TO MR. J. C. FIRTH.

9

F.—No. 5.

of the 25th of July, expounding your views generally in regard to the relations which exist between the Government of New Zealand and Her Majesty's subjects of the Maori race, and particularly with reference to the attitude of the Waikato tribes; and I am to inform you that the important matters on which you write have received and are receiving the most careful consideration at the handi of the Government. I have, &c, J. C. Firth, Esq., Auckland. G. S. Cooper, Under Secretary.

No. 4. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. I have seen the letter addressed by Mr. Firth to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I do not consider it necessary to enter upon a controversy with Mr. Firth, having already expressed my opinions in communications of the Ist February and 30th August last, copies of which are herewith enclosed. I have no objection whatever to the transmission of the enclosed correspondence. Wellington, '26th October, 1870. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 1 in No. 4. Sir, — General Government Offices, Auckland, Ist February, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your report dated the 20th ultimo; and also, of a telegram not previously acknowledged. I will not question the motives which have actuated you, but, however praiseworthy your intentions, it is my duty to tell you I consider that a private individual's interference with matters of a delicate public nature, the entire responsibility of dealing with which belongs to the Government, cannot be productive of good, and may be very mischievous. Whilst, therefore, I do not question your good intentions, I must advise you that, in future, you will do most public good by refraining from interference with questions of this nature. I have, &c, J. C. Firth, Esq., &c, Auckland. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 2 in No. 4. Sir, — Colonial Defence Office, Wellington, 30th August, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant complaining of certain statements respecting yourself which have been printed in papers laid before the General Assembly. In tho press of business I regret that Huare's narrative containing reflections upon you should have been published without my having had an opportunity for careful perusal. With reference to the latter portion of your letter respecting the mention of your name in a Memorandum to His Excellency, enclosed in a Despatch to Earl Granville, I have only to repeat that my opinion with reference to the course you then pursued remains unaltered. I do not consider the correspondence, which I shall lay on the table, to be of sufficient public interest to be published with Parliamentary Papers. I have, Ac, J. C. Firth, Esq., Auckland. Donald McLean.