For Honble, The Native Minister. "Memo". The Restriction to be placed on the Sale of Spirits in Native Districts is no doubt surrounded with many difficulties. In many of the Districts that might come under the Catalogue of , Houses of Accommodation for Travellers are much needed, as well for the Natives as for the Europeans. A want of this Kind has been much felt in the Districts between the Bay of Islands and Hokianga - At Wairoa itself, at the Ferry, a House of Accommodation is required for the convenience of Travellers, and as the Trade and Traffic increases, it will be found to be almost indispensable. Very few persons indeed are to be found who are willing to provide this convenience, without the permission to supply , As a case in point, the License held by a highly respectable person at the Waitangi Falls, was cancelled by the Bench at their last Sitting at Russell as alleged, for selling Spirits to Natives. The Settlers protested against this proceeding, and some highly respectable Natives protested also. If the Governments determine to assist the Natives within a in preventing the introduction of intoxicating Drinks, It might perhaps be in the shape of a "Permission Enactment", and if so, a Petition or Resolution signed by at least of the Adult population (Male and female) and Countersigned by all the Assessors of the District, and an equal number of unpaid Chiefs, might be deemed a sufficient Exposition of their wishes, and quite sufficient to enable any Bench to withold a License. As to any infringement of the Law, by Illicit Vendors of Spirits, whether Natives or Europeans, the Remedy is still in their hands, with this addition however that the Fines and Penalties, might with advantage be considerably increased. H. T. KEMP 23 July, 1870