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R. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga, to the Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Tauranga, 30th November, 1888. When at Maketu, on my way back from Opotiki, owners of Eotorua interviewed me re purchase. It appears to me the purchase, if taken in hand at an early date, will be easier to conduct than if left till later on, as Natives short of food just now, of which opportunity should be taken. E. S. Bush, Eesident Magistrate. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.

R. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Tauranga, to the Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Tauranga, 17th December, 1888. Henaee Pukuatua reported to me, Saturday, re Maketu, that Sydney Taiwhanga and lawyer were to be at Eotorua on Tuesday next, with some tons of flour to get documents signed re Eotorua lands. Natives say documents handing over lands. Think probable object of visit get payment for services in Wellington on account of document signed by Ngatiwhakaue giving Sydney certain things to carry out re those lands. Pity the Eotorua purchase cannot be gone on with, as I hear from all sources Natives most anxious to sell. Henare Pukuatua'has offered all his and relations' shares to me. R. S. Bush, Resident Magistrate. Under-Secretary. Native Department, Wellington.

H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington, to the Hon. the Minister of Lands. Sib,— _ Wellington, 12th January, 1889. I have the honour to forward herewith a letter from the Arawa Tribe, requesting the Government to take all necessary steps in order to withdraw their lands from the operation of the Thermal-Springs Districts Act. I hope the Government will offer no objection to the course proposed. I have, &c., The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Henry Howobth.

Akuhata Kihaboa and Others, Eotorua, to the Hon. the Ministeb of Lands. Sir— Wellington, 26th December, 1888. Salutations to you ! At a meeting of the Arawa Tribe held this day it was resolved, "In order that we may enjoy the privileges and advantages conferred upon other tribes by ' The Native Land Act, 1888,' that our blocks of land, as defined by Schedules 1., 11., and 111. of ' The Thermal Springs Districts Act, 1881,' and according to !the estate and interest of our respective hapus therein respectively, should be withdrawn from the operation of that Act." And we have to request that the Government will take such steps, by Proclamation or otherwise, as may be necessary for giving effect to the above resolution. And we hereby authorise Mr. Henry Howorth, of Wellington, solicitor, to attend to this matter for us. And will ever remain, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Akuhata Kihaboa, Chairman. [Here follow the signatures of 168 other Natives.]

G. S. Coor-ER, Esq., Under-Secretary, Wellington, to H. Howorth, Esq., Solicitor, Wellington. Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, New Zealand, Sir,— 30th January, 1889. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th January (addressed to the Minister of Lands) forwarding a letter from the Arawa Tribe requesting the Government to withdraw their lands from the operation of the Thermal Springs Acts. In reply, I am directed by the Colonial Secretary, who now administers the above-named Acts, to request you to inform your clients that the Government are not disposed to take any action in this matter, at any rate for the present. I have, &c, Henry How Torth, Esq., Wellington. G. S. Cooper.

The Hon. G. B. Mobbis, M.L.C., Eotorua, to the Hon. the Native Ministeb, Wellington (Telegram.) Eotorua, 27th May, 1889. Township here pretty easily procurable now if you are buyer. Hon. Mr. Mitchelson, Wellington. G. B. Mobbis.

The Hon. the Native Ministeb, Wellington, to the Hon. G. B. Mobbis, M.L.C., Eotorua. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th May, 1889. Thanks. Government anxious commence negotiations as soon as funds are provided by Parliament. Hon. G. B. Morris, M.L.C., Eotorua. E. Mitchelson.

K. S. Bush, Esq., E.M., Maketu, to the Under-Secretaby, Native Department, Wellington. (Telegram.) Maketu, 9th September, 1889. Paora te Amohau died on Saturday. Present would be good time initiate Eotorua purchase. Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. R. S. Bush.