do not know. It was singular that the one should have returned a few hours after the other had left for Whanganui, with despatches for Sir George Grey. The question of no protection is being discussed by men who lack the power, if they have the will to cope with it; which I regret, because it appears to me that the Government of a country of great power, should defend its subjects, in whatever position they are placed; that wherever British subjects are found, they expect, and expect naturally, in case of danger, in case of outbreak, whether externally or internally, that their persons and property shall be protected by some British force. No one knows better than yourself, the threatening attitude assumed on more than one occasion, by our lawless natives; and who can say what disastrous consequences may ensue before assistance is sent here. I am no alarmist. At present all is quiet, and I hope may long remain so. What I would wish to see is, the probability of a serious outbreak placed entirely out of the question by the presence of an effective force here. If our soldiers are wanted elsewhere, why not