Auckland. Southern Cross Office. 17th. September 1872. Hon. D. McLean. Dear Sir, Since I wrote yesterday, several influential persons have asked me to draw your attention to some of the proposals contained in Mr. Stafford's Native policy. The surrender to any considerable extent of the Confiscated Lands throughout this Province, is regarded here on all hands, with the utmost alarm. It is argued that though the land may not be of much value, yet the precedent would be dangerous in the extreme; and it is looked upon as a retrograde movement, inimical to the progress of European Colonisation. It is the next step to establishing a claim for all confiscated lands now in European occupation. What, it is asked, would be the result of the course proposed by Mr. Stafford on the East Coast, in the Waikato, at Taranaki, and in respect to many Confiscated lands near Auckland? Is it not possible to insist on a clear and definite statement from the Ministry on the whole subject of the Native Policy? It is believed here that if they were brought fairly before the House on this subject, their proposals would be rejected. I cannot, in a letter, point out all the objectionable proposals I might refer to; but in addition to what are mentioned in another letter, the proposal to increase the Maori representation, is here strongly objected to. The result of the late debate has shewn clearly that we ought not to the native representation in the House of Representatives, unless it is argued that the present corruption in the Legislature is an aid to good government. As Mackey is gone to Wellington, it is supposed that he is to be adviser to the new Minister. Mackey's judgement and discretion are not thought much of here; and he is not considered a safe adviser in Native Affairs, by those who know him best. He strongly condemned the action of the late Government in the Provincial Council last year; because they did not go to war in the matter of Todd's murder. I reminded him at the time that such a course might have been becoming enough under the Stafford Ministry, under whose employment he was some years before; but that such a policy was out of place for some time to come if we meant the country to prosper. If what I suppose is to be the case, then Mackey, and not Stafford, will be really Native Minister. I trust this will be well thought out. In this Province I am certain there is the strongest feeling against any innovation in dealing with native concerns. An amnesty, with a few exceptions, might be approved of; but so far as I have been able to ascertain, it is not looked upon as being especially called for. Pray my excuse my troubling you again on this subject. I have done so to-day at the desire of some who would be anxious to see the new Government brought face to face with the House, on the subject of Native Policy; in order that the course they intend to pursue may be distinctly understood. I remain, Dear Sir, Yours faithfully, (Signed) H. Ellis.