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No. 2. His Excellency the Govebnoe to the Secretaby of State for the Colonies. (No. 28.) Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, 23rd May, 1881. My Loed, — I have the honor to inform your Lordship that during the past month one hundred and sixtyone Maori prisoners, arrested under the Acts of 1879 and 1880, referred to in my Despatch No. 11, of the 26th February, have been released. Of these, forty-seven had been arrested for " ploughing" and one hundred and fourteen for " fencing." The number, therefore, of these prisoners still remaining in custody is one hundred and fifty-six. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Aethtjb Goedon.

No. 3. His Excellency the Goternob to the Secbetaey of State for the Colonies (Telegraphic). All the remaining prisoners referred to in my Despatch No. 28, of the 23rd May, are released. Wellington, June 3.

No. 4 The Seceetaky of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Goteenob. (No. 33.) Sic, — Downing Street, 27th July, 1881. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 28, of the 23rd of May, reporting the release of one hundred and sixty-one of the Maori prisoners arrested under New Zealand Acts of 1879 and 1880. I have, &c, ■ Governor the Hon. Sir A. H. Gordon, G.C.M.G., &c. Kimbeeley.

Authority: Geoe&b Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB2.