D.—No. IG.

the greater part of its original possessions. I did not think it necessary to intefere to prevent their obtaining an absolute title to these pieces. 2nd. Some of the Patukirikiri have claims on lands at Wangapoua that were before the Court, but these are chiefly valuable for the timber they contain, and not for their fitness for cultivation. The flat between Wangapoua and Wainuiototo, where they have their cultivations, and which, being near a good fishing ground, is eminently fitted for their use, is not trenched on, nor is the flat lying east of the landing place at Coromandel. 3rd. The lands at Mercury Bay, for which the owners now seek certificates, are either Kauri " bushes," flax mill sites, or gold reefing and quartz-crushing stations. Some of them are undoubtedly valuable, but there is an abundance of land left for the very much diminished numbers of the people of that locality. 4th. At Waikawau, and on the coast of the Frith, towards the Thames, the pieces for which titles are required are very small and insignificant. At Waikawau East, and Cabbage Bay, some very large claims were brought before the Court, but owing to inaccuracies of survey were not carried through to a decision. From a careful inquiry into the relative claims of the Native people on the Coromandel Peninsula, I am not led to believe that they have yet injured their condition to the extent of having insufficient land for their wants, but it will be necessary to watch closely their individualization of title —with sale for its object —in the future. I have, &c, Charles Heaphy, The Hon. the Native Minister. Acting Commissioner of Native Eeserves.

No. 6. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Major Heaphy, V.C, Acting Commissioner of Native Eeserves. General Government Offices, Sir,— Auckland, 17th Eebruary, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated 27th January, 1870, reporting your visit to the Natives at Coromandel, Wangapoua, and "Witiangi, with a view of ascertaining their circumstances, particularly with reference to the extent to which they have parted with their lands. I have to thank you for your report, and am glad that you are taking such an interest in that part of your duties which relates to the present and future welfare of the Natives, and I trust you will take every care to guard the Natives against an improvident alienation of the whole of their landed estates. I have, &c, Major Heaphy, V.C, Donald M'Lean. Acting Commissioner Native Eeserves, Auckland.

No. 7. The Hon. Mr. M'Lean to Major Heaphy, V-C, Commissioner of Native Eeserves. General Government Offices, Sir,— Auckland, 18th February, 1870. From the operation of the Native Lands Court in Hawke's Bay, certain Natives of that locality have received Crown Grants, by which they have, as common and joint tenants, become the legal owners of large estates. This partial individualism of title, while conducing generally to the benefit of the Natives, is attended in some cases with prejudicial results to their interests. It is found that from temporary pecuniary pressure and other causes, one or two Natives—the minority of the owners of an estate —will sell their interest in it, and that the introduction of strangers eventually causes the remaining owners to sell out or encumber their interests. In this manner there is a danger of the Natives so divesting themselves of land that was intended to be secured to them and their descendants as to empauperise themselves in the future. I have, therefore, the honor to request that you will proceed to Napier, and there put yourself in i communication with the Natives indicated in the margin*, with a view to inducing them to convey to two Trustees —one being yourself, as Native Eeserves Commissioner, and another who will be named — their estates, or such of them as may be endangered in the manner above set forth, in trust for their respective benefits, and with such conditions as shall insure inalienability. The Chief Judge of tho Native Lauds Court will furnish you with blank forms of Conveyance for the above purpose that have been carefully prepared and drawn by Sir William Martin, D.C.L., who has kindly assisted to further the views of the Government in devising means for the better protection of Native interests. I have, &c, Charles Hcaphy, Esq., V.C, Auckland. Donald M'Lean.

See No. 9, page 11

No. 8. Major Heaphy, V.C, to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, —■ Christchurch, 17th June, 1870. I have the honor to forward herewith a Schedule of Native Eeserves in the Province of * List of Natives above referred to : —Karaitiana Takamoana, Tareha, Te Hapuku, Te Harawera Tatari, Parane Hakihaki, Paore Kaiwhata, To Waka te Kawatini, Paora No Noi, Renata Kawopo, Noa Huki, Temuera. 2

5

AS COMMISSIONER OE NATIVE RESERVES.