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would cease. Second, that in those blocks whose titles were involved, and which were not likely to be negotiated for on fair terms, or in reasonable time, the Government would have their claims defined to the extent of advances, and release the remaining portions. Third, that negotiations would be completed for such blocks as were useful, and could be obtained at fair prices and in reasonable time. You likewise stated that a list had been made out of the blocks which the Government intended dealing with as above, and then I asked, you will remember, under which category the Aorangi and Horowhenua Blocks would be placed. Perhaps you will also instruct that I have the information as far as these blocks are referred, or any others within the area of allocation. If it will suit your convenience, an early reply will facilitate present operations to take advantage of sitting of Native Land Court at Marton, and greatly oblige. I have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Jas. Wallace, Secretary.

The Secretary, Wellington and Manawatu Eailway Company (Limited), to the Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs. Sir,— 28th July, 1882. I had the honour to address you on the 17th instant, asking for a list of the owners' names of the Tuwhakatupua Block to whom advances had been made, and also for information as to the intentions of the Government in dealing with the Aorangi and Horowhenua Blocks. If it is not encroaching too much on your valuable time, you would greatly oblige if the forwarding of my request could be expedited. The directors are anxious, if possible, to take advantage of Judge O'Brien's sitting at Marton before he returns to Auckland. It might be matters could be arranged as to the advances on Tuwhakatupua if we had definite information to go upon. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs. Jas. Wallace, Secretary.

The Undeb-Secretary, Native Land Purchase Office, to the Secretary, Wellington and Manawatu Eailway Company (Limited). Sib,— Native Land Purchase Office, Wellington, 29th July 1882. I have the honour, by direction of the Hon. the Native Minister, to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 17th and 28th instant respectively, requesting particulars of payments on the Tuwhakatupua, Aorangi, and Horowhenua Blocks, with a view to an arrangement between the Government and the West Coast Eailway Company, and to inform you, in reply, that if the Native owners will refund the amount of the Government lien in each case as per margin (Tuwhakatapua, £909 35.; Aorangi, £1,039 16s. 2d.; Horowhenua, £1,722 17s. Bd.) the blocks will be released from proclamation. The detailed particulars, for which you have asked, cannot be supplied. I have, &c, Eichard John Gill, Under-Secretary. J. Wallace, Esq., Secretary, Wellington and Manawatu Eailway Company.

The Secretaby, Wellington and Manawatu Eailway Company (Limited), to the Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs. Sir,-— 10th November, 1882. I have the honour, by direction, to enclose the following extract from the Under-Secretary for Public Works to the chairman of this company, written by authority of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. The extract refers to the acquisition by the Government of certain blocks of Native land, viz., the Aorangi, Horowhenua, and Tuwhakatupua, and is as follows : " The Minister directs me to add that he submitted to the Cabinet the inquiry of the company as to whether the Government were continuing their efforts to acquire lands within the prescribed limits, and especially the block named in your letter, and that he is authorised to mention that the Hon. the Native Minister is endeavouring to acquire these blocks." I have to state that the reason for calling your attention to this extract is a statement which was made to myself by Mr. Donald Fraser, of Bangitikei, during the last few days —that he was determined, should the Government seek to acquire any of these blocks through the agency of Mr. Booth, and more especially Tuwhakatupua and Horowhenua, he would obstruct and thwart him, and acquire them himself. He gave as his reason that he knew for a fact that the Native owners of these blocks have resolved to have no dealing with Mr. Booth, believing that he had marred their interests in other transactions. Mr. Fraser said that he was aware that any action of Mr. Booth with reference to negotiations would disturb the present pacific relations of the Natives. You intimated at a recent interview you would be glad to receive any information I might obtain in reference to the above lands, and I have deemed the above of sufficient moment to forward to yon, believing that Mr. Eraser's influence with the owners of these blocks is of a potent character. You are aware that the acquisition of what can be secured of Tuwhakatupua and Horowhenua is of the greatest importance to the company. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs. James Wallace, Secretary.

The Under- Secbetaby, Native Land Purchase Office, to the Seoeetaby, Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (Limited). Sib, — Native Land Purchase Office, Wellington, Bth December, 1882. I have the honour, by direction of the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, in the absence of the Native Minister, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th ultimo, enclosing a letter from the Under-Secretary, Public Works, to the chairman of your company, on the further acquisition