IMPERIAL TEOOPS IN NEW ZEALAND.

9

A.—No. b

No. 12. Major-General Chute to His Excellency Sir G-. F. Bowen. Sib, — Melbourne, 17th June, 1869. In conformity with the instructions contained in the enclosed copy of a letter from the War Office, dated 23rd April, 18(59, in reply to my communication of the Ist March, a copy of which was transmitted to your Excellency on the, 30th of same mouth, I have now the honor to acquaint you that it is my intention to take measures, in concert with the Senior Naval Officer, for the removal of the the 2-18th Regiment from New Zealand according to my " original instructions." With this view orders have been issued for their immediate concentration at Auckland prior to distribution amongst the Australian Colonies. I have, &c, His Excellency Sir G-. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.. J. T. Chute, Governor of New Zealand, &c. Major-General. Enclosure in No. 12. Sir E. Ltjgahd to Major-General Chute. Sje— War Office, 23rd April, 1869. I am directed by Mr. Secretary Cardwcll to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist ultimo, upon the subject of the withdrawal from New Zealand of a portion of the 2-18th Regiment, and in reply, to convey to you his approval of the steps which you have taken in this matter. On the receipt, however, of this communication, you will at once, should you not have already done so, take measures, in concert with the Senior Naval Officer on the station, for the removal of the remaining wing of the 2-lSth from New Zealand, —according to your original instructions, —to relieve the 2-14th, which should be sent home. You will give to the men of the latter regiment the option of volunteering into the 2-18th, to the extent of raising the strength of that regiment to 790 rank and file —the men so volunteering receiving the usual bounty of one guinea. I am to transmit for your information and guidance the enclosed copy of a letter which has been addressed to the Horse Guards, under date the 23rd ultimo, upon the subject of tho redistribution of the troops to be left in the Australian Colonies. I have, &c., The Major-General Commanding, Melbourne. Edwakd Lugaed.