209

I.—3a

If this course is followed, the Government will, of course, have the coal-measures to deal with if it desires to do anything for Jones. Apart from the question of satisfying Jones, there can be no doubt that the second alternative is the simplest for the Government, on the understanding, of course, that the lessees purchase the Natives' interests and release the Assurance Fund from all claims. The lessees won d very much prefer to have the second alternative adopted, but I think the important question for all parties concerned is to have the matter determined on the basis of one or other of these alternatives as early as possible, because the delay seems to be leading to constantly increasing difficulties for every one concerned, including the Government. Yours truly, The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Wellington. F. G. Dalziell.

No. 19. Telegrams—Dalziell to Bowlek and Bowler to Dalziell; Dalziell to Grace and Grace to Dalziell. (Urgent.) President, Waikato-Maniapoto Board, Auckland (also repeated to Te Kuiti). Great convenience all parties if Thursday, ninth February, fixed adjourned meeting Mokau-Mohakatino. If approved please instruct Under-Secretary insert notice adjourned meeting for that date. Dalziell. 25/1/11. (Urgent.) Dalziell, Solicitor, Wellington. Auckland, 25th January, 1911. Date suggested rather incpnvenient. Would thirteenth suit ? Bowler, President.

(Urgent.) President, Waikato-Maniapoto Board, Auckland. Civil, sittings commence here thirteenth. Bell. Blair, and I engaged local cases. Hope you can arrange earlier day. Please wire urgent Under-Secretary. Dalziell.

Dalziell, Solicitor. Wellington. Auckland, 26th January, 1911. Impossible me to take meeting on ninth as I have already gazetted business for Thames on tenth. It also seems advisable to give Natives rather more notice. Can you suggest later date suitable to counsel ? Bowler.

President, Waikato-Maniapoto Board, Auckland. Would Tuesday twenty-first suit ? If so will you please arrange. Dalziell.

Dalziell, Solicitor, Wellington. Auckland. Fixing twenty-first for meetings. Bowler, President.

President, Waikato-Maniapoto Board, Auckland. Parties find twenty-first too early for meeting. All agree seventh March for meeting owners if that will suit your convenience. Dalziell. 14/2/11. Findlay, Dalziell, Solicitors, Wellington. Te Kuiti. Seventh inconvenient. Would tenth suit ? If so, will adjourn to that date. Reply here. Bowler, President. President, Waikato-Maniapoto Hoard, Te Kuiti. Tenth will suit. Will you please adjourn accordingly. Dalziell.