G.—7.

impossible for me to do better in time for the opening of the General Assembly to take place this month. You will notice my No. 1 list only shows 159,635 acres completed. The 106,990 acres shown iv No. 2 list would have been included, as also 79,421 acres placed on No. 3 list, had the money been placed at my disposal. This would have made the total acreage purchased 346,056 ; however, the whole can be safely treated as completed. The blocks on No. 2 list have only to be paid for. Those on No. 3, as a matter of form, are to be brought before the Court of Kaihu to receive a memorial of ownership. The remaining blocks on No. 3 list, with those on No. 4 and No. 5 lists, about 200,000 acres, surveyed, under survey, and to be surveyed, will be ready for final settlement within three months. I cannot refrain from expressing to you the obligation I feel myself under to Mr. Munro, as presiding Judge of the Native Land Courts held by him at Ohaeamue, Mangonui, and Herd's Point. In every instance he has shown the greatest consideration for me, while on behalf of the Government he has carefully and patiently investigated the numerous difficult and tedious cases brought before him. None failed to pass unless those for which the surveys and maps were not completed. I must thank your thoughtfulness in sending Mr. Preece to attend the various Courts for the purpose of investigating the character of my dealings with the Native owners, and to detect, if possible, any errors, omissions, &c. I know he has been zealous for the Government, and believe he will be just to me. I have, &c, The Hon. Sir Donald McLean. E. T. Beissenden. By Authority: Qiobgb Didebubt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7s. Price Is. 6d.]

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