No. 7. Superintendent's Office. Auckland, Hth February, 1862. Sir,— Referring to the conversation had with you on the subject of deserters from H.S.M. "Fawn," I hare the honor to forward enclosed copy of a letter from the Commissioner of Police. I have, &c, J, Williamson, Superintendent. Captain Cator, H.M.S. " Fawn," Auckland Harbour.

Enclosure in No. 7. A. Armed Police Office, 13th February, 1862. Sir,— Adverting to a conversation had with your Honor relative to an application made by Captain Cator of H.M. ship "Fawn," respecting absent sailorg from H.M. ships of war on this station, I have the honor to state that it will at all times afford me much pleasure to aid the Navil Authorities in the apprehension of individuals of this class. I have before now repeatedly expressed my willingness to aid in this duty. The cause of the present application I presume arose out of an occurrence which took place a few days ago. A ship's corporal of the " Fawn" brought me a list of some 10 or 12 men who were absent, and gave me to understand that the greater number of these men were in a publichouse in Auckland, that ho wanted the Police to put them on board. I directed him to report the circumstances to Captain Cator and obtain an escort from his ship, and stated that I would instruct the Police to render all assistance in their power. From the few Policemen I could supply after their discharge of other duties and the well known ill-feeling that exists between sailors and constables, I considered it would be endangering the peace of the neighbourhood to attempt with a few Policemen to drag ten or twelve half-drunken sailors through the streets, knowing' also, as 1 do, that the Policemen have often returned from such disreputable encounters with their clothes torn from their backs. Notwithstanding this, however, it will, as I have before stated, afford me pleasure to render to the Naval Authorities all the aid in my power, and to protect them from obstruction by civilians whilst engaged in search of their men. I have, &c, James Naughton, Commissioner of Polite. His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland.

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D—No. 5

DESERTIONS FROM SHIPS OF WAR.