destroyed by a Taniwa or god of water on the Taupo lakes it is wonderfull to find the sensation this fine old veteran chief of the interior causes at such a remote distance from his place he seems regretted by all and not by any more so than myself the lovely valleys of Wanganui that present a most interesting scene looks beautifull with loud sounds of guns through the valleys and dales of the river. This year will form a singular epoch in New Zealand history so many of its renowned old Chiefs have died more than has ever been known to have died a natural death in one year amongst the dead if good old Heuheu should be one of the number are Watanui of the Ngatiraukawa tribe Pehiroa of Wanganui Reretawangawanga of Ngatiawa Hiko of-Tautari of Wakatane it would a ppear as if Providence forewarnd some wonderful changes by thus carrying away so many of the old leaders of tribes and as all its dispensations are beyond our comprehension we must suppose them ordained for good however we may feel the loss of such influential men. The Ngatiapas of Wangahu are claiming a great portion of the N. Z. C. Block inclusive of lands occupied by settlers. This appears to be a stretch of presumption on their part which ought to be at once suppressed