G.—s

63

By these means, I trust all difficulty will be removed in dealing with the irregularities which have occurred hitherto in the conduct of the surveys ; but I apprehend that for the future it will be essential that such irregularities should cease, and that all should be done from the first as nearly as possible in accordance with the law. And therefore I trust that, after the present time, whenever surveys are needed, I, either direct or through my deputy, Mr. Baker, may be called upon, either by the Judge or by a Government Commissioner, to have them performed by officers 'duly appointed under my department as required by the Act. I have, &c., Theo. Heale.

No. 44. Mr. H. T. Clabke to Mr. S. Locke. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, Wellington, 28th July, 1875. No. 246. Desired by Hon. Native Minister to inform you that the communication by Mr. Wilson complained of by you was altogether unauthorized. Mr. Wilson was distinctly told that the Native Minister would in no way interfere with the judicial action of the Native Land Court, and that you would, as District Officer, see that the interests of the Government were protected. H. T. Clarke, S. Locke, Esq. Under Secretary.

No. 45. Mr. J. A. Wilson to Captain Pobter. (Telegram ) G-overnment Buildings, Wellington, 26th July, 1875. Please inform Natives interested whom you may meet that Mr. Locke has been directed by Hon. Native Minister to postpone, as District Officer, in Court, until Government surveys are completed, all lands surveyed by Cooper on which Government surveys have been paid. Captain Porter. J. A. Wllson. Minute by S. Locke, 8.M., 27th July, 1875. It is requested that Captain Porter will not take action in this matter as here suggested. S. Locke, R.M., D.O.

No. 46. Mr. H. T. Clabke to Mr. S. Locke. Native Office (Land Purchase Branch), Sib,— Wellington, 27th April, 1875. I have the honor to forward for your information and guidance, a copy of the instructions by the Hon. the Native Minister to Land Purchase Officers, I have, &c, Ht. T. Clabke, S. Locke, Esq., Napier. Under Secretary.

Enclosure. CIBCITLAE. Land Purchase Officers are reminded that all laud transactions on behalf of the Government must be conducted as openly as possible, and that in all cases the leading chiefs must be consulted; and they are strictly to avoid making payments to individuals who stealthily offer to part with their interests. Such a course is decidedly objectionable, as leading, in some instances, to Natives receiving money without due inquiry as to their right to dispose of land, thereby causing much discontent to the real owners, and prejudicing the Native mind against the action of the Government officials. Donald McLean.

No. 47. Mr. J. A. Wilson to Captain Portee. Sib, — Land Purchase Office, Gisborne, 22nd June, 1876. Referring to our conversation yesterday, in which you informed me that after Mr. Baffle had been sent into the field by Mr. E. Cooper to survey the lands kuown as Waingaromia Blocks, that he (Mr. Cooper) had spoken to you upon the subject, and had expressed his anxiety to obtain an authority from Mr. Locke to authorize said surveys as District Officer, I have the honor, in reference to the foregoing, to request you, should you see fit, to be good enough to furnish me with a letter embodying the above statement by Mr. Cooper to yourself. I have, &c, J. A. Wilson, Captain Porter, Militia Office, G-isborne. Land Purchase Officer,