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conduct at the present time, as a wound or a blow inflicted upon one of the Natives would not unlikely, considering the disturbed state of affairs, involve the whole Province in a war; as a proof of this I would remind you that at Wanganui in 1847, where I was present a Native received a wound from a young man belonging to Her Majesty's ship "Calliope", by a mere accident, which led to the immediate murder of the Giln'llan family, and consequently hastened the disturbance which took place in that district. I have, &c, The Senior Officer of H. M. S. "Iris." James Naughton, Auckland Harbor. Commissioner of Police.

Letter alluded to, dated itk October, UJC.

Sub-Enclosure 2 in No. 6. Armed Police Office, 26th December, 1860. Sir,The approach of the races for 1861, and the disturbed nature of the relations at present existing between the Europeans and Natives, induce me to call attention to an event which took place at the races, held the beginning of this year, through which a collision between them was with difficulty prevented. On the first day of the races some of the men-of-war sailors on the course insulted some Natives, and early next day the Natives were observed to gather in numbers on the hills in the neighbourhood of the course, and towards evening some of the worst disposed of them approached the race ground and evinced a strong desire to obtain satisfaction for the insult offered the preceding day; but having received early intimation of the intention of the Natives I made the best arrangements possible for keeping them from coming into contact with the sailors, who appeared quite as eager for the affray, which was therbey avoided. lam further induced to call attention to this matter iv consequeuce of having observed a disposition on the part of the young soldiers (who lately arrived in this town) to insult aud irritate the Natives, which, owing to the excitement of a race-course, they may probably do to a greater extent. I would therefore suggest that the Officers commanding each branch of the service be communicated with, not with a desire to deprive either the soldiers or sailors of participating in the sports, but in order that such precautionary measures as to them may seem best may be takeii to prevent a recurrence of the disturbance which took place last races, and I would further suggest that an Officer of the Native Department be instructed to be in attendance on the course in case any misunderstanding should arise. I have, &c. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary. James Naughton, Inspector of Police. P.S.—The enclosed copy of a letter, which I felt myself called upon some time ago to address to the Officer in command of H.M.S. "Iris" with regard to the conduct of the sailors towards the Natives, and the disposition on their part to resist and molest the Police in the execution of their duty, will show the necessity of the steps which I have suggested being taken by the Naval Authorities themselves. J. N.

Sub-Enclosure 3 in No. 6. Armed Police Office, 7th September, 1861. Sir,— With advertency to a conversation had with you a few days ago on the subject of desertion from the ships of war on this station, I beg leave to apprize you of my intention to despatch to the interior of the country some of the Police force under my command to endeavour to effect the apprehension of some of these runaways. The strength of the force and the incessant demand upon their services for town du'y being such that I can only spare a limited number for the proposed expedition, may I request you will supplement it by directing that a few reliable men belonging to such of the ships as have lost men, be sent to render assistance in the performance of ihe duty. In the event of the proposition above suggested meeting with your approval, I beg that the men selected to accompany the Police be ordered to be in attendance at the Police station on Tuesday next the 10th inst., at 5 p.m. 1 have, &c, James Naughton, Commissioner of Police. To Commodore Seymour, &c, &c, &c. Auckland Harbour.

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