NEW ZEALAND.

any final decision. I also enclose a further and very interesting report from the Gold Reward Committee, in confirmation of the discovery, although, after all other evidence, such can hardly be necessary.

There being every reason to feel satisfied that not only on the Coromandel ranges, but in all probability all the islands in the gulf, gold will be found, the natural consequence of which will be, an alteration in the whole social prospects of the province, and that too, at a moment when a new constitution may be expected, I without hesitation have taken upon myself the serious responsibility of immediate action; deeming it not only prudent, but right, under existing circumstances, to ascertain as far as possible the public sentiments on so important a question at so critical a period, I requested an interview with the gentlemen residing in and near Auckland recently elected to serve in the Provincial Council, in order to hear their opinions, and have the advantage of their cooperation- For this purpose I laid before them certain propositions, marked G, which have been duly considered and agreed to, together with a form of proclamation, marked H, should such become necessary.

I shall immediately proceed to the spot myself, hold the promised meeting with the chiefs, and if I succeed in arranging satisfactorily with them so as to preserve the peace of the province, and find that an available field actually exists, issue the proclamation, and permit the diggings to proceed under such laws and regulations as I shall in the meantime cause to be drawn up.

Should escorts, &c. be required, I must, when the time arrives, depend for assistance on the military authorities, coupled with a moderate increase of police, gathered from the native and European population.

These arrangements, made suddenly, and with the hope of saving the mail, on so unexpected and trying an occasion, may, I trust, meet all the exigencies of the case, as well as your Excellency's approval, and the approval of Her Majesty's Government at home.

I have, &c.

Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B.   (Signed)   R H. WYNYIARD.

&c.   &c.   &c.   Lieutenant-Governor.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1.

Civil Secretary's Office, Wellington,
November 8, 1852.

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief has been pleased to direct the publication, for general information, of the following extracts from a report by Major Nugent, native secretary at Auckland, relative to a recent discovery of gold in the neighbourhood of Coromandel Harbour, together with the report from the secretary of the " Gold Reward Committee" in that settlement on the subject.

By his Excellency''s command.

ALFRED DOMETT,

Civil Secretary.

EXTRACTS.

Auckland, October 23d, 1852. "I arrived at Coromandel Harbour on the evening of the 19th, and having ascertained beyond doubt that gold had been discovered in a stream running down in a southerly direction from the high range of hills into Coromandel Harbour, I proceeded next morning to the settlement of the chief " Paora," who was stated to have the principal claim to the land in which the gold was found."

" From the nature of the country it would appear that gold must be diffused along the whole range of hills extending from Cape Colville into the interior."

I have, &c.

(Signed)   C. L NUGENT,

Native Secretary.

REPORT of the General Gold Reward Committee to his Excellency the Lieutenant-
Governor of New Ulster.

SIR,   Auckland, October 23d, 1852.

I HAVE the honour, by order of the Gold Reward Committee, and pursuant to a resolution unanimously adopted, a copy of which is subjoined, to enclose, for the information of his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, a copy of the report furnished to the committee by the deputation who visited the locality where it is alleged gold has been discovered.

I have, &c.

(Signed)   THOMAS S. FORSAITH,

Secretary to Committee.

Encl. 2 in No. 1.