A.—No. 9.

Copy of a Letter from the Hon. J. Eichardson to Mr. Daldt. Sic,— . Wellington, 7th October, 180 G. I have to apologize for not having earlier replied to your letter of the Sth ultimo. I could not during the Session give my thoughts to the subject, and even now write in haste on the eve of my departure for the South. It will bo a subject of regret to me if, in the communication to the House of Representatives to which you refer, I should have so expressed myself as to have caused you injury and disquietude. If I remember rightly, the name of the firm referred to was urgently called for by the House —I think from the Auckland benches ; and subsequently I think one of those gentlemen asked for information,which I freely gave, as an action was intended against the informant. Of course it was then unnecessary, if not before, to proceed further in the case. I think any subsequent inquiry led to tho conclusion that there was no truth in the statement; and most probably, had an inquiry been made to me at the time, I should have answered accordingly. Were I Commissioner of Customs, I think I should only be giving countenance to the statement made in the Napier papers by pursuing the investigation you suggest. I assure you that it would be a subject of much regret to me, if, after these remarks, you should entertain any impression that the statement made respecting your firm finds any credence with me. I am satisfied that the accusation was without foundation, but have no means of saying that it was malicious. I have, &c., William Daldy, Esq., Auckland. J. Eiciiabdsoit.

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE SUPPLY OF AMMUNITION TO REBEL NATIVES.