NEW PLYMOUTH.

NEW ZEALAND

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

Published by Authority.

VOL. VI.] NEW PLYMOUTH, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1858. [No. 3.

Provincial Secretary's Office,
New Plymouth, 22nd February, 1858.

THE following Despatch from the Colonial Secretary is published for general information.

I. N. WATT,
Provincial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary's Office,
Auckland, 17th February, 1858.

Sir,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the numbers and dates quoted in the margin, having reference to the Native feud at New Plymouth.

The Government has seriously considered the state of affairs consequent upon the excitement which has been engendered amongst the Natives since the slaughter of Katatore, and although no act of hostility to the settlers has hitherto occurred, nor was there, in so far as the Government is informed, reason to apprehend that acts of aggression against them on the part of the Natives would take place, so long as the former abstained from interfering in the quarrel, it was impossible not to recognise that accidental causes might implicate settlers either individually or collectively in the Native feuds.

The fact also that armed parties of Natives had contended upon lands occupied by settlers pointed to a manifest source of danger, if not put a stop to.

It has therefore been resolved by His Excellency in Council, to prevent, by every means at the disposal of the Government, the continuance of such a state of affairs, and accordingly a Proclamation, (copy of which is enclosed) has been issued warning all persons whomsoever against assembling in arms within the district therein defined, which comprises the Bell, Hua, Waiwa-kaiho, Grey, and Omata Blocks.

The Resident Magistrate has been instructed, should the civil power be unable to compel obedience to this Proclamation, to report to that effect to the Military Officer in command at New Plymouth, in which event, for the purpose of enforcing the Law, the New Plymouth Battalion of Militia will be called out for Actual Service, and the whole available military force of the Colony will be concentrated on New Plymouth; Garrisons being supplied from the Militia of the several districts from which Her Majesty's Troops are withdrawn.

Instructions have also been given to mount guns on Marsland Hill.

It is believed that the measures now taken will ensure protection to the peaceably disposed subjects of Her Majesty, and I have every confidence that the New Plymouth Militia, recognising the imperative circumstances of the case, will place themselves in such a state of readiness, as to ensure that, in the event of active measures becoming necessary, every possible aid will be afforded by them in support of Her Majesty's Authority.

To promote the efficiency of that body, Major Lloyd at much personal inconvenience, has accepted the command of the New Plymouth Militia; and he has been instructed to use every exertion to organise, and render it a serviceable Force. I have to request that your Honor will deliver to Major Lloyd, on the requisition of that officer, such arms and accoutrements as may be in charge of the Provincial Government of New Plymouth, for the use of the Militia.

I have, &c.,
E. W. STAFFORD.

His Honor the Superintendent,
New Plymouth.