A.—No. 4

No. 1. Memorandum by Mr. McLean. AVellington, 10th October, 1868. The present unsettled state of the North Island, and the feeling of insecurity that prevails at Hawke's Bay and the East Coast, induce me before returning to Napier, to offer every assistance in my power to the Government, should it desire that I should act for and represent it in that part of the Island. I make this offer apart from any political considerations, conceiving it to be the duty of every Colonist to assist at a time like the present, also from a desire to avert war if possible, and to induce co-operation on the part of the friendly Natives. The interests at stake are so great, that in undertaking to act for the Government, I feel it my duty to state that I should expect to have such co-operation and support as the circumstances require, with the authority to initiate aud carry out negociations with the Natives, .and to control the actions of all officers, military or otherwise, that might have the effect of disturbing the peace of the district. Donald McLean.

No. 2. Memorandum by Mr. Richmond. AVellington, 12th October, 1868. In reference to Mr. McLean's Memorandum of the 10th October, the Government are willing to accept the offer therein made of assistance in settling any differences which may exist in Hawke's Bay and the East Coast. They will authorize Mr. McLean to make such arrangements as may be necessary to secure the alliance of the tribes hitherto loyal, and to satisfy the hostile and those inclined to hostility that, so long as they remain quiet, no action will be taken against them. The Government will give every facility at their command for carrying out such negociations, and will treat with great attention all Mr. McLean's recommendations as to the location and movements of any Colonial forces within the district. They hope very shortly to place a sm.all trained force in the district as a nucleus for defensive organization. The use of the telegraph will generally facilitate prompt communication with head-quarters; but failing that means, they will support Mr. McLean in any action necessitated in any emergency. Ministerial authorization must in every case be obtained before any engagement for the payment of money is entered into. It is intended that the steamer " Sturt " should be despatched in a few days to visit the settlements on the coast, passing on to Auckland, and returning without dehay by the same route. The earliest notice possible will be given of her readiness, and she will be for a time at Mr. McLean's command. J. C. Richmond. No. 3. Copy of Telegram from His Honor D. McLean, Esq., to the Hen. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 9th March, 1869. RoPj\.tjl and some eighty Ngatiporou have called here in " St. Kilda," and Ropata wishes to know if I approve of his going to the West Coast; if not, that he has no desire to go. I consider that removing Ropata while the East Coast is threatened is exceedingly injudicious, and likely to invite further disasters ; and, with the threats from Waikato, I would suggest that the Government should reconsider the propriety of removing Ngatiporou and Ropata. Donald McLean. No. 4. Copy of Telegram from the Hon. Colonel Haultain to His Honor D. McLean, Esq. AVellington, 9th March, 1869. It is of great importance, for several reasons, that Ropata and the Ngatiporou should go to the West Coast, and Government trust that you will use your influence to cause them to proceed without delay. " ' T. M. Haultain. No. 5. Copy of Telegram from His Honor D. McLean, Esq., to the Hon. Colonel Haultain. Napier, 9th March, 1569. Ropata has no desire to go further. I will speak to him in the morning about it. In the meantime I have asked tho master of the " St. Kilda" to remain till morning. Donald McLean.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE AGENCY OF MR. M CLEAN.