Memo. from G. Eyre to Mr. Dommett, dated 12th. September 1849. COPY. Mr. Dommett, Reply to this that I am quite sensible of the difficulties and disadvantages arising from the continuance of the practice referred to by Mr. Fox; and that I am equally aware of the influence it must exercise, adverse to the acquisition of the district still in possession of the natives. So long ago as October 1847, I brought this question under the notice of the Governor-in-Chief, and requested specific instructions as to the measures to be taken to stop the evil; and I have since, more than once, called His Excellency's attention to the same subject. There are, however, various considerations which have hitherto, I believe, prevented His Excellency from sanctioning the adoption of extreme measures against the Squatters; and, in fact, in some instances which occurred last year, in the Manawatu neighbourhood; after I had directed certain parties to be proceeded against, under the Native Land Purchase Ordinance, - the Governor-in-Chief, who was then at Wellington, was pleased to direct such proceedings to be stayed. Under these circumstances, therefore, until His Excellency acquaints me with the nature of the policy he intends should be pursued, in regard to this important question, I do not consider myself at liberty to bring the Native Lands Purchase Ordinance into operation in the Wairarapa district. I may, however, state on the 27th. August last, I again wrote to His Excellency on the subject, strongly urging the necessity of immediate and stringent measures being taken to enforce the law relating to illegal arrangements made with the natives, by Squatters. At the same time, I should be glad to receive from the New Zealand Company's Agent, the details of the circumstances of the two cases to which he refers; and would then lay them before the Executive Council, for their consideration and advice. (Signed) G. Eyre. 12th. September 1849. P.S. Let these papers be returned to me again after the letter to Mr. Fox is written; and I require a copy for transmission to Auckland.