except that all business affairs are much depressed. The session of the Provincial Council is over, Williamson appears to have been successful in dealing with his Council, they have given him four months supplies, and have adjourned until May next. Nothing special bearing upon native matters transpired in the Council excepting the following resolution which was passed unanimously. "That with reference to the provision made by the General Assembly during the session of 1873 for the acquisition of lands from Native Owners in the Province of Auckland, it is, the opinion of this Council, desirable that, before the purchase of any block of land be effected, the superintendent of the Province, should be consulted as to the situation and quality of the land, and as to its general adaptability for the location of immigrants, and for general purposes of settlement." From conversation which I have had with the Provincial executive I understand that the only effect intended by the resolution is to induce you to give the preference in your negotiations to lands suitable for agricultural purposes and to acquire