A,—No. 15e.

6

PAPERS RELATIVE TO PRISONERS AND

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. E. "W. Stafford to His Honor D. McLean. (No. 275.) Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 4th April, 1866. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, reporting the return of the " St. Kilda " from the Chatham Islands, to which she had taken thirty-nine Native prisoners, and ■enclosing a letter from Captain Thomas, in which he suggests that for the present no more should be cent. The object of the Government, as stated in the letter of the Defence Minister of the 24th March last, is to remove to the Chatham Islands, as rapidly as possible, all the prisoners who have been most engaged in inciting others to criminal actions, in order that the remainder may, upon giving ■assurance of a desire to live peaceably, be released, and the decision as to the number of prisoners to be deported cannot be left to Captain Thomas, but exclusively devolves on the Government. I have, &c, His Honor D. McLean, E. W. Staffoed. Government Agent, Napier.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Captain Thomas. Sje,— Napier, 23rd April, 1866. I have to request that you will cause the " St. Kilda " to return direct to Napier without unnecessary delay. Captain Thomas, Resident Magistrate, I have, &c, Chatham Islands. Donald McLean.

No. 9. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. Sib,— Napier, 26th April, 18GG. I have the honor to acquaint you that the second party of prisoners from Poverty Bay were sent to the Chatham Islands by the " St. Kilda" on the 23rd instant. These prisoners belonged chiefly to the Aitanga, a Mahaki tribe, and were most conspicuous for hostility to the Europeans, having defiantly refused to come to any terms until taken prisoners of war at Wacrengahika. The greatest number I could send by this opportunity was eighty-eight, exclusive of the guard. Owing to a mistake in bringing prisoners who had not borne arms against the Government, I was obliged to send the " St. Kilda" back to Poverty Bay to make a fresh selection of the worst of the Hauhaus, prisoners of the tribe above referred to, which, with the breaking down of the " St. Kilda's " machinery and other obstacles, occasioned much delay in despatching the second party. I believe that one more party is all that need necessarily be sent to the Chathams, unless pending hostilities lead to the capture of dangerous prisoners on the Wairoa. I enclose the copy of letters to Captain Thomas, R.M., of the Chatham Islands, and to J. 11. Campbell, Esq., who has gone in charge of the guard. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Donald McLean.

Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Captain Thomas. Sib,— Napier, 21st April, 186 G. The " St. Kilda" sails to-day with the second detachment of prisoners for the Chatham Islands. In consequence of your not having complied with that portion of your instructions to send back some of the guard for the second batch of prisoners, it is found necessary to send a party of one European corporal and five privates of the Napier Volunteer Eorce on this service. The corporal and his men are to be retained at the Chatham Islands until further orders, and the non-commissioned officer and men of the Defence Eorce are to come back in the "St. Kilda" on her return voyage. Should any of the Military Settlers desire to return this trip, you will be good enough to let them do so, if you can dispense with their services. The actual number retained at the Chathams should not exceed the number authorized by the Hon. Colonel Russell. In reference to the Native guard the number should not exceed twelve. Should any of the first that went down, and who received a month's pay in advance at Napier, desire to come back in the " St. Kilda " you will let them do so, and get an equal number of the Native guard now going from here to supply their place. I have, &c, Captain Thomas, Resident Magistrate, .Donald Mclean, Chatham Islands. Agent, General Government.

Enclosure 2 in No. 9. Copy of a Letter from His Honor D. McLean to Mr. J. 11. Campbell. Sib,— Napier, 21st April, 1860. There being no officer available to take command of the European and Native guard over the prisoners for the Chatham Islands, I have to request that you will undertake this duty on board of the *' St. Kilda " during her present voyage to and from the Chatham Islands.