3

A.—l

3. Eortunately, however, owing chiefly, I believe, to the judicious policy adopted by Sir Donald McLean in his conduct of Native affairs, there is nothing which would lead me to think that any inconvenience will arise from his retiring at the present time, though I cannot help expressing my sincere regret that, in the consideration of Native affairs, I shall be deprived of the advice of one so thoroughly acquainted with the language, feelings, and customs of the Natives, and who has always exerted the great influence which he undoubtedly possessed with the Maoris in such a wise and judicious manner. 4. Mr. Whitaker has resigned the offices of Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, and is now Attorney-General; while the seat in the Executive Council vacated by Sir Donald McLean has been filled by the appointment of Mr. Ormond, with the office of Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs. The administration of Native affairs will be conducted by Dr. Pollen, the Colonial Secretary. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. NORMANBY..

No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 1.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 6th January, 1877. It is with sincere regret that I have to announce to your Lordship the death of Sir Donald McLean, which took place at Napier. 2. When I reported to your Lordship, by last mail, the retirement of Sir Donald from tbe office of Native Minister, I had no reason for expecting that the illness from which he was then suffering would so soon prove fatal. 3. Although, from the able and judicious manner in which be has for some years conducted Native affairs in this colony, bis loss is not now likely to produce the same results that it might have done a few years ago, I still look upon his death as a serious loss to the colony, as, even when out of office, the great influence which he possessed among the Maoris would always have been available to smooth down and mitigate any little difficulty that might arise. 4. There is, in my opinion, no public man in this country to whom the colony owes a deeper debt of gratitude than to Sir Donald McLean, and he has left a name behind which will long be regarded with respect and esteem by all parties in New Zealand. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. - NORMANBY.

No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby to the Right Hon. tbe Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 2.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord,-- New Zealand, 9th January, 1877. I have the honor to report to your Lordship a further modification of the Government which bas taken place in consequence of the retirement from office of Mr. Richardson, the Minister for Public Works; and, in doing so, I cannot refrain from expressing my sense of the very able manner in which that gentleman has always conducted the affairs of his office. 2. Being himself an engineer, and thoroughly cognizant with all the details of contract work, he was eminently qualified for the office Avhich be held; and by his untiring energy and perseverance he has undoubtedly been the means of greatly promoting the successful carrying out of the Public Works policy. 3. The seat in the Executive held by Mr. Richardson has been filled by Mr. Donald Reid, member for Taieri.