D.—No. 21

RETURN OE ARMS AND AMMUNITION

8

TARANAKI. A.—No. 1. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Parris to Lieut.-Colonel Lepper. (No. 34.) Sir,— New Plymouth, Ist February, 1866. Adverting to my letter of the 16th instant, in answer to yours of the 13th instant, enclosing copies of two circular letters from the Colonial Defence Office, respecting arms, &c, &c, which have been issued to Natives, I have now the honor to forward for your information a return of arms received by me from the Militia Office, to whom delivered, and for what occasion. Most of the arms are in the hands of the Natives belonging to Captain Good's party at Urenui, and Komene's party at Taranaki, whom it is absolutely necessary should be allowed to keep them for self-defence, until matters are more finally settled than at present. The few arms in the possession of Natives not belonging to either of the above parties I will take steps to have returned to your office at tho earliest opportunity. I have, &c, Lieut.-Colonel Lepper, R. Parris, Commanding T.M.S., New Plymouth. Civil Commissioner.

B.—No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Parris to the Hon. J. C. Richmond. (No. 46.) Sir,— New Plymouth, 15th March, 1867. In the event of hostilities being renewed in this district in addition to the late murder of Brady, would His Excellency's Government have any objection to authorize a supply of fifty stand of arms and a small quantity of ammunition for William King Matakatea, and Arama Karaka, of Taranaki, who were disarmed during the Major-General's campaign last year. Their position is a very disagreeable one, being in great measure at the mercy of the rebels, especially William King and his people, whose place is five miles from the Opunake camp. If they had arms, it would, I think, have a good effect upon, the disaffected Natives, and be a check to their movements. The two chiefs could be made responsible for the safe keeping of the arms ; and as the Commissariat purpose sending a steamer to Opunake soon, it would be a good opportunity to send them there. I have, &c, Tho Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, R. Parris, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

B.—No. 3. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Major Stapp. (No. 113-1.) Sir— Defence Office, Wellington, 23rd March, 1867. lam directed by Mr. Richmond (acting for the Defence Minister), to request you will place yourself in communication with Mr. C.C. Parris, with a view to sending to certain Natives living at or near Opunake and Umuroa, fifty stand of long Enfield rifles and accoutrements, with 2,500 rounds of ball ammunition, and the usual proportion of caps. They are intended for issue to the men of Arama Karaka's and Wi Kingi Matakatea's pas, and you will bo good enough to impress upon Mr. Parris the necessity of seeing that they are properly distributed amongst these people, that receipts in duplicate (one copy to be sent to this office and one to you), promising also to return them when called upon by the Government to do so, are given, and that the two above-named chiefs understand that they are held responsible for the use and safe custody of these arms. Tou will consult with Mr. Parris as to the best mode of sending the rifles and ammunition to their destination ; but I am to suggest that it will perhaps be most convenient to forward them in a cart under escort of Captain Page's company, and in such case they may be taken right on to Opunake and Umuroa. If this course cannot be adopted, you will by the best and safest means available send them on to Warea, requesting tho officer in command of that post to take them temporarily in charge, and arrange through Mr. Parris that the Natives for whom they are intended come up to Warea to receive them there. Mr. Richmond considers that it will be unnecessary to send bayonets with the rifles, and if Mr. Parris is of the same opinion you will act accordingly. Should you not have the long Enfield in store, you must send the medium rifle. I have, &c, The Officer Commanding Militia and Volunteers, J. Holt, Taranaki. Under Secretary.

B.—No. 4. Copy of a Letter from Major Stapp to Captain Holt. (No. 262-1.) Sir,— T.M.S. Office, New Plymouth, Ist May, 1867. I have the honor to state, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that the rifles, ammunition, &c, have been forwarded to Opunake as directed in letter, date as per margin, duplicate of receipt enclosed. I have, &c, Captain Holt, Under Secretary, C. Stapp, Brevet-Major, Wellington. Commanding Taranaki Militia and Volunteers.

Wellington, March 23, 1867.