G.—2. (Appendix A.)

taken by Ngamare and others, to bring on some settlement of their Opunake Block (50,000 acres), as they had been told that Major Brown intended to allocate a number of compensation awards within this block, and also other claims of theirs within this and the township block. As to the ploughing south of Waingongoro, the action taken was to claim land in spite of the Confiscation Acts: protesting against its being right or lawful; as admitting its right on one side of the river would be admitting its right on the other (Waimate). With regard to the chief and prophet Motu and the Ngamahanga Tribe, I and Mr. Mackay strongly advised them to keep strictly loyal, and separate from Te Whiti; and we assured them that they had nothing to fear, that their reserve was safe and all right, and its remaining so depended entirely on their good behaviour. The Ngamahanga Reserve is from Stoney River to Waiweranui, and by those rivers to the peak of Mount Egmont; it is supposed to contain 18,000 acres. Ngamahanga is my mother's immediate tribe on her mother's side, and she is living near Punehu, their principal pa. 1 inay here say a few words respecting Native reserves. The principle laid down in arranging reserves for surrendered rebels was, that they should be at the rate of 50 acres per head for each man, woman, and child; and that other provision should be made for Friendlies and loyal Natives outside these blocks. (Vide letters of J. 0. Richmond, Nos. 668 and 245.) In conclusion, I have only to urge that the Government will take immediate steps towards bringing on a settlement of the West Coast difficulty, for I am sure that the majority of the Natives on the West Coast are anxious that the matter should be settled definitely and soon. Of course there are many of them inclined to be troublesome; fortunately the worst of these amongst the Ngatiruanui are now in custody, and their escape or release would be a most dangerous thing to happen ; but by far the greater number are willing to aid in a peaceable settlement. Surely the Government should be in a position to obtain the services of some able, active man, whose skill and energy would turn these well-disposed Natives to good account in ending this vexed question. Why, in Parihaka itself the people are divided in their own minds. It is those who come from a distance, such as those from Wanganui and the north of New Plymouth, who are the most blind believers in Te Whiti. I am willing (and all connected with me) to do all in my power to aid the Government in this business. R. T. Blake.

No. 16. Coekespokdejtce with Sir Geoege Geet, K.C.8., respecting the Evidence given before the Commissioners by Major Brown.

Sie, — West Coast Commission, New Plymouth, 13th March, 1880. The West Coast Commissioners think it right to transmit to you the accompanying extracts from evidence given before them by the Civil Commissioner of this district, with regard to certain reserves on the Waimate Plains. They desire me to say that they would be glad to know whether you wish to make any statement with reference thereto, or to give any verbal evidence before them on the subject. I have, &c, Sir George Grey, K.0.8., M.H.8., Auckland. E. D. Bell, Secretary. [Note. —A similar letter was addressed to the Hon. Mr. Sheehan.]

Sie,— Kawau, 4th May, 1880. Would you be so good as to return my thanks to the West Coast Commissioners for the information they caused to be transmitted to me in your letter of the 13th March. I have not thought it necessary to comment on that information, as it was so obviously my duty to tako care that the Government, upon which all the responsibility rested, were kept fully informed as to the reserves to be secured for the Natives, before any arrangements regarding these were made, instead of leaving the whole power relating thereto in the hands of a single individual. I am not aware if the Commissioners have inquired into the circumstances under which certain lands in the immediate vicinity of Opunake, and which will probably be ultimately of great value, appear to have been taken for private individuals. If this has been done it would, I believe, be in breach of instructions, and promises made to W. Kingi Matakatea, and I should feel grateful to the Commissioners for any information they could give me upon the subject. I have, &c, The Secretary, West Coast Native Commission. G. Geet.

Note. —The Commissioners subsequently (4th June) sent to Sir G. Grey a further extract from Major Brown's evidence, as to reserving the Parihaka Block for Te Whiti [see Fvidence, Q. 1044 to 1048]. Sir G. Grey replied as follows: — " Major Brown must have altogether misunderstood me. I have asked all my fellow-Ministers who are here, and they agree with me that we never decided upon returning any particular block of land to the Natives. Certain lands had been promised to be returned by our predecessors. By those promises we were necessarilv bound. "4th June, 1880." " G. Geet.

V No. 17. Lettee from Major Beown, Civil Commissioner, to the Hon. Native Ministeb, enclosing Plan of proposed Eeserves on Waimate Plain Survey.

Sie, — Wellington, 2nd April, 1879. I have the honor to enclose map of the land surveyed into sections on the Waimate Plains, with the reserves proposed to be made in the interests of its former owners, some of which will not be 3— G. 2 (App. A).

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