7

A—No. 3a

3. It would have afforded me personally much satisfaction if it were possible to accede to your wishes that a force of not less than 2,000 men, together with a war steamer, should be placed permanently at your disposal for this important purpose. But the demands on the Military resources of the Empire are such as to render it impossible at present to furnish such a force. Her Majesty's Government trust, and do rely on the exertions of the Colonists themselves, as well as on the spirit of cordiality and forbearance towards the Native Race, which it is to be hoped may continue to actuate them, for preventing, or if necessary, for aiding in keeping down any inclination to disturbance which may exist among the latter. 4. It has been determined by Her Majesty's Government to withdraw from New Zealand the 58th which had fallen considerably below its proper strength. But the 65th will be maintained at the full strength of 1000 men for the Service Companies, making an establishment of .1200 in order to allow 200 for the Depot Companies. 5. I have farther to inform you that Sir Michael Seymour has been desired to send a sloop of war from Hong Kong to Sydney as soon as circumstances will permit, for employment on the Coast of New Zealand. Her Majesty's sloop the " Sappho" is also on her way to the Australian Station, and the steam sloop " Cordelia" will proceed thither when relieved from certain duties which she is at present performing on the Indian Coast. I have, &c, (Signed,) Stanley. Governor Gore Browne, C. 8., &c, &c, &c.