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No. 31. The Agest-Geneeal to the Hon. the Minister for Immigration. Sic,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 27th March, 1878. I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of the Government, copy of further correspondence which has taken place respecting the Katikati Special Settlement since the despatch of my letter No. 221, of 25th February last. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Minister for Immigration, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 31. The Sec'2Etaey, Agent-G-oneral's Department, to Mr. S. Cocheane. Sic,— 28tli February, 1878. I am directed by the Agent-General to transmit two parchment copies of an agreement for Mr. G-. Tesey Stewart's signature, and I am to request you to witness the same in the usual manner, and on both copies being duly executed to return them to this office. I also enclose a printed copy of the agreement, together with a printed copy of the Gazette notice setting apart the la,nd, both of which you can hand to Mr. Stewart on his signing the parchment copies. In section 17 it appears to mo that the word "dwelt" should be "dealt," and, should Mr. Stewart concur, be so good as to make the necessary alteration, and initial the same. 1 have, &c, Waltek Kennawax, 8. Cochrane, Esq. Secretary to the Department.

Enclosure 2 in No. 31. Mr. G. V. Stewart to the Agent-General. New Zealand Office, Customhouse Square, Belfast, Sir,— 2nd March, 1878. I beg to acknowledge receipt of Mr. Kennaway's letter of the 2Sth ultimo, and as my forms are identical with those that you have forwarded, and being bound with a block to be used as a duplicate and reference, I prefer to adopt them. However, to meet your wishes, and in order "to give the directions as to the manner in which these forms should be filled up," I will attach same to each of the application forms, and this, I presume, will meet with your approval. Reviewing the tone of your previous prolonged correspondence, and your action in the various matters of detail connected with tho formation of my settlement party, I regret much that I am compelled to adhere to my previously expressed opinion as to my interpretation of your decision with reference to the Hon. Air. Macandrew's instructions, to which I have alluded in my last letter. I consider it would be unreasonable and unfair towards my settlers to sign the agreement, in tho absence of a map or tracing of the lands, which I have purchased, and for which I have paid. If, however, you will undertake on behalf of the Government of New Zealand that the lands therein described are in exact accordance with the tracing submitted by me to the Waste Lands Board of Auckland, approved by that Board, as stated in their letters of April, 1877, and confirmed by Mr. Donald Reid, the Secretary for Crown Lands, I will, under the circumstances and subject to these condition, sign the agreement. In a former letter you stated you would not forward me a list of tho Local Agents for the Government of New Zealand (in this country) till such agreement was signed. I shall be glad to know if you still intend to adhere to such decision, as in the event of your declining "to meet my wishes in this matter, as desired by tho Hon. Mr. Macandrew," I must only appoint my own agents, thereby entailing considerable expense and delay; and, as a colonist, I consider that I have just cause for complaint at your conduct in the matter. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. Geo. Vesey Stewart.

Enclosure 3 in No. 31. The Secretary, Agent-General's Department, to Mr. G. V. Stewart. Sic,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., sth March, 1878. I am directed by the Agent-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, and, in reply, to inform you that, without instructions, ho is unable to give you the guarantee as to the description of the land, of the nature mentioned by you therein. The Agent-General directs me further to inform you that he has sent a telegram to New Zealand, asking whether he shall give the guarantee you require; and also whether, in the event of your not fgi ing the agreement, he is to act under its provisions. Pending the reply of the Government, the Agent-General will adhere to his decision, already communicated to you, of not taking any further steps in the matter, unless the agreement is signed by you. I have, &c, Walter Kennaway, G. V. Stewart, Esq. Secretary to the Department.