D.—No. 5.

tions which had been successfully conducted by Colonel Warre at New Plymouth, resulting in the capture of the rebel position, and the latter enclosing copies of letters and communications which had reached you relating to an important engagement which had taken place with the rebel natives at Orakau, on the upper Waipa. I have to express to you the satisfaction with which I have read these accounts, and.l notice with great pleasure the high terms in which Sir 1). Cameron speaks of the gallant conduct of the officers and men under his command, and your own expectation that this engagement may aid materially in bringing this lamentable war to a conclusion. I take this opportunity of observing, that the inconveniences to which the Australian Colonies are exposed from the continued absence of the small detachments of troops allotted to them have been strongly urged upon my attention ; and I must express my earnest hope, that, in case your anticipations should be realised, you will not fail to take the earliest possible opportunity of restoring to New South "Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Van Dieman's Land the troops who have been withdrawn from those Colonies. I have, &c, Governor Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c, &c, &i\ Edward Caedwell. No. 36. Sir,— Downing Street, 27th June, 1864. I enclose the copy of a letter which I have received from the War Department. Ido not at all doubt the wisdom of the measures which have been adopted on the recommendation of the Deputy Commissary-General; but I regret to infer from it that some months may elapse before General Cameron is able to withdraw his troops from the advanced position which they now occupy. I take this opportunity of repeating the earnest hope which I have elsewhere expressed, that the recent successes of Her Majesty's troops may lead to an early termination of this unhappy conflict. I have, <fee, Ebwahd Cabdwell. Governor Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c, &c, &c. Enclosure to No. 36. The Marquis of Hartixgtojt to the Usder-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Sib,— War Office, 27th June, 1864. I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a letter from the Controller of Army Exjienditure in New Zealand, relative to arrangements to provide forage for the use of the Forces engaged in active ojierations at so great a distance from the base of operations that it is deemed advisable to cultivate land for future supply in the vicinity of the most advanced military posts. Such an arrangement would appear to imply not only a continuance of hostilities for a considerable period, but also the prolonged occupation by the troops of the advanced posts, with all the attendant extraordinary expense for transport and supplies. This view of the ease is the more important since each monthly mail brings reports of progressive augmentation of the Commissariat Transport establishment, with a corresponding increase in its cost, amounting in February, the last month reported on, to £30,000. The cost of supplies for the troops are also continuously augmenting, owing to the distance at which the operations are being carried into a country which furnishes nothing whatever except fuel for the wants of the Forces—and which involves not only heavy expense for transport by land and water, but also very great loss and waste of supplies from the want of ordinary facilities for communication, and from other local causes incidental to the climate and country. Under these circumstances, Lord de Grey deems it expedient that Mr Cardwell should be kej)t fully informed not only of the progressively augmenting expense of the military operations, but also of any step which appears to indicate that, in the opinion of the military authorities, the war is likely to be prolonged, under circumstances which involve a large and increasing Imperial expenditure. I have, &c, Hartington. The TJnder-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Enclosure 2 to No. 36. Deputy Commissary-General JoifES to llndeh-Secretary of State, War Office. Sir, — Commissariat, New Zealand, Auckland, Ist April, 1864. I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for War, that on my recommendation, the Lieutenant-General commanding in New Zealand has been pleased to approve of such land as may be found suitable for the purpose at those places where troops are stationed farthest from Auckland, being cultivated, in order that the Transport animals may be supplied with green fodder in about five months' time, and thereby diminish the transport required for troops at a period of the year when, from bad roads, the greatest difficulty will be experienced in supplying the troops where land transport may be necessary. For this service the Lieutenant-General has approved of men of the Commissariat Transport Corps being employed to prepare the land and sow the grain, and the additional expense, over and above the value of the labour, for seed and farming implements, will be about £100. I have, &c. H. Stanxey Joxes, Dep. Com.-Gen. The Under-Secretary of State for War. No. 37. Sir,— Downing Street, 22nd July, 1864. I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a letter from the Lord*

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TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B.