A.—s

12

2. The teacher, Euatoka, having been here since 1873 (twelve years), and being thoroughly conversant with the local natives and their customs (especially in their dealings with foreigners for the sale of land), was a most valuable agent. Mr. G. Hunter also possessed considerable experience of natives. 3. The portions of land bought from each individual varied in size, but were all small. For each portion, 1 tomahawk, 1 handkerchief, and -J-lb. tobacco were given. This appears an almost unfairly low price. The total area bought, however, is not more than eight acres, and the value of the trade expended amounted to £18 2s. 4d. Thus, an acre is worth about £2 ss. None of this land was in cultivation, the natives declining then to sell even a small plantation which intervened between the Government bungalow and the sea. Nor is any of the land at Port Moresby of a fertile character, although several gardens exist. Although it also seems unfair that an individual should receive as much for one square perch as another does for two or three, they are accustomed to this settlement (since they have no areal measure), and the gain to the community is the same as if the total were exactly subdivided amongst the vendors. i. At 2 p.m. the native vendors gathered at the teacher's house, and, their names having been called over and noted carefully, the Eev. Mr. Lawes addressed them at my request. He informed them that I was an officer of the Beretani Government, was allowed to buy land, and had been directed to do so by the Kavana, or great chief. He said, at my request, that " I would buy both the bad land and the good land when they were inclined to sell, and that I intended to try and lead the water into their village by-and-by, and save them trouble in the dry season." Each landowner then received his payment and left quite satisfied, and with the intention of selling more land to Mr. Hunter for the Government. 5. In the afternoon fifty-four more natives sold land and were paid in my presence, departing quite satisfied. The chief Boi Vagi was present throughout the proceedings, from the perambulation of the boundaries to the final payments.

, ; .. New Guinea Minute Paper. [Eeceived 3rd September, 1885—Answered 9th September, 1885.] To Captain Anthony Musg-bave, Acting Deputy-Commissioner. Subject—Sundry matters to be reported on. 1. Herewith a memorandum of certain matters I wish you to inquire into and consider.— 1. Received. 2. Eeports to be sent when convenient. Some of the points are not ripe for settlement.— 2. Noted. 3. I authorise you.to incur necessary expenditure in connection with them should you deem it advisable not to wait for my authority.—3. Noted. 4. If there are any other matters you wish to bring up to my notice, please do so. I shall be glad at all times to hear from you.—4. Noted. Port Moresby, 3rd September, 1885. P. H. Scratchley.

Poet Moeesby.—Mattebs to be inquired into and considered bt Captain Musgrave, Assistant Deputy-Commissioneb. 1. Tidal-gauge, automatic. Communicate Captain Pullen's letter herewith to Professor Eussell at Sydney, and make preliminary inquiries as to cost, &c.— Letter drafted for ensuing mail. 2. Cleaning boat-channel.— Suggest postponement. 3. Purchase of land ; all desirable sites to be purchased at a moderate cost; if any reluctance shown, defer.— Several bought; continue to do so gradually. 4. Site for official quarters to be purchased, together with garden, &c, road leading to, and paths.— Done. 5. Site for Government farm.— Suggest postponement. 6. Erection of official quarters. The materials and carpenter may be here on 10th or 11th September. We have to unload vessel. Steam-launch will help, and ship's boats. — Site purchased. Being cleared. Quarters and hoard fixed for carpenter, Shed and store ready for materials. Canoes engaged, and Hunter specially to attend to unloading vessel. 7. Accommodation for carpenter on shore—see contract with Aplin, Brown, and Co., herewith. — (See above.) 8. Water-supply generally : — a. For farm. — Postponed. b. For quarters') c. For village [Settled for present. d. For shippingj 9. Boatshed. 10. Jetty. 11. Site for native boatmen's quarters—married men; gardens.— Sites provisionally selected.

(Memorandum.) Port Moresby, New Guinea, 11th January, 1875. The Eev. W. G. Lawes, of the London Missionary Society, and resident at Point Moresby, having bought the undermentioned plots of ground Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the former owners in our presence declared the purchase effected, and the land transferred to said W. G. Lawes and his heirs absolutely, which was also ratified by the chiefs Ila, Kupa, Iko, Poe, and Heni. The owners and chiefs expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with the payment.