CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

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A.—No. 17.

No. 3. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. D. M'Lean to Inspector Tuke. Colonial Defence Office, Sir— Wellington, Bth September, 1869. It having been represented to the Government that it would be a great advantage to the Taranaki Province to effect a cutting near the Onaero River, which would open up the beach road for about three miles at half-tide, and as the Government are desirous of employing the Armed Constabulary Force in this direction when not actually employed on other duties, I have to request you will be good enough to give the subject your earliest attention, and inform me without delay. Ist. Of the number of men you are likely to be able to spare for this work during the next two months, having regard to your more legitimate duties. 2ndly. The expenditure for tools, &c, you consider necessary. 3rdly. Whether you will require professional advice in the first instance, in which case the Government will be prepared to ask the Provincial Government to afford it. I have, &c, Inspector Arthur Tuke, A.C., Donald M'Lean. Taranaki.

No. 4. Copy of a Letter from Major Stapp to Under Secretary Defence. Taranaki Militia and Volunteer Office, Sir,— New Plymouth, 13th September, 1869. I have the honor to forward the enclosed letter from Inspector Tuke for the information of the Honorable the Minister for Colonial Defence, and in reference thereto I shall consult with a practical man (Mr. Kelly, Provincial Secretary), as to what work it is most desirable to carry out which will most benefit the district. Tools will be supplied from the militia stores as far as practicable. If more are required they can be purchased here, although I do not consider at all times the Government get the best articles, from the number of breakages that constantly take place. I would again point out that if a blockhouse or barracks was constructed at the White Cliffs we should be able to reduce the force considerably at that place, which would go a long way to cover the expense by striking men off pay. I presume this will be one of the contemplated police stations for years to come. I have, i&c., The Under Secretary, C. Stapp, Colonial Defence Office, Wellington. Bt. Major Commanding District.

Enclosure in No. 4. Taranaki Militia and Volunteer Office, Sir, — New Plymouth, 13th September, 1869. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 566-1 d of the Bth inst., relative to the employment of a part of the constabulary under my command being employed on a cutting near Onairo. I have the honor to state that owing to my present advanced position, and the large reduction lately taken place in my division, I should not at present consider it advisable to detach more than a sergeant's party of from fifteen to twenty men to be employed at Onaero. This would leave me about seventy effective as a garrison, in addition to the local corps under Captain Messenger, who garrisons a redoubt a short distance from mine, commanding some inland tracks, The numbers and intended movements (if any) of the enemy at Mokau being very uncertain, and this position being about fourteen miles from us—in fact, they have by all ac-counts fortified an old kainga still nearer, renders it necessary to keep a close watch on the frontier at White Cliffs, and though personally I do not anticipate any forward movement on their part, were my garrison much reduced at present it might offer a great temptation for them to advance and annoy us. I am unable at the moment to furnish an estimate for the engineering tools, but will do so on the first opportunity. I consider it would be advisable to get the assistance of a professional man to take the level, &,c, as the road should be permanent. I have, &c, Arthur Tuke, Inspector Commanding No. 7 Division A.C. The Hon. Defence Minister, Wellington.

No. 5. Copy of a Letter from Honorable D. M'Lean to Inspector Tuke. Colonial Defence Office, Sir, — Wellington, 20th September, 1869. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let.ter of the 13th September, relative to the employment of the constabulary in constructing roads, and to inform you that I concur in your proposal to place twenty men only at work in the first instance, and during any period that an attack is threatened. In forming a redoubt, or carrying out public works, you are to abstain from erecting any for 2 "