A.—3

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determining what should be done. Consider myself that immediate action should be taken. Governor expects repetition of message to-morrow, and will then forward you verbatim copy. J. Sheehan. [Copy of the above telegram forwarded from Wellington to Hon. the Premier, on board the " Hawea," at Tauranga.]

No. 3. Hon. the Colonial Secretary to Hon. the Native Minister. Hon. J. Sheehan, Auckland. Wellington, 2nd May, 1878. Ministers at Wellington had already drawn up a memorandum suggesting to His Excellency that the Imperial Government should be requested to send out twenty-four 64-pounder guns. The arms suggested as being necessary, eleven 7-ton guns and eleven 64-pounders, are not very materially different; and, therefore, Ministers are quite willing to leave the matter to the decision of the Premier and yourself. Without compromising ourselves re position of, or question of, batteries, we would be quite willing to accept proposal of armament as stated, complete, with full ammunition, shipped for Colony at once, and further points can be settled in Cabinet when Ministers meet here. We do not understand that guns alone cost £40,000 from telegram, but entire scheme. Our reply should be sent by cable to England. Macandrew wishes to say he is content with my former proposal, as posted yesterday. G. S. Whitmore.

No. 4. Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Agent-General. Sir, — Government Offices, Wellington, 3rd May, 1878. I have the honor to send you herewith copy* of Memorandum No. 1.2, which has been forwarded to His Excellency the Governor, advising an application to the Imperial Government for twenty-four 64-pounder guns, and 150 rounds of ammunition per gun, for the defence of the principal ports of the colony. 2. The intention of the Government when that memorandum was prepared was, to instruct you to forward the twenty-four guns, and a proportionate supply of ammunition, as follows : — To Auckland . . .. . . .. .. 6 guns. Wellington .. .. .. .. 10 „ Lyttelton .. .. .. .. .. 4 „ Port Chalmers .. .. .. ~ 4 „ 3. But a telegram has now been received from His Excellency the Governor, which may change the plans contemplated by the Government. A copy of that telegram is also enclosed. A reply has not yet been sent, as the matter is under consideration by the Cabinet. 4. If the decision should be to adopt the plans recommended by the Committee of Imperial Officers, you will be telegraphed to, and before the receipt of this letter you will have taken action. 5. If the plan proposed in the memorandum is adhered to, and war should still appear to be likely, the Government wish you at once to place yourself in communication with the Imperial authorities, and to ship the twenty-four guns and the ammunition as quickly as possible, in the proportions before stated, and so as to prevent any necessity for re-shipment in the Colony. 6. If the plan proposed in the memorandum is adhered to, but, on the receipt of this letter, the probability of war has passed away, you will be so good as to obtain promptly from the Imperial authorities, and to forward to the Colony, the necessary information to enable a decision to be arrived at as to the relative advantages of the present converted 64-pounder guns and the guns of the same calibre of the newer pattern. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, G. S. Whitmore London. (In the absence of the Premier).

No. 5. Hon. the Premier to His Excellency the Governor. Memorandum for His Excellency. Sir George Grey presents his respectful compliments to the Marquis of Normanby. The New Zealand Ministers reply to Her Majesty's Government, that the Colony will undertake expense of proposed armament. Her Majesty may rest assured that her New Zealand subjects will, in the event of any crisis, loyally and resolutely, in all respects, do their duty to their Queen and country.