I.—2b,

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broke up without anything further being done. Henare Tomoana was there, and was, I understand, one of those who consented to this arrangement that I had arrived at. 276. Then are the Committee to understand that generally the allegations contained in the petition are correct ? —ln the petition of whom ? 277 Of Mr. Sutton ? —They are statements of fact; but beyond that there is the fact lying at the bottom of the whole question that the Natives have really a grievance with respect to this case. 278. Sir G. Grey.] I would like to ask Dr. Pollen one or two questions. The petition states " that certain aboriginal natives —Hoera and Hohaia te Hoata—having taken possession of the said piece or parcel of land." I would like to ask Dr. Pollen, does he know when they took possession of it ?—I am not able to answer that in the absence of the papers. I cannot charge my recollection with the circumstances at all. 279. Are you aware whether they took possession before or after Mr. Sutton took possession ? — I cannot say 280. Then you do not know that the petition is substantially correct ? —That all depends. 281. You do not at present know it ?—Not at present. 282. Mr. Ormond.] When you went to Napier in reference to this case, you went as Native Minister ? —Yes. 283. At that time the Natives had possession of the block, had they not ?—Yes. 284. What was your object in going ? —-My object in going was to endeavour to effect an amicable arrangement with the Natives, for the purpose of preserving the peace, and having justice done to both sides. 285. You requested the parties to hand the matter over to you, did you not, to be dealt with ?— Yes; the actual expression used was that the land should be given to me—that is, the land in dispute, the reserve. 286. Could you say to the Committee, generally, what the feeling of the Government was on the matter in regard to this case ? —I do not know that the Government had any feeling in the matter. I myself represented the Government throughout the whole transaction, and, at the time, the only feeling that I had was that the Natives should be satisfied and justice done all parties. 287 For that object there was a meeting held at Napier ?—Yes ; a very large meeting. 288. Who was the principal, do you remember, who acted on the part of the Natives ?—The late Karaitiana was there, and Henare Tomoana. I was aware that all the principal men in the district were present. 289. Do you remember if Karaitiana acted as spokesman ? —He spoke frequently, and took a leading part in the matter. 290. You said just now that a Mr. Grace, who was there, interfered in a manner during the meeting that prevented the settlement from being made ?—Yes. 291. Do you remember what advice he gave on that occasion ?—I cannot charge my memory with the particular suggestion that he made to Karaitiana, but the arrangement arrived at was completely frustrated. 292. Which Mr. Grace was that ? —He is the Mr. Grace who, I understand, is Resident Magistrate at Waikato. 293. Mr G. Grey.] Did Mr. Grace interfere improperly ?—I cannot say that the interference was improper. He came there representing a particular interest, and I suppose he interfered for the purpose of promoting that interest, whatever it was. 294. Were you informed by anybody that the Natives had been residing there for many years ?— I think I knew all the circumstances at the time, but they have gone out of my recollection. 295. What did you mean by asking the Natives to give the land up to you ?—To effect an arrangement between the parties. 296. Was there any offer to restore this block of land ?—There was no offer of that. The meaning of the proposition I made was that they should give up possession of the block entirely to me, and to leave the land. 297 Were you on the land at the time ? —No. 298. Had you ever been on the block ?—No. 299. Where was the meeting held ? —ln the Government Office in Napier, above the Supreme Court Buildings.

Additional Papers re .F. Sutton's Petitions of 1878 and Session 1., 1879. The Chaieman, Native Affairs Committee, to Mr. Tylee. To J. T. Tylee, Esq., Napier.— Re the writ of ejectment, Sutton v. Hoera, Omaranui, please inform me whether you ever received any instructions from the Covernment, direct or implied, to refrain from the execution of the said writ.—John Beyce, Chairman, Native Affairs Committee, House of Bepresentatives. Wellington, 24th July, 1879.

Mr. Tylee to the Chaieman, Native Affairs Committee. To John Bryee, Esq., Chairman, Native Affairs Committee, Wellington. —Sutton v. Hoera. When writ was issued Sir D. McLean telegraphed to me not to take action pending Mr. Ormond's arrival in Napier. I think Mr. Ormond arrived next day. When I saw him he told me I must do my best to carry out the laws; act with discretion. Not being successful, 1 reported the matter to Minister of Justice, and was advised to apply to Judge at next sittings of Supreme Court for an attachment Henry Tomoana, if such course necessary. No further steps were taken, nor was I urged to do so until a year after, when I was called on to make return to writ. I saw Mr. Sheehan, and understood from him the matter would be arranged.—J T. Tylee, late Sheriff. Napier, 24th July, 1879.

Notice of Name oh Valuation List. —District of Hawke's Bay, County of Hawke's Bay. To Frederick Sutton, Earndon, Clive. —Take notice that your name appears on the valuation list under " The Land-Tax Act, 1878," for the County of Hawke's Bay, Okawa District, as follows : —Name of owner, Frederick Sutton; trade or occupation, sheepfarmer ; description and situation of property, 163 acres, Block 3N, Omaranui; net value, £3,000. —J, Y. Collins, Deputy Commissioner. Napier, 1879.