D.—No. 21

RETURN OE ARMS AND AMMUNITION

16

E.—No. 24. Copy of a Letter from Corporal. Powell to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir, — Raglan, 10th January, 1868. Having just completed my round of inspection of arms and accoutrements, I beg to report generally upon the condition in which I found them. The arms and accoutrements in the possession of settlors were, with some few exceptions, in a most satisfactory condition, but those in the possession of Natives were in a most disgraceful state of rust and dirt; and out of 52 which have been issued to them 9 were missing, and out of 100 fowlingpieces 37 were missing. These were issued previous to July, 1867; since that date I am happy to state there havo been no deficiencies. Unless some method can be adopted to enforce the Natives to pay attention to the arms, &c, in their possession, I am apprehensive that they will become soon quite unserviceable. I have, &c, William Powell, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Waikato Militia. Corporal in charge.

P.—No. 25. Copy of a Letter from Captain Mitchell to Captain Holt. (No. 185.) Colonial Store Department, Sir,— Auckland, 29th July, 1868. I have the honor to report that I have issued to Mr. Civil Commissioner Mackay for tho Native chief Wiremu Te Wheoro, on the authority of Mr. Whitaker, forty musket rifles and accoutrements, and also 4,000 rounds rifle ball ammunition. I have, Ac, The Under Secretary, Colonial Defence, John Mitchell, Wellington. Colonial Storekeeper.

E.—No. 26. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Hartwright to Mr. Mitchell. (No. 387-1.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir, — Wellington, 7th August, 1868. In reply to your letter No. 185, of the 29th ultimo, I am directed to inform you that the Defence Minister has approved the issue to Wiremu Te Wheoro of forty musket-rifles and 4,000 rounds rifle ball ammunition, which you report having made on the authority of Mr. Whitaker. I have, &C, Captain Mitchell, Colonial Storekeeper, Henrt Hartwright. Auckland.

WANGANUI. A.—No. 27. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Buller to Major Rookes. Resident Magistrate's Office, Sir, — Wanganui, 7th June, 1865. I. do myself the honor to suggest that the six Natives (named in the margin) who havo consented to accompany Major Yon Tempsky's force in the capacity of guides, should be each armed with a double-barrel gun, a revolver, and a tomahawk or cavalry sword, and should wear the uniform of Teomanry Cavalry. I have, &c, Major Rookes, Walter Buller, Commanding Militia and Volunteers, Wanganui. Resident Magistrate.

Haato Rio, TeWaka, Kereti, Te Penia, Urapana, Paramcna.

A.—No. 28. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Major Rookes. (No. 3371.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— Wellington 12th June, 1865. Referring to your letter of the 7th instant, No. 303, relative to the formation of a troop of Native Cavalry to be called " guides," and to be placed under Major Yon Tcmpsky, and forwarding a letter from Mr. Buller, Resident Magistrate, Wanganui, stating that six Natives (therein named) had consented to accompany Major Yon Tempsky as guides, and suggesting that they should be armed with a double-barrelled gun, revolver, and tomahawk or cavalry sword, &c, I am directed by the Hon. Mr. Weld to inform you that he approves of the employment of six Natives in accordance with your request, and the measures you have taken. The question of the formation of a larger troop will be duly considered on the return of the Hon. Major Atkinson to Wellington, which is daily expected, but no more are to be engaged at present. I have, &c, Major Rookes, J. Holt, Commanding Colonial Forces, Wanganui. Under Secretary.