the New Plymouth natives at rest, as far as the absentees are concerned; and also in preventing these absentees from returning, to give fresh annoyances in that district; which they obviously would have done, if a settlement had not been made. My stay at Wellington has also given me an important insight into the native claims at Taranaki; and occasioned many to offer their land for sale at Puketapu, that would not otherwise have done so. Their correspondence to me on this subject, indicated their rapid improvement in writing, and the readiness with which they acquire a knowledge of doing so. On the