th August, 1857, forming an enclosure to your Letter now under acknowledgment and forwarded by Colonel Wynyard in his recent Letter to Sir Charles Yorke, as shewing the present requirements of the Colony. With regard to the Artillery Force as proposed to be raised, Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard observes that tho duties of an Artilleryman in that Command are not likely to be severe, and that unless 138n - some unlooked for occurence should take place, Men of long service, who after a few years might wish to settle in Isew Zealand, would be quite equal to the task required of them. If Major-General Peel should be unable to effect an increase from the regular Troops of the Line to the present Force in the Colony, Sir E. B. Lytton conceives that it will be desirable to raise the two Companies of Artillery in the manner proposed, as the best mode in connexion with increased Naval protection, of placing the various scattered Settlements in a state of security. I am to request that you will call General Peel's attention to the Debates in the House of Representatives on the subject of Military protection in the Governor's Despatch, No. 57, and with reference to the remarks in Sir C. Yorke's Letter, which you have enclosed, I am to state, that, Sir E. B. Lytton can hold out no immediate prospect of relieving the Army Estimates, of any of the Military expenditure on account of New Zealand, except that at present borne by the Colony for Barrack and Lodging accommodation, which he is of opinion should be pressed on the Colony. I have, &c, (Signed) T. F. Elliot. Sir H. Storks, X.C.8., Horse Guards. (JOPY o*' A DESPATCH FROM LORD CARNARVON TO GOVERNOR GORE BROWNE, C B. Downing Street, sth May, 1859. Sir,— I transmit herewith, for your information, a copy of a Despatch which has been addressed to the Governor of Tasmania, on the subject chiefly of the Naval Defence of Australia. Although this Despatch

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and its enclosures from the Admiralty are not altogether applicable to the present circumstances of the Colony of New Zealand, they will inform you of the measures which Her Majesty's Government have decided on for strengthening , the Naval Force on the Australian Command, anil they will also show the general arrangement which the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are prepared to adopt with reference to the Transport of the Troops for the Colonial Service. I have, &c, (Signed) Carnarvon, In the absence of Sir E. B. Lytton. Governor Gore Browne, C.8., &c, Sic, &c. LORD CARNARVON, TO SIR H. E. P. YOUNG. Downing-street, sth May, 1859. Sir,— (Encioture.) With reference to your Despatch, No. 51, of the sth of July, 1858, and especially to that CO. portion of it wherein you propose that Australia should be made an Admiral's Station, I transmit to gth Feb. 185!). y Qu CO py o f a L e tter which was, by my desire, addressed to the Board of Admiralty, enclosing the copy of a Despatch from Sir William Denison, in continuance of a discussion which he had previously , . , . raised on the question of the Military and Naval Defence of Australia. I also annex a copy of the Admiralty s reply. That Letter announces the measures which it has been decided to adopt for considerably strengthening the Naval Force on the Australian Station, and intimates the probable separation under the Command of an Officer having the rank of Commodore of the Squadron in the Australian Seas, from that under the East India and China Station. It further states the arrangement, which the Board of Admiralty are prepared to adopt, with reference to the Transport of Troops. By that arrangement, it is proposed that the charge of the conveyance of Troops from England to the Colonies, and of their removal from one Colony to another, should be defrayed by the Imperial Government, on the general understanding, that, the removal of Troops by Sea, from one part of a Colony to another, should be at the cost of the Colony. This division of the expenses is, in itself, very favorable to the interests of the Colonies, but it should always be borne in mind that, although such is the general arrangement, peculiar circumstances may arise, which would necessitate the immediate Transport of Troops from one Colony to another, in order to check internal discord, as in the instance of the Ballarat riots in Victoria, or for other purely Local purposes; in which cases it would be only just and reasonable that the cost of removing the Troops should be paid by the Colony so requiring their presence. In order to convey to you a complete understanding of the views of Her Majesty's Government on the important question of the Naval Defence of the Australian Colonies, I transmit, tor your information, a copy of a Letter from the Admiralty of the 24th_of January, 1857, containing a review — »*—— of the whole question. It must be further understood, that, it is the intention of the Government, shortly, to appoint a Committee, for the purpose of reporting on the whole question of Military Expenditure in the Colonies, and that any existing arrangements may be liable to modification, on the recommendation of that Committee. I have, &c, (Signed) Carnarvon, In the absence of Sir E. B. Lytton. Governor Sir H. E. F. Young, C.8., &c, &c, &c. MR. MERIVALE, TO THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY. Downing Street, Bth February, 1859. Sib,— With reference to your Letter of the 24th January, 1857, entering into the whole question of the Naval Defences of New South Wales, and of the Forces to be employed for Colonial purposes (Encioture), generally, lam directed by Secretary Sir E. B. Lytton to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lords BCthOctflbm,iBSB Commissioners of the Admiralty, the Copy of a further Despatch from the Governor of that Colony, stating the views which are entertained on this subject, so far as it has yet been considered, by No. iM, himself and his Executive Council: and I am to request that you will inform their Lordships, that,

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Sir E. B. Lytton would be glad to bo favored with any suggestions which they may wish to offer upon the several points adverted to in these papers. I have, &c., (Signed) IT. Merivale. The Secretary to the Admiralty. MR. ELLIOT. TO SECRETARY TO ADMIRALTY. Downing street, 13th November, 1858. With reference to previous correspondence, and especially to your Letters of the 23rd of March ncow and 7th of April last, relative to the Naval and Military protection of New Zealand, I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Lords Commis- No 5 i Une ' sioners of the Admiralty, the enclosed copies of three Despatches from Governor Gore Browne, strongly 2eih Junej j^ representing the deficiency of protection at present afforded to the Settlers in the uncertain state of No. 52. their relations with Natives. 1 5 J"'y> '"5* Their Lordships will perceive, that the Governor points out the great want of Naval protection, No ' i 7, and the comparatively small advantage which would result from the employment on the service in question, of a Sailing Vessel instead of a Steam Ship. I am directed to bring this subject again under the serious consideration of the Lords of the Admiralty. Sir E. B. Lytton has urged upon the War Department the necessity of strengthening the Military Force in New Zealand, and he would press upon their Lordships, the consequence and urgency of the demand for a War Steamer on the Coasts of New Zealand. Sir E. B. Lytton would be glad to be informed, what measures may have been taken by the Naval Authorities in that quarter for the Naval protection of New Zealand, and how far the general arrangements of the Naval Service may enable their Lordships to comply with the urgent application of the Local Government. I have, 85c, (Signed) T. F. Elliot. The Secretary to the Admiralty. SIR H. K. STORKS, TO MR. ELLIOT. War Office, 30th December, 1858. Sir, — The Secretary of State for War has had under his consideration your Letters, dated the 13th (Enclosure.) ultimo, and 6th instant, together with their enclosures from the Governor of New Zealand on the subject of the Military Force to be maintained in that Colony. With regard to the proposal of specially raising and maintaining two Companies of the Royal Artillery for this Service, I am to state that the expense would appear to be so large, and, taking into consideration the age and physical condition of the men, so disproportionate to the probable efficiency of the Corps when raised, that Major-General Peel deems it unadvisable to have recourse to this measure. It has, therefore, been decided, that, with a view to increasing the Force in New Zealand to 1200 Men, that the Service Companies of the 65th Regiment should be raised to 120 Bank and File each. I have, &c, (Signed) H. K. Storks. T. F. Elliot, Esq., &c, &c, &c. SIR W. DENISON TO SIR E. B. LYTTON. Government House, Sydney, 26th October, 1858. (Edclmuc Sir,— No - lie - I recaived some months ago a Despatch from Lord Stanley, No. 6, dated 11th March, 1858, in reply to one of mine, No. 127, dated 14th August, 1856, on the subject of the defence of Sydney Harbour.

Sir, —

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The questions raised in this Despatch, and specially those to which reference ismade in the Letter addressed by the Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Merivale, axe of two kinds : the first has reference to the special defence of this Colony, and of this, as it will be brought specially under the consideration of the Legislature at an early period, I will postpone the consideration, until I can inform you of the result of such consideration. The second has reference to more general questions under the heads of " Communications" and " General Defence," and I will now proceed to state the views entertained by myself and the Members of my Executive Council with relation to these. Under the former their Lordships include the conveyance of Mails, to which it is unnecessary for me to allude, as in the case of the Australian Colonies this is the subject of a special contract. With regard, however, to the conveyance of Troops and Stores, the proposition of their Lordships that the transport of Troops from one Colony to another, and from one part of a Colony to another part of the same Colony, should be provided for at the expense of the Colony or Colonies concerned, opens up the general question, "by whom are the Troops required for the defence of the Colonies to be paid ?" If by the Colony, then of course all the expenses contingent upon their movements to and fro, whether to the Colony from England, or from another Colony, or within the limits of the Colony itself, must be defrayed from Colonial Funds. If, however, any share of the responsibility of defending a Colony is to rest with the Mother Country, as is admitted in Lord Stanley's Despatch, then there docs not appear to be any reason why the former should be charged with the whole expense of the Transport of Troops. The principle suggested by me in former Despatches that the expense of the movement and maintenance of the Troops required for the defence of the Colony, should be shared equally between the Mother Country and the Colony, appears to me, to be one which would meet every difficulty, and obviate every chance of disagreement between the Colony and the Mother Country. The subject of the " General Defence" of these Colonies has been brought under the notice of the Government of New South Wales, in a special manner by Sir Henry Young, who has forwarded to me copies of a Despatch addressed to the Secretary of State, covering a Minute addressed to him by his Advisers on this subject, —the substance of this, was a recommendation that the Australian Colonies should be made the Head Quarters of a Squadron uuder the Command of an Admiral. I forward herewith an Extract from the proceedings of my Executive Council with relation to this proposal, which will give you an outline of the views entertained by myself and my Council on this particular question, and I will avail myself of this opportunity of stating my view of the more general question submitted by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. This appears to me to come under two separate heads : The first may be said to be a professional question, namely, what is the best mode of employing a given Naval Force for the defence of a particular portion of the Empire ? The second, which bears upon the question of the relationship between the Mother Country and the Colony, may be stated thus t —Ought not some share in the cost of maintaining a Naval Force for the "General Defence" to be defrayed by the Colonies interested ? The answer to the professional question is most correctly given in the Letter of the Secretary to the Admiralty. There cannot be any doubt that the defence of any country against attacks by sea is best provided for by offensive movements against the fleets in harbours of the enemy. This very fact, however, would seem to render impracticable any attempt to come to an understanding with any individual Colony, as to the relative amount of the benefits conferred by a particular Squadron upon itself, other adjacent Colonies, and the Mother Country. Take the instance adduced by their Lordships. There can be no doubt that the Naval Dei'cacr of these Colonies was best provided for during the war with Russia, by the Fleet on the coast of Tartary: but then this Fleet, as is shown by their Lordshipe, secured India from aggression, and protected the trade of England with China, and the Countries generally which are washed by the Pacific Ocean. How would it be possible to measure the relative amount of the benefits conferred upon India, the Australian Colonies, New Zealand, the Mauritius, &c, by the action of this Fleet, and how would it be possible to distinguish, in the protection given to the trade of the Colonies, the amount of interest for which the Mother Country ought to contribute ? A practical solution of the question may perhaps be arrived at, by a consideration of the objects which the Government proposes to itself in sending Vessels of War to different parts of the World. For instance, there is one Squadron on the East and another on the West Coast of South America. The motives for maintaining these i-quadrons are probably partly political, but they have reference also to the security of Trade. In the security thus afforded, however, all Nations partake ; and it would be as impossible to define the amount of benefit which any individual Colony would derive from the presence of these Ships of War, as it would be to measure that conferred upon any other trading community. Then again, witli relation to the Australian Colonies, a small Naval Force will bo sufficient to protect all interests, so long as those remain part and parcel of the Empire : but were a separation to take place, it would be found necessary, for the security of British interests, to maintain a much larger Force than is now required Would it then be fair or right to ask the Colonies to contribute towards an expense, which their very position as Colonies renders comparatively light ? In truth, however, this question is only a portion of one of a much more general character :" and, until a satisfactory definition can be given of the obligations imposed by the relations which exist between a Colony and the Parent State, it would, in my opinion, and in that of my Advisors, be unadvis;ible to press upon the Governments of ihese Colonies any partial proposition of the kind alluded to in the

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Letter of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, as such a course would only tend to elicit debate, and would afford no assistance towards the solution of the general problem. I have, &c, (Signed) W. Denison. Ih Eight Honorable Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, Bart., &c, &c, &c. NEW SOUTH WALES. PROCEEDINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFENCE OF THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIES. Extract from Minute No. 58-31, dated 2nd August, 1858. (Enclosure.) Present: — His Excellency the Governor General, The Honorable the Vice President of the Council, The Honorable the Attorney General, The Honorable the Colonial Treasurer, The Honorable the Secretary for Lands and Public Works. His Excellency the Governor General lays before the Council, a Despatch from Sir Henry Young, Governor of Tasmania, enclosing at the request of his Responsible Advisers, a Copy of a Despatch which he has recently transmitted to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, ■ and also a Copy of a Letter addressed to him by those Gentlemen on the subject of the Defence of Tasmania and the Australian Colonies generally, in time of War. In this Despatch, which is based upon the Letter of his Advisers, Sir Henry Young strongly urges upon the Secretary of State, the necessity for making the Australian Colonies an Admiral's Station, and for maintaining in these Seas, a Naval Squadron equal at least to that maintained therein by any other Power, and the object of the present reference to this Government, is to invite the Colony to strengthen that representation by a similar expression of opinion. Sir Henry Young's Despatch and the Letter of his Ministers also, open up other questions connected with the Defence of the Australian Colonies, but these the Governor General is not at present prepared to submit for the consideration of the Council, and His Excellency only now desires their advice as to the propriety of adopting and acting upon the specific suggestion of the Tasmanian Government. The Council are not disposed to lay so great a stress as it would appear Sir Henry Young and his Advisers do, upon the presence in these Seas of a sufficient Force to justify the adoption of the step advocated by them, and are not therefore prepared to recommend that any representation should be addressed to Her Majesty's Government on behalf of this Colony, urging the necessity for making the Australian Colonies an Admiral's Station. They are, however, of opinion that the Naval Force at present stationed in these Colonies, consisting, as it does, of only two available Vessels, is not in any way adequate to the protection, either in Peace or War, of British and Colonial interests, and they recomnund that His Excellency should bring this expression of opinion under the notice of Her Majesty's Government, and urge the expediency of strengthening that Force. (Signed) Edward C. Merewethek. Clerk of the Council. MR. OSIiORNE, TO MR. MERIVALE. Admiralty, S.W., 24th January, 1857. Sik,— Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter of the 23rd ult. < Enclosure ■> enclosing a Despatch from Sir W. Denison on the subject of the Naval and Military Defence of New South Wales, and the portion of the expense thereof to be borne by that Colony, I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you for the information of Mr. Secretary Labouchere, that they are glad to have received this Despatch in exlenso, because, although a considerable portion of it refers only to JMilitary matters, that portion of the subject is very important in its bearings upon the general question, and although Sir W. Denison's Despatch relates to New South Wales only, the question of the Service to be performed by Her Majesty's Naval and Military Forces for Colonial Defences, and Colonial purposes generally, is, in fact, raised by this Despatch. It is not the province of this Department to enter into the question, as regards the principle as to whether any, or what part of the expense for defence against an enemy, is to be borne by the Mother Country and the Colonies respectively, and my Lords will therefore abstain from any comment on Sir W. Denison's Despatch, and proceed to the consideration of the question, only so far as regards the

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Naval Service, on the assumption that a certain portion of expense is to be borne by the Colonies, both for their own internal purposes and for their exterior defence. They wish, however, to preface their observations by one remark, which will more particularly apply to the Naval Defence of our Colonies, though it is applicable to other questions connected with Service by Sea, namely, that it is impossible to treat separately each Colony of a group, without reference to the other Colonies in the immediate neighbourhood. The same observation may be made as regards Military operations by Land, but in a very much less degree, an attack by an enemy's Force may be so made as to require the co-operation of the Troops in different Colonies in order to resist it, but, in general, the Land Defence must be purely Local by Garrisons, or a body of Men covering and protecting the Town or points assailed. This is not the case as regards the Service at Sea, and there is therefore a difficulty in apportioning the expense of Naval Defence, which hardly exists as to the Land Defences of our Colonies. My Lords wished to call Mr. Labouchere's attention to this point at the commencement of their observations, as many questions are more or less affected by this consideration. They now proceed to questions of— 1. Communication. That is to say, the transmission of Letters, Troops, or Stores, which Services are usually per formed by a Government. As regards the former, the Mails of this Country are, with one or two (and those temporary) exceptions, performed by private persons under contract, and the latter Services are also generally executed by the Vessels of private Owners, manned and navigated by them. Sometimes the whole vessel is so hired. Sometimes both Men and Stores are sent in Vessels carrying other freight, under arrangements between the Government and the Owners. My Lords see no reason why similar Services in the Colonies should not be provided for in a similar manner by the Colonial Governments. Vessels were recently taken up at Halifax to move Troops, and in such a case as sending a Detachment from one part of a Colony to another, my Lords see no reason why the same course should not be pursued. If the Colony thinks it more advantageous to have a Colonial Vessel belonging to the Government, to be employed for these purposes, my Lords see no reason against it. Mr. Labouchere will of course observe, that if this Service extends beyond the limits of any one Colony, viz., between Sydney and Hobart Town, the concurrence of two or more Colonies or Governments is necessary, if it is not to be done in such cases by this Country. At present a sum of money is taken in the Transport Vote for Intercolonial communication, which, however, includes that between different parts of the same Colony. 2. Local Defence. By Local Defence my Lords intend to confine themselves to the mere Defence of the Coast and Harbours of a Colony by means of Vessels only calculated for such Service, and in fact only to be employed in case of an attack on the Coast, such as floating Batteries, small Gun-Boats, and similar Vessels. My Lords are of opinion that such Vessels should be Colonial Vessels, to be manned by Crews organized as a Colonial Militia would be. The Men might, in fact, never be required actually to serve. It would be absurd, therefore, to keep them on board these Vessels. They would reside on shore, be occasionally drilled in the use of Guns and Arms, and he called out when wanted as Sea Fencibles, or as my Lords propose to organize the Naval Coast Volunteers in this Country. The same Force also might be trained and employed to man Coast Batteries. It is obvious that such a Force could not be furnished from this Country. The only provision which it appears necessary to make as regards them, is that, in the case of one of Her Majesty's Ships being present when any attack is made, calling for the services of such a Force, it should, in order to insure unity of action, be placed for the time under tlie Command of the Senior Officer of Her Majesty's Ships, who is on the spot. As regards this description of Service, each Colony is independent of any other. 3. General Defence. In considering the question of Defence, my Lords have confined the Local Defence of the Colonies within the very narrow limits of the preceding observations, because they believe it to be perfectly impossible, as regards Naval defence, to assign to anything beyond such measures as have already been indicated, a more Local character.' During the recent War, considerable uneasiness was felt and expressed by the Ports on the Eastern side of Scotland, and also on the North Eastern parts of England, at the absence of all Ships of War from their neighbourhood, and yet it must be obvious that far more efficient protection was afforded to them by confining the Russian Vessels of War to their own ports, or by occupying the Sound and the Belts through which, during such occupation, no Russian Vessel couki pass, than by the same Force being scattered from Peterhead to Yarmouth. In like manner great alarm was felt and great complaints were made in India, ;-,t the absence of any Naval Force in their Seas, but, in truth, the defence of India was more effectually cared for, by the British Force being in the neighbourhood of the Russian Force and Ports in Tartary and Kamskatcha, than if they had been in the Bay of Bengal, whilst the safety of the Australian Colonies, of our other Eastern possessions, and of our trade generally, was secured at the same time, and by the same course.

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My Lords are aware that the cases above quoted are, to some extent, exceptional, but they hare referred to them as being of recent occurrence, and, as strong instances in which Local Defence was most effectually attained by a course of proceeding which was complained of by the parties on the spot, and with the appearance, if the question was not well considered, of no regard being paid to them. If further, the question be confined within the narrower limits of Defence of the Australian Colonies alone, it will be obvious to Mr. Labouchere, on even the slightest consideration, that it cannot be provided for, as regards each Colony separately, but must, at the same time be provided for them all. Vessels, •which if stationed separately at each Colony for its protection, would fall an easy prey to an Enemy's Force attacking them in succession, would, if united, form a Squadron capable of adequately defending the whole from any probable amount of Force which could be brought to that part of the Globe. How and where the Naval Force shall be employed for the protection of these Colonies, must depend upon circumstances, and must be left to the unfettered discretion of the Naval Commanders. In the late War, the Ships were most effective for this purpose on the Coast of Tartary, in another War, the Force may probably have to be stationed elsewhere; but that which is quite clear, is that it cannot be so ill applied as if attached to each Colony, so as to impede its being withdrawn from that particular spot, and sent elsewhere, and employed in such way as the Admiral, or Senior Officer, may think most advisable, for the purpose of meeting the Enemy in the most advantageous manner. It is perfectly impossible to localise Naval Defence. At the time of Lord Nelson's well known pursuit of Admiral Villeneuve, the protection of the Coasts of England might have been as effectually secured by an Action in the West Indies, as by Sir Robert Calder's Action in the Bay of Biscay, or the subsequent Battle of Trafalgar. My Lords consider the foregoing considerations decisive against any Colonial Marine, for the purposes of Defence, now under discussion. It is impossible to suppose that each Colony would not wish to retain its own Vessels in its own immediate neighbourhood, and would not object to their being sent away for the Defence of any other Colony; such a feeling is so natural, that it must be expected to exist on the part of the Colonies and Colonial Governments; and to disregard it would obviously cause great complaints and discontent on their nart; an the same time, it is clearly indispensable that such an Armed Force should act' ■with, and under the Command of the Queen's Naval Commanders, in order to insure an united and and efficient Force in case of need, and it is impossible not to see how much his operations might be thwarted and even defeated by such a feeling. There are other considerations into which my Lords think it unnecessary to enter, relating to the discipline and management of a Colonial Force. The Indian Navy is an example of such a Force on a larger scale, with greater advantages in many ways, than can belong to what would necessarily be a smaller Service in any of our Colonies. Several Vessels of this Force acted under the Orders of the Admiral Commanding-in-Chief, in the Chinese War, and rendered efficient service, but it was obvious to the Naval Officers, that there were defects in its organization, and that in any joint operations with Her Majesty's Ships, without great care, serious difficulty might easily have arisen between the two Services. The experience then acquired should act, rather, as a warning against the creation of such a Force, than as an example to be followed in circumstances less favourable to the prospects of success. Thpre are also other reasons against a Local Force, more applicable, perhaps, to other Colonial Possessions, than to the Australian Colonies. For instance, nothing contributes so much to the health of the Ships employed in the West Indies, as their being sent, from time to time, to the Northern parts of the North American Station, being replaced by Ships from thence. A West Indian Colonial Force would, necessarily, always serve in the West Indies, without the possibility of such a change, and must suffer materially in health in consequence. My Lords are, therefore, clearly of opinion, that the Naval Defence of all the Colonial Possessions of Her Majesty, beyond the mere Local Defence adverted to in the earlier part of this Letter, must be provided for by the Queen's Navy, under the uncontrolled Orders of the Queen's Naval Commanders, and that this is the only effectual mode of attaining that end. It does not appear to my Lords that this conclusion materially affects the question of any contribution from the Colonies towards the expense of maintaining such a Force, but certainly according to their views, if such a contribution is made, it ought to be divided amongst adjacent, or neighbouring Colonies, in some fair proportion to their importance or their resouicjs. It is not for my Lords to determine such questions, but they conceive that, if Her Majesty's Government determine, that the principle of such contribution is to be adopted, some such arrangement as the following might be advantageously made as regards the Australian Colonies, including, of course, New Zealand ; premising that the numbers and figures are taken merely for the sake of illustration. Let it be assumed, that in ordinary times there should be kept such a Force in Australian Maters, as would number about 1000 men, and cost £100,000 per annum. The particular Vessels would be changed as suited the general convenience of the Station. There might sometimes be more, sometimes less Force in that part of it: but, on the average, that Force should be at, or near, one or other of the Australian Colonies. Those Colonies amongst them, all of whom would derive protection from such a Force, ought to contribute one third, or one half, or two thirds, or any other proportion oi' the above Sum, as may be determined upon. If, in the event of War, the Force in the neighbourhood is doubled, so should the contributions. This increase of the contribution, not to be required if the increased Force on their Coast vai merely temporary, caused by the presence of an Enemy, because Ships ought to be, and would be

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withdrawn from other parts of the Station to meet the Enemy, wherever he might shew himself, just at they might he withdrawn from the Australian waters for a similar purpose; but if the Force permanently stationed in their neighbourhood were increased, then it would only be fair that they should contribute a larger sum. There remains one more question, viz., as to several descriptions of Service which are often required by Colonial Governors, from Officers Commanding Ships of War. In cases of real emergency, there is no Service of any kind which the Navy is not ready to render. Such has always been the case, and will, my Lords are confident, always be the case with Officers of Her Majesty's Navy ; but in some recent instances, demands have been made which seemed to my Lords not properly to fall within the scope of Naval Service. In the state of almost independence to which many of our Colonies are approaching, it is only reasonable that they should assume part at least, of the burthens which are incident to all Government, and it is not reasonable that the Mother Country should be charged with the maintenance of Vessels to perform ordinary duties of a purely Colonial character. If, however, the Colonies contribute towards the expense of maintaining , a Force on their Coasts, and thus, without additional charge to this Country, render it possible to keep a larger number of Vessels in the neighbourhood, it may be reasonable that a greater latitude should be given to the demands for Service on the part of the Colonies. My Lords have thought it advisable to state their views thus fully, for the information of Mr. Labouchere, in order that he might be aware of the grounds on which my Lords have come to their conclusions. These conclusions are in fact two:— 1. That for Colonial or Inter-colonial communication, and for the mere Local Defence of the oasts ; Vessels to be hired or provided by the Colony, and a Colonial Force, are the best. 2. That for all purposes of General Defence of one or more Colonies, a Naval Force of the Queen's Navy, under the sole control of the Commanders of Her Majesty's Navy, is indispensable. How far the Colonies shall be called upon to contribute towards the maintenance ef such part of that Force as is under ordinary circumstances kept in the neighbourhood of adjacent Colonies, and iv what proportions, it is for Her Majesty's Government to determine. I am, &c, (Signed) R. Osborne. H. Merivale, Esq. • Colonial Office. THE HONORABLE H. CORRY, TO MR. MERITALE. Admiralty, 18th March, 1859. (MVhuti). Sib, — Having laid before my Lords Commissioners cfthe Admiralty, your Letter of the Bth February last, with its enclosures from the Governor of New South Wales, relative to the general question ol the Naval and Military Defences of that Colony, I am commanded by their Lordships to state, for the information of Secretary Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, that they see no reason to depart from the general views expressed in the Letter addressed to you from this Department on the 24th January, 1857. As regards the questions of Local Defence, and the amount of Naval Force required to be stationed For the general protection of the Trade of the Australian Colonies and of Tasmania and New Zealaud, my Lords deem it probable that the amount of Force maintained in the Seas adjacent to the Colonies will, in future, require to be larger than at former periods, and two additional Ships of War have recently been ordered to proceed from China, to join the Senior Officer at present Commanding the Ships stationed for that Service. My Lords have also had under consideration the expediency of a complete separation of the Squadron in the Australian Seas, from that under the Command of the Flag Officer on the East Indian and China Stations, but they are of opinion that an Officer with the rank of Commodore will be sufEcieut for all general purposes at present. It does not appear to their Lordships to be more incumbent upon this Department, or more necessary than at the date of the former Admiralty Letter, namely, January, 1857, that they should enter particularly into the questions affecting the couveyanne of tho Mails, or the Transport of Troops and Stores, to the Colonies in general, but, as regards the principles by which the cost of such Services should be regulated, My Lords may be permitted to observe, that the cost of the conveyance of Troops from England to the Territories of the East India Company, was defrayed, aud freight was provided to the latest period, by that Company. The conveyance of Troops, however, from England to the Colonies, and their removal from one Colony to another, might perhaps be reasonably defrayed by the Imperial Government, on the general understanding, that the removal of Troops by Sea, from one part of a Colony to another, should be at the cost of the Colony. The cost of Naval Force, for the general protection of the Trade of the Colonies, should be defrayed by the Imperial Gsvcrnraent under all circumstances.

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In all cases, however, in which special demands for assistance might be made by the Colonies, under circumstances not evidently resulting from external aggression, or from attacks of Aboriginal Tribes upon the Frontiers, or within the Colonies, the cost of Freight, and the maintenance of additional Troops should be chargeable on the Colonial Government, but in no case should additional charges be imposed upon the Colony, on account of the increase of Naval Force, except where special allowances may be necessary from peculiar Local causes. With these remarks, my Lords would wish only once more to refer to their Despatch of 24th January, 1857. I have, &c, (Signed) H. Coket. 11. Merivale, Esq., &c, &c, &c.