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the first place then, I have no certain assurance of the trading vessels arriving here, for, at any rate, two months to come, i.e., until the potatoe crops are ready for being exported; and I apprehend, moreover, that many former traders to this Island will not be inclined to return with dutiable goods, when they know of the Customs being established here, and being well aware of the fact that the inhabitants of the Island are already very generally in debt for articles imported and have pledged the very crops in the ground for this season, to meet their liabilities. I shall also be at no small loss in securing the actual duties on ad valorem goods, for instance, landed at any Port where I am not present in person to inspect and compare the quality of the goods with their imputed values in the Entries neither Landing Waiter or Clerk to assist me. 2. In the next place, while I have not had the power of exacting duties hitherto, I have, therefore, of course been without salary ; and in addition to my necessities, I will have at the end of each month to meet the payments you have engaged to to the Native assistants of the establishment, also for the rent of the office ; and for the purchase & a boat costing £40, promised to be paid out of the first proceeds of Revenue collected. Trusting to your explaining still further the necessity of early transmitting to me in meantime a temporary advance for these purposes. I have only to recommend the enclosed letter on the subject to your care, addressed to the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, and I have &c., (Signed) A. W. Shand, Collector. The Collector of H. M. Customs, Wellington. &c„ &c., &c.

Chatham Islands, Waitangi, '2lst January, 1856. Sir,—l have had the honor of your despatch of 21st ultimo, by the hands of the Collector of Wellington, and have paid due respect to it. Mr. Carkeek has now completed his arrangements, and as they involve an expense of £580 per annum, exclusive of the arrears of my salary ; cost of a boat, (£4O) to be paid from the first collections of duty ; expense of repairing and putting into proper condition the ware for a Custom House, and such necessary articles of office furniture as are procurable here. I have the honor to request that the Colonial Treasurer be authorised to remit to me the sum of one hundred pounds sterling, in order to meet the first outlay for the ensuing two months, or that, until the arrival of vessels, with dutiable cargoes that may then be expected. I have, &c., The Honourable (Signed) A W. Shand. the ( olonial Secretary , Auckland. &c., &c., &c.

Custom House, Wellington, sth February, J 856. Sir,—I take th? earliest opportunity after my arrival at this Port to correct a false impression you appear to be labouring under, that I have in any way authorized you to allow the importation of arms and ammunition , possessing no power myself to break any law, rule, or regulation, I could not delegate such power to any one else, and, as far as I can recollect, the subject of our various conversations, I distinctly told you more than once that His Excellency the Governor would not and could not authorize any one to break the laws. I can only regret that the hurry of my departure from the Island, when I conceived every thing settled, prevented me from perusing your letters until after the vessel was at sea, bnt I take this early opportunity of correcting a mistake, which is, I believe, not of that importance you appear to attach to it, for I do not think the Natives require arms for any other purpose than the destruction of wild fowl, with which the Islands abound. I have &c., (Signed) S. Carkeek. Collector. A. W. Shand, Esquire, Collector of Customs, Chatham Islands. &c., &c., &c.