About the beginning of June 1869, a spirit of disaffection arose in the No. 6 Div. Armed Constabulary, the reason assigned being , or rather, the regular ration of 1 lb. meat was not sufficient, while they had heavy fatigue duties to perform. On the 14th. Col. Haultain authorised Col. Herrick to issue 1 1/2 lb. meat to Europeans; and on the 17th. (before these instructions arrived at Galatea) Col. St. John reported that No. 6 had refused work. He ordered a Parade, and warned them of what they were doing. The Fatigue bugle was sounded, and the roll of men whose turn it was for duty, was called. Only 2 Non. Com. Officers appeared; and 1 Serg., 5 Corporals, and 41 men refused to fall in. On the 23rd. June, Col. Whitmore was authorised to increase the ration of flour, during the Winter months. On the 28th. Mr. Clarke, in a telegram to Mr. Richmond, states that a letter had been received from Col. St. John, dated 21st. June, and that and refused to move to Runanga, and refused to work; and on the 8th. July, Mr. Ormond reported that on the arrival of the ''Sturt'', from Matata, he learned that the men were still in a state of mutiny. On the 26th. June Col. Harington was informed that some men had deserted, and he caught 3 en route for Auckland. On examining them he learned that the force was insufficiently fed, their pay was in arrear, and had no means of buying extra food or clothing; and especially the want of care of the sick. Col. Harington then came on to Wellington, to report personally to the Government. On the 13th. July Col. St. John reported - Force all back on duty; hard at work on the road; health much improved since extra rations and cautions.'' Nearly all published in Appendix 1869. A. No. 3