fact is that Govt., having barred out private speculators, are in fairness bound to purchase whatever land the Maoris desire to sell, so long as it is of reasonable quality. Karauema te Kapukai has written a strong protest against the sale of any land between Manawatu and Otaki, copy of which I also enclose. He will be answered in terms mentioned in the telegram to Grindell - at least that is the answer I advised the Superintendent to give and he fully concurred. I am him carefully informed of every step that is being taken and he is much pleased at it all. He is of course anxious to have something to tell his Council about his success in purchasing, and I for one see no objection to his making a little political capital