D.—No. lc
CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS
8
took up a great deal of time and labor. By next season I think that there will be more than sufficient grass at all the stations for Government purposes ; and, consequently, the large expenditure of forage hitherto found necessary will be greatly reduced. Owing to the large amount of building at the various posts and permanent improvements, work apparently of a trivial but still necessary nature, which required to have been done in season and would have been necessary in establishing a new district, I have not been able to employ as many men on road works as I should have wished to have done. In reply to the second part of your telegram, regarding the zeal shewn by the different officers, I can really make no distinction between them ; all have shewn themselves willing and anxious to further all public works according as they have been directed. I have, &c, The Hon. D. M'Lean, J. M. Koberts, Inspector, Napier. Commanding Tauranga District.
No. 7. The Hon. Defence Minister to Inspector Scannell. (Telegram) Napier, 30th May, 1871. I want to know from time to time who the officers are that display the most zeal and assiduity in carrying on roads and public works in the Taupo district; and, also, the names of non-commissioned officers and men who display a particular aptitude for such duties. Cases where any disinclination is shown to carry on such works should be at once reported. Donald M'Lean.
No. 8. Inspector Scannell to Hon. Defence Miniseee. (Telegram) Taupo, May 31, 1871. Telegram of 30th instant received. Instructions will be attended to. Sub-Inspectors Gudgeon, O'Halloran, Northcroft and Morrison, are in charge of road parties. Very difficult to particularise any as shewing more zeal than the other where all are attentive. Sub-Inspector Gudgeon very zealous. Noa-cornmissioned officers or men not likely to show disinclination to work as it is very popular. J. Scannell, Inspector Armed Constabulary.
No. 9. The Hon. Defence Minister to Lieut.-Colonel Moule. Sir,— _ Napier, May 31st, 1871. I have the honor to enclose a circular, copies of which, as well as of those of the confidential memorandum also accompanying, you will have the goodness to forward to each Inspector or Sub-Inspector in charge of a district. The reports therein called for, will come through you, and as it is not intended that they should be tutile, you will in each case forward them to me, with your remarks upon them. I have, Ac, Lieut.-Colonel Moule, Donald M'Lean. Commanding Armed Constabulary, Wellington.
Enclosure 1 in No. 9. CIBCULAB. The state of tranquility which the country now enjoys, and which renders unnecessary in the field the duties of the Colonial Forces, is at the same time one which will test the component parts of the Armed Constabulary. It has invariably been found that the number of occasions on which troops have actually confronted the enemy, bears no comparison to the time employed in preparations for the event In various armies, these preparations have differed ; but those have been the best, and have ensured the greatest certainty of success, which have accustomed the force to habits of self-reliance, and have inured its individual members to withstand the toils and privations of a campaign, from the first outset of hostilities. To be of any use, a small force must be thoroughly efficient, and, especially in NewZealand, efficiency implies bodily vigour, enabling its possessor to make long or hasty marches through .a difficult country. The late wars in Europe have added to the numerous proofs that the army which, marches best has in itself the elements of victory. Scattered about this country, as are the Armed Constabulary, in remote posts, idleness and listlessness, when indulged in, and allowed to prevail, would lead to habits incapacitating individuals from responding to any sudden call for serious hard work ; and it is with a view of attaining a two-fold object, that the Armed Constabulary are employed on road duties. In the first place, they receive liberal pay for their services, and it is idle to expect that these shall be limited to fighting, if the necessity for so doing should arise. The Government expects of them