Private. Wyndham Chambers, Auckland, 11th July, 1872. My dear Sir, I have had several conferences with the Superintendent respecting the Bill to provide for claims by natives to the sea-shore and he has given his full approval to the Bill as drafted by me and which accompanies this. You will notice that I have completely altered the frame of the Bill as I at first drew it and so carried out, I think, your suggestion that while the measure should provide for any claims which the natives might have it should not claims. The Superintendent quite agreed with you in your view and I hope the bill will be passed in its present form as it will, if it becomes law, do full justice to the natives and at the same time prevent their claims being made the means of robbing the public for the benefit of pakeha speculators. I have made the provisions of the Bill as general as possible so that it should not be said it was directed against the natives. Clauses 14 to 20 provide for the granting of the fore-shore in certain cases and they will apply to natives holding land under the Crown as well as to British subjects. These clauses can of course be omitted from the Bill if there were any danger of the passing of the Bill being defeated by their remaining, but I think it desirable they should stand if the Superintendent approves of them. If you wish me to do so I will write some observations on the Bill which would explain its objects and might be used in support of it or in explanation of any of its clauses. Mohi and Craig. I have received an absurd letter from Craig Junr. a copy of which and its enclosures he tells me he has forwarded to you. These people seem to think that after abusing the Government the laws and everybody connected with the administration of the law for not making or administering the laws just to suit their case they are to be repaid the money they have thrown away in silly and spiteful litigation. I hope if the matter is to be brought before Parliament, the matter will be inquired into. Yours truly, J.C.MacCormick.