6

Under these circumstances I have alluded to, I repeat my conviction, should the Native excitement increase, or even remain unabated, that the inland Force should be augmented, and a Marine one established, to which I humbly think the Government ought to pay timely attention ; for besides these Military considerations, be it ever remembered that Taranaki is an open and dangerous roadstead, and possessing by land no means of communication except with the concurrence of Natives who retain possession of the bulk of the District between that Province and the Seat of Government. If therefore Taranaki is likely to absorb about 700 men, and the local Force does not respond cheerfully and readily to the call, there should be I conceive at least an additional 600 Eegulars for the North with 200 for the South, and a company of Artillery ; and on the coast, not less than a Steamer of War and one if not two Gun Boats. This may appear a large augmentation, but it must never be forgotten how defective is the communication for Troops, and that the City of Auckland with all its Stores, Gunpowder, Guns, &c, &c, in ight easily be infested with hundreds and hundreds Natives from the Kaipara, the Thames, and other neighbouring Districts. While making these remarks, the demand at this moment on the mother country for Troops must not be lost sight of, a consideration that increases my anxiety for the subject of this communication being seriously entertained by the Colonial Government. , I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, R. H. Wynyaed, Col. Commanding the Forces. His Excellency the Governor &c, &o. [memorandum.] 28rd February, 1858. With reference to the subject of Colonel Wynyard's letter of the 18th instant, the Responsible Advisers of the Crown in New Zealand, earnestly desire that the question of the Military and Naval Force, necessary to maintain Her Majesty's authority in New Zealand, should again be brought before the notice of the Imperial Government. They concur with the Officer Commanding the Forces, in believing that an augmentation of the Force at present in the Colony is imperatively necessary. It has previously repeatedlybeen shewn that a considerable Military Force, with the addition of ships of war, was required to secure Peace, and to protect the National Honor, both as respects the subject of foreign states who frequent the shores of New Zealand, —and with reference to its aboriginal inhabitants. Recent circumstances have made this more than ever necessary. The state of affairs at Hawke's Bay has required that a strong detachment of troops should be stationed at Napier ; while the renewal of the Native war at New Plymouth, under aggravated circumstances, may possibly require the whole available Military Force of the Colony to be concentrated in that district; thereby,—-as Colonel Wynyard has correctly stated—denuding of troops Auckland and Wellington. These, the two largest towns in the Colony have many valuable magazines, Military stores and buildings. That the former especially should be left without a garrison is particularly inexpedient ; at a time when the agitation to establish a Maori King is rife, in its immediate neighbourhood, amongst the largest tribes in the Colony. To prevent therefore the necessity of a much larger expenditure for the future, and a state of affairs detrimental to the prosperity of the Colony,—consequently retarding its capability of ultimately providing for its own defence—Her Majesty's troops should be augmented to, at least, two thousand rank and file ; and one or two steam vessels of war be stationed on the New Zealand Coast. 1 The demand upon the mother country, consequent upon the Indian insurrection, would have prevented the New Zealand Ministry from calling the attention of the Imperial Authorities to this subject at the present time, were it possible to overlook that, (on a proportionate scale,) New Zealand might be involved in similar disasters, from the weakness of the Military Force. His Excellency's Ministers therefore feel that, at this junction, they would be guilty of a orave dereliction of duty, were they wot earnestly to solicit that an additional force should be stationed in the Colony ; and they especially trust that a steam vessel of war, if not more than one, may be placed at the disposal of the Governor of New Zealnnd. (Signed) E. W. Stafford. Downing Street, 14th April, 1858. Sir, —■ I have to acknowledge your Despatches No. 10G of the 26th December, and Nos. 5 and 6 of the 22nd and 23rd January last, in continuation of former reports on the state of affairs amongst the Native tribes, and relating in particular to the alarm excited by recent movements amon" , the Natives in the neighbourhood of Hawke's Bay. 2. I have no doubt that you will continue the exercise of that constant watchfulness which with judicious firmness and moderation on your part have, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government so> materially contributed hitherto to preserve the peace of the Northern Island. *