PAPERS AND REPORT RELATING TO THE ARMED CONSTABULARY.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1870 Session I, D-07

D.—No. 7.

PAPERS AND REPORT RELATING TO THE ARMED CONSTABULARY.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OB THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OB HIS EXCELLENCY. WELLINGTON. 1870.

D.—No. 7.

EEPOET OX AEMED CONSTABULAKY. Armed Constahulary Office, Mount Cook Barracks, Sir,— Wellington, 15th June, 1870. In accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 7th August, I proceeded, after the close of the last Session of the Assembly in September, to re-model and re-organise the Armed Constabulary Force mainly on the basis of tho Eoyal Irish Constabulary system, as it has been modified and altered in Victoria, to adapt it to the Colonies. The first and most indispensable preliminary in carrying out this object was the formation of a Depot of Instruction ; but there was no suitable building available, and some considerable time elapsed before Mount Cook Barracks were altered and made suitable for the purpose. During the time the alterations were being proceeded with, a temporary Depot was established for the accommodation of recruits as they joined. Steps were then taken to divide the Island into Districts, and to appoint but one Officer to the command of the Forces (i.e., Armed Constabulary, Militia, and Volunteers) in each; thus dispensing with the numerous officers who, under the name of "Staff," had been theretofore attached to the Armed Constabulary. The Officer commanding each District (a Constabulary Officer) was required to pay the Men in his Districi, and to supervise, with the assistance of his Subordinate Officers, the Men's messing, clothing, and all other internal arrangements of the Department. I then considered it advisable to visit the several stations throughout the Island, for the purpose of making myself acquainted with the members of the Force, their state, discipline, &c. I had not proceeded far, before I speedily became aware that an uneasy, unsettled feeling pervaded all ranks. In their Camps, there was an entire absence of any attempt on tho part of the men to make themselves comfortable, and they appeared to take little interest in the service, which they considered afforded them but temporary employment. Finding that the best men in the Service were desirous of leaving, dissatisfied with the prospects it held out to them, I considered it advisable personally to explain, both to Officers and Constables, the intentions of the Government with regard to the future of the Force. Those intentions I explained to be : — Ist. To organize a small but highly trained Force, which, by superior intelligence and discipline, would, in the course of a reasonable time, supply the place of numbers. 2nd. That in order to induce the really good men at present in the Force to remain, and with a view of attracting a fairly intelligent, respectable class to its ranks, the Force would not only afford permanent employment, but would also hold out and open up a career for men who, by their own exertions and meritorious conduct, might reasonably hope to reach the highest grades, promotion to which (i.e. Commissions) were, by the Eules and Eegulations of the Force, confined, except in very special cases, to the ranks ; and, that the pay would be increased to such a reasonable rate as to induce such men to join the Service. I have now every reason to believe, that those explanations in a very great measure had the desired effect. I next proceeded to dispense with the services of such members of the Force as I considered it unadvisable to retain ; the principle adopted being to select for discharge— Ist. Those whose defaulter's sheets proved them to be bad or indifferent characters. 2nd. Those reported by their Officers as entirely useless. 3rd. Those who were physically unfit, whether from disease or otherwise. Besides the above, many men were discharged who, notwithstanding my explanations, were still dissatisfied with the prospects the Force held out to them. These reductions having been gradually carried into effect, the strength of the Force, which in July numbered 1460, was reduced to 542,* but this remnant, so to speak, consisted of the best and most reliable of the men. In the meantime, I was gradually forwarding to the temporary Depot, from the various towns and districts I visited, suitable candidates, who were anxious to join the Force under its new organization. Having completed my tour of inspection, I returned to Head Quarters in March, and found tho buildings at Mount Cook completed; but previously, a necessity had arisen for urgently reinforcing the Taupo district, and the recruits, amounting to about fifty, together with their Drill Instructors, were hastily forwarded to that district before their training or equipment had been perfected. It was only at this period that the Depot might be said to be in working order; an experienced staff of Drill Instructors was appointed, and no difficulty was experienced in obtaining suitable recruits. The rules at the Depotf with regard to the admission of candidates for the Force are, that each makes application in his own handwriting, and encloses references and testimonials as to character, sobriety, and trustworthiness. If these are found satisfactory, and after undergoing the usual medical * 234 enrolled since at Dep6t, making total present strength 776, vide Return No. 1. f In the Irish Constabulary the Depdt is formed for two main objects, i.e., the instruction of recruits for the Borce generally, and the establishment of a Reserve Borce, of which it is Head Quarters.

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PAPERS AND REPORT RELATIVE TO

examination, he is taken on probation, which lasts the whole time the candidate is at the Depot, generally from six weeks to two months, according to the aptitude or proficiency shown in learning the duties. During the above period, the recruit is carefully and constantly instructed in musketry and drill under the best instructors obtainable in the Colony. While on probation, if his conduct should not prove satisfactory, he is liable to instant dismissal j but should he succeed in passing his examination, he is clothed, equipped, and sent wherever his services are required. Since the establishment of the Depot, two hundred and thirty-four (234) recruits have joined, of whom, during their probationary term thirty-two (32) proved to be undesirable men for the Force, and were therefore discharged ; one hundred and twenty-one (121) havo been sent to various Districts, and the remaining eighty-one (81), most of whom are proficient and fit for service, are now at the Depot. It is impossible, within tho limits of this report, to state what reforms have been initiated, and what improvements carried out in attempting the re-organization of the Force, during the last nine months. I may, however, briefly state that, except in one District, the mounted members of the Force have now all been supplied by Government with troop horses, saddlery, &c. This step became necessary because in September last the Mounted Division, then stationed at Eunanga, an advanced post on the Taupo line, were required to proceed to Taupo to the assistance of the friendly natives, then expecting to be hourly attacked. It was considered advisable to dismount half their number in consequence of the impossibility of supplying oats for all the horses; but the men declined to proceed further as a dismounted Force, and forwarded a " round robin," signed by thirty-seven of their number, to their commanding officer, the concluding words of which were : —" We have firmly made up our minds to abide by our resolution, be the consequences what they may."* The men have in many places, in the face of great difficulties, built themselves comfortable permanent quarters, especially at the various posts in the Hawke's Bay Police District, which extends from its base, Napier, along the frontier of the Uriwera country —forming a strong chain of permanent defensible posts to Taupo. There are three hundred and twenty men of the Armed Constabulary stationed in this district, one hundred of whom are now permanently located at and around Taupo. In April last, the Auckland Provincial Police became amalgamated with, and are now part of, the Armed Constabulary, but as this step was so recently taken, the results have not yet become apparent. During the same month, in consequence of the belief that certain persons were largely and openly engaged in traffichig in arms and gunpowder with the Natives, especially in the district of Ohinemuri, an officer of great experience was appointed to carry out, with the assistance of a small staff of intelligent detective officers, tho provisions of the Arms Act. Those officers devote their whole time and attention to this one important subject, and already a very flagrant case of selling arms and ammunition to Natives has been detected. The departmental duties of the whole Force, including their payment, as well the payment of Militia and Volunteers, have now been narrowed down and simplified in such a manner as to be conducted in the Head Quarters office, at the Depot. I beg to attach hereto Eeturns, Nos. 1, 2. 3 and 4. No. 1 shows the monthly strength of the Armed Constabulary from July, 1869, to this date; No. 2, is a similar return of Militia and Volunteers ; No. 3 exhibits present strength of all Forces on pay in the North Island ; and No. 4 shows present strength and distribution. I also beg to attach Eeports from Officers Commanding Districts, showing the nature, description, and amount of public work on which the Armed Constabulary have been employed when not actually engaged in field operations, or in guarding important posts in their respective districts. It will be seen by a perusal of those Eeports, that the men, besides performing their ordinary duties, have also been employed in, and have done a large amount of, road-making, constructing and repairing bridges, culverts, sawing timber, dismantling, removing and re-erecting telegraph lines, brick-making, fencing paddocks, &c, as well as building permanent quarters ; so that the pernicious evil of idleness has not been permitted to exist. Besides all this, Mounted Constables are being trained to act as linemen when on their ordinary patrol duties along tho new lines of telegraph between Tauranga, Maketu, and Taupo, as well as along the Wanganui and Patea lino. It is proposed, also, to employ them extensively on the forthcoming Census. In conclusion, I beg leave to say that I have every reason to believe that all ranks of the Force are now fast becoming settled and contented. Perhaps no better proof of this could be given than that resignations have been for some time past almost unknown ; while arrangements are being made by officers and constables in every District for the establishment of libraries and reading rooms. I confidently look forward, therefore, to the time as being not distant, when the Armed Constabulary of New Zealand may vie in point of efficiency, intelligence, and respectability with any force in the neighboring Colonies, in addition to being completely fitted to discharge those special duties which were mainly contemplated when the reorganization of the Force was authorised. I have, &c, The Hon. Defence Minister, St. John Branigan, Wellington. Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force. Enclosure No. 1. Eeport of the Inspector in Charge in the Wangantti-Patea District. Armed Constabulary, Sir,— Patea, 31st May, 1870. In accordance with your instructions I have the honor to forward the following report showing the manner in which the Colonial Forces under my command have been employed from June, 1869, to May, 1870, inclusive. * This Division was afterwards broken up by me on my visit of inspection to Taupo.

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I will now proceed to show in detail where the various Corps have been stationed, and the nature of their employment. The Armed Constabulary, which in July numbered one hundred and twenty-three non-commissioned officers and men, had been gradually reduced till in October its strength was only fifty-one, exclusive of officers. During this month I moved a detachment consisting of one officer, "thirty-one non-com-missioned officers and men to Manawapou, on the sea coast, and about twelve miles north of Parea. After repairing the Eedoubt, the men were employed in cutting fresh approaches to the Manawapou Stream, and otherwise opening the road which had become almost impassable. The remainder of the Force at Patea were employed during this and the succeeding month in repairing the bridges known as the flax bridge and .Kakaramea, making fresh cuttings, repairing and making the road passable throughout for drays. In December, the positions at Waihi, Hawera, and Manutahi being occupied, Manawapou as a military post was no longer required ; its garrison therefore was withdrawn to Patea. The Force was now reduced to forty-seven, fifteen of whom were employed in forming the new line of road from Wanganui to Patea. Hitherto the Force had been wretchedly accommodated as to Quarters. Twenty-four acres was set apart on which a barracks was to be built for the Quarters for the men and officers. Tho men were called, upon to perform this work, and those who were not employed on the road works and the necessary garrison and patrol duty, were engage.d in preparing the ground for the Camp, cutting and splitting posts and rails for the fencing, collecting and preparing the material for building their huts. In January and February seven men only could be spared from the Camp, for building and fencing for the road works. In March I was reduced to forty-five men, sixteen of whom were employed on tho roads, the remainder not engaged in orderly police, hospital and other garrison duty, were on fatigue at the new Camp. In April sixteen men were on the road, the remainder had the mounted orderly duty from Wanganui to Waihi, the police duty of the township, hospital and other duties, and fencin in the Government paddock of about forty acres. The present month thirty are employed on the roads, the remainder engaged in moving and assisting to erect stables and hospital. The strength increased to fifty-four. In October I moved the Ngatiporou from Patea to Waihi, a post which had been abandoned some twelve months previously. This position is about twenty-five miles north of Patea, near and to the south of the Waingongoro river. The Ngatiporou muster about one hundred and forty men. They have done good service in scouring the country and destroying cultivations; they have kept Tito F"owaru from returning to his old haunts. Since they went to Waihi they have built a Eedoubt, Stockade, fenced in a paddock for the Government horses, built and made a bridge and laid out a new line of road. During the present month I have succeeded in employing thirty-seven on the general road work. Positions had been selected at Hawera and Manutahi for Blochouses for the use aud protection of those settlers who were desirous (and at that period adventurous enough) to re-occupy their lands. Hawera is five miles south of Waihi. Manutahi is equi-distant from Hawera and Patea. The settlers in the vicinity of these posts were taken on the strength of the Force of the District in the place of the Carlyle Volunteers, of which Corps the majority had been members. In addition to their forming a military defence of thess posts, the garrisons have been employed in preparing the ground for and. building the Blockhouses, erecting the Stockade and necessary earthworks, and assisted in surveying the ten-acre allotments. In addition to the above works and duties, they have been and are at work constructing the general line of road under the supervision and instruction of the Engineer. I now come to the Wairoa and Wanganui Veteran Volunteers. These Corps besides occupying important posts were during the months of active operations continually in the field. Under their indefatigable Commanders Captains Hawes and Kells they have obtained such a knowledge of the back country, the Native tracks and general features of the district, as will render comparatively powerless any similar attempt as the late outbreak on the part of the disaffected Natives, whose success mainly depended on their knowledge and our ignorance of the tracks and features of the country. From December to the present time, these Corps have been employed under the Eoad Engineer in making roads, at which they have worked as well as they before were zealous in the field. During the last six months every available man on pay in my command (after taking away the necessary strength for Guards, Orderlies, and other Camp or Garrison duties) has been employed in the construction of Eoads, Blockhouses, and Barracks. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men have worked well. Two months from the time the road was decided upon it was laid off, punts built and placed on the rivers, cuttings and approaches to rivers made, and Cobb's Coach running from Wanganui to Patea. I had the pleasure of conveying the thanks of the Government to all concerned (officers as well as men) for the energy and perseverance evinced in accomplishing so important a work in so short a time. From personal observation I can with pleasure state that the eoergy then displayed has never flagged up to the present time. A greater result would however have been shown had the men had tools more suitable for their work, and similar to those recently issued. The extent and direction of the line of road, with the nature of work performed, I leave to be explained by the Engineer of the road, who has I have no doubt been called upon for his report. I have, &c, M. Noake, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary, Inepe3tor Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington. • Wanganui and Patea District. 2

D.—No. 1.

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Enclosure Xo. 2. Eepoet of ihe Inspector in Charge Taranaei District. f206.) Armed Constabulary Office, Six,— New Plymouth. 20th May. 1870. I have the honor to inform you that, for some months after the arrival of the Armed Constabulary in this District, it was not considered at all advisable by the Officer then in command of tho District, to detach working parties, not only owing to the vicinity of the Mokau natives, against whom wo had to be specially guarded, and indeed, on one occasion, surprised and drove back a party of their scouts within three-quarters of a mile of the Camp, but also because the still doubtful attitude, strength, and location of Titokowaru, rendered it most imprudent to have small working parties scattered about the country liable at any moment to surprise. As soon however as affairs here assumed a more settled aspect, the Force was very largely reduced, and having to garrison Wai-iti, finding daily outlying picquets, guards, &c, besides a detachment for New Plymouth, necessarily reduced the strength of the working parties to a minimum. Every man, however, not required for garrison duty, was now detached, and the following work has been completed. Commencing at Wai-iti, the old track south to the TJrunui river, and a few chains beyond, has been put into a thorough state of repair, and made practicable for drays, where last winter it was almost impassable. The distance is nearly ten miles and includes many long cuttings, numerous culverts, &c, &c, and is certainly of great benefit to the Province —should the out districts be re-settled, and in a military point of view. The men are still employed on the road, and I am negotiating with the Superintendent of the Province as to the practicability of bridging the Urunui and Mimi rivers, and have offered the services of the Armed Constabulary to assist in their construction and erection. In addition to road work, a large and strong redoubt has been erected at Wai-iti, the fourth built by the Armed Constabulary since their arrival in the Province. Paddocks have been fenced in at the Front, and at New Plymouth ; stables erected at Marsland Hill, and lately every man at the Front not required for duty, has been employed in building winter quarters, now nearly complete. The Force has been reduced from 180, all ranks, to 93, including mounted men; and taking into consideration this large reduction, the numerous interruptions from wet and stormy weather, marches out and other incidents, I trust the Government will consider the work performed satisfactory. I have, &c, Arthur Tuke, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force, Inspector Armed Constabulary Force, Wellington, In charge Taranaki District. Enclosure No. 3. Eeport of Inspector in Charge Hawke's Bat District. Armed Constabulary, Sir,— Hawke's Bay District, 25th May, 1879. In reply to your letter of the 15th instant, I have the honor to submit the following Eeport, Since I was appointed to the command of the Hawke's Bay District in October last, the men have been located in and held a line of frontier posts, extending from Te Haroto to Lake Taupo, and in addition to the Guards, Picquets, and Scouts required constantly to watch tho Uriwera country, the men have been employed at the several posts as follows : — Ti Haroto, about 40 miles from Napier towards Taupo.—ln assisting to build a bullet-proof Blockhouse, to hold about fifty men, and in sawing over 2000 feet of timber for its completion. A Eedoubt was erected but has been levelled since the removal of the Telegraph Station. Guard Eoom and Stores have been put up and the road cut and levelled for some distance on each side of the post. Tarawera, 52 miles from Napier towards Taupo.—A very strong Stockade to hold 150 men, has been erected by the men, flanked by two bullet-proof Blockhouses, on the Canadian plan, each capable of holding twentj^-men. The walls of the Blockhouses were partly put up by the Telegraph Department, but tho principal part of the labor has been done by the Armed Constabulary. An office and Officer's Quarters of sawn timber have been erected by the men. A great deal of labor has been required of the Force at this post in clearing land slips on the cuttings, and keeping tho road fit for traffic. A paddock is now being fenced in in front of the Eedoubt. Eunanga, about 62 miles from Napier, on Taupo road. —A very fine commanding Stockade has been erected at this post with flanking angles. Two pair of sawyers of the Armed Constabulary have been employed for some time cutting timber for Men's Quarters, Office, Stores, and Officer's Quarters. A large Barrack Eoom with shingled roof, for forty men, is nearly finished; the Office and Officer's Quarters are finished and occupied, and in a very short time the Store will be finished —the whole of the work being clone by men of the Force. A good deal of labor has been expended in making the road towards Taupo, practicable for drays The force at this post have made the road from Eunanga to the crossing at the Eangatakai river, a distance of 10 miles. Some of the Creek crossings required a great deal of labor, but it is now an excellent road, and the drays come with ease up to the gate of the Eedoubt. A great deal of escort duty has been required of the men stationed at Eunanga in protecting provisions, stores, &c, for the Field Force, while they were stationed at Tokano, from September to January last. Paiiautea, about 75 miles from Napier on the Taupo road. —This post has only recently been established to watch the Plain and Eangataika crossing. A Eedoubt for forty men has been erected, and the ground cleared in its neighborhood, cook-house built, well dug, and track made from the Taupo road to Eedoubt.

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Opepe, about 83 miles from Napier, and 11 miles from Taupo.—A strong bullet proof Stockade, with crow's nest look-out in one angle, has been put up, capable of holding thirty men. Bark and slab huts, holding over 100 men have been built, and are occupied. Two pair of Sawyers of the Armed Constabulary are, and have been, employed cutting timber for men's quarters at Tapuaeharuru, and other buildings required at Opepe ; upwards of 4.000 feet of timber is already sawn, and 5,000 shingles cut; a post and rail fence properly morticed, enclosing about 7 acres, is being erected, the ground cleared and partly laid down with grass seed, and would have been finished if I could have got the necessary tools, but I have had considerable difficulty in obtaining them, and am now waiting for some which are daily expected. A fine slabbed well, 34ft deep has been dug through the pumice with considerable difficulty, and a plentiful supply of water obtained. A good deal of bush and scrub has been cleared away, and the ground levelled in the vicinity of the Stockade. TAPtrAEHARTjRU, about 104 miles from Napier by the road now used. —A formidable Eedoubt to hold 150 men in tents has been put up on the right bank of the Waikato, where it flows out of Lake Taupo. The cliff has been scarped, so that the crossing is commanded, and the boats and canoes all under the protection of the work. Much labor has been required of the men stationed here in carrying in firewood for the use of the Camp, in consequence of the distance from any bush, and they have also been employed on several expeditions, and done a great deal of Escort duty. Transport.—One Officer and an average of thirty men have been solely employed on Transport duty, and in addition to provisions and stores for the Force have conveyed up large quantities of Telegraph materials, and since the new contract for the supply of rations to the Force came into operation, they have been altogether employed for the Telegraph Department. As the Force serving in this District have been, since I assumed command, kept constantly on the alert, I trust the amount of useful work performed by them in addition to their legitimate duty of guarding the line of posts along the TJriwera frontier, will be considered satisfactory. I have, &c, J. M. EOBERTS, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary, Inspector Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Hawke's Bay District. Enclosure No. 4. Eeport of Inspector in Charge of the Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) District. (207—70). District Office, Tauranga, 21st May, 1870. Sir, — In compliance with instructions conveyed in your letter No. 349, of the 7th instant, I have the honor to transmit herewith a statement, showing the nature, description, and amount of public or useful work in which the Armed Constabulary have been employed (exclusive of their ordinary duties) in the Tauranga District, during the period from Ist July, 1869, until 20th May of the present year. In consequence of the decease of the Officer lately in command, I am unable to furnish anything more than what the records of the District show, and from enquiries made from the officers. 1. Earthwork done on the Judea Swamp Eoad, as follows: —Embankment, 1,838 cubic yards; road cutting, 3,616 cubic yards; total, 5,454 cubic yards. The men are now employed on this work. 2. About 300 tons of stone quarried at Mongonui, and conveyed to Tauranga for the purpose of building a sea-wall or breakwater round the Cemetery. Some sailors from H. M. ship Eosario assisted in this work 3. Eemoving 200 cubic yards of earth for foundation of sea-wall, and sloping the cliff above. 4. Making a new Eifle Eange at Tauranga. 5. Excavating a water tank at Tauranga, about 40 feet square and 6 feet deep ; also, enclosing the same with a sea-wall 5 feet high. H. M. ship Eosario was enabled to water from this tank. 6. The Durham Eedoubt at Tauranga pulled down and re-built. 7. Building a Eedoubt and surrounding it with palisading at Kopeopeo, Whakatane; also, the erection of five whares, bakehouse and oven. 8. Building a second Eedoubt near same place, with substantial whares for the Garrison. 9. Building a new Eedoubt near the Heads at Whakatane, and erecting suitable whares ; this work is not quite finished, but as soon as it is the men will be set to work on the road between Whakatane and Opotiki. In conclusion, I must state that no Public Work was performed by the Armed Constabulary in the months of July, August, and September, as the men were employed during those months in marching down from Fort Galatea, and going through a course of drill at Tauranga. I have, &c, .W. Motoe, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary, Inspector Armed Constabulary, Wellington. In charge Tauranga District. Supplementary Eeport from this Officer, showing the state of his District on the 16th June, is attached hereto. Enclosure No. 5. Eeport of Inspector in Charge of Tauranga, lately in Charge of Waikato District. (No. 206—70). District Office, Sir,— Tauranga, 21st May, 1870. In compliance with instructions conveyed in your letter No. 349, of the 7th instant, I have the honor to transmit herewith a statement shewing the nature, description, and amount of public or

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useful work, in which the Armed Constabulary (strength as per margin), have been employed— exclusive of their ordinary duties, —in the Waikato District, during the period from Ist July, 18t39, until my removal on the Ist of April of the present year. Ist. The erection of a new Telegraph line from Hamilton to Cambridge, a distance of 15 miles. 2nd. Dismantling and removing Telegraph line between Te Awamutu and Kihi Kihi, a distance of 3 miles. 3rd. Thoroughly repairing the Telegraph line between Cambridge, Ohaupo, and Te Awamutu, a distance of 22 miles. This line was in a very bad state, most of tho poles being rotten. 4th. Eepairing Telegraph line between Te Awamutu, and Alexandra, a distance of 9 miles. Many of the poles on this line had been shattered by lightning. sth. Eepairing Telegraph line between Alexandra and Ngaruawahia, a distance of 30 miles. 6th. The erection of a Bastioned Fort at Ngaruawahia, covering an area of about half an acre, with 120 loop-holes, each averaging 32 feet of sawn timber, cut in the bush across the Waipa river; and the banquette rivettod with 1,200 fern-tree stems, cut in a bush about 2 miles off. Inside the work the foundation of a Tower has been laid, in which 6,000 bricks were used,, and a well sunk and lined with bricks moulded for the purpose. 7th. The building of a brick shed at Ngaruawhia 66 feet by 20, with a complete plant constructed, including tables, moulds, barrows, &c. This may be considered a permanent work, from which bricks may be supplied for other Government works in the District. Bth. 24,000 bricks (of first class quality) made and burnt, and a considerable number ready for the kiln. 9th. Lime kilns constructed on the Eaglan Eanges, and 75 bushels of superior lime sent down, when the work was interrupted by the arrival cf Te Kooti in the neighborhood. 10th. The land around the Fort at Ngaruawahia, enclosed with a post and three rail fence of good timber, cut in the bush about 2 miles distant. 11th. Half of the large Eedoubt at Te Awamutu taken down, the remainder repaired, and a new side built. Magazine constructed and well partly sunk. 12th. A well sunk in the old Eedoubt at Ngaruawahia. 13tb. At Alexandra, a 25 acre paddock cleared, ploughed, and made ready for grass seed, and partly enclosed with a substantial post and two rail fence of Eimu timber, cut and carted from the Pirongia Eanges. 14th. At Cambridge, a six acre paddock cleared, fenced, and ready for the grass seed. 15th. At Kihi Kihi, a small paddock enclosed with a bank, ditch, and wattle fence. 16th. At Hamilton, a small paddock enclosed with bank, and double ditch. 17th. All Eedoubts in the District repaired and strengthened. 18th. Eoad improved from Alexandra to Pirongia and bridges re-built. 19th. A new Eifle Eange prepared at Hamilton. 20th. Many useful public works, such as improving roads in the Townships, &c. In conclusion, I must state that public works were interrupted during the months of July and August, in consequence of the presence of Te Kooti, with 300 men, at Tokangamutu, and the Constabulary having to assemble at Te Awamutu ; again, in the months of January and February, Te Kooti, with a similar number of followers, arrived at Tapapa, and the Constabulary had to take the Field against the enemy. Since that period, however, the Constabulary have been employed blasting and excavating rocks in the Horatu river, near Cambridge, preparatory to bridging it, I have, &c, W. Moule, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force, Inspector Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Lately in charge of Waikato District. Table No. 1. Eeturn showing the Monthly Strength of the Armed Constabulary from Ist July, 1869, to 15th June, 1870. Ofpickus. . Sergeants. 7 ° Total " DATE. MONTHS. « f i . § oeau, REMARKS. 2tla| i § q „ gn^gH^B 8 Ranks □ 3«3S "5 a I o H VI -<02 OI rH (M I O 1869... July 31st V 35 3 11 56 52 1296 1460 j* Of this number 234 have „ ... August 27th ... 7 32 3 7 51 53 1194 1347 ! been enrolled at the Depot, „ ... September 16th ... 6 27 3 11 50 60 1075 1232 Wellington, which leaves a „ ... October Ist ... 6 26 3 9 47 50 951. 1092 balance of 5420f the original „ ... November 22nd ... 5 22 3 9 40 43 753 875 Borce; but 32 of the 234 ~ ... December Ist ... 5 23 2 9 37 40 741 859 [have been discharged, and 1870... January Ist ' ... 7 21 2 9 34 37 719 829 j are accounted for in this „ ... February Ist ... 7 24 2 9 34 39 696 811 | Return. „ ... March Ist ... 7 24 2 9 34 j4l 668 785 81 are at the Depot in „ ... April Ist ... 7 24 2 10 34 j44 645 766 different stages of proficiency, „ ... May 31st 7 24 2 11 34 j47 638 763 leaving a force of 695 at pre- „ ... June 15th 7 24 2 11 34 [47 651 776* sent in the field.

D.—No. 7.

Table No. 2. RETURN showing the Monthly STRENGTH of MILITIA and VOULNTEERS on ACTIVE SERVICE and PAY in the NORTH ISLAND, from 1st July, 1869, to 15th June, 1870.

9

THE AEMED CONSTABULARY.

Staff. Volunteer j other Cava] .BY; Local Militia. Volunteers (Foot). 1869 )» Date. July 31st August 27th September 16th ... October 1st November 22ad ... December 1st January 1st February 1st March 1st April 1st May 31st June 15th Months. CD o 4 6 6 6 4 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 o a on 2 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 o CO 6 6 6 6 6 4 6 5 6 6 4 4 CO CO a CO 03 5 6 6 5 5 3 3 3 4 4 CD 03 a 03 Ph 2 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 O GQ I ... CO a ft 03 o a CD a CO 5 1 a 03 co bo CO 5 3 o Q 5 2 DO CD CD ft s 3 EH 1 CD O o H 94 34 17 29 29 58 62 64 60 57 13 12 a ft 12 11 8 2 6 3 5 4 10 6 5 5 CO a CD 50 18 19 11 4 8 5 7 6 12 8 5 4 a 03 CD CD 38 39 34 cd O ft o 34 40 34 CO CO pa 4 4 3 CO CD Ph : 646 586 335 198 238 141 219 178 399 255 196 149 .9 '03 ft CO CD CO bo o ft F. o CQ CD "bo a pa CD Ph 3 3 Natives. 347 164 252 480 320 33 30 30 230 178 16 Total 0B A 1.1. Ranks. LS89 880 708 814 886 382 878 H!)2 656 327 308 )> ... 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 2 6 6 5 1 2 3 2 1 1 ... 183 183 122 40 77 150 130 74 66 )> ... ! ... )> I1870 .. ... ... ... M ... I J) 3) >1 "i 17 12 "i "i "4 ... )» ... ! ... ... ... ... Eeturn showing the Strength of the Armed Constabulary, Mil: Tahle No. 3. :tia, Volunteers, &c, on Active Service and Pay in the North Island, on 15th June, 1.870. Aemed CONSTABULARY. Staee. Volunteer & Other Cavalry. Local Militia. Volunteers (Foot). DISTRICTS. Wanganui- Patea ... Taranaki ... Waikato Bay of Plenty Turanganui (Poverty Bay) Hawke's Bay Depot, Wellington.. o CD CD ft a co OS 3 1 1 1 1 O o CD i— i so o a to Q co Q. en to rH CO 1 1 1 5 00 o sS. T3 A a a <M CO 1 to O CUD 4a m '5 s CO a 03 CD 1 2 1 1 10 00 03 CO rH 2 3 7 7 I CO 03 CD bo CD DO CQ CQ a 3 6 8 6 00 CD o 48 68 85 79 CO o CD to o OQ 00 O OQ to "to CO l l p. ca to a a CD CD ! to So o 03 00 CD CO oo O O CD H5 CD ft a EH 10 5-1 o B CO *03 ft S3 1 2 to a 1 CO 1 | 1 03 CD b0 CQ 4 7 1 4 to O ft o 4 4 CO CD pq 1 2 Ph 48 55 CO ft 2 I to ■4-3 I l CO a "co a to CD 7 CO 03 ft o 4 to PQ CD 4J 03 Ph 66 H 1-1 o O H L98 170 10s 157 i ... I ... | ! - ... ie "3 l "i "i I '*• ... ... 2 i 3 "i 44 ... I ... . ... I ... ... I ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 1 1 "i 2 6 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 12 2 6 16 2 63 232 76 1 l I 1 1 ! i I 12 ... ... 1 1 ... , 2 ... ... ... - 95 273 83 ... 7 1 7 — I 2 11 34 47 651 — I 2 1 I 4 I I ll — !— 1 12 5 2 2 17 12 4 149 I 2| il I i I 7 4 66 I 16 1,084 16 ... I ... I ... I I ... I I ... I 138 Ni ;atiporou .t Waihi m it included —the timi for which they were engi .ged havinj expired.

D.—No. 7.

Table No. 4. RETURN of the COLONIAL FORCES on ACTIVE SERVICE and PAY on the 15th June, 1870.

10

PAEEES AND REEOETS RELATING TO

Staee. Armed Constabulary. Volunteer and other Cavalry. Local Militia. VOLTTNTEEBS (FOOT). STATIONS. CO Sh CD o "30 to P O CD P 0Q p Fh P 02 P 43 00 co OQ o CD OQ 00 Sh CD DO Ph 3 d to 3 i-H CO to a a <N co c3 U 02 a 03 CD 60 CD 00 03 3 to a 03 00 60 CD 00 CQ CQ 03 a IN CO CD 03 43 CO a o 00 43 a 03 a CD to CD O Q 43 p c3 CD CD 02 as o Fh O TO Sh CD CD Ph a P &h CO CO ft O o EH 5 ft 03 CO "p p 4^ P CD oo 43 a OS CD 60 Fh CO 00 CQ ft o to S3 P p <D cl 43 P CD 0Q to O Ph Ph O Total 01' ALL Ranks. Waikato — Hamilton Cambridge Ngaruawahia Kihi Kihi Alexandra Raglan Auckland s Ph o CO a a to as p to 63 .9 ft 03 D CO a a CO 00 "60 a Ph 00 CD *Kh" to E H r-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 7 7 28 8 19 1 18 11 81 11 24 17 ... ... ... ... ... ... I I ... I - ... I I ••• 3 1 ... "i 16 ... I I ••• ... ... j i ... ; 1 — 4 — 7 8 85 I 1 1 I— l I 108 1 Taranaki — Wai-iti Mirnu Urenui Tupari Takapu Taipikiri New Plymouth Tikorangi Okato Te Arei Waitara I I — i — 1 l 1 4 33 1 1 ' I 4 i 3 1 31 2 2 10 1 83 2 40 1 s 26 1 6 1 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... "i 2 18 ... ... "i i I 1 "i "e ... ... I ... 2 ... ". I I 1 '" i i "i i "i i 13 "2 i 5 1 4 1 1 ... ••' 1 ... i i i i i '" ... 1 1 ! - I ... .'..' ... - I ... ... ... I ... j 1 — 2 3 — I . i 1 i i — — — 1 7 4 55 i l 1 6 68 1 16 170 Hawke's Bay — Opepe Napier Runanga Tapuaeharuru Tarawera Te Haroto Transport Corps ... ... I I2 2 ... I _ i — — I I I 2 2 1 1 1 2 5 2 1 2 1 1 9 104 8 44 20 23 14 19 ... 124 11 26 26 17 23 - ... ... ... ... ... I 1 ... ! 1 1 1 ... i I 2 1 1 3 ... I I- ... ... I -> ... ... i ... I ... ... ... i 1 ... , ... ... ... ... .. ... 1 2 6 1 3 ! 12 16 232 i I— 273 ... ... -. - ... ... ... ... .- ... ••• ... ... ... .- ... ... ... ... ... -

D.-No. 7.

Table No. 4.— Continued. RETURN of the COLONIAL FORCES on ACTIVE SERVICE and PAY on the 15th June, 1870.

11

THE ARMED CONSTABULARY.

Staee. Armed Constbulary. Volunteer & other Cavalry. Local Militia. Volunteers (Foot). STATIONS. Fh CD CD O 2 CD CO p CD Fh P 02 43 P - a oo co to Fh 43 CD Ph ' co P 00 Fh O 43 CD to Ql, -5 P rH OO o «3 CD OO CD <N 02 Fh O '0? on 43 P CD Fh CD 02 p Fh CD 02 CO "a cS CO 60 CO 00 CO CO 03 a (M co CD o CO 43 a 03 a 00 a 00 13 a co CD 60 co CO co o ft o to Fh CD 43 do ft a B CO 1 a CD 00 3 CO 'a 03 CD CD 00 CO O ft o O GO 03 P CD 43 P CD CO a 03 CO 60 CO 00 O ft o O Total 01' ALL Ranks. CO a o CD 60 a 00 -oo 5 43 00 CO 9 '03 43 a. S3 CO CD a o to Fh ft o Fh 6H CQ a '03 ft S3 OQ a .60 a co JD ISO 3 Ph CO CD 43 tiS "sh Ph OQ 43 03^ to a 'to a CD "60 pa. to CD Ph rn H H TURANGANUI — ■ Turanganui Ormond Te Wairoa Te Kapu ... ... ■i ... 1 i l "i 1 1 ... 1 1 3 1 4 18 26 15 ... 1 ... 1 ... ... 12 ... ••■ i •1 ::: "2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 21 80 18 i I ■•• I ... j .« 1 ... 1 ... ... 1 1 j :— 1 2 — — 63 1 I I i 1 1 1 1 96 ■ 2 1 6 I .- 12 ... I 1 1 ... 2 Wanganui-Patea Patea Manutahi Waihi Hawera Wereroa Wairoa Wanganui ... 1 1 — 1 ... | —' 2 1 — 2 2 46 "i — ... ... ... ... 1 1 ; "i "2 2 i "2 1::: "2 "i 4 20 21 ! ... — ... — ... — ... 3 68 25 2 27 43 35 4 ! ... 1 I "i I 1 •" ... "i 1 "i "* 1 "5 2 "3 1 ... 33 30 1 ... i ... j ' "2 ... — — i 2 2 !— — } 1 1 4 4 ! 1 47 — 1 7 198 1 1 1 3 48 ... 2 2 4 67 Bay of Plenty — Tauranga Maketu Matata Kaiteriria Whakatane Opotiki On Expedition ! — — ! i— — I — — i — — — — I — i 1 1 ... 1 ... I 2 ... I ... ... 1 ... 4 i 1 1 38 1 1 1 25 12 1 .... ... ... I • •■ ... ... ... ... I 2 1 ... 4 3 1 44 ... I ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 104 2 1 31 16 1 "i "i 1 1 3 1 i ... ... I ... ... - ... ... ... •" ... .. ... ! ... ! ... ... ... ... 1 2 ' x \ 5 1 7 6 79 ; 2 1 4 3 1 44 1 • — 1 157 Depot 1 ! i I 1 — 2! 2 76 !— — 82 138 Hi ;aiii at Waihi not included —the time for which they were enj ;aged having expired, ioroi

D.—No. 7.

12

RETURNS, &c., ARMED CONSTABULARY.

EECAPLTTJLATION. Total or all DISTRICTS. Banks 15th June. Waikato .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 108 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 170 Hawke's Bay.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 273 Turanganui .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 95 Wanganui-Patea .. .. .. .. .. .. 199 Bay of Plenty .. .. .. .. .. .. 157 Depot .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 82 Total .. .. .. .. .. 1084 APPENDIX. (No 284—70). District Office, Tauranga, 16th June, 1870. Sir, — I have the honor to report, for the information of the Honorable the Defence Minister, that the Hauhaus in the Tauranga and Opotiki Districts seem very peaceably disposed just now. The Piriraukaus, and the Ngatirangis about Oropi and Paingaroa, who for some time actively assisted Te Kooti, have abandoned him, and are now digging gum on Government lands between Te Puna and Katekate. The TJriwera tribes, who have so long been in arms against us, and the most faithful of Te Kooti's followers, have now deserted him. Of these 120 have already surrendered unconditionally, and I have no doubt that Hapurone will succeed in his endeavours to bring in the remainder of his people. Te Kooti is said to be hiding in the neighborhood of the Waioeka Gorge with only a few followers, and as the tribes who assisted him have suffered and lost so much, it is not likely that they will again join him. Of the Friendly Natives, the Ngatirangi are all engaged (on a contract) making a road from Matapihi to the beach, leading to Maketu. The Arawas are employed (on a contract) making a road from Maketu in tho direction of Taupo. The Ngatiawa having moved down to the Heads at Whakatane, are busy in forming their new settlement, and preparing ground for planting. The Ngatipukeko are strengthening their new position on the Whakatane flat, and preparing fresh ground for planting. With regard to the TJriweras who have surrendered, Major Mair is making arrangements for locating part of them at Puteri, near Matata, the remainder at Parewai, up the Matata river. The Hauhaus from being so much harassed of late, are thoroughly disheartened, and I am of opinion that they will not give any further trouble, and shall not be surprised to hear of their betraying Te Kooti into our hands. I have, &c, W. Moule, The Commissioner Armed Constabulary Force, Inspector Armed Constabulary, Wellington. Tauranga District.