G.—l

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cannot abandon in a day costly Government interests which it has been the work of years to create; and to do so would not, in his opinion, really advance either general or local interests. The Government interests being protected, he is prepared, however, favourably to consider any fair proposal. — T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary. No. 84. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 19th January, 1880. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. —The Ngatiraukawa have arrived. They have determined to ask the Court not to do anything about their cases until some understanding has been come to with the Government. There are a number of Rotorua and Taupo people here to-day. Are trying to induce Rakena not to resist the Court, as they are quite without food. I have issued sufficient for to-day —forty-one rations—and have informed them that I cannot give more without permission from the Hon. Native Minister. Pohipi and the Taupo people want an advance on the Tokoroa, to which land they have a claim. They would like a reply as soon as possible. —W. G. Mair, Agent. No. 85. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 19th January, 1880. Major Mair, Cambridge.—No. 102. —Native Minister has minuted your telegram as follows: "These food-supplies must be brought within the narrowest limits. It is impossible that the Government can go on supplying tribes of Maoris with food. Whatever food is supplied must be charged against some specific block. The advances on Tokoroa cannot be made."—P. Sheridan. No. 80. Cambridge, 21st January, 1880. Under-Secretart, Land Purchase, Wellington.— Be your telegram about food, the total amount of rations issued, £3 19s. 4d. Account of Abraham Isaacs for same forwarded to your office.—W. G. Mair, Agent. No. 87. Cambridge, 20th January, 1880. Hon. Mr. Brtce, Native Minister. —A word of mine to you. Do you remit the balance of the Tokoroa money to Major Mair (he and I will deal with it) ; for that land is yours. That is all the word. Let your reply be speedy.—Akuhata Kiharoa (however, from all of us). No. 88. '• (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 21st January, 1880. Major Mair, Cambridge.—No. 100. —Please inform Akuhata Eiharoa that the Native Minister will not sanction any further payments at present on account of Tokoroa Block. —P. Sheridan. No. 89. (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th January, 1880. Richard J. Gill, Esq., Under-Secretary, Land Purchase, Gisborne. —Self and brother leaving. If Government intend carrying out purchase of Patetere, offer to complete transaction for percentage on area acquired, and enter into bond not to deal for other parties within proclaimed boundary. We recommend this course as cheapest and most expeditious. —W. H. Grace, Cambridge. No. 90. (Telegram.) 21st January, 1880. Hon. Native Minister, Wanganui.—Have interviewed all necessary parties, and am authorized to state that they will refund the moneys expended by the Government in the purchase of lands comprised in Proclamation of Patetere Block. Natives agree unanimously. Would venture to suggest that all papers, plans, and vouchers be referred to Hon. Mr. Whitaker in Auckland; or that Mr. Gill might be instructed to come up and settle matters on the spot. —J. Siieehan, Cambridge. No. 91. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 22nd January, 1880. John Shekhan, Esq., Cambridge.—No. 6.—1. am directed by the Hon. Native Minister to state, in reply to your telegram of to-day, that Mr. Gill is now at Tauranga, knocked up with land-purchase accounts, and returns, Mr. Bryce believes, to Wellington to-day. The Native Minister will arrange about Patetere as soon as he can, on basis stated, and wishes to know the nature of the guarantee he will get for refund of expenses. —William Berrt, Jun., Secretary. No. 92. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 31st January, 1880. Hon. Native Minister, Wellington. —Just returned from Waotu Native meeting. Will forward you full account of general matters on Monday. Everything quiet and satisfactory. —J. Siieehan. No. 93. (Telegram.) Cambridge, 31st January, 1880. Hon. Native Minister, Wellington.—Just returned from Waotu. Natives met to number of 150. Unanimously agreed to accept Government proposal to hand back moneys. Want accounts and vouchers sent up at once. Competent officer should be sent with them to prevent any attempt at denial or repudiation. Meantime Europeans are prepared to give satisfactory security —a guarantee