they might obtain like benefits were they to sell their lands. Hence a jealous feeling prompts them to exert whatever influence they have in preventing those who have begun to feel the good resulting from the residence of Europeans amongst them from more fully benefitting by such residence, from selling the remainder of their lands. To this must be added the mischievous advice of some meddling Europeans not to sell; and some ill defined notions they hold on the power they possess as proprietors of a certain extent of country. The very circumstance however that they were obliged to unite as a League to prevent the sale of lands would go to show that they felt themselves weak on the subject. Individually I believe there are few amongst the Natives who will not admit that the arguments we use to shew them that it would be for their good to sell the land are right and proper; and can only reply by referring to their connexion with the League. In our immediate neigh-bourhood this is giving way --- Ihaia and Nicorema's party is a considerable one. Ihia has grown in importance within the last three years inasmuch as many of the natives look on him as a leader of equal and with some of greater consideration than Katatori. I believe those who unite with Ihia have much larger landed possessions than those who are Katatori's adherents; but the latter relies on the Ngatiruanuis for assistance. I should like to see some persons sent among the latter who without being known to be servants of the Government would visit them as traders or in any character by which they could not be suspected; and mixing amongst them might take any opportunities that presented themselves of pointing out the folly of the Natives in so uselessly holding their lands. You have mentioned Stockman's name in your letter very favourably but not more so than I think it deserves. He is doing what he can but his circumstances are embarrassed and I know that he cannot afford to give up the time he wishes to give to these matters. If two or three such as him could be found to send amongst the Taupos and Ngatiruanuis might they not do much good? Roads might produce much good were they carried through the lands of these dissentients, so