A.—No. 1.

No. 62. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 40.) Government House, Auckland, My Loud,— New Zealand, Ist May, 1871. Adverting to my Despatch No. 62, of 22nd June, 1870, and to other correspondence on the same subject, I am now requested by my Responsible Advisers to transmit the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum, with the annexed papers, respecting the claims of certain discharged soldiers settled in the Province of Taranaki. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.

Memo, by Mr. Gisbome, April 9,1872.

Enclosure in No. 62. Memoeanbum by Mr. Gisboene. MmiSTEBS transmit to His Excellency the copy of a further letter from the Superintendent of Taranaki with its enclosures, relative to the claim put forth by certain discharged soldiers settled in that Province to gratuities to assist them in settling. It appears to Ministers, from the letter from the Under Secretary of State for War, dated 25th February, 1871, that the Department did not exactly apprehend the nature of the claim set up by the petitioners, which is—(l.) to the gratuity mentioned at page 6of the Soldiers Small Account Book for 1838, and at page 7 of the similar book for 1858 ; (2.) to a gratuity of sixpence a day for three months, renewable for any period not exceeding twelve months, payable after being settled for three months on their land ; and (3.) to the Queen's bounty of one pound (£1) each, payable on their discharge, but which they have not yet received ; whereas Ministers understand the letter of Sir Edward Lugard to refer to sums to which the men named in its enclosure were entitled on their discharge, and which the men themselves allege to be entirely distinct from the payments for which they are applying. Ministers would feel obliged if His Excellency would transmit the enclosed additional correspondence to Lord Kimberley, with a request that his Lordship would move the War Department to furnish a full and exact reply upon all the points raised by the discharged soldiers, and, in case there be any money really due to these men on account of their claims, to authorize the Colonial Treasurer to discharge the same, and recover the amount from the Imperial Government. Wellington, 9th April, 1872. W. Gisboene.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 62. His Honor F. A. Cabeington to the Hon. W. Gisbobne. Superintendent's Office, New Plymouth, Sib,— Taranaki, 28th February, 1872. Referring to my letter of the 23rd June, 1870, and its enclosures, and your letter of the number and date quoted in the margin, and its enclosures, in reference to claims made by discharged soldiers who are settled in this Province, I have now the honor to submit the copy of a letter which has been addressed to me by the Secretary of " The Discharged Soldiers' Association," together with certain documents showing, under rules laid down in Her Majesty's service, the name and sum claimed by each man. The documents which accompany this letter are as follows, namely:— No. 1. Letter from the Secretary of " The Discharged Soldiers' Association " to the Superintendent of Taranaki, requesting him to forward to His Excellency the Governor the documents herewith sent, numbered 2, 3, i, and 5. _ No. 2. Memorial to His Excellency the Governor, stating that they (the discharged soldiers) are entitled to Gd.* per day, for three months, the same to be continued for twelve months, if so approved by His Excellency. They have offered, if the claim be granted, to surrender it to the Provincial Government of Taranaki, for the purpose of opening out and developing the resources of the forest land they have selected, by making roads in their district, and have placed their autograph to the memorial in testimony thereof. No. 8. A document from long-service men, asking for the sum stated opposite each name, which amount is claimed as a gratuity under rules in the service. Two extracts from " The Soldiers' Account Book " of 1838 and 1858 are appended to this (No. 3) document in support of the claim made. No. 4. A document from short-service men, asking for the amount stated opposite each name, which they claim as a gratuity under rules in the service. An extract from " The Soldier's Account Book, 1858," is attached to the document in support of the claim. No. 5. List of discharged soldiers who claim the Queen's bounty of £1, to which they were entitled on being discharged, but have not yet received it. In forwarding the above-named claims, I beg leave to state that, from my own knowledge and observation, the discharged soldiers who are settled in this Province are worthy of every award made to good-conduct men. I therefore strongly recommend their memorial and statement of claims for the most favourable consideration of His Excellency the Governor. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Feed. A. Caeeington, "Wellington. Superintendent.

309, of 30th June, 1871.

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DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF