in disclosing figures where natives are concerned; who naturally expect to get the whole of the funds that may be sent for a particular purpose. It is one of our great stumbling blocks to colonisation that we have to pay so dearly for land in particular situations. Parris will not part with more money than circumstances may compel; but it must very much hamper his best plans to know that Norris' indiscretion may cost £1000. For the future it would really be desirable to confine amounts to the native offices, and should satisfy even official curiosity to state that money for land purchase was forthcoming, without mentioning figures. I think in Parris you will have a careful officer. I may say this, because I was no advocate for his appointment. I had not forgotten his ----(?) leanings to Katatore in his bloody career. Apart from this, he will do. May his end be like his beginning. Katatore is politically caged (?), and in addition to his own offer, a fine tract of open country between Waingona and Waitara can be purchased, if the means can be found. Parris hopes to manage Ihaia and Katatore without offending either. So you see he has his work carved out. Is there any prospect of our getting the Mokau? If so, the present is a highly favourable opportunity of a diversion in that direction. The land there is of little account compared with this; and a comparatively small sum might command a good Block there; but I am writing in ignorance of the feelings of the natives there. Fox, when last here, told me he believed the General Assembly would have given us this side of Kawhia; but Mr. C. Brown asked far too much, and