TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

31

A.—No. la,

formidable by nature, and strengthened by the defensive works which the Maoris throw up with a skill and precision closely allied to science. The operations wliich have been attended with so successful a result were conducted in a skilful and energetic manner by Colonel Whitmore, who, profiting by his experience in savage warfare at the Cape and in New Zealand, appears not to have neglected the military precautions which professional training show rs to be necessary on such service, nor to have failed to display the perseverance and determination essential to the accomplishment of a difficult enterprise. I have read with satisfaction the reports of Colonel Whitmore in which he brings to notice the conduct of the Colonial forces : their patient perseverance in approaching the place, and the energy and courage they displayed when the assault was given, reflect credit on all engaged, and Her Majesty's Government learn with great satisfaction that the Colonial forces have proved that they are capable of successfully dealing with armed rebels. The Native chief Ropata seems to have largely contributed to the success of the enterprise; and his conduct and that of his people show how important and valuable the assistance of Native auxilliaries may be made for all defensive purposes. The presence of Mr. Richmond, a member of the Government, was no doubt a most useful assistance to Colonel Whitmore, and I gladly recognize the services rendered by that gentleman. It is satisfactory to know that the force displayed the humanity and forbearance towards the women and children taken in the rebel stronghold which ought to distinguish troops under all circumstances. I consider the whole operation to have been skilfully and creditably conducted, and I trust that in your next Despatches you will be able to report the capture of Te Kooti. I cannot doubt that this success will have the effect of restoring security to the East Coast of the Colony, and of producing a very marked impression throughout the Maori country. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. P. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GRANVILLE.

No. 40. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G., to Governor Sir G. P. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 43.) Downing Street, 20th April, 1869. g IR , (Beceived at Wellington, 16th June, 1869.) My notice has been called to a statement made in a letter printed in the Haiclce's Bmj Herald of 12th January, in the following words :—" The Honorable " Mr. Richmond has offered a reward of £50 for the head of Nikora, £500 for " that of Te Kooti, and, I hear, £1 per head for any of the others." The writer adds, that " the good effect had been seen in the arrival of a great many prisoners, " who are shot as soon as they arrive." I have seen this statement with very great concern. I trust you will be able to inform me that it is untrue; and lam led to hope this both by the doubtful words of the writer, and by the circumstance that you have not reported to me a measure the gravity of w rhich you can scarcely have underrated. I can make every allowance not only for a Government wliich is bound to take effectual measures for the protection of the European population, but for the feelings of indignation which must be felt throughout the Colony at the atrocious murders wliich have been perpetrated by Te Kooti and his band; nor am lat all disposed to deny the necessity of extraordinary measures for the chastisement of a knot of men who have been guilty of such barbarities. But the general offer to savages of £1 for every head brought in, would be evidently calculated to produce undiscriminating murders, to intensify among our own allies the worst characteristics of the Maori nature, and to leave behind, among those who escaped this unmeasured punishment, or who were connected with them bv blood, alliance, or a sentiment of nationality, a permanent intention of revenge.