A—No. 6

day whether die policy inaugurated by His Excellency might be acquiesced in, or met ■with formidable resistance. There is no doubt that the Military movement referred to was exceedingly distasteful to the Waikato tribes; and a principal reason why it has not provoked resistance haa been the large Military ami Naval force in the immediate neighbourhood of Auckland. But it is certain that any reduction of this force*—and particularly if suddenly made —was calculated pro tanto to weaken the inducements presented to the minds of the Natives to remain quiet. It is not the duty of His Excellency's Advisers to canvass the prudence of Commodore Seymour's act, nor to weigh the reasons which appear to have induced him to adopt the course he has pursued. But they take the liberty of observing that, while on the one hand there was imminent risk of thwarting His Excellency's plans, there was on the other no advantage whatever to be attained, except the possible capture of a few American whalers, whose destruction could not have exercised the remotest influence on the relations of England and America, or on the progress of a war between those nations —which war there was no better foundation for believing to have been declared than a mere unauthenticated flying rumour. And, when Ministers observe that Commodore Seymour did not allow His Excellency the option of detaining the " Miranda," even should the insurrection in this Colony have broken out afresh they cannot refrain from expressing their opinion that the course pursued by him was neither a wise nor a considerate one. William Fox, Colonial Secretary.

Since the above was written, Ministers have been informed by His Excellency that Captain Cator has just brought him his instructions from Commodore Seymour to the effect that the ship under his command, the " Fawn" (the only man-of-war remaining in New Zealand since the departure of the " Miranda"), is not to leave Auckland or its immediate vicinity till the arrival of the next mail, when distinct instructions will be sent, and that he, Captain Cator " is expressly prohibited from landing any nieu to take part in Military operations." Ministers feel bound to observe that these instructions, issued to Captain Cator by Commander Seymour, will probably disarrange in the most serious degree the plans which His Excellency has laid for a series of visits to the Natives of the East Coast, Havvke's Bay, Cook's Straits, and elsewhere, and which it is of the greatest consequence should be carried into effect without delay. The success of His rixeellency's operations in bringing the present difficulties to a peaceful termination may depend upon the promptitude of his action during the next few months, and his keeping the appointments which, relying on His Excellency being able to obtain the use of a steam frigate, have been made with various sections of Natives. It is deeply to be regretted that Commodore Seymour should have considered it his duty to issue such peremptory instructions, in entire disregard of what might be and are the emergencies of Her Majesty's Government in this Colony, at this very critical crisis. William Fox. Cth February, 1862.

Enclosure 5 in No. 2. MEMORANDUM FOB HIS EXCELLENCY. 7th February, 1862. Ministers have, since their Memorandum of yesterday's date, taken into their serious consideration the subject of Commodore Seymour's instructions to the Captains of H. M. S. S. " Miranda" and •• Fawn." They consider it their duty to advise His Excellency to suggest to Her Majesty's Government the expediency ot impressing on Commodore Seymour's successor in the command of the Australian station the importance of affording all possible co-operation with His Excellency whenever it may be required, and of not taking any steps with regard to the stationing of the ships under his command without consulting His Excellency, and at least allowing him the opportunity of offering an opinion as to the effect such ships may have on the position of affairs in the Colony. If this be not done, Ministers are of opinion that it would be almost better that all Her Majesty's ships should be removed from New Zealand : for, their entire absence would be likely to have a less prejudicial effect than such sudden and spasmodic changes as those effected under Commodore Seymour's orders, which are sufficient to disarrange and defeat the most carefully considered plans of the Colonial Government, to say nothing of the effect which they are likely to have on the vigilant and exciteable minds of the Natives. William Fox.

No. 3. GOVERNOR 8IR GEORGE GEET. TO CAPTAIN JENKINS. Government House, Auckland, 20th January, 1862. Sir —— I have the honor to inform you that from intelligence I have received, I feel satisfied that there is no chance of any renewed disturbances with the Natives of this Island, prior to a great meeting •which is to take place on the 25th day of March nest, at which time it would be desirable that as

7

THE MILITARY DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND.