E.—No 15.

The general impression among the natives of the whole of the AVhanganui district, 1 think is, that as long as the war is against Wiremu Kingi about the land at the Waitara, and against the Ngatinianuis (with whom there is no sympathy whatever, on account of the murders), and does not merge into the king movement, there is no cause whatever of any fear of an outbreak in these parts. I don't know whether Mr. Noanmeke's opinions coincide with mine on this subject, but as I have been in constant communication with the natives for sometime past, and as they place some faith in me, I think I am not wrong in stating that this information may be relied upon. The settlers here have enrolled themselves into a Volunteer Corps, and I believe the Militia is also to be called out. I did not intend going at tirst, thinking that my presence might be required elsewhere ; but on second thoughts I altered my opinion, as I should be better able to explain to the Maoris the cause of the enrollment, and by my being with them as much as possible to do away with any fears on their parts, as these affairs are always exaggerated. There will be a meeting this evening to appoint officers, and I believe it is the intention of the settlers to appoint me as one of them. I explained the same to Hare Tipene yesterday, who seems very much pleased with it, on the grounds just mentioned by me ; of course I shall take every opportunity of being with the natives, and endeavour to keep everything upon as friendly a looting as possible, and I think more good is done in this way than by calling formal meetings and stating your opinions at them, as they are more inclined to listen to a little quiet talk and will reason with you better than when they are excited. The AVaitotara Natives held ft meeting the other day about the price of the land. They would not fix any price, but want it to be paid for by the acre. 1 told them T was sure you would not agree to that, but that I would write and inform you of their request. 1 did not enter more than I could help into the affair, on account of the disturbed state of the country, and thinking you might wish to postpone the payment till a more fitting time. You will, however. I suppose, let me know whether these are your intentions. I have, &c, S. Deuuiton. D. McLean. Esq., Chief Commissioner. Taranaki.

Enclosure to No. 4. MB. JOHX P. STKWART TO MR. S. DEIGHTON". Whanganui, 28th April, lstiO. Hiu, — For your information iu connection with the AVaitotara block of land, 1 subjoin the following. The Native Eeserves retained on the Bank of the Waitotara river are four, viz : a. h. p. 1. At Ihupuku - - - - - 29 0 0 2. At Kaipo - - - - - - 201 1 0 8. At Perekamu, the river frontage of which has not been surveyed, about 925 0 0 4. AtAuroa ...... 137 0 0 The other Reserves are, — 5. AtManene - - - - - 58 1 0 G. At Nukumuru ------ 1,223 0 0 7. At Piripi's reserve and the adjoining reserve at Pakaraka - - 4,348 0 0 8. At the Okehu stream ..... 380 0 0 Total - - - 7,301 2 0 The land in these reserves is mostly of a valuable quality. The whole of the land upon the Whanganui side of the Okehu stream being also retained, there are left in the portion now offered for sale 24,900 acres, of which however 7,500 acres consist of sand hills of little value, they being nearly barren, with patches of scrub and toetoe, &c, only here and there. . This leaves 17,400 acres, whose value is much lessened by the occurrence of the aforegoing reserves in different portions of the block, destroying in a great measure its unity. Of this quantity more than one half is open fern land of a good description, the remainder being bush land, the timber upon which is not of much value, there being little of it fit for sawing. *The soil of both the open and the bush land is of a very superior description in general, but the portion of the open land adjoining the sandhills and the coast line, having a light sandy soil, is better adapted for grazing purposes than for cultivation. I have, &c, John P. Stewart, Surveyor, Native Land Purchase Department. S. Deighton, Esq., AVhanganui.

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PURCHASE OF THE WAITOTARA BLOCK