A.—No. 9a.

4

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO DEFENCE.

I think the steel mountain guns would be admirably suited for New Zealand warfare, as they are light and portable. I would therefore recommend that three batteries complete, fitted with Otago saddles, and the required amount of working gear and ammunition, be obtained. I find, on reference to the Proceedings of the Royal Artillery Institution, Woolwich, for December 1868, that the common and double shell was the most effective in the Abyssinian war, while the shrapnel case shot and rockets were not to be depended upon, except under certain circumstances. It would therefore be desirable to secure a supply of the first-named projectiles. Mr. Sub-Inspector Rowan, at present on sick leave in England, having offered his services to the Commissioners in procuring patterns, or in any other way, has been instructed to wait upon the Commissioners on their arrival in England. St. John Beanigan, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Commissioner, A.C. Force.

No. 2. The Hon. W. Gisboene to the New Zealand Commisstonees. (No. 905.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Gentlemen, — Wellington, Ist December, 1869. Adverting to my letter No. 899, of the 29th ultimo, on the subject of supply of small arms for the Constabulary, I would further suggest, that as long Sniders are not so useful in bush warfare, the Imperial Government should be requested by you to exchange the whole number of 2,000 long Sniders now in possession of the New Zealand Government, for the same number of short Sniders, instead merely, as stated in my letter, of only exchanging 1,000. I have, &c, The Hon. F. D. Bell and Hon. I. E. Featherston, M.D. W. Gisboene.

No. 3. The Hon. W. Gisborne to the New Zealand Commissioners. (No. 205.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Gentlemen, —• Wellington, 24th December, 1869. Adverting to my letter of the 29th ultimo, enclosing a memorandum on the subject of small arms, I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to procure and forward to Wellington, as early as possible, addressed to the Inspector of Stores, 300 Cavalry Swords, similar to those used in the light Cavalry Begiments at home, and also a similar number of bridle-leather sword belts made of stained leather, with leather carriages and plated furniture. If possible, these swords and belts should be obtained from J. and J. Wilkinson, of Pall Mall; and as a guide to the price of the belts, I have to state that they could be procured in Wellington, if 300 were taken, for 12s. 6d. each. I have, &c, The Hon. F. D. Bell and Hon. I. E. Featherston, M.D. W. Gisboene.

No. 4 The New Zealand Commissioners to the Hon. W. Gisborne. Sic, —• London, 23rd February, 1870. We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th December, No. 205, in further reference to the subject of arms aud ammunition, to which you had directed our attention by your letters of 29th November and Ist December (the latter received by this mail). It has been impossible for us yet to attend to this matter, for we have had not a moment's leisure since we arrived; but we shall do so without delay, and communicate to you by next mail. We have, Ac, I. E. Featiieeston, F. D. Bell, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Commissioners.

No. 5. The Hon. W. Gisborne to the New Zealand Commissioners. Colonial Secretary's Office, Gentlemen,— Wellington, 29th April, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd February last, in further reference to the subject of arms and ammunition. I have, &c., The Hon. F. D. Bell and Hon. I. E. Featherston, M.D., W. Gisborne. Care of John Morrison, Esq., 3 Adelaide Place, King William Street, London, E.C.