A.—No. 15b.

return, like the prodigal son, to take the oath of allegiance, and remain a true subject of the Queen. We are all ready to do this; it is for you to say. Tiopera Taiohiao. —We have all done wrong, and have been punished. The fault was our own; we plunged knowingly into the fire, and are now repenting of our deed. When I was a child, &c. Our thoughts and wishes are the same as Wi Mahuika has expressed. It rests with you, as we have no wishes except what we are told. Those six men have done wrong. Let them suffer alone —suffer for their crime. Do not place it to our account.

No. 31. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 22.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Sib,— Chatham Islands, 10th April, 1867. I have the honor to report the arrival of the " St. Kilda " on the 26th ultimo, and to acknowledge the receipt of your letters (of the numbers and dates as per margin) on matters connected with, the guard and prisoners, advising me that the sum of £700 and clothing and provisions, as enumerated in the schedule attached, having been forwarded in the " St. Kilda." As requested, 1 beg herewith to enclose separate receipts in duplicate for the money, provisions, and clothing received, which will show you that I have received £600 only, and some articles short of provisions and clothing, regarding which I can obtain no information from the commander of the " St. Kilda." With regard to the reduction of the rations to the prisoners, on this subject and other matters connected with the guard and prisoners, Major Edwards will himself fully report in person. I beg herewith to forward the balance indented for of the supplies of tea, sugar, and rice in my previous requisition, and likewise separate requisitions for supplies of clothing and provisions for the guard and prisoners for the three months ending 30th September next. I beg also to enclose requisitions for the sum of £174 7s. 6d., being amount of pay for the guard for the month of March last; also £53 10s., being amount for meat rations supplied to the guard and prisoners for the month of March last; £556 17s. 6d., being the amount of pay for the guard and contingencies for the three months ending 30th Juno next; £134 4s. 6d., being amount of meat rations for prisoners for the June quarter ; £35 16s. 3d., being amount for meat rations for the guard for June quarter; together, £954 ] ss. 9d. I also beg that I may be allowed to incur an expenditure of a sum not exceeding £20 in the purchase of a long-boat, for the purpose of facilitating the landing of stores and provisions, as per requisitions enclosed. I have, &c, The Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Resident Magistrate. P.S. —I beg to enclose requisition for stationery, and beg leave it may bo sent first opportunity, — never having received any as yet, although applied for. W. E. T.

Ho. 60-5, Mar. 22, 1867. Wo. 61-5, Mar. 22,1867.

No. 32. Copy of a Letter from Captain Thomas to Captain Holt. (No. 23.) Resident Magistrate's Office, Silt, — Chatham Islands, 27th April, 1867. By the schooner "Despatch," now leaving for Lyttelton, I have the honor to report, for tie information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that since my last communication on the 11th instant, by the " St. Kilda," the conduct of both the military guard and Maori prisoners remains satisfactory. I have, &c, The "Under Secretary for Defence, W. E. Thomas, Wellington. Resident Magistrate.

No. 33. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Sib,— Napier, 13th June, 1867. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, relative to the release of about twenty of the least influential and dangerous Native prisoners now at the Chatham Islands, and, in reply, beg to enclose the copy of a correspondence between Captain Biggs and myself, in which you will perceive that he considers it unadvisable to allow any of them to return to Poverty Bay until the land question in that district is finally settled. I beg to state that I quite concur in the opinion of Captain Biggs, and trust the matter may be reconsidered; but should the Government decide upon releasing some of them, Captain Biggs, who is now en route to Wellington, will bo able to furnish the names of the least influential and dangerous ■characters. I have, &c, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Donald McLean. Wellington.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND