SETTLEMENT OF CONFISCATED LANDS.

19

C—No. 4a,

duty to place on record the opinions I have already expressed verbally in the strongest possible manner. Speaking with some knowledge of the subject, I maintain that all the lands between the Waitotara and Waingongoro Biver are exceptionally circumstanced; that all legal or equitable Native claims, to them have been or are being satisfied ; and that they have been so dealt with as to render it highly inexpedient and dangerous to treat these lands as part of those ordinary confiscated lands which the Government pledged itself to restore. With regard to the "Whenuakura Block, more especially though its sale was formally authorized by yourself, yet the late Government are really responsible for it, the survey having been in part executed by Mr. McLean's orders, and its details arranged by me in conjunction with Mr. Fox. Not to sell this block now would be unfair to the public (who have long since been assured that it would be put into the market as soon as the survey was complete), injurious to the interests of the district, and dangerous to the peace of the Colony, which cannot be considered secure till this part of the "West Coast is occupied by European settlers. To allow Natives to reoccupy this land would be deliberately to plunge the country into another war, the chief brunt of which would, as on the last occasion, have to be borne by the settlers of the West Coast. As one of them, I earnestly entreat the Government to take my advice on this matter, even if my arguments may seem inconclusive and my interference impertinent. ROBEKT PhABAZYK", Wellington, 30th September, 1872. Commissioner of Confiscated Lands.