natives and Europeans (the latter predominating), commanded by a good Officer, say of about 100 strong, would be a more reliable force. I mean, - not subject to fits of homesickness, - than the present force. They would certainly not cost half the money. While referring to this district, - I think the Volunteers and Militia on pay, might now be well reduced, if not wholly done away with. Take, for instance, Wereroa, which costs us £307 a month. The men who occupy it are much excited by the present question of Maori occupation