TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K.C.B.

A.—No. 6.

9

(hat would have brought mo a larger income ihou the salary of tnc Prime Minister of New Zealand. My object in visiting the Colony was to investigate for myself the question, how halfcivilised people ought to b3 managed. From my arrival in May, 1860 In my departure in August, 1863, (his was my one employment and pursuit. I spent much (iine in travelling among the Maories and acquiring their language. I was first invited to t;iko office under the Government by Colonel Gore Browne in January, 1861, but though I had frequent communication with him respecting the affairs of the Waikato tribes, I was not actually employed in an official capacity till October, 1861, just after the arrival of Sir George Grey. I was then sent by the Government tn make a circuit of the Waikato country as Inspector of schools, and gather information respecting the temper of tho Natives, which was forwarded to the Colonial Office. In November, 1861, I was appointed Resident Magistrate, and afterwards Commissioner of ihe Waikato district, a;;d lived at Te Awamutu till Apr:!, 186S, when I was virtually ejected by Rewi. I resigned the office of Commissioner in July, 1863, at the outbreak of the war. though I was pressed to retain, and might have retained, the office and its emoluments to the present day. I afterwards, out of personal friendship, acted for a short time as secietary to Mr. Dillon Bell, the Minister (or Native Affairs, who was at that lime suffering from a complaint io his eyes that made it injurious for him to read or write. In this capacity, at his request, f accompanied him to Sydney, with the understanding that I was to be at liberty to proceed thence home to England. Some time before I left New Zealand, both Mr. Bell and Mr. Domett, the then Premier, had expressed an intention of putting me into a want seat in the Legislative Council. While we were in Sydney, news arrived that the New Zealand Assembly was to be summoned forthwith, j* letter was thereupon written from Mr. Bell, wli^) was anxious that I should return to New Zealand, to his colleagues in Auckland, about my appointment to the Legislative Council. I did not see the letter, and Ido not know in what terms it was expressed. I was so indifferent to the result, that when the return mail brought no answer to Mr. Bell, I sailed for England without waiting for a second post. I distinctly stated, however, to Mr. Bell, thai if placed hi the Council, I would hold no office or place of emolument under tho Government, in order vo be in a position lo express my independent opinions. I have always supposed lhat my determination on this head prevented Mr. Domett from fulfilling the intention lie hud expressed, as my sentiments on Native affairs were very well known in the Government offices in Auckland. I absolutely deny that I over " was ready to accept the position " specified in tho Ministerial Memorandum. My opinions on the Native question in New Zealand have never undergone auy abrupt or radical change. While I was a servant of the Colonial Government, my position imposed a certain amount of reticence : but 1 never concealed the facts I saw, nor the opinions I formed from my employers, as the records of the Native office at Auckland would abundantly prove. I severed my connection with the New Zealand Government by my own act nnd for the express purpose of giving what publicity I could to facts and opinions which I thought should be no longer concealed. I UKI, &C , Sir Frederic Rogers, Bart., J, E. Gorst. Under Secretary of State for the Colonies.

15. (No. 135.) Downing Street, December, 2titb, 1864. Sir,— I have the honour !o neknow-lodge the receipt of your Despatch No. 129, of the 30th of August, io which you correct a stntemeut in the paper drawn up by Mr. J. E. Gorst, and entiilei), "Observations on the Notive Inhabitants of liangiaowhia and Kiliikihi." I have, &c, Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Edward Cardwell, &c. &o. &c.

No. 10. (Mo. 138.) Downing Street, December 26th, 1864. Sik,--I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches of the numbers and dates noted 11 September, Nu. 133. in the margin, having reference to various questions more or less " }gf- connected with the stale of our relations with the Natives. I 7 October ,',' J43.' must refer you to my Despatch of this day's date, for my views 8 „ „ 144. on such of these mutters as it has appeared necessary that I 8 •> » 145. should address you. I have, kc, Governor Sir George Grej, X.C.8.. Edward Cardwell. &c, &c, &o. C