PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE

moment for the proper protection of the scattered settlements, bearing in mind that if the present disturbances spread, this Province will in all probability be the ground on which the struggle will commence, and on which it will be longest maintained. I have, &c, (Signed) G. F. Mtjrrat, Bt. Lieut.-Col. 65th Regt. P.S. I beg to observe that I have confined myself solely to the subject of the defence of Taranaki, where I have been stationed for upwards of four years ; the proper provision for garrisoning New Zealand 13 beyond my province. G. F. M. The Private Secretary, &c, &c, Ac-

Enclosure 4 in No. 23. COPT OP A MEMORANDUM BY MR. RICHMOND. New Plymouth, 20th March, 1860. I have read the letter dated 17th March, addressed to His Excellency the Governor by the Native Secretary, Mr. McLean, in which that officer urges the necessity of an immediate augmentation of the Military Force in New Zealand. The leading promoters of the Maori King movement in Waikato and elsewhere, assert the National independence of their race, and oppose the further extension of European settlement. They sympathise profoundly with armed resistance to the British Government, more especially with armed resistance to the further cession of territory to the Crown. It has long been manifest that the first attempt to enforce obedience to the Governor's decision on any question affecting Natives, might bring the disaffected tribes to the point of open rebellion. Hence the anxious desire, so frequently expressed, of His Excellency and his Advisers, for an increase of the Military and Naval Forces in New Zealand. An occasion has now arisen on which it has become necessary to support the Governor's authority by a Military Force. The issue has been carefully chosen—the particular question being as favourable a one of its class as could have been selected. In the absence of a powerful Native party, leagued and organised to oppose the sale of land, it would easily be disposed of. But in the present condition of Native feelings it cannot be doubted that the state of the Colony is critical, and British authority is in jeopardy, simply because it has been boldly asserted. I therefore entirely concur in the opinion of the Native Secretary, that the Military Force in this Colony should be forthwith augmented to the greatest extent practicable. (Signed) C. W. Richmond.

Enclosure 5 in No. 23. MB. MCLEAN TO THE GOVERNOR. Taranaki, 17th March, 1860. Sir,— From the present combination among the Native tribes around this settlement, I feel it my duty to report to your Excellency that the present Military Force is not sufficient for the protection of the place. It is stated, on good authority, that the Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes, mustering 1200 warriors, are prepared to make an attack upon the town, while W. King and his immediate followers, at least 300 strong, will fight to the last at Waitara. Independently of this combination, it is much to be apprehended, now that the Natives have buried the hatchet among themselves and yielded allegiance to King Potatau, that the powerful Waikatos—several thousands strong —and many of the numerous and disaffected tribes on the East Coast, in the vicinity of Poverty Bay, may be implicated in the present contest with a view of asserting their National independence, and throwing off their nominal allegiance to Her Majesty. These circumstances, together with the manifest symptoms of bad feeling recently displayed by the Natives, induce me to urge most respectfully on your Excellency the necessity of obtaining a stronger Force, without delay, for the protection of the English settlements, and for vindicating Her Majesty's sovereignty over the Island. lam of opinion that it would require a Force of not less than 5,000 men to defend the various isolated and scattered settlements of the Northern Island. I have, &c, (Signed) Donald McLean, His Excellency the Governor, Native Secretary. &c, &c, &c.

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