PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

Purchase Commissioner, for the survey of Teira's land at Waitara. The surveyor has just returned, and reports that the survey has been resisted by Natives residing in the neighbourhood. The importance of the issues that hang on this event will, I hope, be held to justify me in doubling your Excellency with the following remarks. The opinion of those persons in the settlement on whom I most rely in Native affairs, is divided in every possible way as to the turn this business may take, and I think it may be said, the future is sealed to anything like confident speculation. Under such circumstances it is prudent to anticipate the worst in our preparations—to look forward to the possibility of a protracted state of hostility on the part of the rebellious Natives, gradually absorbing all minor differences and uniting the body of the Maori population in opposition to your Excellency's Government. There is in roost parts of the settlement, a desire among the settlers to remain in their districts, organised as Volunteers and Militia for the protection of their property. That this is practicable, is the view of some persons of experience here ; end, if practicable, it is surely highly desirable. The Natives will make little resistance in the o|>cti field, but they look to intimidate and punish the Europeans through their large stake in the undefended country district*. It will be to take from them their hope of a successful resistance if we are prepared to meet them in this. On this ground, therefore, I respectfully submit to your Excellency the importance of such reinforcement of the regular troops as may dispense with the necessity for employing any part of the irregular force iv active Military operations proper. I pray your Excellency to take this suggestion into your consideration, and if it meets your approval, to take action thereupon. There is a very general desire that your Excellency should visit us in person at this time, and that a fully authorised member of your Executive Council should take up his residence among us. The time, lam sure, you will consider critical. I can assure you of the good will and determination of the settlers. All that is required to work the beet results from this disposition, is the presence of those in whom the fullest powers and most complete acquaintance with the intentions of your Excellency are united. Your presence would give the deepest satisfaction to all. It is also of the highest importance, in connection with one of the most delicate parts of the situation, the position of the loyal part of the Natives. Anything tending to make them feel their position equivocal, tends to slacken their adhesion to your Government. I am confident, therefore, on these grounds, in pressing on your Excellency's consideration the importance of your visiting us, to clear up all doubts and to put the whole business in such form, as may enable the Officer in Command of the Forces (in whom we feel hearty confidence) to act with the certainty of a man, who has that full knowledge of the whole of your plans which it is so difficult to convey by writing. I have, &c-, G. Cutfield, To His Excellency Superintendent. Colonel Gore Browne, C. 8., Governor and Commauder-in- Chief in New Zealand, &c., &c, &c.

Enclosure 3 in No. 19. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM HIS HONOR G. CUTFIELD, ESQ., TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. New Plymouth, 24th February, 1860. * # * 'Pwo years since, when the Native war raged, and we had only our neutrality to maintain, there were in barracks 100 rank and file more than at present, and in addition, Captain King and his Artillery. Colonel Murray has, with the modesty of a Commanding Officer, asked for 50 more men ; I would ask for all that could be spared, and a ship to boot, so that the insurrection may at once be quelled. It would be cheapest in the end, and prevent an outbreak in some other quarter, not improbable, should it linger too long here. • * * I have, &c, (Signed) G. Cutfield.

Separate. -

No. 20. copy of a DESPATCH from governor gore browne, c.b., to his grace the dukb or NEWCASTLE. Taranaki, New Zealand, 2nd March, 1860. My LORD DUKE, — I have the honor to inform your Grace that I arrived at this place in the

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