RETURN to an Address of the Honourable The House of Commons, COPY or EXTRACTS from any recent DESPATCH from the Governor of Colonial Office, Downing-street, G. W. HOPE. Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 14 March 1845. COPY or EXTRACTS from any recent DESPATCH from the GOVERNOR of New South Wales, respecting OUTRAGES by the Natives in the Bay of Islands, in New Zealand. COPY of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir George Gipps to Lord Stanley. (No. 166.) Governor Sir My Lord, Government House, Sydney, 5 August 1844. I HAVE the honor to forward herewith a copy of a letter which I received on the 2d instant from Governor FitzRoy, representing to me various occurrences of a serious nature which had taken place in New Zealand, especially at the Bay of Islands; and very earnestly begging that military assistance might be afforded to him from this colony. I lost no time in bringing Captain FitzRoy's application before my Executive Council; and on the evening of the second day after it was received, the vessel sent by Captain FitzRoy was ready to proceed on her return to New Zealand, with a party of 150 men of the 99th Regiment, under the command of Lieutenantcolonel Jackson. For further particulars I beg to refer your Lordship to the accompanying copy of my reply to the letter addressed to me by Governor Fitz Roy, and also to the copy of a minute which was made upon the occasion by my Executive Council. I annex a copy of a return of the men, stores, &c., sent to New Zealand. Enclosures in Governor Sir George Gipps' Despatch, of 5 August 1844. (No. 1.) Sir, Auckland, 13 July 1844. ALTHOUGH the utmost pains and precaution have been used by me to avert the necessity of making a hostile display, there is no longer any alternative; and I am obliged to ask, in the most earnest manner, for immediate assistance, both military and naval. Either we must submit to be treated as men not only unwilling, but unable to defend ourselves, to protect our women from insult, and our flag from dishonour; or we must now take such effective measures as will restore respect for our flag, and ensure tranquillity in the colony. Recent disturbances at the Bay of Islands, described in the enclosed papers; Mr. Commissioner Spain's award against the natives at New Plymouth; and the unsettled state of Enclosure. 5. the land question in the neighbourhood of Cook's Strait, present a prospect of difficulties which can only be met successfully, under God's providence, by a timely demonstration of power. To make such a demonstration, I now formally request such means as your Excellency may be able to supply. I am sure you will feel with me, that the greater the display, the larger the force, the more speedy, peaceful and lasting, will be the consequences. Your Excellency is well aware that if the military are to act in this country, under the existing circumstances and feelings, they ought to be employed in such a manner as to be overpowering. To prevent delay in preparing means of transport, I have chartered the ship" Sydney," fit to carry more than 200 men; and I have to request that your Excellency will authorize the embarkation and temporary employment in New Zealand, of at least two companies of the line, with camp equipage; two light field-pieces; a howitzer; some rockets and handgrenades, and a supply of provisions for three months. I propose that this force should be disembarked near Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands, and there encamp; that it should be joined by part of the detachment here, and be supported by Her Majesty's ship" Hazard," and some other ship of war, which I trust your Excellency will be able to spare for this purpose. I shall then demand ample atonement from the chief Heke, and if he should refuse to comply with my just demands, I shall enforce them. That the moral effect of these proceedings will be felt throughout New Zealand, to the permanent advantage of the New Zealanders themselves as well as the settlers, is the opinion of the Chief Protector of Aborigines, and those whom I have consulted. The ship by which I send this despatch, conveys an officer and 30 men of Her Majesty's 96th regiment to the Bay of Islands. Her Majesty's ship "Hazard," will sail immediately for New Plymouth, where also there are disturbances. I need hardly state, that unless assistance be speedily and effectually given, the amount of injury done to this valuable colony, and the distressing results to the aborigines as well as to the settlers, may be beyond calculation. His Excellency Sir George Gipps, &c. &c. Sir, I have, &c. (signed) Robt. Fitz Roy, Governor. Police Office, Russell, 6 July 1844. I HAVE the honour to report, for the information of his Excellency the Governor, that a tribe of natives from the Kai-Kohi, well armed, and headed by the notoriously bad chief, "John Heke," entered this settlement yesterday, for the purpose, as he states, of demanding payment from Lord's wife (who is a native), for certain breaches of aboriginal customs; but as Lord was unable to give sufficient payment for his wife's delinquencies, the tribe have behaved in the most extraordinary and threatening manner, having broken into Mr. Cafler's house, of which they still forcibly retain possession, as well as Lord's; which latter person they turned out, having previously taken his property; they have also committed several robberies in the town, and seized the passage-boat of John Fox ; but from having no force at my command, it is impossible to prevent their aggressions without very serious consequences. I would also remark, that John Heke is the person who committed so many outrages at Wangaroa and Mungonui a short time since. I am happy to state, that the Europeans have in this instance behaved in the most quiet and orderly manner. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, I have, &c. (signed) Thomas Beckham, P. M Auckland. COPY MINUTE. Dear Sinclair, My answer to 44/1554 will be a reply to this also; acknowledge both. 10 July 1844. R. F. To his Excellency Captain Fitz Roy, R. N., Governor and Commander-in-Chief Russell, 8 July 1844. May it please your Excellency, WE, the undersigned, inhabitants of Russell, in the Bay of Islands, beg most respectfully to state to your Excellency the occurrences which have taken place here within the last few days, with a view of obtaining such military aid as will prevent their recurrence. On Thursday last, the 4th day of July, between the hours of three and four o'clock, Mr. Henry Kemp, the Protector of Aborigines, waited upon one of the magistrates (Mr. Thomp son), "Heke" is the (signed) R. F. son), the police magistrate being absent on business at Hokianga, and informed him that a others. The Rev. Messrs. William Williams and Maunsell, Mr. Beckham, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Kemp, had a long conversation with John Haki and his party on the beach, which failed in making any good effect. Saturday night passed off quietly, as well as yesterday (Sunday). This morning, at daylight, they assembled in a body, and carried into effect that which they have been all along threatening; viz. the destruction of the Government flag-staff, which they accomplished by cutting it down and burning part of it, carrying away the signal-balls and the remaining part of the staff. They had previously taken away a boat by force, from a waterman named Fox, who lives at the Waitangi Falls, and hauled it up high and dry into a native pah, at the mouth of the said river; this boat, however, at the expostulation of Mr. Thompson and Mr. Kemp, was returned to the owner. It is now reported, that it is their intention shortly to return in greater numbers: for this, of course, we cannot vouch; but we trust your Excellency will consider that the facts above detailed are of themselves sufficient to justify your Excellency in affording us a small_body of military for our protection; and we now beg to express our readiness, with your Excellency's permission, to form ourselves into a militia corps, in order to co-operate effectually with the troops, should the services of either one or the other be at any time required to carry the law into effect. It is our opinion, if your Excellency approves of a corps being formed, that the arms, ammunition and accoutrements should be supplied by the Government; as this means would effectually prevent an improper use being made of them by the persons to whom they might be assigned; but are quite willing to find our own arms, should your Excellency approve of our doing so, and shall at all times be ready and willing to aid and assist the proper authorities in carrying out the laws, and defending ourselves and property. The Wairau affair has very much emboldened the more evil-disposed portion of the native Sir, Police Office, Russell, 8 July 1844. ON Saturday last I had the honour to report, that a tribe of about 100 well-armed natives from the Kai Kohi, headed by "John Heke," entered this settlement, for the purpose of obtaining payment from a native woman (who is married to a European named Lord), for certain offences which, it is stated, she has committed against him; and that they had perpetrated several ontrages on the property of the towns-people; and I now beg to state, for the information of his Excellency the Governor, that, from that period, nothing of consequence has occurred until seven o'clock this morning, when they proceeded to the signal-station, and cut down the flag-staff, and then decamped without doing further violence. From having no disciplined force at my disposal, I have deemed it advisable to endeavour to prevent their aggressions by expostulation, rather than risk a sacrifice of many lives without having it in my power to put an effectual check to their proceedings, or to bring them to justice. The inhabitants have been in a considerable state of alarm, but I am happy to state that, although the conduct of these natives has been both gross and threatening, I know of only one instance of personal violence having been used, and I believe that to have originated more from misapprehension than from wantonness. The boat which was taken from Fox has been returned to him. 12 July 1844. Dear Sinclair, INFORM Mr. Beckham, and desire him to make known that a detachment of military will be at Russell in a few days; and that a force sufficient to maintain British authority will be sent from Sydney in a few weeks. Tell Mr. Beckham to be careful to keep on the right side, by a prudent perseverance in temperate and conciliatory measures, until selfdefence renders hostility unavoidable. Desire Mr. Beckham to cause the flag-staff to be immediately replaced in the same position. 10 July 1844. Sir, Government House, Auckland, 12 July 1844. ENCLOSED I send you a copy of a letter from myself to Mr. Beckham, the police magistrate at Russell; and I have the honour to request that the detachment of Her Majesty's 96th regiment, consisting of a subaltern officer and 30 men, as mentioned in the Colonial Secretary's letter of yesterday, may be temporarily quartered at Kororarika, now called Russell. I have further to request, that you will give such directions to the officer of Her Majesty's 96th regiment in command of that detachment, as will ensure his acting in accordance with the principles expressed in my said letter. Lieutenant-colonel Hulme, Commanding Her Majesty's Troops in New Zealand. (signed) I have, &c. Robt. Fitz Roy, Sir, Auckland, 12 July 1844. By a small vessel which sailed hence yesterday morning, the following answer was sent to your letters of the 6th and 8th instant : "Sir, 10 July 1844. "I HAVE laid before the Governor your letters of the 6th and 8th, giving an account of certain disturbances which have taken place in your district, and in reference thereto I am commanded by his Excellency to inform you, and to desire that you will make it known, that a detachment of military will be at Russell in a few days; and that a force sufficient to maintain British authority will be sent from Sydney in a few weeks. "I am to enjoin you, under these circumstances, to be careful to keep on the right side, by a prudent perseverance in temporate and conciliatory measures, until self-defence renders hostility unavoidable. "I am to desire you to cause the flag-staff to be immediately replaced in the same posi tion which it formerly occupied. "I am, &c. (signed) "Andrew Sinclair, "Colonial Secretary." I now address you myself on the same subject. It appears from your letters, from the report of the Protector of Aborigines, and from the memorial now before me, a copy of which is enclosed, that the chief Heke, with a considerable number of his tribe, chiefly young men, and all armed, committed outrages in the settlement of Russell (Kororarika), which have caused alarm and indignation among the inhabitants. The outrages I particularly refer to, are gross insults to females, and cutting down the Government flag-staff. Such acts, unprovoked by any misconduct on the part of the settlers, but patiently borne by them with exemplary forbearance, cannot be tolerated by the Government. The honour of our countrywomen, and the honour of our flag, are alike dear to every Briton; and it is my duty to protect them from insult in this colony. The conduct of Heke and his followers has been such a remarkable exception to that of New Zealanders in general, and has already met with such marked disapprobation from other tribes, that I have little doubt they will insist on his endeavouring to atone for his acts, by making such compensation as may be deemed adequate; but in the meantime it is necessary to prevent a repetition of any similar outrage. An officer of Her Majesty's 96th regiment, and 30 men, will immediately be quartered at Russell (Kororarika). This officer will have strict orders to act solely on the defensive, for the maintenance of order and tranquillity, and the preservation of the peace of Her Majesty's subjects. He will be debarred from making any excursion into the country, and he will on no account employ the military under his command in hostile operations, except in self-defence, or at the written request of the police magistrate, in defence of the inhabitants. You will forthwith require the Protector of Aborigines to call together the principal chiefs in your neighbourhood; state what has happened, show them the consequences of such conduct, if allowed to pass unoticed; point out the effects upon themselves and their children, if Europeans shun their neighbourhood, and go to other places in preference; and request their assistance in obliging Heke to make such compensation and atonement as I shall deem necessary. A military force may be expected from Sydney in a few weeks, accompanied by at least one ship of war. You will take every proper means and opportunity of impressing upon all parties, European as well as native, that Heke is alone considered blameable, that it is from him that atonement will be demanded, and that the concurrence of all the other principal chiefs is desired and expected in obliging him peaceably to acknowledge and make compensation for his misconduct, in offering insult to British women, and in cutting down the British flag. I have, &c. sgned) Robert Fitz Roy, Thomas Beckham, Esq., Police Magistrate, Russell." Governor. MEMORANDUM of Agreement made and entered into this 13th day of July 1844, between the Honourable Andrew Sinclair, Esq. Colonial Secretary, on behalf of Her Majesty's Colonial Government of New Zealand on the one part, and William Smillie Grahame, Agent for the ship "Sydney." now lying in the Waitemata Harbour, in the port of Auckland, on behalf of the Owners of the said ship on the other part. It is hereby agreed, that the said vessel being made ready, shall forthwith sail from the aforesaid port, having first taken on board such number of troops with their stores, camp equipage, accoutrements, provisions, &c., as the officer commanding the troops aforesaid shall think proper to cause to be put on board; and shall proceed immediately to the port of Russell, in the Bay of Islands, and there land in her own boats the aforesaid troops, with their stores, camp equipage, accoutrements, &c., and on being discharged, shall, without any unnecessary delay, proceed to the Port of Sydney, in New South Wales, whereat she shall receive on board such troops with their stores, accoutrements, camp equipage, guns, provisions, &c., as the Governor of that colony, or officer deputed by him shall think proper to put on board; the said ship not to be detained in the port of Sydney aforesaid, more than 14 clear days; and shall then return with all due despatch to the aforesaid port of Russell, there to land, if required to do so, in her own boats, the said troops, with their stores, camp equipage, horses, guns, accoutrements and provisions as aforesaid; or if so required and directed by the Governor of this colony, or officer duly authorized by him, thence to convey the said troops to any other port of the said colony of New Zealand which may be indicated by the said authority. In consideration whereof, the said Andrew Sinclair, Colonial Secretary as aforesaid, doth, on behalf of the said Government of New Zealand, agree and undertake to pay, by the hands of the Colonial Treasurer of the said colony, for the use and hire of the said vessel, to the said William Smillie Grahame in full for the above service (port charges of Sydney excepted), the sum of five hundred and fifty pounds (550 l.) Provided, and it is hereby further agreed between the said parties, that in the event of the said vessel on her return to the said port of Russell with troops as aforesaid, after notice having been given in writing by the master of the said vessel to the officer commanding the troops, of her readiness to disembark them, being detained at the instance of the Government of New Zealand, beyond 48 hours after her arrival at the said port, demurrage at the rate of eight pounds (8.) for each working day shall be paid to the agent of the said ship by the New Zealand Government; and further, that for every day the said vessel shall be employed under the order of the said Government after the 48 hours above specified, the said agent for the said vessel shall be paid at the rate of eight pounds (87.) for every day during which she shall be so employed, whether the said employment be to remain in the port of Russell, or to proceed elsewhere. The said vessel to carry no cargo or freight, or passengers of any description, other than such as may be authorized in writing by the said Colonial Secretary of New Zealand, or by the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. Signed, sealed and delivered at Auckland, in the colony of New Zealand, on the day and year above written. In the presence of (signed) Andrew Sinclair. (signed) John White, Master, |