E.—No. 1.

recovery, he begged strongly to urge the necessity of their being brought on shore, and his being allowed to treat them there. 13. On the same day he reported that the prisoners were suffering from pains resulting from their having to sleep on hard wooden boards, and begging to be allowed to obtain straw matrasses for them. 1-1. Oji the 14th May, the Medical Officer in charge reported that seven of the prisoners, including Te Oriori, had considerably suffered since their confinement on board, inasmuch as they at the present time seemed depressed in spirits, emaciated in frame, and inclined to yield to the least predisposing cause of disease. He therefore suggested that they ought at once to be removed on shore, where, with the facilities of exercise and other remedieal measures, they would be allowed a fair chance of renovating their shattered constitutions. 15. I beg your Grace will understand that I have earnestly, for a long time, and in the gentlest manner, pressed the subject of these prisoners on the consideration of my Responsible Advisers. I. stated to them on the 29th of April last what were my feelings on the subject in these words :— " AVith all deference to the opinions of his Advisers, he thinks a very serious responsibility for such things rests upon him. He has done his utmost at all times to promote the views of his Advisers, and he only wished to shew that on a point where he felt so strongly a responsibility really rested on him, which gave him a strong claim on their consideration, which he hopes they will yet recognise." I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. G. Grey. P.S. —My Responsible Advisers having stated that they would not be prepared to make remarks on this despatch which they should wish to do, until the mail which leaves on the Bth July, it has been detained until this date to meet their views. July 7th, 18G1, G. Geey.

No. 37. MEMORAXDUM of Mixistees respecting His Excellency's Despatch to Seceetaet of State. Ministers have just received the despatch dated the 6th instant, which His Excellency the Governor is about to transmit to the Secretary of State. As the mail closes early to-morrow morning. Ministers are unable to transmit by the same opportunity some observations which they desire to submit to the consideration of the Secretary of State before he comes to any decision upon the question referred to him. Ministers therefore respectfully request that the Secretary of State will be pleased to postpone his decision till after the arrival of the mail following that of to-morrow morning, and that His Excellency will forward this Memorandum with his Despatch. 7th JuneJ I^ol. Feed. AVhitakee.

No. 38. MEMORANDUM respecting Medical Board on Prisoners on Hulk. His Excellency the Governor is respectfully requested to have the necessary communications made to Dr. Mouat, and the Senior Naval Medical Officer, informing them that permission has been obtained from their respective commanding officers for them to act on a commission to enquire into the state of the " Marion hulk, and requesting them to act, Dr. Mouat to act as president. Ili-i Excellency is also requested to state if there are any other points beyond those which appear i<\ his Memoranda to which he wishes the enquiry to extend. Auckland, 9th June, 1861. Feed. AYhitakee. MrxuxE. — Nothing further at present strikes the Governor. June 10th. G. Geet.

No. 39. MEMORANDUM suggesting the withdrawal of Dr. Slade's name from the Commission. The Colonial Secretary has, since his return from AVanganui, been made acquainted with what has been done towards the appointment of a commission to enquire into the state of the Native Prisoners confined on board the hulk. Among the gentlemen proposed to be appointed is Dr. Slade, the Surgeon of H.M.S. " Miranda." As it is essential, in order to make the enquiry complete, that it should extend back to the period when the prisoners were brought in from Bangirin, and as Dr. Slade was himself their medical attendant during the period they remained on board H.M.S. " Cura9oa," it is conceived that it would place that gentleman in a false position to make him a member of a commission before which he may (and probably will) be required to give evidence as a witness. The Colonial Secretary therefore begs to suggest that the name of Dr. Christy, the Surgeon of H.M.S. "Esk," who is in Auckland in charge of wounded sailors, should be substituted for that of Dr. Slade. Auckland, 13th June, IBG3. AYm. Fox.

No. 40. DRAFT INSTRUCTIONS for Board appointed to enquire into the system of confinement to which the Maori Prisoners have been and are now subjected, and the fitness of the hulk " Marion " as a place of confinement for them. The objects of the Government in instituting this enquiry are, first to obtain a Report from the Board upon the past treatment of the prisoners, and secondly, any suggestions it may have to make for their future management. The Board is requested to conduct the enquiry in reference to the following points: — 1. Accommodation. During the summer this has been provided solely by the hulk " Marion."

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MEMORANDA AND REPORTS