ISSUED TO FRIENDLY NATIVES.

21

D.—No. 21.

disposal of Lieut.-Colonel Butler, commanding at Waingongora ; Lieut. Gudgeon to command tho Natives at Pipiriki; and Captain McDonnell to concert with Captain Kemp to raise a Native Force of fifty men for service at Waingongora. -"!(= -% ;JF ~fe % . w Tou will be good enough to issue the necessary arms, ammunition, tents and camp equipage, Ac, on Captain McDonnell's requisition, and, generally, you will assure yourself that the force is in every respect in an efficient state for active service in the field. * # =* * * # * * * Lieut.-Colonel Gorton, J. Holt, Commanding Militia District, Wanganui. Under Secretary.

P.—No. 41. Copy of a Letter from Lieut.-Colonel Gorton to Captain Holt. Militia and Volunteer Orderly-room, Sir,— Wanganui, sth June, 1866. As Major McDonnell, commanding tho Native Contingent, proceeded to Pipiriki a few days since, I instructed him to call at tlie different settlements up the river to collect the rifles issued to the Kupapas. I have therefore the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter received from Major McDonnell showing the result, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister. I. have, &c., The Under Secretary, Colonial Defence, E. Gorton, Lieut.-Colonel, Wellington. ■ Commanding "Wanganui Militia District.

I). —Enclosure in No. 41. Copy of a Letter from Major McDonnell to Lieut.-Colonel Gorton. Sir, — Wanganui, 4th June, 1866. 1 have the honor to state for your information that on my way up to Pipiriki I called at the different settlements up the river about the rifles issued to the Kupapas. At each post I was told that the rifles were safe in their hands, but that they would not deliver them up until the Hauhaus had made peace (alluding to the Natives of Mangaio and the West Coast). " If," they said, "we give up these arms now the Hauhaus will hear of it, and probably thinking we are disarmed might come and attack us and war be renewed. Wait until the country is quiet, then we will return the guns." I have, &c, T. McDonnell, Major Commanding Native Contingent.

E.—No. 42. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Booth to the Hon. the Native Secretary. (No. 38.) Resident Magistrate's Department, Sir,— Pipiriki, 20th June, 1805. I have the honor to report that a representation has been made to mo by the Pipiriki friendly Natives to the following effect: —In case of an attack from rebel Natives, wo are without arms or ammunition to defend ourselves ; when we took the oath of allegiance, Mete Kingi told us we were to be armed with the old pieces of the Native Contingent; we ask you now if you will represent this matter to the Government. Should the Government think it prudent to place arms in tho hands of trustworthy Natives in case of an attack, the said arms could, in the meantime, be kept in the magazine here, and issued when required. I have, &c, James Booth, The Hon. tho Native Secretary, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

E.—No. 43. Copy of a Letter from Captain Holt to Mr. Booth. (No. 4098.) Colonial Defence Office, ■ Sir, — Wellington, 30th June, 1805. Referring to your letter of the 20th instant, addressed to the Hon. the Native Secretary, I am directed to acquaint you that the Officer commanding Militia District, Wanganui, has been directed to order the issue of the arms and ammunition you may consider sufficient for the friendly Natives at Pipiriki, but I am to impress upon you that the Government will hold you responsible for the issue of these arms, in order that none but trustworthy Natives may receive them; you will also see after their safe custody, and that they are returned into store whenever the Government may see fit to order so. I have, &c, J. Holt, James Booth, Esq., R.M., Pipiriki. Under Secretary. 6