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1883. .NEW ZEALAND.

WEST COAST NATIVE AFFAIRS (FURTHER PAPERS RESPECTING). [In continuation of A.-8b, 1882.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. His Excellency Sir A. H. Goedon to the Peemiee. The Governor, when he left New Zealand on the 13th ultimo, had no reason to apprehend the occurrence of any serious collision between the Government and the Maoris on the West Coast, nor was such a collision anticipated by the Premier or the then Minister for Native Affairs. His Excellency was not then aware that any intention existed of strengthening the force of the Armed Constabulary, or of arming the settlers, and he is bound to presume that no such intention at that time existed. On his return, he finds a very different and very alarming state of things in existence ; and he requests that he may be informed in detail of the circumstances which have called for measures of such serious importance as those which have been adopted, involving, in all probability, consequences of a very grave character. His Excellency more especially desires to be informed of the circumstances which rendered immediate action so imperative as to make necessary the issue, under the temporary government of an Administrator, of so important a Proclamation as that of yesterday, and the appointment of a new Minister of Native Affairs, when his own return within twenty-four hours was known to be at least probable, if not well nigh certain. An Acting Governor has, no doubt, all the prerogatives of a permanent one ; but, when the absence of that permanent Governor is known to be of but short duration, it is not usual, except only in cases of the most immediate necessity, to adopt measures of such importance as to affect the whole remainder of his administration, and to the adoption of which he may reasonably be supposed reluctant to assent 20th October, 1881. Aethue Goedon.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 38.

No. 2. The Peemiee to His Excellency Sir A. H. Gobdon. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Premier presents his respectful compliments to the Governor, and acknowledges the receipt of His Excellency's memorandum dated yesterday. 2. In that memorandum, His Excellency comments upon the present position of Native affairs on the West Coast; requests that he may be informed in detail of the circumstances which have called for measures such as have been taken, and especially of those which are considered to have made necessary a Proclamation dated the 19th instant; states that it is not usual, except only in cases of the most immediate necessity, for such important steps to be taken during the absence from a colony of the permanent Governor; and adds that, at the time the Proclamation was issued, and Mr. Bryce was appointed Native Minister, " his own return within twenty-four hours was known to be at least probable, if not well nigh certain." 3. Ministers are ready at all times to furnish to His Excellency the Governor any information as to events connected with Native affairs which may be at their command. They believe that a memorandum, stating the course of events for about the last five weeks, will meet His Excellency's wishes. Such a document is accordingly being prepared, and it will be forwarded as early as possible. 4. With regard to the action taken while His Excellency was absent from the colony, and which is referred to in his memorandum, Ministers submit the following remarks : — 5. When, early in September, it was found that the session of the Assembly would not have terminated at the time His Excellency proposed to leave Wellington, on his way to .Fiji, the Premier replied to a question on the subject put by His Excellency, that Ministers were of opinion no serious

I—A. 4.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 38.