Nelson, Wednesday,
21st March, 1860, 4 o’clock p.m.

Sir,—I have the honor to transmit to you herewith copies of resolutions just passed at a Public Meeting held by the Inhabitants of this City, expressive of their sympathy towards the inhabitants of Taranaki, in which I beg to assure you I most sincerely participate.

The immediate departure of the mail, prevents my saying more than that I trust the vigorous measures taken by His Excellency the Governor to quell the disturbance, may be speedily successful, and that peace and happiness may soon be restored to the homes of yourself and fellow-settlers.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
J. P. ROBINSON.

His Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki.

Resolutions passed at a Public Meeting held at the Masonic Hall, Nelson, on Wednesday, the 21st March, 1860.

1st. That this meeting, believing that its sympathy with our Taranaki fellow-colonists is fully shared by every individual in this Province, are of opinion that our Provincial Government would be acting in accordance with the wishes of the people of this Province by chartering the steamer “Tasmanian Maid” upon her return from Wairau and sending her to Taranaki to be placed at the disposal of the Governor, or the officer in command of the troops, should she be considered of service during the present hostilities,

2nd. That this meeting is of opinion that the people of this Province would be willing to receive and give a temporary asylum to any women, children, or disabled persons whom it would be necessary to send away from Taranaki for the relief of that settlement during the present hostilities, and that a committee consisting of the following gentlemen, with power to add to their number, be appointed to organize measures for relieving them:—

W. WELLS A. KERR
W. T. L. TRAVERS J. C. BARTLETT
M. BURY O. CURTIS
J. LUCK D. MORRO
L. NASH J. CONNELL
J. ELLIOTT J. LEWTHWAITE
N. EDWARDS J. P. ROBINSON

3rd. That a copy of the Resolutions now passed be sent to His Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki.

J. P. ROBINSON,
Chairman.

New Plymouth, 27th March, 1860.

His Excellency’s Reply.

Before replying to the questions addressed to me, I think it right to inform you that there are now upwards of 800 fighting men and a considerable strength of artillery in the town, and that I expect a further reinforcement by the Airedale on her return from Auckland, consequently I consider the Town perfectly safe. I may also add that in less than a month from this time I expect a naval brigade and a considerable reinforcement of troops from Australia. Commodore Loring and Sir Wm. Denison having informed me by the last mail (in answer to letters written from Auckland) that they would be ready to forward them at a moment’s notice.

The propriety therefore of moving the women and children should be considered on other grounds than those of safety. There can be no doubt that a town of which the surrounding districts are likely to be the seat of war, is not a desirable residence for females of any class. The crowded state of the town is likely to produce disease and to cause it to be more than ordinarily fatal. It is also true that the men would be better fitted for their duty as soldiers if relieved from anxiety for their families.

Taking these matters into consideration (and without any reference to their safety) I think the removal of those females who can be supported and provided for by their friends would be desirable. Persons not enrolled in the Militia, and unable to pay for their own removal, might be removed at the expense of Government: the ultimate expense remaining to be settled between the General and Provincial Governments. It will, however, be necessary to provide also for their future support.

The Airedale may be made available for this purpose on her return from Auckland, and the amount of payment may be arranged by the General Government.

The discharge of persons from the Militia does not depend on me, but in the cases of men having very large families, a special application might be made to the Colonel commanding, and would certainly meet with every attention, even if not acceded to.

New Plymouth,
28th March, 1860.