A.—No 5.

opinion the instructions I gave were adequate and fitting for the occasions and circumstances they were designed to meet. 3. With regard to the instructions which I issued on the lGtli December, 1864, having been unfortunately issued without my having any knowledge of the nature of the country, the strength and position of the rebels, &c\, and that therefore they were liable to bo found inapplicable, I beg to say that they have not been found inapplicable, and that although I had never walked over that particular tract of country, I had had many and accurate descriptions of it from most intelligent people who knew it well, and that with the additional knowledge which has since been gained regarding it, I see nothing which I would alter or modify in my instructions of the 16th of December, had I now the power to do so. I desire that they should stand as they are, and I take the full responsibility of them. 4. On the subject of the war being carried on for the profit and gratification of the Colonists, and Sir D. Cameron being astonished at my employing troops in carrying on aggressive operations in the country between Taranaki and Wanganui, I would observe that I can see no just or reasonable grounds for this astonishment on the part of the General. To Sir D. Cameron, to the British Government, to the Colonial Government, to the Native race, I have repeatedly stated that after the Waikato tribes had been reduced, the safety of the Southern settlements in New Zealand required that the tribes between Taranaki and Wanganui, who were amongst the most guilty of all the tribes in New Zealand, and that in a great measure without cause, should be also reduced to submission. From this determination I have never swerved —that it was a necessary one recent events have shewn. In the month of May, 1861, the fanatical sect of Pai Marires, which was originated for political and aggressive objects in the country I am alluding to, determined to destrojr the peaceful and unoffending settlement of Wanganui; they were descending the river of that name for the purpose of attempting this object,, when they were met on the lMh May, 1864, and defeated by the friendly Natives, and so far were they from relinquishing their designs against the European settlers, that on the 6th of January, 1865 r before Sir D. Cameron had quitted Auckland to engage in the present campaign, Kereopa, Patara, and their murderous followers left Warea with the head of a soldier, on their way from the Taranaki country to the East Coast, to convert other tribes to their superstition, and try to bring about the destruction of the European race. Sir D. Cameron's own letters will also shew, that for some months he had acquiesced in the necessity of making preparations for this campaign, and his descriptions of the disposition and energy of the tribes living within twenty miles of the small European town of Wanganui, will shew that it could never have been safe until they were reduced to submission. 5. With regard to what is really an unfeeling observation—that I am as much disappointed as the rebel Natives that they have not had an opportunity of inflicting loss upon us, at little or no risk to themselves, and that the question of how many British officers and soldiers we may lose is a point which never sufficiently enters into my calculations—l can only say that for more than twenty years I have had to take care for the safety of various parts of Her Majesty's possessions, often under circumstances of considerable danger, and with inadequate means; under the blessing of Providence, and by the ability and valour of the officers and men of Her Majesty's Military and Naval forces, British and Colonial, such parts of the Queen's possessions have always been preserved intact and in safety. I feel sure that it would be found that the loss of life on our side on all the occasions I allude to has been very small. This is certain, that such an accusation as is now made has never before been alleged against me. Unfortunately, recently in one or two instances in New Zealand, our loss has been very large, although on other occasions very considerable results have been gained here with a very trifling loss. In those instances in which so large a loss of life has taken place, I fearlessly challenge inquiry as to whether I am in any way to blame for what took place. 6. In reference to certain places in this country which it is complained that I thought should have been attacked, I need not enter into details on these past events, nor explain the period of time or the manner in which 1 think such operations could have been safely and successfully undertaken, if this had been rapidly done. I need only say, that any operations I should have advocated would have been of a regular kind, which, with due precautions and our powerful artillery, could, I believe, have been accomplished with little loss, against a people having no artillery, and often but indifferent firearms, and that I should have undertaken them, because I believe it is difficult to suppress a rebellion by passing strong places containing large bodies of rebels in arms, and falling on villages ; for by so doing you allow the rebels to disperse and gain new adherents amongst an embittered population, who are too liable to attribute our avoidance of their strong places to wrong causes, and so far am I from being reckless of the lives of British officers and soldiers as such, that if no troops had been here, I should have unhesitatingly directed that Her Majesty's subjects in this country should, under the command of their own officers, have undertaken these operations. I feel sure that they would have cheerfully and resolutely done so, and that they would have brought them to a speedy and successful termination; as lam also satisfied Her Majesty's regular forces would have done. If Sir D. Cameron means that I interfered improperly to try to force him into hazardous operations, I must deny that I did so, and the correspondence transmitted contains abundant proof that such was not the case. 7. I trust that the remarks made by Sir D. Cameron regarding Mr. Mantell will not prejudice any person against that gentleman. I have known him for many years, and believe that he has been most unjustly and unnecessarily attacked, and that no person would, more deeply feel a loss of British officers and soldiers than he would. S. Sir D. Cameron not having informed me which are the letters of which he has sent home copies, I have thought it better to put up the entire correspondence. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. G. Gbet. No. 35. His Excellency the Goyebxoe to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Coloxies. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 27th April, 1865. Adverting to the correspondence which Sir D. Cameron has transmitted to the Secretary of

No. 4.

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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW