PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND GUARD AT CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1868 Session I, A-15e

A. —No. 15e,

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND GUARD AT CHATHAM ISLANDS.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OP THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY.

WELLINGTON.

1868.

A.—No. 15e.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

No. 1. Memoeandtjm by Mr. Halse. In obedience to instructions from the Hon. the Native Minister, I called upon Captain Thomas, E.M., Chatham Islands, and obtained from him the following information on the various points named in Colonel Eussell's minute. It seems that there are only three places on the Chatham Islands where a large body of prisoners could be located, viz., 1. "Waitangi; 2. Kaingaroa ;3. Wkangaroa. Captain Thomas is of opinion that Waitangi is the most suitable place for the purpose, as land in sufficient quantity might perhaps be obtained from the Natives for the use of the prisoners, and for cultivation. (Should the Government desire it, the Natives might be induced to sell for the sum of 2s. 6d. per acre; but should the Government prefer leasing the land, it might probably be obtained at a cost of Id. or 2d. per acre. The character of the soil is good, but somewhat hilly and bushy; but the bush is light and penetrable, consisting chiefly of Karaka, a perishable wood, but very well adapted for temporary Native houses. Max and toetoe can be obtained to almost any extent. There is no accommodation of any kind for the prisoners. It would therefore seem necessary either to make provision for their reception, or to supply them with tents until the huts are completed. No immediate cover could be obtained for a guard of from twenty to thirty men, with security for their arms and ammuition; indeed, no house of any description is available. It is therefore suggested that a suitable building, large enough to accommodate thirty men and one officer, should be erected here, and after inspection, taken to pieces, carefully packed, and sent down before the troops leave New Zealand. It would be well to send a carpenter to erect the house and to throw up any other necessary buildings, as there is no competent carpenter on the island. Potatoes sufficient for the support of 500 prisoners could be obtained at from £2 to £3 per ton, and the supply continued until the prisoners were able to gather their own potatoes. Captain Thomas thinks it just possible that the Natives might take advantage of the occasion of so large a number of people being placed on the island without any means of existence, and demand a higher price. Wild bullocks are plentiful, but it is necessary to shoot them ; an amusement not advisable for a stranger to indulge in without a guide, owing to the numerous swamps, presenting the appearance of hard soil, which will take a man up to his middle in an instant. Pigs are plentiful, but they are mostly wild, and not always to be procured. Pork can generally be obtained at prices varying from 3d. to 4d. per Ib. Pish cannot be depended upon, owing to the difficulty experienced in putting to sea to get it. The Europeans at Waitangi are few in number, and widely scattered, although the principal portion on the Island reside here. They are not armed, and from their scattered position could scarcely be relied upon, in the event of their services being required. The Natives are armed but indifferently, but not the Morioris ; only 117 of whom, including women and children remain. Captain Thomas is of opinion that the Natives would not sympathize with the prisoners and aid them against the Government, as they come from the East Coast, and are not in any way related to them. The only means of escape open to the prisoners would be by whalers and coasters. The Natives possess some whale-boats, but they could not easily be used without their knowledge. Kaingaroa is the next suitable place, but only in event of the Natives, ninety-seven in number, carrying out their proposal to return to New Zealand, and locate themselves between Mokau and Waitara. The nature of the land is undulating, swamp, and bush. Two European families only reside here, consequently not much assistance could be rendered by them in an emergency. The same description of food can be obtained here as at Waitangi, and the same means of escape would be open to them. Whangaroa possesses a good harbour, but it is the least fitted for the location of prisoners, owing to the hilly, swampy, and indifferent character of the soil. There is no available bush to be had nearer than six or eight miles from the harbour, approachable by Native tracks only at present. Captain Thomas considers this land worthless unless well and extensively drained. The quality of the land may best be understood by the fact that only three Natives reside here. Should the Government decide upon sending Native prisoners to the Chatham Islands, I would beg to suggest that the following articles be supplied for their use, viz.: — 2 dozen spades. 50 lbs., say, white clover (clean). 2 dozen mattocks. 20 bushels, say, grass seed (clean). 1 dozen axes, small. 2 grindstones. 1 dozen fishing lines. 2 handles for grindstones. 200 fishing hooks (sizes). 2 lamps. -5- dozen zinc buckets. 2 lanterns, strong. 1 cwt. yellow soap. 28 lbs. candles. Towelling coarse. 1 pair steelyards up to 200 lbs. 2 shirts (American) each. 1 pair scales up to 24 lbs. 2 blankets each. 1 dozen iron pots, large size. 1 pair trousers each. 1 dozen iron pots, small size. 1 blue serge shirt each. Tobacco. 25 bushels, say, seed wheat (clean). 17th February, 1866. H. Halse.

A.—No. 15b.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

No. 2. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean" to the Hon. E. W. Staffokd. Sin, — Superintendent's Office, Napier, 6th March, 1866. In pursuance of the instructions conveyed by the Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs in his letter of the 24th ultimo, respecting the sending of Native prisoners to the Chatham Islands, I have the honor to acquaint you that I visited Poverty Bay on the 3rd instant, and embarked forty-two male prisoners and forty-eight women and children, ninety in all, on board the " St. Kilda." Those prisoners are at present kept under a guard at the Provincial Immigration Barracks and will be readj to embark for their destination in a day or two. His Excellency the Governor was pleased to cause H.M.S. " Eclipse " to remain at Poverty Bay until the prisoners were embarked. I considered it advisable to have a mixed guard composed of thirteen of the Military Settlers and Defence Eorce, and twelve Natives of the Ngatiporou Tribe. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Donald McLean.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. H. Campbell to the Hon. the Native Mintstee. Sib,— Napier, 6th March, 1866. I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, I left this place in the s.s. " St. Kilda " on Thursday, the Ist March, for Turanga, to receive and convey to Napier a certain number of the Hauhau prisoners at that place. His Honor the Superintendent started at the same time with His Excellency the Governor to Wairoa and Turanga, for the purpose of meeting the chiefs of that part of the coast. The following morning His Excellency landed at Wairoa, accompanied by Mr. McLean, where upwards of 400 Natives were assembled to welcome His Excellency. Several speeches expressive of loyalty and good feeling were made by the leading chiefs, to which His Excellency replied. At 2 o'clock p.m. the " St. Kilda " proceeded to Turanga, His Excellency following in the " Eclipse "at a later hour. On the following morning, immediately after the arrival of the two steamers at Turanga, His Excellency and Mr. McLean again landed, and were received with warm expressions of loyalty and welcome. His Excellency replied praising the brave conduct of those chiefs who have taken so active a part in the late operations on the coast. The presence of the Hauhau prophet Te Ua as a prisoner seemed to produce a powerful effect upon the Natives. The embarkation of the prisoners, to the number of 100, was commenced at 4 o'clock p.m., and completed at 8 o'clock, when the " St. Kilda " at once returned to Napier, where she arrived at 2 p.m. on Sunday, the 4th instant. Yesterday morning they were landed and placed under guard at the Immigration Barracks, where they are to remain till the " St. Kilda " has taken in her necessary stores, which Captain Kennedy informs me will be completed by Thursday, the Bth. Straggling bands of Hauhaus still continue to infest the country about Turanga, as you will see by referring to the Sawiee's Bay Herald of this date. They are also fortifying their position beyond the Waikari Moana Lake, which is likely to prove very difficult of access. I shall report further on my return from the Chatham Islands. I have, &c., The Hon. the Native Minister. James 11. Campbell, E.M.

No. 4 Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Native Minister. (No. 21.) Chatham Islands, Sib,— 19th March, 1866. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that I arrived here on Wednesday last, the 14th instant, per " St. Kilda," from Napier, in company with Mr. Campbell, having on board sixty-eight Native prisoners, as per margin,* with Lieutenant Tuke and twenty-six men, as per margin,f in charge. I am happy to be able to report that the reception of the prisoners by the Natives here was satisfactory. They expressed a wish that the prisoners should at once come and live amongst them, but I did not feel myself justified in permitting their wish to be acceded to without first reporting to the Government. On this point I must beg leave to suggest that such a step at present would not be advisable. The prisoners and guard are located on ground close to Waitangi, belonging to W. Toenga to Poki, and under good temporary shelter. The stores are also under good shelter. The " St. Kilda " is now on the eve of returning to Napier, and I have duly reported to Mr. McLean our arrival. I have also mentioned to him in my report the fact of its not being desirable at present to send a greater number of prisoners than would exceed the number I have now in charge, which would make 136 altogether, in the event of the " St. Kilda " returning with another quota. I think this quota of sixty-eight might be safely sent. "With regard to the rates of pay of the guard, I have the honor to request that I may be informed whether I am to pay them all, with the exception of the officers, at the rate of 3s. 6d. per diem, according to the tenor of the instructions conveyed by you to Mr. McLean, or according to the rates as shown in the estimate enclosed. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister. W. E. Thomas, E.M. * Prisoners. —39 male adults, 4 males over seven years, 10 women, 15 children of both sexes; total, 68. t Guard. —Consisting of 1 officer, 6 Colonial Defence Force, 1 Military Settlers, 1 officer's servant (Napier Volunteers), 12 Natiye Contingent; total, 27.

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

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A.—No. 15b_

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Mr. J. H. Campbell to the Hon. the Natiye Minister. (No. 2.) Sic,— Napier, 23rd March, 18GG. I have the honor to report that the " St. Kilda " left Napier at 1 p.m. on Saturday, 10th March, with sixty-eight prisoners, as per margin,* and dropped anchor at Waitangi, Chatham Islands, at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the 14th. Captain Thomas and myself at once landed, and the Natives were informed of the arrival of the prisoners. They requested that time should be allowed them to consider where the prisoners were to be placed, and also that messengers might be sent to the other Natives of the island, requesting them to meet the following day to discuss the question, to which Captain Thomas assented. Accordingly the next morning between two and three hundred assembled, and a long discussion ensued, which lasted the whole day, one party (the Waitangi Natives, with the chief Toonga) anxious to have the prisoners distributed among them, and the other party (the Natives of Whangaroa, with their chief Eewi) expressing surprise that the Government should have sent the prisoners without first informing them of their intention, but at the same time giving it as their opinion that now they were there it was for Captain Thomas, as Magistrate, to decide what was to be done with them. Finally it was agreed that the ofier of the chief Toenga of some land belonging to him, upon which were two good-sized whares and abundance of wood and water, should be accepted. In the meantime the prisoners were most hospitably received and fed, and at the conclusion of the meeting they were marched under guard to their quarters, which are about a mile from the pa, and by 8 o'clock the same evening they were all comfortably housed. The prisoners during the voyage and since their arrival have behaved in the most orderly manner. They express themselves much pleased with the treatment they have received, and also with their now quarters. The " St. Kilda " left the Chatham Islands, on her return to Napier, at 2 o'clock p.m. on Monday, the 19th, and arrived here on Thursday, the 22nd, at 5 p.m. I have, &c, James H. Campbell, The Hon. the Native Minister. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 6. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. E. W. Staitobd. Sib,— Napier, 26th March, 1860. I have the honor to acquaint you thai" the " St. Kilda " returned to this port from the Chatham Islands on the evening of Thursday, the 22nd instant. Mr. J. H. Campbell, who accompanied the expedition, states that the prisoners were well received by the Natives of the Chatham Islands— that fish, eels, and other food is abundant there, and that the Island is admirably adapted for the maintenance of Native prisoners. I herewith enclose tie copy of a letter from the Eesident Magistrate, Captain Thomas, in which he expresses a wish that no more than an equal number of prisoners to those already sent should be, for the present, despatched to the Chatham Islands. I also enclose the translation of a letter from the chief Toanga, who has very much exerted himself to carry out the wishes of the Government. It may be expedient for the present to defer to Captain Thomas's wish in this matter; but I should state there will be still upwards of three hundred prisoners to disj>ose of on the East Coast. The number of prisoners despatched by the " St. Kilda" has been thirty-nine males, ten females, four lads, and fifteen children —in all, sixty-eight; ninety were brought here from Poverty Bay, but as some of these were women with young children, and several of the children in a weak state of health, I offered those the option of remaining in this district, which they have done. The prisoners from the Chathams have sent letters to their friends expressive of satisfaction with their present condition. I purpose sending the "St. Kilda" to Poverty Bay or the Wairoa for another party to be sent to the Chathams. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Donald McLean.

Enclosure in No. 6. Copy of a Letter, from Captain Thomas to His Honor D. McLean. Sis,— - Chatham Islands, 19th March, 18CG. I have the honor to report for your information, that the " St. Kilda " duly arrived here, at Port Waitangi, on Wednesday last, the 14th instant, at or about 9 a.m., all hands being in good health ; that the Natives here have given the prisoners a cordial reception ; and that I think a similar number of prisoners may safely be sent, but I do not think it desirable at present, with your approval, to exceed that number. The prisoners and guard are located close to "Waitangi on suitable ground, and will soon be permanently housed, although materials for a provision store are very indifferent. The stores are all temporarily housed. I have, &c, His Honor Donald McLean, W. E. Thomas, Government Agent, Napier. Eesident Magistrate. * 39 men, 10 women, 4 boys, 15 children under seven years. 2

A,—No. 15e.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. E. "W. Stafford to His Honor D. McLean. (No. 275.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 4th April, 1866. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, reporting the return of the " St. Kilda " from the Chatham Islands, to which she had taken thirty-nine Native prisoners, and ■enclosing a letter from Captain Thomas, in which he suggests that for the present no more should be cent. The object of the Government, as stated in the letter of the Defence Minister of the 24th March last, is to remove to the Chatham Islands, as rapidly as possible, all the prisoners who have been most engaged in inciting others to criminal actions, in order that the remainder may, upon giving ■assurance of a desire to live peaceably, be released, and the decision as to the number of prisoners to be deported cannot be left to Captain Thomas, but exclusively devolves on the Government. I have, &c, His Honor D. McLean, E. W. Staffoed. Government Agent, Napier.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Captain Thomas. Sje,— Napier, 23rd April, 1866. I have to request that you will cause the " St. Kilda " to return direct to Napier without unnecessary delay. Captain Thomas, Resident Magistrate, I have, &c, Chatham Islands. Donald McLean.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. Sib,— Napier, 26th April, 18GG. I have the honor to acquaint you that the second party of prisoners from Poverty Bay were sent to the Chatham Islands by the " St. Kilda" on the 23rd instant. These prisoners belonged chiefly to the Aitanga, a Mahaki tribe, and were most conspicuous for hostility to the Europeans, having defiantly refused to come to any terms until taken prisoners of war at Wacrengahika. The greatest number I could send by this opportunity was eighty-eight, exclusive of the guard. Owing to a mistake in bringing prisoners who had not borne arms against the Government, I was obliged to send the " St. Kilda" back to Poverty Bay to make a fresh selection of the worst of the Hauhaus, prisoners of the tribe above referred to, which, with the breaking down of the " St. Kilda's " machinery and other obstacles, occasioned much delay in despatching the second party. I believe that one more party is all that need necessarily be sent to the Chathams, unless pending hostilities lead to the capture of dangerous prisoners on the Wairoa. I enclose the copy of letters to Captain Thomas, R.M., of the Chatham Islands, and to J. 11. Campbell, Esq., who has gone in charge of the guard. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Captain Thomas. Sib,— Napier, 21st April, 186 G. The " St. Kilda" sails to-day with the second detachment of prisoners for the Chatham Islands. In consequence of your not having complied with that portion of your instructions to send back some of the guard for the second batch of prisoners, it is found necessary to send a party of one European corporal and five privates of the Napier Volunteer Eorce on this service. The corporal and his men are to be retained at the Chatham Islands until further orders, and the non-commissioned officer and men of the Defence Eorce are to come back in the "St. Kilda" on her return voyage. Should any of the Military Settlers desire to return this trip, you will be good enough to let them do so, if you can dispense with their services. The actual number retained at the Chathams should not exceed the number authorized by the Hon. Colonel Russell. In reference to the Native guard the number should not exceed twelve. Should any of the first that went down, and who received a month's pay in advance at Napier, desire to come back in the " St. Kilda " you will let them do so, and get an equal number of the Native guard now going from here to supply their place. I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Resident Magistrate, .Donald Mclean, Chatham Islands. Agent, General Government.

Enclosure 2 in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Mr. J. 11. Campbell. Sib,— Napier, 21st April, 1860. There being no officer available to take command of the European and Native guard over the prisoners for the Chatham Islands, I have to request that you will undertake this duty on board of the *' St. Kilda " during her present voyage to and from the Chatham Islands.

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

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A.—No. 15k.

Under judicious management, I do not apprehend any difficulty either with the guard or the prisoners, more especially as Captain Kennedy will exercise sufficient general control on board of his vessel to ensure order. I have, <fee, J. H. Campbell, Esq., E.M., Donald McLean, Napier. Agent, General Government.

No. 10. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Gisbokne to His Honor D. McLean. (No. 36G.) Colonial Secretary's Office, SiE,— Wellington, 3rd May, 1866. By direction of Mr. Stafford, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th April, .1866, reporting having despatched the second party of Hauhau prisoners to the Chatham Islands. I have, &c, His Honor D. McLean, W. Gisbokne, Government Agent, Hawke's Bay. Under Secretary.

No. 11. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Native Mixisteb. (No. 10.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, . Sir,— Chatham Islands, 7th May, 1866. I have the honor to aeknowlcgo the receipt of your letter of the number and date as per margin, enclosing an approved estimate for March last of pay required for the military guard here, and acknowledging my letter of the 19th March last, reporting my arrival here with the first party of Native prisoners, with the guard from Hawke's Bay. In reply, I have the honor to state, for the information of yourself and that of the Government — 1. That the second party of prisoners, as per margin,* arrived here on the 27th ultimo from Hawke's Bay, in the " St. Kilda," with a guard, as per margin, f under charge of Mr. Campbell. 2. That the reason I did not send back half the guard for the second party of prisoners was owing to the multifarious duties that had to be performed on our first arrival, more really than my hands singly could get through, owing to Customs and magisterial duties in addition (although I received valuable and every assistance from Mr. Campbell and Lieutenant Tuke) ; neither did I think it prudent to do so. Moreover, before the departure of the " St. Kilda "on her return to Napier, the prisoners felt and began to suffer from a change of climate, and therefore I could not so much depend on their assistance for the erection of the redoubt, which is now nearly completed, and a plan of which I beg herewith to enclose, and which I trust will bo approved of by the Government. As soon as the prisoners' huts are erected I will send a plan of them : their temporary shelter is good. 3. Owing to the cold and inclement weather which has set in, I have been compelled to engage the services of one bullock at 10s. per week and one cart at Bs. a week to hasten on the works in progress, viz., the redoubt and the prisoners' huts, as there have been only, recently, about two days in each week that the prisoners and guard could possibly work. 4. The ground on which the redoubt is erected, and likewise the prisoners' huts, I have obtained from the Natives free of cost. The land which they will cultivate I have obtained a sufficient quantity of at that stated in your instructions, and can obtain more if necessary. The remuneration I have agreed upon is 2s. 6d. per acre, to commence from the time the prisoners begin to cultivate on it; the occupation to bo retained by the Government for the prisoners as long as the Government desire without any further remuneration. As' the Natives have allowed the land for the redoubt and prisoners' huts free of cost, I considered that the rate above specified was not too high a remuneration for them to receive for the use of the land, as it is in close proximity to Waitangi. 5. As the season is now rapidly advancing, a great portion of the land also offered for their cultivation, being old cultivations, and the soil being of a very tenacious clay, I beg urgently to submit that two ploughs, two harrows, with four yokes and chains, may bo forwarded by the return of the " St. Kilda " for the use of the prisoners, as it is impossible for them to get in their wheat with the spade, or grubbing, on such soil. 6. By instructions received from Mr. McLean, the "whole of the members of the Defence Force, six in number, arc returning by the " St. Kilda," being replaced by six of the Hawke's Bay Volunteers, to be retained until further orders. 7. I bog to append copy of Mr. McLean's instructions with reference to the return of the " St. Kilda ;" and as he has not advised me of another party of prisoners to be forwarded, I am not sending back any of the guard, indeed it would not be prudent to do so with the strength of the prisoners (154 all told, two having died since our arrival) ; and I beg earnestly to submit that, if the Government should determine on sending any large increase of prisoners, the guard should strengthened in proportion. 8. I have conferred with some of the Natives here who might be eligible for a guard, but they evince no desire whatever for that duty, nor do I think it would be an advisable step to appoint them. 9. The "St. Kilda" has been detained through stress of weather, having been obliged to proceed to another port in the islands for safety. 10. I beg to enclose an amended requisition for the current quarter for expenditure on account of pay and supplies, and have the honor to request that it may be forwarded to the Treasury, so that the amount may be forwarded by the return of the " St. Kilda," as I am almost without funds. 11. I am forwarding by this mail to Mr. McLean a requisition for a further supply of tools, which are needed owing to the strength of the prisoners. 12. I have furnished the Hon. the Defence Minister with a copy of Mr. Watson's medical reports * Prisoners. —47 men, 30 women, 11 children—total, 88. t Guard. —l corporal, 5 privates —total, 6.

No. 282, April 4, 1866.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

of the prisoners as well as the guard for the last month, and also with a requisition for the supply of winter clothing for the guard. 13. Mr. McLean has also been furnished with a list of the necessary supply of warm clothing for the prisoners ; and I beg to request that the " St. Kilda " may bo instructed to return with the. same as soon as possible, and with the other supplies. I have, &c, ' W. E. Thomas, . . The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate. •

No. 12. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Mr. J. H. Campbell. Sir, — , Napier, sth June, 1866. I have to request that you will proceed by the steamer " St. Kilda " in charge of the Native prisoners for the Chatham Islands. lam anxious to dispense with the services of a Native guard on board of the vessel, as it will entail the expense of passage money from Wellington here, and j. believe that their services will not be required, as some Europeans who have served in the Colonial Forces have asked for a passage to the Chatham Islands, which has been granted conditionally that they will assist in looking after the prisoners. It is necessary, however, that you should have one European under your orders while on board, and you are authorized to employ for the trip down a man late of the 14th Eegiment, who has been in charge of prisoners at the gaol, and to whom you will pay 3s. 6d. per diem and rations for the voyage. The Hon. Colonel Eussell has no doubt intimated to you that the " St. Kilda " returns from the Chatham Islands to Wellington. If any of the Native guard wish to return, you will be good enough to let such of them do so as are not required for service at the Chatham Islands. I mean more particularly Paora Parau, and those for whom he may ask a passage, as no other opportunity of returning by a Government vessel is likely to be available for the next three months. I have, &c, J. H. Campbell, Esq., Napier. Donald McLean.

No. 13. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Native Minister. (No. 51.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 12th June, 1866. ' I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Napier, 12th May, 1866, referring to my request to Donald McLean, Esq., that the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, at Napier, should transmit mo £750 in specie, and reminding me that my request is directly contrary to. my instructions. In reply I have the honor to inform you that my motive in forwarding my request to Mr. McLean was, that in the event of the " St. Kilda " returning here from. Napier, without sufficient time to allow of hearing i'rom Wellington, he, as the Agent of the General Government, might arrange that I might not be left without funds. I beg to assure you it was never my intention that an independent or specific request, apart from my transactions^ a public accountant at the Bank of New Zealand should be made. As sufficient time elapsed before the departure of the " St. Kilda" for this port to allow of communication from Wellington, the application to Mr. McLean proved to be unnecessary. I have, <fee, W. E. Thomas, The Hon. Native Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate,

No. 14. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Native Minister. (No. 18.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir, — Chatham Islands, 14th June, 1860. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter (date as per margin), in reply to my report of the 7th ultimo. 1. I have now the honor to inform you of the arrival of thirty more prisoners by the " St. Kilda " with Mr. Campbell on the 10th instant, under a guard of six men who acted as such for the occasion, the prisoners being accompanied by nine women and nine children, with provisions, &c, as per return enclosed. 2. I much regret that my reasons for not sending back half of the guard on the first occasion, in obedience to my instructions, are not satisfactory. 1 considered that, with the discretionary power allowed me, 1 was taking the most prudent course in not sending them back, owing to the absolute necessity for providing the shelter, required, not only for those already arrived but for those who were to follow, the winter also apjiroaching at the time and the locality being exposed, and I must have taken off the prisoners from the work of providing their own shelter, or a portion of them, to assist in erecting the shelter for the guard, which would have considerably interfered, as the change of climate and passage down rendered at first many of the prisoners incapable for work, as I have already mentioned.

Napier, 13th May, 186G,

A.—No. 15e,

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

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3. I regret much, also, that the erection of the redoubt does not meet with your approval. I should have strictly adhered to my instructions had I not found that both time and labour were saved by using the materials most readily at hand, viz., " turf," close outside, and ponga (fern). The erection of a stockade with small round timber would have been a more lengthened and difficult operation, owing to the distance it would have had to be drawn, the extreme wetness of the season and the state of the ground rendering it impossible to carry the timber. Even could the small round timber have been employed, its stability would have been very uncertain, owing to the violent and frequent gales and exposed position. 4. The reasons for employing the one cart and bullock I have already had the honor of submitting to you. I will, however, at once order them to be returned. 5. With regard to the price paid for the rental of the land, 2s. 6d. per acre, I did not imagine when I was in Wellington that the Natives would agree to the present locality being occupied, it being close to the harbour. The locality I had in view when in Wellington, and where I referred to as light timber being available, is nearly two miles off, and of an inferior description of soil. I had to abandon the idea of this locality owing to the impossibility of carrying provisions there. I also beg to remind you that although land might be procured at from Id. to 3d. per acre at more distant spots, yet the Natives have sought no remuneration for the occupation of land by the guard and prisoners upon which they are located, and that the ground rented is in close proximity to the harbour likewise, and of most productive quality, being a portion of their own cultivations. 6. With regard to the price of potatoes at £3 per ton, I beg respectfully to state that you have been erroneously informed as to this rate being much above the usual selling price of late years. With the exception of last year, when hardly a vessel visited the islands, the prices considerably exceeded that amount. 7. With regard to the return of half the guard on the second occasion, my instructions received from Mr. McLean wore to the effect that that portion of the guard composed of the Defence Force were to return, which they did, and likewise any of the Military Settlers and Native guard if they wished it; none of them, however, wished to avail themselves of the permission. 8. Toenga's desire to have the prisoners removed to the pa is correct, but not with the idea of exercising any control over them. When I suggested a guard to be enrolled from amongst the Natives they evinced no desire, but in fact treated it rather contemptuously, and they have since again reiterated their indifference. 9. I beg to enclose return of receipts and daily expenditure of supplies as requested, and likewise a return of further supplies to be forwarded by the return of the steamer. I beg to state that the amount necessary for the pay of the guard (£486 175.) for the current quarter I have received, but not the amount for the supplies procurable on the island, which I stated in my requisition £157 135., and which I bog may be forwarded by the return of the steamer. 10. With regard to all the tools and implements supplied to the prisoners, I have the honor to state that they are carefully brought into the redoubt every evening after work, counted and examined; any casualties are duly reported. This has been the practice all throughout, a strict order having been issued by myself to that effect. 1.1. I must express my regret that the medical report should have been inadvertently sent to the Hon. the Defence Minister with other documents. Herewith I beg to enclose a report furnished by the Medical Officer in obedience to your instructions, containing the names, sex, age, disease, and date of deaths, including the two mentioned in my last report; likewise a report of births. 12. The return called for of the names and ages of the prisoners landed here from the beginning, with the names, sex, and ages of those who accompanied them, I have, in obedience to your instructions, forwarded to the Under Secretary by this mail. 13. By the return of the steamer the supply of potatoes at this place will be exhausted, and it will be necessary that the steamer should proceed to the port of Kaingaroa, at the northern extremity of the island, for the purpose of bringing a supply of potatoes for food as well as seed, the freight demanded by coasters being excessive. 14. The general conduct of the prisoners still remains good ; they are daily divided into working parties, and a regular system of routine is carried out. Weather permitting, a party is told off daily for fishing. The Natives here have given them boats free of charge. Although the prisoners have felt the change of climate, yet their general health is good. Their number, now amounting to 115, nearly equalizes the number of Maori male population on the Islands, 151; therefore I trust the number of the guard will not be lessened. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Maistrate.

JNTo. 15. Copy of a Letter from Captain Tiiojias to the Undek Secbetaet, Native Department. (No. 19.) Resident Magistrate's Office, SrR, — Chatham Islands, 16th June, IS6G. In compliance with instructions received from the Hon. the Native Minister, I have the honor to enclose a Return of Prisoners landed at the Chatham Islands, from their first arrival on the 15th March last to the 10th instant, being the date of arrival of the third batch. 2. Also, the Medical Officer's Eeport for May last. '3. Also, a Statement of sums required for the payment of the Military Guard, and supplies procurable on the island, for September quarter, 1866. I have, &c, The Under Secretary, &c, W. E. Thomas, Native Department, Wellington. Besidont Magistrate. 3

A.—No. 15e.

Enclosure in No. 15. Names of Peisonebs landed at Chatham Islands. 15th March, 1866. Ihaia Te Note, chief, Te Matenga Taihuka, Horomona Tutaki, chief, Whare Totara, Hemi Tuka To Whiwhi, Eiwai Haua, Heharki Tawikau, Winato Taketina, Pira Te Uatuku, Hori Puru, Heta Kana, Hataraka Matuanui, Netana Puha, Aperahama Te Iriwhata, Turn Te Whiwhi, Tamahana Te Aotata, Hohepa Waikore, Tamati Tawaha, Tipene Tutake, Hone Toki, Tura Kupa, Kemara Te Kawau, Herewini Puwairangi, Eiwi Tamanui, Tamahana Kapa Kaanga, Tamahana Tekoteke, Te Hira Te Uituki, Huni Pakaru, Te Ranapia Tiwai, Pehimana Taihuka, Bapana Nohatapu, Karauria Te Ua, Heremaia Te Waiweru, Tamita Patara, Butine Ahurou, Hemi Taikuka, Kawhena, Eiwai Wharekaikaura. Te Pira Hana, Men, 39; women, 10; children, 15 ; boys, aged 12 to 14 years, 4. Total, 68. M. 2 Lot.—27th April, 1866. Tiopira 'Tawhio, Pirika Tamapiru, Meihama Whaitiri, Tamarehi, . Hetariki Tutaha, Hirini Te Eakaihau, Paora Wharara, Peneha, Te Pirihi Tutekohe, Hemi, Ihikiera Patutaha, Turi, Hohepa Tahataka, Kakeho, Te Wirihana Tupeka, • Wiremu Wcra, Tiopera Korehe, Keke, Hori Te Awhi, Eapana Whakahekc, Hipirini, Hohepa Te Maha, Hori Waihopi, Paora, Te Pirihi Tongataipuru, Bawiri Noti, Hemi Whaipu, Pouri, Pirika Te Whana, Wi Mahuika, Paora Kopa, Komaru, Paora Tv, Wi Piro, Aropata Taniwha, Taimona, Pana, Epeniha Tipuna, Eopata Kahuira, Eewi Te Nairn, Eaharuhi Hana, Iraia Tarakau, Te Atarau, Kuare, Wi Akurangi, Tialci Jones, Eongowhakaka Tribe. Hoera Tako, Men, 47 ; women, 30; children, 11. Total, 88. No. 3. Lot.—lOtk June, 1866. Ihaka Poaka, Em Wehi, Hohepa Tutewhaiao, Te Koote Eikirangi, Eatuna Te Ami, Komene Patahi, Horomona Taiki, Haiawirai Te Whanautau, Pira Te Po, Piraliama Te Eangitnatahi, Euka Kawenga, Teoti Kiaikapa, Wiremu Parehuia, Edward Baker (half-caste), Waaka Eongotu, Huni Te Ihirariki, Heremaia Kohukoliu, Wikiriwhi Taiheru, Hakopa Eereltaikupe, Hakopa To Ari, Tamati Kuhukuhu, Ihaka Paku, Hirini liatu, K!aranama Ngercngere, Pehimana Waipa, Eihara Tatua, Warihi Potini, Hiriwetire Te Whakamate, Wiremu Maihi Ta Amaru, Hone Waiare. Men, 30; women, 9 ; children, 8. Total, 47. Total number of men, No. 1 ... ... ... ... 39 „ 2 47 „ 3 30 116

10

PAPEES EELATIVE TO PEISONEES AND

GUAED AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

11

A.—No. lo'e,

Total number of women, No. 1 ... ... ... ... 10 „ 2 30 O o j, ~ jj ° ■■• ■ •• • • * • • • ° 49 Total number of children, No. 1 ... ... ... ... 15 „ 2 11 ~ ~ ~ 3 ... ... ... ... 8 3-1 Boys, No. 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 Total number of men ... .. ... ... ... 116 „ „ women ... ... ... ... ... 49 „ „ children... ... ... ... ... 84 „ boys ... ... ... ... ... 4 203 prisoners. Deaths, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 child ; births, 4. Chatham Islands, W. E. Thomas, This 16th day of June, 1866. Eesidcnt Magistrate.

Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 1595-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— Wellington, 28th June, 1866. As it has been determined by the Government to place the Maori prisoners under the charge of the fricndl}1" Natives, and as therefore it is considered that the presence of the guard will now no longer be necessary, I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Defence Minister, to request you will instruct Lieutenant Tuke at once to embark on board the " St. Kilda " for conveyance to Napier, taking with him the whole of the men under his command excepting one corporal and three privates of the Napier Military Settlers, who will, for the present, be left on the island under your orders. I have, &c,, Captain Thomas, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 17. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Ministee. (No. 33.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 14th July, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Holt's letter, of the number and date as per margin, informing me that as the Government has determined to place the Maori prisoners under the charge of the friendly Natives, the presence of the guard, it is considered, will no longer be necessary, and requesting me to instruct Lieutenant Tuke at once to embark on board the " St. Kilda" for conveyance to Napier, and to take with him the whole of the guard excepting one corporal and three privates of the Napier Military Settlers, who, for the present, will be left under my orders. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that I have, in compliance with your instructions, furnished Lieutenant Tuke with the necessary orders for the guard, with him, to return to Napier, and I have detained one corporal and three privates of the Napier Military Settlers. The "St. Kilda" is now leaving for Napier. I have been obliged to detain her, owing to a protracted conference with the Natives, in consequence of the instructions received, and also on account of a severe indisposition. The proposition of taking charge of the Maori prisoners appears to have been made by Toenga to Poki (just returned from Wellington) for himself and the whole of the Natives here, when only he and those who accompanied him to Wellington, being of his own party, were cognizant of the proposition. Since the receipt of your instructions, I have assembled the Natives of the island, to ascertain their feelings, as soon as I learnt that Toenga had not conferred with them prior to his departure for Wellington, the result being, that with the exception of him and his party, which number only about fourteen, none of them wished to take charge of the prisoners. J. have been requested by the inhabitants to forward you the enclosed letter which I have the honor now to do, which includes the Europeans here. I anxiously also await your instructions, together with those of the Hon. the Native Minister, to whom I have fully reported by this mail, as Toenga's party is by no means competent to take charge of the prisoners ; and although I do not expect any immediate disturbance, yet such might arise, and in such an emergency we should be almost helpless. I have ascertained the feelings of the prisoners themselves, and they do not wish to bo taken charge of by Toenga and his party. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Defence Minister, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 1595-2, June 23, 1866.

Enclosure in No. 17. The Hon. the Defence Ministek, "Wellington. Honoeable Sic, — Chatham Islands, Bth July, 1866. We the undersigned inhabitants of the Chatham Islands view with considerable alarm

A.—No. 15e.

12

PAPEES RELATIVE TO PEISONEES AND

the withdrawal of the Colonial troops from this island. Should an outbreak occur, we are actually without the means of defence. We therefore humbly pray you, Honorable Sir, to grant us the protection necessary for our safety. Joseph Mores, JiYancis Dunlop, John Marshall, W. H. Beamish, John Aukland, Henry Baucke, A. Shand, pro A. W. Shand, J.P., J. G. Engst, T. and E. Eitchic, J. F. William, John Amery, Geo. G. Beamish, William White, Geo. Taylor, William Tennant, John Watson, M.D., A. P. Brown, Henry Gason, William Humphreys, Pamariki Baumoa, Robert Williams, Hamuera W. Koteriki, Eiwai Taupato, Wiremu Tamihaua Karewa.

No. 18. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the L titdeb Seceetaet, Native Department. (No. 35.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Chatham Islands, 14th July, 1860. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the number and date as per margin, forwarding me instructions from the Hon. Colonel Haultain with reference to the withdrawal of the military guard from here, and enclosing copy of requisition as approved for September quarter, £270 165., which amount I have duly received per s.s. " St. Kilda." I have, &c, The Under Secretary, Native Department, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 552, June 25, 1866.

No. 19. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Native Ministee. (No. 39.) [Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib, — Chatham Islands, 7th September, ISO 6. As the schooner "Despatch" is now leaving this for Lyttelton, 1 avail myself of the opportunity of communication. I have the honor and satisfaction to report for the information of the Government, that since the date of my last report (14th July, No. 34), the prisoners have continued to remain peaceable and submissive. Some differences have existed amongst themselves, but they appear to have terminated. Since my last communication I have been enabled to make the arrangements necessary that the land offered for their cultivation should be given gratis. The Natives of Waitanga here have also undertaken to supply gratis a portion of seed potatoes, and the prisoners are now on the point of planting them, the land being already cleared. On the arrival of the steamer, it will be necessary for her to fetch the remaining portion of the seed potatoes, as well as some for consumption from the other side of the island, although I have enough in store to last for the next four weeks. As I presume the steamer will arrive here during this current month, I only enclose requisitions for provisions and a further supply of clothing. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 20. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the TJktieb Seceetaby, Defence Department. (No. 45.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Chatham Islands, 9th October, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of number and date as per margin, referring me to a report in the Wellington local papers, quoted in your letter, with reference to my having convened a meeting of the inhabitants here on the 11th July last, and to my having communicated to them the contents of the Hon. the Defence Minister's despatch in relation to the greater portion of the guard being ordered to return to Napier, at the same time requesting mo to state if this report be true. In reply, I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that I have not seen the report referred to, but it would appear, perhaps, as if I had convened the meeting for the purpose of communicating to the inhabitants the purport of the despatch. It is true I did convene the meeting, at the solicitation of the European population of Waitangi, they being much alarmed at the removal of the guard, for the purpose of knowing from Tocnga what protection and assistance he could afford in the event of any outbreak occurring, as he had offered to take charge of the prisoners together with the rest of his people, who now form a minority amongst the Maori population. At the same time I pointed out my belief that there was no cause for alarm. The portion of the despatch which referred to the removal of the guard, viz., the order, I did read, but nothing more.

No. 438, Sept. 27, 1866.

A.—No. 15b,

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

13

I trust that my explanation will assure the Hon. the Defence Minister that I was perfectly unaware of performing any irregular and improper action in the course I took, which I considered at the time to be the most prudent and politic. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 21. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. E. W. Stafford to His Honor D. McLean. (No. 783.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Slß,— Wellington, 19th October, 1800. I have the honor to inform you that the steamer " St. Kilda," under the command of Captain Johnson, will proceed to-day to Napier, for the purpose of forthwith taking the Native prisoners captured at the recent engagement near Napier, and a guard of two officers and twenty Native Contingent, to the Chatham Islands. I have accordingly to request you to be good enough to cause the necessary steps to bo taken for the immediate embarkation of these men. The Officer Commanding the Colonial Forces at Napier has been requested to furnish the guard, and to purchase a sufficient number of sheep to supply all on board with fresh meat during the passage, and the guard will remain for the present at the Chatham Islands in charge of the prisoners. A supply of six months' provisions for the guard and the prisoners after their arrival at the Chatham Islands has been placed on board the " St. Kilda," and full instructions have been sent to Captain Thomas, the Resident Magistrate at the Chatham Islands, with respect to the guard and to the prisoners, when they arrive at that place. I have, &c, His Honor D. McLean, E. W. Stafford. Government Agent, Napier.

No. 22. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 474-3.) Colonial Defence Office, Sik,— Wellington, 19th October, IS6O. I have the honor to inform you that your letter of the 7th ultimo (No. 39), addressed to the Native Secretary, has just been received, immediately prior to the " St. Kilda " leaving for Napier and the Chatham Islands. In reply, lam directed by the Hon. Mr. Stafford, in the absence of the Defence Minister, to inform you that Captain Johnson, in charge of the " St. Kilda," will place the steamer at your disposal for the purpose of obtaining seed and other potatoes from the other side of the island. I am at the same time to state that the " St. Kilda " must not be detained one moment longer than is absolutely necessary, as it is of importance she should return to Wellington without delay. With regard to the several requisitions forwarded either to this or the Native Office, my letter of to-day's date (No. 473-3) will have informed you that a supply of provisions sufficient for twenty Europeans and fifty Natives for six months is being sent by this opportunity; and as the " St. Kilda " will, when she has taken the prisoners and guard on board at Napier, bo quite full, the only articles of those named in your requisition which can be supplied this trip are the following : —b' cwt soap, 1 cwt. tobacco, 6 gross pipes, 10 lbs. arrowroot, 10 lbs. sago, 1 dozen port wine, 200 fish-hooks, and 24 fishing lines ; clothing for the guard was sent in the schooner " Mying Cloud." I am however to point out to you, in respect to your requisition for provisions and clothing for the prisoners now on the island, that in the opinion of Mr. Stafford some of the articles asked for appear unnecessary, and I am to request you therefore to send, on the return of the " St Kilda," an amended requisition, embracing only such articles as are absolutely necessary, and to bear in mind that the prisoners are to bo induced to work for their livelihood, and not to be maintained in idleness. I have, &c, Captain W. E. Thomas, Ilesident Magistrate, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 23. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Under Secretary, Defence Department. (No. 55.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib, — Chatham Islands, Bth November, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your three letters, dates and numbers as per margin ; the first by the " Flying Cloud " schooner, and the two last by the " St. Kilda," which last vessel arrived here from Napier on the 26th ultimo, with fifty-six Hauhau prisoners, accompanied by six women and one baby in arms, under charge of a guard, strength as per margin,* the names of the officers being Lieutenant Tuko and Ensign Hamlin. By the " Flying Cloud " I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of £300 in specie, and likewise you inform me that a further sum of £226 10s. will be placed to my public account at the Bank of New Zealand, for departmental expenses, pay of guard (one corporal and three privates), and for the rations of Native prisoners. I also beg to acknowledge the receipt of, by the same vessel, one breech-loading carbine, with 300 rounds ammunition, for my own use, and twenty rifles, with 2,000 rounds of arjmunition, to be issued to such adult Europeans as may wish them, as well as six suits of clothing for the guard. *2 officers, 1 sergeant (European), 9 Europeans, 10 Natives. 4

No. 437-3, Sept. 27, 1866. jSTo. 473-3, Oct. 19, 1866. Wo. 474-3, Oct. 19, 1866.

A. —No. 15e.

14

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

1. "With regard to the issue of the twenty rifles, I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that I have not issued them to the adult Europeans for whom you informed me they were sent down, as they have not applied to me for them, neither did I think it advisable, as such a course might excite the prisoners, whom I am happy to bo able to report are remaining perfectly well behaved, and moreover, with the population so scattered as it is here, I should find great difficulty in assembling the possessors of them for the necessary inspection of them. 2. "With regard to the pay of the new guard, the rates of which you have furnished me with in your second letter, Lieutenant Tnke informs me that the ten Natives were paid in Napier only to the 22nd ultimo; there is therefore nine days' pay due to them for last month, tho amount of which you will perceive I have included in the accompanying requisition. I regret to add that I am compelled to send back by the " St. Kilda " one sergeant and lancecorporal of the new guard for continual drunkenness, as I have no power to reduce a sergeant or hold a court-martial, and as they were perfectly useless. A copy of their crimes I beg to enclose. I have forwarded a similar copy to tho Officer Commanding the Militia and Volunteers in Hawke's Bay, expressing my desire that by the first opportunity another sergeant and private may be sent in lieu of tho two men now returning. In the event of the Government thinking it advisable to send an additional number of prisoners here, I trust that the guard may be strengthened in proportion to the number sent. 8, With regard to the housing of the prisoners and guard, tho latter I have placed in the redoubt and the former under good temporary shelter, adjoining the other prisoners. The redoubt being small I have been obliged to arrange for the officers erection of quarters close by, and have the honor to request that I may be allowed to incur an expenditure of £10 in aid of the building. Also, in my accompanying requisition I have embodied materials for making a small magazine, which will be inside the redoubt, and owing to the increased supply of ammunition is necessary. 4. With regard to the disposition of the prisoners, I have thought it advisable to retain them all in one place, and they are therefore here under my immediate surveillance. They are employed now in getting in their potato crops, their early crop finished ; their health is good. The last batch brought no blankets, and but little clothing with them. I have therefore enclosed in my requisition the necessary articles for them, as well as the former prisoners, and I would here observe that in mv requisition now enclosed that I have only included such things as are absolutely necessary, being under the impression that from instructions received from the late Native Minister, Colonel Eussell, the prisoners and those accompanying them would bo supplied with constant clothing and with vegetable food also, until they could raise potatoes for themselves. I should feel much obliged by your informing me whether it is the wish and intention of the Government that the prisoners should be allowed to receive payment for any work done for settlers on the island, although the few settlers that are here would not be sufficient to enable the prisoners to earn their livelihood, independent of assistance from the Government. 5. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of, per " St. Kilda," the supplies as per margin ;* and I begto forward an enclosed requisition for supplies for the former prisoners for three months, as I am now using for them a portion of the supplies forwarded as six months' provisions for the last batch. The salt forwarded, 395 lbs., I beg to return, as I have plenty in store, and it wastes with the damp. 6. The " St. Kilda" has been to Waingaroa, and returned with a sufficient quantity of potatoes to prevent my being obliged to purchase any more, as I have already reported on a previous occasion that I have been enabled to make arrangements whereby the prisoners can have sufficient quantity of land, free of cost, for cultivation. 7. I beg to enclose requisition for supply of clothing for the new guard; requisition for clothing and supplies, with tools, &c.; and requisition for the payment of tho new guard, and supplies for the last batch of prisoners and guard, for the two months ending 31st December next. 8. May x beg that you will present to the Hon. the Defence Minister my request that he will grant permission for me to receive about 20,000 feet of timber, to come down in the " St. Kilda," for the purpose of erecting a lock-up, authorized to bo built, and for a house for myself, as I am incurring tho expense since my arrival here of renting a house, and as there are no materials on the Islands suitable for building a permanent dwelling. Ido not expect that the timber could all come down in one trip. I beg you will assure the Hon. the Defence Minister that his instructions conveyed respecting the guard shall be fully carried out, and that I will lose no opportunity of reporting by every opportunity of their conduct and discipline, and likewise of the behaviour, condition, and occupations of the prisoners. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 24. Copy of a Letter from Lieut.-Colonel Wiiitmore to tho Hon. tho Defence Ministeb. (No. 280-2.) Snt, — Napier, 21st December, 1866. In reply to your letter No. 2259-2, of the 17th instant, I Lave the honor to inform you that I have directed Sergeant Fynmore to proceed, with one man of the Military Settlers, to the Chatham Islands. I have informed these men that they will be under Captain Johnson's orders while on board the " St. Kilda." I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, G. 8. Whitmore, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington. Commanding District. * Biscuits, 5,1001b5. ; flour, 7,3001b5.; sugar, 1,6101b5. j coffee, 75 lbs.; tea, 1301b5.; pepper, 221b5.; rice, 4,5001b5.; salt, 395 lbs.; salt moat, 1,350 lbs.; rum, 120 gallons ; soap, G cwt.; tobacco, 1 cwt.; pipes, 6 gross ; arrowroot, 10 lbs.; sago, 10 lbs.; port wine, 1 dozen ; fish hooks, 200 ; fishing lines, 24.

A.—No. 15b,

No. 25. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (No. 8.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 4th January, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th ultimo, number as per margin, and in reply have, Ist, the honor to state, for the information of the Government, that the "St. Kilda" arrived here on the 28th ultimo, with prisoners as per margin, under a guard of one sergeant and one private in place of the sergeant and private of the guard sent back last trip. 2. One of the prisoners, since arrival, has died from the effects of his wounds. 3. I beg to enclose a tracing of the redoubt, showing the encampment of the prisoners and site of the officers' quarters, also, in compliance with the request contained in your letter. The walls of the redoubt are made of sods, and hold remarkably well. The buildings, as shown in the ground-plan inside, are made of fern and flax, with doors of timber, with the exception of the magazine. The officers' quarters are chiefly made of fern and flax, and likewise the prisoners' whares. The fern is very durable, and the flax outside is nailed on with battens. 4. I also beg to enclose a list of articles as forwarded in the " St. Kilda " and received by me. Tou will perceive that a few feet of the timber sent down for the magazine are not forthcoming ; but I believe, owing to the rough weather encountered by the " St. Kilda " in her passage from Napier, it had to be thrown overboard. 5. The provisions forwarded will last nearly three months, and the prisoners will shortly be finding their own potatoes, which will be ready for pulling by the end of next month, the potato season here being later than in New Zealand. I shall have an opportunity of communicating again shortly via Lyttelton, and will then forward a requisition for what supplies may be required for the three months succeeding March next. I also beg to enclose the lieturn called for in your letter of the number and date as per margin. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate. P.S.' —On the 26th ultimo I wrote via Lyttelton per " Eifleman."

No. 537-3. 21 men, 12 women, 7 children.

No. 505-3, Not. 22, 1866.

No. 26. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 10.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Chatham Islands, 13th January, 1867. By the " Despatch " schooner, now clearing for Lyttelton, I have the honor to state, for the information of the Government, that I have nothing further to add to the information contained in my letter No. 8, of the 4th instant. The conduct of both the guard and prisoners remains satisfactory. I beg to enclose requisition for the sum of £701 Is. 3d. sterling, being the amount of pay for military guard, together with expenses for meat supplies for guard and prisoners, and potato supplies for prisoners, for the current quarter. I have also the honor to enclose requisitions for greatcoats for the guard and one pair of balance scales, the present ones in use being useless to a certain extent, inasmuch as ounces cannot be weighed by them. The estimate for three months' provisions is also sent enclosed, viz., for three months succeeding 31st March next. I have, &c, V. E. Thomas, The Under Secretary for Defence, "Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 27. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 15.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, Bth February, 1867. By the schooner " Eiflcman," now leaving for Lyttelton, I have the honor and satisfaction to state, for the information of the Government, that the conduct of both the guard and prisoners continues good. One of the guard during the month (Private John Barclay Clibborne) committed an aggravated assault on one of the prisoners, and was handed over by the officer in charge of the guard to the civil power. He is now therefore undergoing his punishment of three months' imprisonment, having been convicted of the offence. My accounts now forwarded to the Treasury^ for the past month contain the last expenditure that will be necessary for supply of potatoes to the prisoners. You will perceive, in the Eeturn attached to Voucher No. 5 for the expenditure of £111 18s. on account of potatoes, that there is a loss of 11 tons 2 qrs. 12 lbs. out of 51 tons 14 cwt. This is attributable to the necessity of my having had to purchase the potatoes some time before the " St. Kilda " brought them round from the other side of the island, and through many of them rotting after delivery here, although I had them carefully picked over every week. I beg to enclose requisition for seventy-four gallons rum for the use of the guard, omitted in the requisition forwarded in my letter of the 12th ultimo for the June quarter. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Under Secretary for Defence, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

15

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

A.—No. 15e,

16

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

No. 28. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Major Edwaeds. (No. 186-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sib,— Wellington, 22nd March, 1867. As you are about to proceed to the Chatham Islands on special business on behalf of the Grovernment, I am directed by Mr. Eichmond (acting for the Defence Minister) to request you will, during your stay at that place, be good enough to inquire into and report upon, for the information of the Government, the general state of the Native prisoners and guard; whether it is necessary to continue rations to the former any longer, and if so how long, and to what extent; also as to the means of earning money open to prisoners, and the arrangements provided for the security of life and property; and generally to report on any matter requiring the attention of the Government which may come under your observation. I have, &c, J. Holt, Major Edwards, Wellington. Under Secretary.

No. 29. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Major Edwards. (No. 188-2.) Colonial Defence Office, Sib,— 'Wellington, 22nd March, 1867. I am directed to transmit for your information and guidance copy of a letter which has been this day addressed to Captain Thomas, wherein that officer has been instructed to assist you in preparing the report you have been requested to furnish in my letter No. 186-2, of this day's date. I have, &c, J. Holt, Major Edwards, Wellington. Under Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 29. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 61-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Slß— "Wellington, 22nd March, 18G7. Major Edwards, of the New Zealand Militia, having been commissioned by the Government to proceed to the Chatham Islands on special service, he has been requested to inquire into and report upon all matters connected with the Native prisoners and their guard, and the capability of the latter to secure order and good conduct on the part of the prisoners. More especially, he will, after consultation with you, report upon the necessity or desirability of continuing the present issue of rations and clothing to the prisoners. On these and all other questions upon which this department is required to take cognizance, I am directed to request you will afford Major Edwards every assistance in your power, and all the weight of your authority to procure full information. As a Major in the Militia, he will of course take precedence of all other officers in the Colonial Eorces now serving in the Chatham Islands. I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Resident Magistrate, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. tender Secretary.

No. 30. Copy of a Letter from Major Edwabds to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sib,— Porirua, Bth May, 1867. I have the honor to make the following report relative to the guard and Maori prisoners at the Chatham Islands. I left "Wellington per s.s. " St. Kilda " on the 23rd March, and arrived at "Waitangi on the 26th. I put myself in communication with Captain Thomas, the senior officer there, who afforded me every assistance and all information in his power. The guard, consisting of Europeans and Maoris, is quartered in a square redoubt situate on a cliff, and distant 300 yards from the whares of the prisoners. It is an earthwork, weak, badly placed, and indefensible. It is desirable to level it, and construct a stockade of Karaka timber on the crest of a hill, about 200 yards from and overlooking the huts of the prisoners. It is also advisable that two wooden huts, one as a barrack-room, the other as a store, should be built within the stockade. The present store and men's huts are made of ponga and tohi-tohi, and are extremely inflammable, besides harbouring quantities of rats, which destroy the stores. I would suggest the guard should consist entirely of Europeans ; the strength to be two officers and thirty rank and file. The present mixed guard is well nigh useless, neither Europeans nor Maoris having any confidence in each other. A building has just been constructed of ponga and tohi-tohi, to afford hospital accommodation for the prisoners and guard. It will hold about twenty patients. I enclose a report by the medical officer in charge of prisoners, with reference to his application for increase of pay, and would suggest that he should be supplied with drugs by the Government, not so much with a view to increase his salary, as to make sure that his patients are supplied with such medicines as they require. I instructed Dr. Watson to inspect the prisoners once each week, and to report the state of their health to the officer commanding. The officers' quarters are built outside the redoubt, and distant from it about 100 yards. If a stockade is built, the officers' quarters should be within it.

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

17

A.—No. 15b,

I visited the prisoners on the Ist April; they received me with the usual Maori welcome. I inspected their whares, which were remai'kably clean and neat, and were decorated with flowers and ferns. In each house some carved sticks and meres, the work of the prisoners, were presented (forwarded to the Native Office). From the whares I proceeded to the flagstaff, where the whole of the prisoners assembled. Various speeches were made, a report of which is enclosed. I addressed the prisoners, informing them that I should report to the Government their good behaviour, and the orderly state of their whares, &c. In answer to their statement, " That they had been promised they should be sent back to New Zealand a few at a time, probably, after they had been one year at the Chathams, if they behaved well, and that the whole were to be sent back as soon as the war was over," I told them I felt sure the promise, if made, would bo carried out, and that their good conduct would have its due weight with the Government. I would respectfully suggest, if five were allowed to return by next trip of the steamer, it would be productive of good results, and would tend to encourage the remainder to continue their orderly conduct. I enclose the names of five who were recommended by the Ecsident Magistrate as those who should be allowed to return. A short time since one of the prisoners was fired at and wounded by one of the guard named Clibborne, who was suffering at the time from the effects of excessive drinking. The officer commanding the guard handed him over to the Resident Magistrate for punishment. He was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. This, as compared with the punishment inflicted on some of the Maoris who attempted to escape from the hut they were lodged in, appears a very slight sentence, and has had rather a bad effect on the prisoners, giving them some cause for saying that a white man was not punished with the same severity that would bo shown to a Maori; besides, the crime was beyond the jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate, who should, I think, be instructed in future to send such cases for trial before the proper tribunal, viz., the Supreme Court. The prisoners have cultivated potatoes enough to last them, seed included, until next season; and if they were supplied with seed wheat, a few ploughs, and two or three steel mills, and a dressing apparatus, they could, after harvest, support themselves —a small grocery ration being all they would require. Land for them to cultivate could bo obtained from the Natives of the Island if the Government would give some nominal sum —say Is. per acre —as payment for its use to the owners. This the Natives ask for more as showing the Government recognise their title, than for the sake of the money. If the prisoners are to support themselves by cultivating, the guard should be strengthened to at least the number I have suggested, as the Natives would be more scattered than at present. The prisoners have been allowed to work for a few Europeans, but there are not more than about ten people who can employ them. This will furnish occasional work for about sixteen men at Is. Gd. perdiem. The money so earned they are now allowed to retain for their own use. Prior to my arrival Captain Thomas had retained all moneys earned by the prisoners, with a view to forming a fund to be handed over to them on their return to New Zealand. They did not like this arrangement, and it made them unwilling to work. Captain Thomas and I consulted on the matter, and determined it would be better for the future that all moneys earned should be handed over to the men themselves. When not working for private individuals, the prisoners are employed on works of public utility, such as road-, making and cutting tracks through the bush. They have also built a bridge over the river near Waitangi. Captain Thomas and the officer commanding the guard should, I think, bo most clearly informed as to their exact position with regard to each other. At present Captain Thomas does not appear to understand whether he is the military head of the guard or not. Should the Government determine to construct a stockade, I shall be most happy to forward plans, and elevations of what would, from what I know of the position, be the best kind to erect. I have, &c, J. T. Ebwaeds, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

Enclosure in No. 30. Speeches made by Native Peisonees at the Chatham Islands. JPaora Kate. —Welcome, welcome. Come, to sec your prisoners undergoing the punishment of their crime. They boasted in New Zealand that they would exterminate us ; but they were defeated there, and afterwards sent down hero as a further punishment. They were told on leaving New Zealand that if they behaved themselves well they would be released in nine months. This is now the thirteenth month. Come, that you may not only hear, but see how they conduct themselves, and that they may also see you and rejoice. Our spirits are far away in New Zealand. Come and release ourbodies, that they may bo united. Tamiti Kuhukuhu. —Welcome, welcome. Come to see us, and let us see you, that our hearts may be glad, and that you hear and see our behaviour while we have been here at Chatham Islands. Harawira (Ngatiporou) next rose and spoke in nearly the same words. fforomana Tukaki. —Welcome, welcome. Come to see your prisoners. My heart rejoices now that I see you. You have spared our lives once: let this be the second time. This is the land you sent us to, to punish us for our crime, and to repent of our deeds. Come, speak, and thy servant shall be saved. The prisoners were then addressed by Major Edwards. Pehiniana. —Your words are good. You mentioned that there was a small black spot in what would otherwise all have been bright; but the fault is not ours. We are told by our officers to go to various places to work, therefore we have to go, and if anything wrong arises they are to blame. It is truo those six men have done wrong, and are now undergoing suffering for their work. Wi Maliuilea. —Let me also speak. I have heard your words. They are good. This is my word. My desire is great that I (speaking for all) be taken in, and called your children. I was led astray and acted wrong, but I have long repented of my misdeeds. My greatest wish is to be allowed to 5

A.—No. 15b.

return, like the prodigal son, to take the oath of allegiance, and remain a true subject of the Queen. We are all ready to do this; it is for you to say. Tiopera Taiohiao. —We have all done wrong, and have been punished. The fault was our own; we plunged knowingly into the fire, and are now repenting of our deed. When I was a child, &c. Our thoughts and wishes are the same as Wi Mahuika has expressed. It rests with you, as we have no wishes except what we are told. Those six men have done wrong. Let them suffer alone —suffer for their crime. Do not place it to our account.

No. 31. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 22.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Chatham Islands, 10th April, 1867. I have the honor to report the arrival of the " St. Kilda " on the 26th ultimo, and to acknowledge the receipt of your letters (of the numbers and dates as per margin) on matters connected with, the guard and prisoners, advising me that the sum of £700 and clothing and provisions, as enumerated in the schedule attached, having been forwarded in the " St. Kilda." As requested, 1 beg herewith to enclose separate receipts in duplicate for the money, provisions, and clothing received, which will show you that I have received £600 only, and some articles short of provisions and clothing, regarding which I can obtain no information from the commander of the " St. Kilda." With regard to the reduction of the rations to the prisoners, on this subject and other matters connected with the guard and prisoners, Major Edwards will himself fully report in person. I beg herewith to forward the balance indented for of the supplies of tea, sugar, and rice in my previous requisition, and likewise separate requisitions for supplies of clothing and provisions for the guard and prisoners for the three months ending 30th September next. I beg also to enclose requisitions for the sum of £174 7s. 6d., being amount of pay for the guard for the month of March last; also £53 10s., being amount for meat rations supplied to the guard and prisoners for the month of March last; £556 17s. 6d., being the amount of pay for the guard and contingencies for the three months ending 30th Juno next; £134 4s. 6d., being amount of meat rations for prisoners for the June quarter ; £35 16s. 3d., being amount for meat rations for the guard for June quarter; together, £954 ] ss. 9d. I also beg that I may be allowed to incur an expenditure of a sum not exceeding £20 in the purchase of a long-boat, for the purpose of facilitating the landing of stores and provisions, as per requisitions enclosed. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Resident Magistrate. P.S. —I beg to enclose requisition for stationery, and beg leave it may bo sent first opportunity, — never having received any as yet, although applied for. W. E. T.

Ho. 60-5, Mar. 22, 1867. Wo. 61-5, Mar. 22,1867.

No. 32. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 23.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Silt, — Chatham Islands, 27th April, 1867. By the schooner "Despatch," now leaving for Lyttelton, I have the honor to report, for tie information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that since my last communication on the 11th instant, by the " St. Kilda," the conduct of both the military guard and Maori prisoners remains satisfactory. I have, &c, The "Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 33. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sib,— Napier, 13th June, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, relative to the release of about twenty of the least influential and dangerous Native prisoners now at the Chatham Islands, and, in reply, beg to enclose the copy of a correspondence between Captain Biggs and myself, in which you will perceive that he considers it unadvisable to allow any of them to return to Poverty Bay until the land question in that district is finally settled. I beg to state that I quite concur in the opinion of Captain Biggs, and trust the matter may be reconsidered; but should the Government decide upon releasing some of them, Captain Biggs, who is now en route to Wellington, will bo able to furnish the names of the least influential and dangerous ■characters. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Donald McLean. Wellington.

18

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

A.—No. 15e.

19

Enclosure 1 in No. 33. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Captain Biggs. (No. 193-3.) Sic,— _ Napier, 13th June, 1867. I have the honor herewith to enclose a letter from the Hon. the Defence Minister relative to the release of about twenty of the least influential and dangerous Native prisoners now at the Chatham Islands, and shall feel obliged by your informing me of your opinion on the subject, and give me the names of any prisoners you can recommend for this indulgence. I have, &c, Captain Biggs, E.M., Napier. Donald McLean. Enclosure 2 in No. 33. Copy of a Letter from Captain Biggs to His Honor D. McLean. Sic,— Napier, 13th June, 1867. I have the honor to inform you that I am of opinion that it would not be advisable to allow any of the Chatham Islands prisoners to return to Poverty Bay until the land question is settled in that district. The difficulties at present to be contended against are so great, from the combination of the loyal and rebel Natives of Poverty Bay to obstruct the fair carrying out of " The East Coast Land Titles Investigation Act, 1866," by concealing all particulars relating to the titles to land, that I fear, by allowing a portion of the prisoners to return, it might add to the perplexity of the case. I have, &c, Reginald Newton Biggs, His Honor Donald McLean, Napier. Crown Agent.

No. 34 Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 3G.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Chatham Islands, 3rd July, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the number and date as per margin, advising me of the sum of £954- 15s. 9d. having been remitted to me in £500 cash and £454- 15s. 9d. to my credit, Public Account, Bank of New Zealand, Wellington. In reply, I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, — 1. That the sum of £500 has been paid me through Captain Johnson, and that the balance of £454 15s. 9cl. has been lodged to my public account at the Bank of New Zealand, Wellington. 2. That eleven Militia Volunteers, with Lieutenant Tuke, arrived on the 28th ultimo, together with Ensign and Quartermaster Danvers, and likewise the stores as per schedule forwarded, receipt of which stores I beg to enclose, signed by the Quartermaster, who has, according to your instructions, taken them on charge, and who, in conformity also with instructions, has been ordered to issue the rations to the prisoners according to the scale forwarded in your letter, with the exception of 1^ lb. of flour in lieu of 2 lbs. to males, to prevent a deficiency. I beg herewith to enclose record of proceedings of a Board ordered to assemble on the Ist instant, reporting and finding two tins of coffee, each containing 2 lbs., destroyed. By the " Despatch " schooner, from Lyttelton, I will forward requisitions for what stores may bo necessary for the December quarter, and for pay of guard for current quarter likewise. I have the satisfaction to add that, since my last letter of the 27th April last, the conduct of both the guard and prisoners has been good. Private Clibborne and the ten Maori guard, under charge of Ensign Hamlin, have embarked this day on board the " St. Kilda," for Napier, according to instructions. I have the honor to request that Mr. Hamlin may be instructed to return by next steamer, relieving Mr. Danvers, if the Hon. the Defence Minister should so approve, as Mr. Hamlin's knowledge of Maori enables me to be acquainted with all information respecting the prisoners ; and likewise that my sanction to a request made to me by Lieutenant Tuke, that one sergeant and one corporal be appointed after the Ist July last, be approved. The Under Secretary for Defence, I have, &c, Wellington. W. E. Thomas.

No. 159-5, June 24, 1867.

No. 35. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 4-1.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Chatham Islands, 19th August, ISG7. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that since the date of my last report, contained in my letter of the number and date as per margin, the conduct of the prisoners has remained satisfactory, and that of the guard also, with the exception of the instance reported in my letter of the 17th instant. The second potato crop that the prisoners raised for themselves last season I have had served out to them sparingly of late, owing to a considerable portion having rotted in the soil through the wet. They have only enough potatoes consequently to last them till the end of this month. I have the honor, therefore, to request that I may be informed whether the Hon. the Defence

No. 37, July 29, 1867.

A.—No. 15e

Minister would approve of my purchasing twenty tons for them at the rate of £3 per ton, although I may have some difficulty in obtaining that complement, there being a scarcity of potatoes here this year. I have, <fee, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 36. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 234-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic, — Wellington, 30th September, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 41, of the 19th ultimo, and to inform you that the Defence Minister has authorized the purchase of twenty tons of potatoes during the current quarter for the use of the Native prisoners. At the same time lam to state that Colonel Haultain considers your conduct most reprehensible in not having seen that proper precautions were taken to secure the potatoes grown by the Maoris from injury by wet I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Eesident Magistrate, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 37. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 49.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Chatham Islands, 21st October, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the number and date as per margin, in reply to mine of the 29th July last. In reply, 1 have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that the " St. Kilda " arrived at these islands on the 12th instant, being obliged by strong winds to visit the northern side of the islands first. 1 beg to acknowledge the receipt of clothing and stores for the use of the guard and prisoners as per schedule enclosed, likewise the sum of £300 by the hands of Captain Fox, and the advice from the Treasury of the payment of the sum of £283 15s. 7d. to my credit, Public Account, Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, as mentioned in your letter. I note your remarks with regard to the 183 twill shirts being forwarded by the next opportunity. I regret that I am not able to report so favourably on the conduct of the guard on this occasion. I beg to enclose herewith the copies of defaulters' sheets of two of the privates who last arrived, who I have been obliged to discharge for the causes assigned, two approved substitutes for whom 1 have taken on. The conduct of the prisoners still remains satisfactory, and in obedience to instructions received from you the three prisoners named in the margin will embark this day on board the " St. Kilda " for conveyance to Wellington. They have each expressed to me their wish to return here, if such a step would be sanctioned, to remain till other prisoners return. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 242-5, Oct. 7, 1867.

Te Opira, Peliiinana, Ikaka Poata.

No. 38. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 204-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— "Wellington, 16th November, 1867. I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 49, of the 21st ultimo, reporting the arrival of the " St. Kilda," on the 12th October, with supplies, and forwarding requisitions for the March quarter, 186 S. In reply, I am to inform you that the Defence Minister has approved the steps you report having taken in regard to discharging two of the guard, and taking two men on pay in lieu of them. Tour requisitions for money, supplies, clothing, &c, will be complied with on the return of the " St. Kilda" to the Chatham Islands next month. In conclusion, I am to inform you that the Government have not accepted any of the tenders received for supplies for the Chatham Islands, but the "St. Kilda" will be sent with provisions, &c., as heretofore. I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Eesident Magistrate, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 39. Copy of a Letter from Captain. Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 58.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 28th November, 1897. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the number and date as per margin, requesting me to state whether the report made by the Native prisoners who returned by the last trip of the " St. Kilda " to Wellington, to the effect " that the prisoners at the Cliathain Islands are employed by settlers at Is. per diem, with rations," is correct.

No. 296-5, Nov. 18,1867.

20

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

21

A.—No. 15e.

In reply, I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that the course I have pursued with regard to the prisoners working for tho settlers on the island has been the following : — Prior to the receipt of your letter of the number and date as per margin, received by me on the 28th December last, which contained authority for me to allow the prisoners to receive payment, on good behaviour, for any work done for settlers in the island, I always allowed those of them who conducted themselves well to bo employed by any of the settlers who applied for them at Is. per diem, the employer to find rations, and at 2s. per diem if the employer did not find rations. Since the receipt of your above referred to letter, I have permitted the prisoners to make their own terms, and have always explained to them fully that they were permitted to make their own agreements with their employers. In fixing the above rates at the time, I was guided by the prices of provisions and labour here, the usual value of Maori labour, with few exceptions low, the fact of the employed being prisoners of war, and the desire to relieve Government of expense. As I have pointed out in my letter No. 55, Bth November, 1866, the settlers here being few in number, would not bo sufficient to enable the prisoners to earn their livelihood independent of assistance from the Government. They have been employed in numbers varying from three to thirty-two for the last twelve months, and have never been debarred from the opportunity of being employed without just excuse. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 537-3, Doc. 18, 1866.

No. 40. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. Gl.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sib, — Chatham Islands, 3rd December, 1807. The schooner " Despatch " now proceeding to Wellington, I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that the conduct of the prisoners still continues satisfactory. Their potato crops, consisting of about thirty acres, are all secured and looking well, likewise also their wheat crops, consisting of about nine acres. I regret that I cannot so satisfactorily report of the guard. On the 28th October last I was compelled to discharge Private John Brennan, on being convicted of larceny in the ResidentMagistrate's Court. The robbery was committed on property belonging to a Native of the island; and I regret to add that another robbery was committed by Private John Burke at or about the same time, although, from want of evidence, I have not been able to commit him for trial. The said Private John Burke and Private John Vaughan Teaguo were committed for trial at the next Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Conrt, Wellington (to which Court I have received instructions to commit for trial all parties charged with indictable offences), by me on the 9th of November last, each upon a separate charge of perjury, and are now on bail, doing duty in the meantime with the guard, awaiting opportunity to proceed to Wellington. Their offence is alleged to have been committed at the trial of the abovementioned John Brennan, and he is the prosecutor in the charges forwarded with the depositions by me this opportunity to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Wellington. The privates named in the margin * will have to proceed likewise to Wellington, being bound over in their recognizances to give evidence at the trials of Burke and Teague. As no opportunity has offered for the parties to proceed in time enough for the December Criminal Sittings, they will now have to wait for the March sittings, 1868, which, I believe, will take place during the first week of that month. I consider, therefore, that the best plan will be, having regard to all the circumstances connected therewith, to send the parties up by the next steamer, unless eventually, before the arrival of the " St. Kilda," I might be able to foresee an opportunity which would render certain their appearance at the Supreme Court sittings in March next, without losing for so long a period the military services of the witnesses named, —although I should much prefer both the accused and the witnesses, with the exception of James Hennessey, being discharged from further duty nere, as I have reason to believe that they have been connected with theft, although nothing has been proved against them. The old members of the guard have been in no way implicated, but have done their utmost to endeavour to bring the offending parties to light. I trust that the Hon. the Defence Minister will not suppose that any lax system of order or discipline in the guard has been allowed to exist either by myself or Captain Tuko ; and I regret that I have been compelled to adopt the course of committing the parties named for trial, but I felt that I had little or no option in this matter. As Captain Tuke will bo proceeding to Wellington by the steamer, he will be happy to render you any further information you may require in the matter. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate. P.S.—The prosecutor, John Brennan, and one witness, now discharged from the guard (William Best), I am supplying with rations according to guard scale, there being no employ or labour on the islands for them, and this appears to me the most economical arrangement 1 can make so as to secure their attendance at the trials. W. E. T. * Walter Christie, William O'Brien, Anthony Greon, James Hennessey. 6

A.—No. 15e.

No. 41. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. ;1.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sin,— Chatham Islands, 29th January, 18G8. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the number and date as per margin, with reference to the employment of Native prisoners by settlers at the Chatham Islands, in answer to my letter No. 58, of the 28th November last. On this subject, and on other matters in connection with the guard and prisoners, I have had ample conference with, and received full instructions from, Mr. Under Secretary Rolleston, and the only point I would state, and call respectfully the attention of the Hon. Defence Minister to is, that the employment of the prisoners by the settlers is an indulgence sought by the former with my full acquiescence ; but on no occasion have I permitted this indulgence to interfere with the work of the prisoners providing themselves with food, which I consider of the first importance. A. more than sufficient supply of potatoes has been planted by them, and I have informed them that the crop is their own for consumption or sale. I regret that so small a supply of seed-wheat has been forwarded, viz., twenty bushels ; and I beg to recommend, with the approval of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that a supply of fifty bushels of seed-wheat, free from thistle seed, should be forwarded by the next trip of the steamer for next season's cultivation. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 319, Deo. 23, 1867.

No. 42. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 5.) Resident Magistrate's Court, Sic,— Chatham Islands, 29th January, LBGS. In compliance with the instructions received in your letter, of the number and date as per margin, I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that the privates of the military guard, names as per margin, * will this day embark on board the " St. Kilda" for Wellington, under charge of Captain Tuke, who has received instructions duly to report his and their arrival. The two other privates, names as per margin, f have been discharged since the date of my letter No. Gl, 3rd December, 1867, from the guard, for bad conduct. I beg to enclose their copy defaulters' sheets, and likewise those of John Brennan, previously reported as discharged, and other privates, names as per margin, X who I have felt it my duty to discharge for bad conduct. The copies of the defaulter sheets of those now proceeding are also enclosed; likewise the acquittance rolls of the privates, as per margin, § for the current month, not being in funds to enable me to pay them—Cullon and Green both having been, as you will perceive, discharged. In the meantime 1 have enrolled sufficient men on the island until the next opportunity of communicating again. I have much regret that I am compelled to report irregular conduct on the part of Ensign and Quartermaster Danvers, who, since the date of my last report to you, No. 61,3 rd December last, was unable to account for ten gallons and twenty-one gills of rum, which had been stopped as rations from defaulters of the guard, and formed also rations not drawn by the men. I have since compelled him to make the loss good. I therefore particularly request that, with the approval of the Hon. the Defence Minister, this officer may be recalled, and Captain Tuke allowed to return in his place. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, "Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 17-5, Jan. 20, 1868.

No. 43. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 10.) Eesidcnt Magistrate's Office, Sib, — Chatham Islands, 17th February, ISGB. Adverting to my letter of the 29th January last, No. G, I now beg to forward herewith enclosed estimates for pay and contingencies in connection with the guard and prisoners for four months, ending 30th April next, and for provisions and stores for Juno quarter, 1868. Owing to the severest storm that has occurred since I have been resident at these islands having visited these latitudes on the 3rd January last, I am fearful that the crop of prisoners' wheat may not turn out so well as it would have done, and when it comes to be harvested perhaps yield less than the quantity estimated —7,000 lbs. The prisoners are evincing a desire for establishing a school amongst themselves, in fact they have already started two evening classes for writing, and I would suggest that some slates and pencils, as per requisition, may be forwarded for their use, as they are not procurable here ; and likewise any spelling or elementary English and Maori books that might be obtainable ; also some cheap scribbling paper. I beg to enclose, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, a certified copy of proceedings of the Board of Inquiry, held as referred to in my letter above quoted, on articles short landed from the " St. Kilda." * John Burke, John Teague, Walter Christie, William O'Brien. f Anthony Green, James Hennessey. J William Beresford, Patrick Cullen, Denis Murphy, Albert Hummer, Thomas Collins. § Privates Burke, Christie, Cullen, Green, O'Brien, Teague, Collins.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

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A.—No. 15e.

I also beg to enclose requisition for some stationery, which I shall feel much obliged by its being forwarded by the first mail. According to the instructions contained in your letter No. 17-5, 20th January, 1868, I have made up the strength of the guard to twenty non-commissioned officers and men from men of the island, Europeans. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, E.M., Capt., Wellington. Commanding Military Guard.

No. 44. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 101-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 6th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 10, of the 17th February, conveying requisition for money for the pay of the guard, &c, to the 80th April, and for stores for the prisoners to the 30th June next. In reply, I am directed by the Defence Minister to inform you that the sum of £350 in cash has been shipped in the " Storm Bird," and the balance, amounting to £258 Bs. 9d., has been placed to the credit of your public account at the Sank of New Zealand, Wellington. The stores noted in the accompanying schedule have also been shipped in the " Storm Bird." My letter No. 99-5, of the 4th instant, instructing you to raise a detachment of the Armed Constabulary, specifies the articles which are to be issued to the men so enrolled ; these have been, marked " For the Guard," and shipped. Fifty blankets only are sent for the prisoners, which the Defence Minister considers will be sufficient for the present, as those last issued ought not yet to be worn out. The whole of the trousers now forwarded are unmade up, and I am to instruct you to get them sewn by the wives of the Native prisoners if possible. Needles, thread, &c, will be found with each pair of trousers. A large wheat mill, complete, with sieves, &c., is sent in place of five smaller ones, as applied for by you ; and the Defence Minister considers this will be sufficient to grind all the wheat required by the prisoners. You will be good enough to send separate receipts for the money and for the goods marked in the Schedules A. and B. respectively. I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Eesident Magistrate, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 45. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (No. 11.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 21st February, 1868. In compliance with the written instructions of Mr. Under Secrctaiy Eolleston of the 28th January last, I have the honor to report to you on the subject of the assertions of the Maori prisoners made to Mr. Eolleston and myself during the time that lie was here, relative to their deriving no benefit from the services of the medical officer in charge. This feeling seems generally to exist among them, although I have had no complaints made to me since the departure of Mr. Eolleston. They have also, to my own personal knowledge, used their own medicines in preference to those supplied to them by Dr. Watson, the medical officer, but without any professional knowledge of my own 1 can testify to the fact that some of the prisoners, an( j other Maoris also, have preferred the use of their own medicines, on occasions when those supplied by a medical man would apparently be more suitable and efficacious. I am of opinion that Dr. Watson, to a certain extent, is physically incapable of attending to his duties, both as regarding his duties of medical officer of the district, and in charge of the Maori prisoners ; but lam as equally certain that there is no one here that could supply ins place. Prom almost daily personal inspection of the prisoners and their hospital, I can see that more alacrity and watchfulness have of late been exhibited by Dr. Watson. One old man, Eopata Kahuera, whose case was one of those that was brought to Mr. Eolleston's notice, died on the 19th instant. It is so far satisfactory, that I can personally testify that no neglect since Mr. Eolleston's departure was allowed to exist in his case. Neither can I help recording my belief that the statements made by the prisoners to Mr. Eolleston and myself, that the deaths of some of them were caused by work, through the medical officer not being acquainted with their maladies, were exaggerated, as in the case of Meihana, whose name was brought forward as one instance. I can personally testify that he performed no work for many months before his death, as I could see that he was consumptive ; and in the case also of Te Atarou, who now appears to be at death's door, and another instance quoted, he admitted to Mr. Eolleston and myself, when we saw him alone in his hut, that he injured his back in digging his own potatoes ; ho also is consumptive. My quoting and referring to these instances, I cannot, of course, give an opinion as to whether Dr. Watson was or was not acquainted with their maladies ; but that the statements that their deaths were caused by work should, I think, be taken cum grano. .1. have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

A.— No. 15e.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

No. 46. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 138-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 19th May, 1868. I am directed by the Defence Minister to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 11, of the 21st February last, reporting on the medical attendance of Dr. Watson on the Native prisoners. I have, &c., Captain Thomas, Eesident Magistrate, J. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 47. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defekce Mikistee. (No. 12.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 21st February, 1868. I have the honor to report for your information that a practice recently has sprung up with the Maori prisoners of exchanging their ration flour supplied to them by the Government with other Natives of the island for meat and other articles, such as lamp oil, given to them in exchange. I should be glad to be instructed as to whether I am to allow this practice to exist, and whether any proceeds derived from the sale of their potato crops, or from what they may earn from being employed by the settlers of the island should not bo devoted to their supplying themselves with food and clothing, so as to relievo the Government of expense. lamby no means positive that any vessels will arrive here to whom they can sell the surplus of their potato crops, but I am looking to future contingencies which may possibly arise. I take this to be the letter and the spirit of the instructions conveyed to me from time to time by you, and also that of the instructions left with me by Mr. Under Secretary Eolleston. I am now adverting to these instructions from the fact that I have recently informed the prisoners that the moiety of any earnings from the settlers must be devoted to so many days' supply of food and amount of clothing according to the amount of money earned, and according to the prices of the island. This plan they at present seem disappointed at. Of course I make a point of the settlers employing them finding them while they so employ them ; and I do not see any cause why, with your approval, a moietjr of the money they earn, or perhaps say one-third, should not be devoted to the purpose I have named without taking the money out of their hands and laying it out for them. With your approval, I would suggest that I be instructed to carry out this principle with the surplus of all future crops that they may grow, and all future earnings. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 48. Memoeandum. Btwai Tattpata, Native Assessor, late of Kaingoroa, in the Chatham Islands, states he was informed by some of the Chatham Island people, that on a recent occasion, at Waitangi, in the Chatharns (since the three prisoners left), it having come to Dr. "Watson's knowledge that a man and his wife (prisoners) were affected with a venereal disease, he made a public inspection of all the prisoners and their women also, compelling the latter to appear in a state of nudity as well and at the same time as the men ; in fact both men and women stood in a row naked. The interpreter, Mr. Shand, was present at a short distance. 24th December, 1867. E. "W. Puckey. Captain Thomas to make inquiries and report on this statement. 27th December, 1867. T. M. ITaultais\

No. 49. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Mintstee. (No. 2.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Chatham Islands, 28th January, 1868. In obedience to the instructions contained in your minute at the foot of the memo, returned herewith, and also from instructions received from Mr. Eolleston here, I have the honor to report for your information as follows, viz.—That on Saturday, the 2nd of November last, a medical inspection of the Maori prisoners and the women was made by Dr. "Watson, under the following circumstances. It had been reported to mo by the above medical officer that he believed the syphilitic disease to be existing amongst the prisoners and their women, instancing one case he was fully certain of, and recommended that there should be an inspection. I accordingly instructed him to make such an inspection on the above day, and to take care that it was carried out in as delicate a manner as possible. The prisoners were first called singly from their whares, and brought into a separate partition detached, and inspected one by one. The women afterwards were called in singly. Neither men nor women were in a state of nudity. Mr. Shand was instructed by me, as interpreter, to render his services if necessary. He did not go in with the medical officer, and when Dr. Watson required his services,. Dr. "Watson came outside the whare to speak to Mr. Shand.

A.—No. 15e

The result of the inspection, as reported to me, was one man and his wife who were found infected, the man badly. No complaints were made to me by the prisoners or their women, either before or after the inspection. I have. &c, W. E. Thomas, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 50. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Captain Thomas. (No. 9G-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Sic,— Wellington, 4th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the report embodied in your letter of the 28th January last, No. 2, on a statement made by liiwai Taupata of an alleged indecent examination of Maori prisoners by Dr. Watson. The Defence Minister having read your report, has directed me to say that he considers the inspection of the Maori women to have been very improper, and that it should not have been recommended by Dr. Watson, nor authorized by you. It is only in the case of licensed prostitutes that such examination could be justified, and the result of the inspection proved that it was quite unnecessary. If there is any other available medical man on the Island, Dr. Watson's services are to be at once discontinued. I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Eesident Magistrate, .1. Holt, Chatham Islands. Under Secretary.

No. 51. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 23.) Eesident Magistrate's Office. Sic,— Chatham Islands, 11th April, 1868. Eeferring to the latter portion of your letter No. 96-5, of the 4th instant, in which you inform me that, if there is any other available medical man on this island, Dr. Watson's services are to bo at once discontinued, I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that at present there is no other available medical man on the island. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Under Secretary for Defence, "Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 52. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 10.) Besident Magistrate's Office, Sic,— Chatham Islands, 30th March, 1868. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that I received, per " Despatch " schooner from Lyttelton, your telegram No. 48, instructing me to warn Ensign Danvers and all the men of the guard to hold themselves in readiness to return to New Zealand by the next trip of the s.s. " St. Kilda," to give notice of discharge to the men, also stop £5 from Ensign Danvers' pay for passage of his wife and family to the Chatham Islands. I have, in compliance therewith, warned Ensign Danvers and the guard, and have given notice of discharge to the men. No letter from your office lias been received by me by this mail. I would therefore express my hope that, should it be the determination of the Government to leave the prisoners here, I may be allowed some kind of assistance and support to enable me to carry on my duties efficiently with the prisoners, and to exercise the present control I have over them, having regard also to any outbreak that might unexpectedly arise amongst them. Eor this purpose I would suggest, with the approval of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that a proportion of the present guard might be retained as an armed police force, and be enrolled on a less expensive footing than the present guard ; and in the event of my proposition being acquiesced in, I would like to retain for the above service, in the number authorized, the men names as per margin. I am happy to be able to report of the continued good conduct of the men of the guard, and likewise of the prisoners ; but the latter have, without showing an open defiance, of late not exhibited the same amount of willingness that they previously did. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Under Secretary for Defence, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

Sergt. Fynmore, Sergt. Elliott, Private Ashby.

No. 53. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Ministeb. (No. 17.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib, — Chatham Islands, Ist April, 1868. I have the honor to report, for your information and the Government, that I have, in compliance with instructions received from Mr. Under Secretary Eolleston, secured about forty acres 7

25

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

A.—No. 15e.

26

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

of ground for cultivation for the Maori prisoners from the Natives of the island. I have secured it with the view, at present, for the growth of wheat as food for the prisoners, and, with your approval, would recommend that thirty more bushels of seed wheat, in addition to the fifty already applied for in my letter No. 4, of the 29th January, 1868, should be sent down hj the "St. Kilda." I have included this item in the accompanying requisition for a supply of ploughs and spades and other articles in connection with the preparing the ground for w rheat, and also for a supply of a few tools, &c. The compensation to be allow red to the Natives of the island for the occupation of this ground, who have not sought for any as yet for the ground occupied by cultivations by the prisoners, should, I think, be at the rate of 2s. 6d. per acre per annum, it being in the vicinity of Waitangi Harbour and adjoining the prisoners' camp. This sum I do not think would be in excess, considering that the Europeans arc paying high prices for their land transactions with the Natives. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. W. E. Thomas, Eesident Magistrate.

No. 54. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (No. 19.) Eesident Magistrate's Office, Sic, — Chatham Islands, 11th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 99-5, of the 4th April last, conveying instructions for the enrolling and attesting, under " The Armed Constabulary Act, 1867," , for service in the Chatham Islands, or any part of New Zealand, members as per margin, with a view of and for the purpose of superseding the guard in charge of the Maori prisoners. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that in conformity with these instructions, I have attested and enrolled from the old guard—one senior sergeant, at 7s. fid. a day; one corporal, at ss. (id. a day ; nine constables, at ss. each a day ; and have furnished them each with a copy of " The Armed Constabulary Act, 1867." I beg to enclose forms of oath duly signed by each attested man. The enrolment of this force quite coincides with my views, expressed to you in my letter No. 16, of the 30th ultimo, forwarded by " Despatch " schooner on the 7th instant. I have, subject to further instructions, supplied and armed the men each with a rifle and set of accoutrements complete, and have retained the original twenty rifles, previously supplied for the European population in addition, making altogether thirty-one stand in my charge. According to list enclosed, I forward in charge of Ensign Danvers, who proceeds to Wellington according to your instructions, thirteen rifles and accoutrements; and likewise, in his charge, two quarter-casks of rum containing forty-nine gallons. Mr. Danvers and all the old guard have been paid up to and for the 9th of April, IS6S, being the day on which they were discharged, as per acquittance rolls enclosed. Privates Ashby and Hodges are the only two men entitled to a free passage (steerage) to "Wellington, they having both been sent down by the Government, to the Chatham Islands, from Napier and Wellington. I have allowed to the wife of Private Hodges a free passage, conditionally on the distinct understanding that the cost of her passage will have to bo defrayed by her husband, should you so require it, as I perceive by the chai'ter of the " Storm Bird " that the vessel will not have occasion to convey the stipulated numbers. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

I senior sergeant, 1 corporal, 9 constables.

No. 55. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to the Hon. the Defence Minister. (No. 21.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Chatham Islands, 11th April, 1868. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 95-5, of the 3rd April last, directing me to observe the instructions conveyed to me by Mr. Under Secretary Eolleston in his letter to me of the 28th January last. In conformity therewith, therefore, the Native prisoners as per margin,* with their relatives, will embark this day on board the s.s. " Storm Bird," for conveyance to Wellington. The prisoner Tipene, whose name appears in the margin, went up by the last trip of the " St. Kilda " to Wellington, at the time of the departure of and with Mr. Eolleston's sanction. Hohepa Takataka, who now proceeds, refused, when Mr. Eolleston offered him the opportunity, of departing, and 1 have no objection to offer against his going, ho having expresed his desire now to go. Tarnata Patera, who also received a promise from Mr. Eolleston of departure, died, I regret to say, •on the 26th March last. I have, &c, W. E. Thomas, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Eesident Magistrate.

No. 56. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stevens to Captain Thomas. (No. 163-5.) Colonial Defence Office, Sik, — Wellington, 27th June, 186 S. In reply to your letter of the 11th April last, No. 19, I am directed to inform you that '* Horomona Putaki, Hobepa Xakataka, Pirihira (wife of Hohepa), Hiria (mother of Pirihira), Taraipire (girl, and daughter of Tipene) : —2 men, 2 women, 1 girl—s. 2 boys (1 sick).

GUARD AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

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A.—No. 15k.

the Defence Minister has approved of the steps you therein report having taken in discharging the old guard, and enrolling eleven men under the Armed Constabulary Act. The passage of Mrs. Hodges has been approved. The stores noted in the margin were duly received by the " Storm Bird." I have, AcCaptain Thomas, Resident Magistrate, Feas. Stevens Chatham Islands. (in the absence of the Under Secretary).

13 rifles, 13 sets accoutrements, 40 gallons rum.