No. 97.
Memorandum by Mr. Mclean.

Since the departure of the last English mail, the Colonial Government has been unremitting in its efforts to follow up the arrangements for peace concluded on the 9th ultimo by the Native Minister with the Waikato and the Ngatimaniapoto tribes. Mr. Fox, the Premier, has visited the powerful adherents of the Waikato at the Upper Whanganui, where he was received with demonstrations of a friendly nature; an offer having been made by the chief Topia, one of their principal leaders, to assist in capturing Te Kooti.

No opportunity has been lost sight of to effect a reconciliation with the Waikato and other tribes; at the same time care has been taken to avoid undue haste and pressure, which, with a race like the New Zealanders, would have the effect of impeding rather than promoting satisfactory relations. Te Kooti, joined by Kereopa, is still at large, and threatens some of our out-settlements.

While every effort is being made in the colony for the restoration of peace, it is with deep regret that Ministers have received the intelligence conveyed to your Excellency in Lord Granville's Despatch No. 115, of the 7th October last, intimating the determination of the Imperial Government to withdraw immediately the 18th Regiment, which has garrisoned the towns in the disturbed districts, and for which the Colonial Legislature had pledged itself to pay whatever annual sum the Imperial authorities might require. The removal of the only regiment in the colony, and the consequent loss of the moral support which it affords at this juncture, cannot fail to affect seriously the present hopeful prospect of a satisfactory adjustment of Native affairs.