DESPATCHES EROM THE SECRETARY OE STATE

A.—No. 1a

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No. 37. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Earl Granville, E.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 14) Sir, — Downing Street, 28th January, 1870. I have received Avith very great satisfaction your Despatch No. 154, of 25th November, reporting the improved state of affairs in New Zealand. I am aware that the recent interview between the Native Commissioners* and the Chiefs of the King party can only be looked upon as opening the negotiations; but the friendly character of the interview, with the apparent disposition on the one side to abstain from extravagant demands, and on the other to concede what is asked, are more especially valuable as following immediately on the successes of the Colonial Troops. It may be hoped that these successes have moderated the expectations of the Maoris and inspired them with respect for the power of the Europeans, without on the other hand diminishing the desire of the Government for a speedy settlement on liberal terms. I agree with you in hoping for the best results from the mission of the Commisssioners to this country. Although on some points there will no doubt be differences of opinion, they will be received with that cordial welcome which the importance of the Colony they represent, and their high personal character, invite, and I anticipate that their visit will strengthen and maintain the good relations which it is my anxious desire should subsist between Great Britain and New Zealand. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GBANVILLE.

Sic but "Minister," (i.e. Mr. McLean) is doubtless meant.

No. 38. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Earl Granville, E.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 16.) Sir, — Downing Street, January, 1870. I have had before me the Acts passed by the Legislature of New Zealand, entitled respectively, No. 20, " The Disturbed Districts Act, 1869," and No. 57, "An Act to amend 'The Arms Act, I860,'" transcripts of which accompanied your Despatch No. 118, of the 13th of September last. Her Majesty will not be advised to exercise her power of disallowance in respect to these Acts. As, however, parts of them may not improbably be re-enacted, I desire to call the attention of the Government to some of their provisions. The 13th section of the Act No. 20, provides that a person acquitted before one of the Special Courts may be at once required to prove that during the twelve months preceding his committal for trial he has been a person of good behaviour, and failing such proof he may be treated as a " disorderly person " and committed to prison for eighteen calendar months, with hard labour. Considering that large powers of imprisoning dangerous or suspected persons are given by the 16th and 24th sections of the Act, it seems to me of doubtful policy to give an express power of this kind to be exercised on occasion of a trial which has resulted in an acquittal. The object in view could, it appears to me, be completely answered without a step which would place Government in the position of punishing by arbitrary power what it had failed to punish by process of law. Again, under the 14th section the Government is invested with very large powers respecting the selection of Juries. I can hardly imagine that the New Zealand juries under their present constitution would be so untrustworthy as to warrant a measure of this kind, which is most objectionable in principle. It is always to be deplored when a Government is forced by circumstances to dispense with the protective forms of justice; but that Government should possess, or appear to possess, a power of securing for itself under cover of such forms a