1 8 5 6.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BRITISH AUTHORITY IN THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Laid on the table of the House 28th May, 1856, and ordered to be Printed.

Government House, Wellington, 29th December, 1855. Sir, —The public service requiring that effectual measures be adopted for the establishment of the Customs Department and for the protection of the Revenue in the Chatham Islands, I am directed to inform you that his Excellency the Governor requests your assistance in carrying out this special object, having full confidence in your willingness and ability to perform this service as effectively and as economically as possible. With this view you are authorised to charter a small vessel to convey yourself, an Interpreter, and such Natives as you may think it necessary should accompany you to the Chatham Islands ; on your arrival at which place, you will be good enough to issue such instructions as you may consider requisite for the permanent and effective establishment of the Customs there. You are also requested to administer, under a Dedimus Potestatem to be furnished to you by the Registrar of the Supreme Court here, the usual oaths to Mr. Shand as Resident Magistrate. Mr. C. Sharp will be appointed to be Deputy Collector and Landing Waiter during your absence. You are requested to make the necessary arrangements for the performance of your duties as Sub-Treasurer during the same period. His Excellency trusts that the whole of your expense on this account will not exceed one hundred pounds sterling. I have, &c., Stephen Carkeek, Esq., (Signed) W. Gisborne. Collector of Customs, Wellington. &c., &c., &c.

Custom House, Wellington, llth February, 1856. Sir, —I do myself the honor to report, for the information of his Excellency the Governor, that, in compliance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 29th December 1855, I chartered a schooner called the " Lady Grey," Kennedy, master, on the 31st of the same month, to proceed to the Chatham Islands and back to the Port of Wellington, being the most suitable vessel in port for such a voyage ; the owners to find a free cabin passage for myself, as charterer, for the sum of one hundred pounds sterling, and to charge subsistence money at the rate of six shillings per diem for cabin passengers, and three shillings per diem for steerage.

C. —No. 5.