Taranaki. New Plymouth. 9th. October 1847. Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 52 of the 20th. ulto., conveying His Excellency the Governor's authority for continuing the employment from the commencement of the current financial year, on the supplementary establishment of this Department, the additional number of men authorised by your letter to the Police Magistrate of the 5th, December 1846. With reference to the discharge of the extra number of men alluded to in your letter, I would respectfully observe that I do not consider it would be expedient at present to dispense with their services, as the number is already so limited as to be barely able to perform the ordinary Police duties that are required at the settlement as well as amongst the large and increasing native population of this District. I have etc., (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. To The Honourable The Colonial Secretary.