3

G.—l3

the land under Proclamation by the Government in the District of Patetere, and in consideration of the fact that certain European, speculators —viz., Walker, Wilson, and Williams—have been permitted to negotiate for the purchase of those lands, upon the condition that they returned the money advanced by the Government, and we being ignorant of the boundary, we appeal to you to give us a description of the boundary of the land included under the Proclamation of the Government, in order that we may know whether or not it is the same as we understand it to be. The course pursued has been a source of dissatisfaction to us —that is, the money advanced by the Government having been made a charge upon the whole of cur lands without any reference to the area that would have been an equivalent for it. The lands have now all been passed through the Court, and it has been found that some of the people who sold to the Government have no claim to the land, while others who did not join in the sale have been found to have a claim ; so that the shares of some of the owners who did not take part in the sale have been proclaimed in consequence of the land having been sold by persons having no claim to it, thereby causing dissatisfaction to the persons whose claims have been substantiated, but who did not sell the land. The course above referred to is calculated to create dissatisfaction in the minds of people interested, therefore do you explain the matter to us, so that our hearts may be relieved. Ended. Prom your loving friends, Hoera Mahirahi and Others.

No. 3. Hoera Mahirahi. 12th October, 1880. Priend, —Tour letter addressed to Hon. Mr. Bryce, dated 19th July last, has been received and considered. Tou ask for the boundaries of the land proclaimed by the Government in the Patetere District. These boundaries were published in the Neiv Zealand Gazette, first on the 19th September, 1874, and again on the 25th April, 1878. Major Mair will read them to you or to the agent who is acting for you in this matter Bichd. John Gill.

No. 4 [Translation.] Friend Mr. Bryce, Native Minister. Oruanui, Taupo, 4th August, 1880. Greeting,—l address you with reference to the disputed lands on this side of the boundary line of the Tokoroa Block. Certain people wish these lands surveyed, viz., the Whakamaru, Moungaiti, Waimabana, Ongaroto, Maungaharakeke, Ngautuku, Te Eereahinemai-u, Te Tangihanga, Horohoro, Tauhunui, Whirinaki, Uruponga, Eatoreka, and Te Puaiti. These lands are all under Proclamation by the Government, and my friends and myself have the management of these lands, so if any other persons apply to have them surveyed do not allow it, lest trouble should arise in consequence, for it cannot be done until a meeting of the whole tribe has been held. Ended. Prom your friends, Hohepa Tamamutu and Others.

No. 5. Hohepa Tamamutu 7th October 1880. Eriend, —Hon. Mr. Bryce directs me to write you that he received your letter, written from Oruanui, respecting the boundary of certain pieces of land still under Proclamation. Bichd. John Gill.

No. 6. [Translation ] To Hon. Mr. Bryce, Native Minister. Waipapa, Taupo, Gth August, 1880. I, with the whole tribe, appeal to you with regard to the Proclamation of the Government upon this land at Ongaroto, Tauhuuui, Maungaiti. We wish the Proclamation of the Government removed from this land, and we are very desirous of having the survey made, in order that we may be able to bring the land before the Native Land Court. Do you and the General Assembly of New Zealand give effect to our appeal. Ended. Prom Hetiri Paerata, (from the Ngadwairangi, Ngatitekohera, and the Ngatiraukawa Tribes.)

No. 7 Hitiri Paerata and Others. 21st October, 1880. Briends, —Your letter of the oth August, addressed to Hon. Mr. Bryce, requesting him to remove the Proclamation over pieces of land named by you, Ongaroto, Tauhanui, and Maungaiti, so that the land may be surveyed and brought before the Native Land Court, has been received and considered. Mr. Bryce directs me to inform you that the Proclamation does not in any way prevent your applying for the survey of the laud, and that, if such is referred to him by the Survey Department, he will approve of the work being done, Bichd. John Gill,