Mr. Commissioner Cooper to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

I have the honour to transmit herewith a letter, which has been addressed to His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government by Hone Ropiha, a Government Assessor and one of the principal chiefs of this district, who prays that His Excellency will be pleased to direct that a garrison of troops should he quartered in New Plymouth.

Since the enclosed letter was placed in my hands I have taken some pains to ascertain, in as far as possible, the sentiments of the Natives upon the subject, and I find that the majority are anxious that troops should be sent here, and many of them are apprehensive that unless some such preventive step be taken the insolent and overbearing conduct of some of the aborigines will—especially as large numbers are expected to arrive here from Cook Straits in the course of this year—ere long attain such a height as to endanger the peace of the community. I think, therefore, that, in the event of the question of garrisoning this town being in contemplation, no anxiety need be entertained as to the effect of such a step upon the Native population. On the contrary, it is much wished for by the majority, and it is possible that the circumstances of the province may before long render it necessary, at least as a precautionary measure.