A.—No. la,

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW

8

been placed in the hands of an Officer of the Colonial Eorces, without any reference to my control or authority, although Her Majesty's Troops are occupying the district, I am unable to gather from your Excellency's letter under acknowledgment, what useful object to the public service will be attained by my absenting myself from the place where the usual and regular duties of my command can be best conducted. At the same time, in deference to your Excellency's opinion, I am proceeding to Wanganui, and will remain there until either I receive instructions from your Excellency for the employment of Her Majesty's Troops, or in the absence of such instructions, until the calls of duty compel my return to Auckland. It will be my duty to forward a copy of this correspondence to the Secretary of State for War. I have, &c, T. Chute, His Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.8., Wellington. Major-General. Enclosure 2 in No. 8. The Besident Magistrate, Baglan, to the Civil Commissioner, Auckland, Sir, — Besident Magistrate's Court, Baglan, 13th October, 1566. I have the honor to enclose a letter and its translation just received from Hone Wctere, stating that a report has reached him that an European has been murdered at Hangatiki. I have, &c, The Civil Commissioner, Auckland. T. B. Hamilton, B.M. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 8. Hone Wetere, to the Besident Magistrate, Baglan. Sir — Information has just reached me to the effect that an European has been killed at Hangatiki. When I hear the facts of the case, I will then write to you again. Hone Wetere, Kawhia.

Enclosure 3 in No. 8. Mr. Whitaker to the Colonial Secretary. Office of the Agent of the General Government, Sir,— Auckland, 18th October, 1866. I have the honor to forward, enclosed for the information of the Government, copies of letters received this day from Mr. Mainwaring, the Besident Magistrate at Whatawhata. I have, &c., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Fredk. Whitaker.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 3 in No. 8. The Besident Magistrate, Whatawhata, to Mr. Whitaker. Sir,— Alexandra, 22nd, October 1866. I have the honor to report for the information of your Honor that, immediately on the conclusion of the business of the Native Land Court, I proceeded to Te Awamutu to ascertain the truth of the report of the murder of a man named Tom the Goat-eater. I had an interview with the man himself, who is in perfect safety at Te Awamutu. His name is Burdon, a deserter from the 65th Begiment, who has since purchased his discharge, and is employed by Mr. Allen, storekeeper at Te Awamutu, in purchasing cattle from the Natives. It appears that the Natives at Orahiri, headed by Tamiti Ngapora, have closed the road at that place to all parties, Europeans or friendly Natives. It is also true that Awaru, who headed the rebels at Waiapu, is now in this vicinity together with Bewi and Kereopa, and I have little doubt, from a quantity of collateral evidence, that their object is if possible to renew disturbances, not by erecting pas, but to attempt to irritate tho Europeans by attacking and murdering out-settlers. Several Europeans have informed me that the conduct of the semi-friendly Natives is daily becoming more and more threatening. lam now on my way to Te Kopua, where I shall spend the night, and proceed to-morrow as far as I am allowed in the direction of Baiwhenua, returning thence to Te Awamutu, by way of Arai Kotou, where Batune Boutama's people are residing. lam glad to say that I found that the Kihi-Kihi settlers, aware of the possibility of an outbreak, have voluntarily organized a party who nightly patrol the settlement from two a.m. till four a.m. At Harapipi there are a large number of breach-loading carbines, revolvers, and ammunition stored in the blockhouse, which is only secured by a small padlock, and the Natives, being aware of this fact, Ido not consider an attempt to possess themselves of those weapons improbable. There is now, the detachment of the Ist Waikato Begiment being removed, not even a constable to take charge of the building, and therefore I would urgently request your Honor to confirm the appointment of the man whom I recently recommended to you, if even only as a temporary measure. As I am in great haste, and away from home, I trust your Honor will furnish me with a copy of this communication, and also forward it for the information of Mr. Commissioner Mackay. A storekeeper has just informed me that a quantity of Natives visited his store this day, and urged him to sell them arms and ammunition, offering most extravagant prices. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. B. C. Mainwaring.