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Auckland, 22nd May, 1854. Sir, — In submitting for the information of the Colonial Government the enclosed copy of a correspondence with Governor Sir George Grey, and the Major General Commanding in Australian respecting the pecuniary position of the Officers and men in this Command ; I have the honor of enclosing for special consideration a subsequent appeal from the Officers composing the Garrison of Auckland together with a copy of the proceedings of a Board assembled by my orders in consequence thereof, and in doing so beg to be favored as Officer Commanding the Forces in New Zealand, with the opinion and decision of the Executive Government of the Colony upon a case that has now assumed an aspect calling for immediate action. As His Plxcellency Sir George Grey has stated the colony to be unequal to bear a charge such as is now applied for, and as it appears Major General Sir R. Nickle has no authority to do more than recommend. I propose, provided it meets with the concurrence and approval of the Colonial Government to authorise an issue from the imperial or Commissariat Chest of a grant of ss. a day to the Officers and a free ration to the Non Commissioned officers and Soldiers, the same as by the authority of Sir W. Denison has been issued to the Troops in Van Dieman's Land, under, it appears, less trying circumstances that they are placed in in New Zealand. The allowance to the officers I propose to issue subject to confirmation and the free Ration for the soldiers from month to month under the decision of a Board to set periodically for the purpose of ascertaining the Actual market rates and the comparative claim of the soldier for special consideration as well as the information set forth the in the enclosed documents. I need hardly make a comment, but as Officer Commanding the Troops, I may be justified in drawing special attention to the plain and palpable facts set forth by the Board wherein it is stated that the day labourer is much better paid than the Subaltern and the Clerks than the Captains. If such is the case with respect to the officers placed in the position of Gentlemen and required at all times to maintain his character in the service, it is in another point of view equally try'ng to the soldier who in the receipt of Is. per diem sees his discharged comrade earning easily and continually 355. to 70s. a week, a state of things that shews how much praise is due to the Troops for the cheerfulness and steadiness with which they have endured privct'ons that have long ago been met by special grants in the neighbouring Colonies. I have, &c., (Signed) R. H. Wynyard, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding the Troops in New Zealand. His Excelleny The Officer Administering the Government, &c., &c., &c., New Zealand.

Government House, Auckland, May 24th, 1854. Sir, — Having laid before the Executive Council of New Zealand your letter of yesterday's date with its several enclosures from A to G, the accompanying resolution was passed by the Council, and recorded on the minutes, by which I feel myself supported and authorised in approving as Lieutenant Colonel Commanding of a grant as proposed of five shillings a day to the Officers in this Command subject to confirmation and a free ration* to the Soldier, subject to the decision of a monthly board, as it appears is the usage in Van Dieman's Land under similar circumstances. I have, &c., (Signed) R. 11. "Wynyard, Officer Administering the Government. His Excellency The Officer Commanding the Troops, &c., &c., &c., New Zealand.