D.—No. 9

No. 1. The Hon. D. McLean to Lieut.-Colonel Haeinoton. Sie > — . Auckland, 18th November, 1869. With a view to ascertaining, generally, the extent of the power of the Colony for purposes of self-defence, and, particularly, the number and character of the Local Forces of Militia and Volunteers in the North Island, upon wliich in case of emergency the Government might rely, it is proposed to send an officer on a tour of inspection through both Islands, and you have been selected for that duty. _ You are hereby authorized to inspect all Volunteer Corps (and such Militia as are called out for active training) and report on their numerical strength, general efficiency, tho number of parades held, the average number of those who attend, whether the officers are well acquaiuted with their duties, what progress has been made in target practice, the state of the arms, &c., &c. _ In the performance of this duty you will be able to collect much information that the Government desire to possess relative to the state of the public sentiment in the several districts as regards the Militia and Volunteer organization, and to the disposition and temper of the persons liable to be called out for service under the Militia Acts. The Government would also be glad to receive any suggestions which might tend to the improvement of the Militia and Volunteer Forces, without, however, causing any great additional expense, and wish you generally to encourage the Militia and Volunteer movements in order to make them an efficient means for the internal defence of the Colony. Tou will produce this letter of instructions to Commanding Officers of Corps and Districts, who will be certain to render every assistance to enable you to make a Eeport to me. You will be employed on this duty for two months, from the day you leave Auckland. Your salary will be at the rate of £500 per annum, with an additional allowance of £1 per diem for travelling expenses. Passage per steamer will be provided, but you are to avail yourself of Government boats when opportunity offers. I have, &c., Lieut.-Colonel Harington, Auckland. Donald McLean.

No. 2. Lieut.-Colonel Habington to Acting TJndeb Seceetaby, Defence. Sie >— Wellington, Ist March, 1870. I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that in accordance with his letter of instructions of 18th November, 1869, I proceeded on my tour of inspection of Volunteers throughout both Islands on the Ist December, and since that date have continued travelling on this duty. No time whatever has been lost in the performance of this duty, but from the very scattered distribution of the several corps in the country districts, I have found it quite impossible to complete the tour in the time specified (two months), t have now finished the districts of Taranaki, Wanganui and Eangitikei, besides the whole of the Southern Island. My inspection of this district will also be completed on the 12th instant, when I shall proceed to Napier and Auckland by the first opportunity. I have therefore the honor to request that you will bo good enough to obtain the necessary authority for the continuance of my pay and allowances from the Ist February. I have, &c, Philtp Haetngton, Lieut.-Colonel, The Acting Under Secretary, Acting Inspector of Militia and Volunteers. Defence Office, Wellington.

No. 3. (No. 60-3 D.) Mr. Coopee to Lieut.-Colonel Habington. Sic,— Colonial Defence Office, Wellington, 11th March, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist instant, reporting that, owing to the scattered distribution of the several corps in the country districts, you have found it impossible to complete your inspection of the Volunteers in both Islands within the" time specified in your letter of appointment. In reply, I am directed to inform you that the Hon. Mr. Gisborne has approved the extension of the time for this service to the end of March, and that your pay and allowances will be continued to that date.

REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS.