THE GOVERNOR AND MINISTERS.

13

A.—No. 1.

by the natives in the light of a first instalment of retributive justice. The taking of Wereroa Pa, which is believed to be occupied by from 100 to 200 of the fanatics, and is their principal stronghold, would also have a most beneficial effect, and might probably close the war, if severe loss were inflicted upon the defenders. Eecent information from Mr. Mac Lean, who has been commissioned to act as Government Agent at Hawke's Bay and in the neighbouring districts, and letters from influential Native Chiefs, shew that the feeling of disgust and horror excited by the barbarous murder of Mr. Volkner is very general amongst the natives of the East Coast—that the mission of Wi Tako and Matine Te Whiwhi has been productive of excellent consequences, and, it is not improbable, may lead to the capture of the criminals. Ministers, however, cannot look forward with any degree of confidence to the immediate attainment of so desirable a result, and, as the principal murderers left Opotiki immediately after the commission of the crime, and having made a short visit to Tauranga, appear to have retired into the interior of the country, on their return to Taranaki and Wanganui, there are great difficulties in the way of their apprehension by any expedition starting from the East Coast. It is, however, proposed to organise such an expedition, should there appear to be any prospect of success; and the Government will be prepared to authorise suitable rewards and other necessary expenses. It is further proposed to warn the Natives of the consequences of harboring or assisting men guilty of the recent outrages. Under certain contingencies, Ministers will be prepared to advise the removal of the European inhabitants from a portion of the East Coast, and the prohibition of all communication with that district. It is feared that for a time it may prove impossible to bring the murderers of Mr. Volkner to justice, but it will be the duty of Government unswervingly to pursue that end ; the return of these men to their own country has already been rendered difficult, and it is confidently hoped that by steady and persistent efforts their capture may be ultimately effected. Gth April, 18G5. F. A. Weld.

No. 18. MEMOEANDUM by Ministees. In reference to the letter of Commissary-General Jones, dated March 9th, and received on the 17th instant, reporting that he has given orders to discontinue all issues by the Commissariat of rations to the Colonial forces in the Province of Auckland, from the 28th instant, and expressing at the same time a trust that no embarrassment will result from this act, Ministers request that your Excellency will be pleased to move Commissary-General Jones not to insist upon carrying out those orders in consideration of the guarantee now offered by the Colonial Government. We now offer our assurance Hint for the future the accounts for rationing by the Commissariat the Colonial forces in the Province of Auckland, shall be paid by the Colonial Government monthly, when presented, so that the Imperial Commissariat shall not thereby increase the liabilities of the Colony to the Home Government. This proposal is only intended to be of a temporary character, pending the completion of permanent arrangements contemplated by the Colonial Government, and it is not desired that it should extend beyond a few months at the farthest. We confidently rely upon the acceptance by CommissaryGeneral Jones of this proposal, as the shortness of the notice given entirely precludes the Colonial Government from making other necessary arrangements. As it is probable that your Excellency will be absent from Auckland when this Memorandum arrives there, I have written to Commissary-General Jones to a similar effect. 18th February, 1865. F. A. Weld.

No. 19. MEMOKANDTTM by Ministebs. Demands having been made by Commissary-General Jones for the repayment of advances on account of rations for the month of March, 1865, in accordance with the terms of Mr. "Weld's letter of 18th February, 1865, the liquidation of such claims has been suspended pending a reference to the Governor, on the ground that subsequent arrangements made with His Excellency had superseded the engagement proposed by Mr. Weld during the absence of the Governor. Ministers respectfully invite His Excellency's attention to the enclosed minutes of interviews between him and Ministers, held at Wanganui in March last; and request him to express his concurrence in the view they have taken of their obligations. 6th July, 1865. Feed. A. "Weld.

Enclosure to No. 19. NOTES of Conversation between His Excellency the GrOYEEifOR and Mr. "Weld. Wanganui, March, 1865. Ministers cannot however pay or ration this force. They admit the liability of the Colonial Government, but are prevented at present from meeting such liabilty by absolute inability to raise funds. Ministers confidently look forward to a better financial position of affairs, but in the present crisis they must request the Imperial Commissariat should continue to ration the Waikato regiments as heretofore; also to ration in like manner the Militia and Volunteers, and any new force to be raised in the South, and to advance the funds requisite for their pay. In making this proposal it is unnecessary to remind His Excellency of the large expense entailed D