Superintendent’s Office,
New Plymouth, 14th September, 1860.

Sir,—In reply to your letter of the 18th ult., I have the honor to state for the information of the Taranaki Aid Committee, that no families have as yet removed to your Province. This relieves the Committee from their offer to defray the cost of their passages made under the circumstances stated in your letter.

I have also to state in answer to your enquiry that the Nelson Provincial Government provide or advance monies for the support of the Taranaki refugees, but the General Government are at the whole expense and will reimburse the Nelson Treasury.

The General Government have given us distinct orders that they will provide for our people only at Nelson.

I have, &c.,
(Signed) E. L. Humphries,
Deputy Superintendent.

Joseph Brittan, Esq.,
Hon. Sec. to the
Taranaki Aid Committee,
Christchurch.

Superintendent’s Office,
Wellington, 18th August, 1860.

Sir,—Referring to the communication of His Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki of the 28th May acknowledging the receipt of a remittance on account of the grant of £1000, voted by the Provincial Council for the relief of settlers of Taranaki, I have the honor to intimate to you that of the amount voted there still remains the sum of £500 not yet transmitted, which is at your disposal, and which I am prepared to forward whenever you may direct.

Consequent upon reports received from private sources of distress existing amongst the settlers of Taranaki, especially such as have sought refuge in Nelson, a subscription of money and clothing for their relief has been commenced by the settlers of this district, and has already reached a considerable sum. I sincerely trust that the efforts which are being made to assist our fellow-colonists may result in mitigating the sufferings we all so much deplore.

Permit me to add that as I am led to infer from the reports just alluded to that circumstances must have greatly altered since the date of the Superintendent’s letter, it would give me pleasure to forward the money if you should signify your desire to use it forthwith for the purpose for which the grant was made.

I have, &c.,
(Signed) W. Wakefield Taylor,
Deputy Superintendent.

Superintendent’s Office,
New Plymouth, 1st Sept., 1860.

Sir,—I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 18th ult., referring to the grant of £1000 voted by the Provincial Council of Wellington for the relief of our settlers, and likewise to a subscription of money and clothing which is being made in consequence of reports received from private sources of distress existing in our community, but more particularly amongst those who have been removed to Nelson.

The meeting of the Taranaki Aid Committee held at Nelson on the date of your letter, (of which you would be now informed) leaves me little to say on the arrangements made by this Government, in conjunction with that of the Nelson Province, to avert such a state of things as is represented by you, and I can truly state the same of this Province. In addition to the Militia pay, rations, and fuel, the Provincial Government in all instances issue rations to Militiamen on application, and house accommodation where needed. At Nelson these families receive other advantages, such as house rent, medical attendance, firing, a certain sum of money in lieu of rations, and the Government Agent (who has been most zealous and attentive) is empowered at his discretion to issue clothing.

Under such circumstances, the Government of this Province adheres to the opinion that it would be injudicious to make use of the sums of money which have been so liberally contributed by the other Provinces until the close of the war, or at least so long as the present provision for families is continued.

I have, &c.,
(Signed) E. L. Humphries,
Deputy Superintendent.
The Deputy Superintendent of the
Province of Wellington.

Melbourne Exchange, Sept. 10, 1860.

Sir,—I have the honor to enclose herewith newspaper copy of proceedings of a Public Meeting held in this City on Friday last to consider what steps should be taken for the relief of the sufferers through the Maori rebellion, and I am requested to state that the Committee then appointed will be glad to receive from you any information which may aid them in the prosecution of their object...

I have, &c.,
(Signed) John Russell, Hon. Sec.