G.—No. 2.

rental of these lands, most important aid in money (well understood to be given in fixed contributions) has been afforded to the rebel tribes. Whilst, therefore, a lavish expenditure for the suppression of the war has to be borne by the Colonists and by the British public, violators of the law in our midst are supplying means of greater moment even than men to protract the struggle, and to nullify the effect that ought to result from the blood spilt and treasure spent; fourthly, by the discontent and dissatisfaction felt by the great body of our white population, who respect and abide by the law, at witnessing the ease with which advantages, to their detriment, are secured by a mere fraction of the community who do neither. 2. That, in the opinion of the Council, it is highly necessary that steps be at once taken to put " The Native Land Purchase Ordinance, 1846," in force. 8. That His Honor the Superintendent be requested to forward a copy of these resolutions to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, for such action as to His Excellency the Governor's Besponsible Advisers may seem fit. Amendment. That this Council is of opinion that the occupation of the agricultural land known as Ahuriri Plains by a settled population is essential to the advancement and prosperity of the Province. That the action of " The Native Lands Act, 1862," will, it is believed, tend to throw these lands into the hands of large proprietors, and thereby inflict incalculable injury upon the community at large. That the Council is aware that " The Native Lands [Act" is an essential feature of the policy of the Colony, as at present represented in the General Assembly, and that there is no chance of the Ahuriri Plains being excepted from its operation. That the Council lias considered in what manner the interests of the Province can be served without an undue interference with the policy and intention of the Act above referred to. That the Council considers that the interests of the Province may be secured, and the privileges assured to the Native proprietors confirmed, by the sanction of a system of acreage assessment upon a sliding scale, which shall be so regulated as virtually to amount to prohibition of individual proprietorship over large blocks. That the Council would urge, that whilst the legalization of such a system would secure the Province against the otherwise ruinous operation, in so far as the agricultural plains are concerned, of " The Native Lands Act," a pecuniary benefit would result to the Native proprietors, who would, from the holdings of limited extent, realize over blocks of land very much higher valuations than will otherwise accrue to them. That His Honor the Superintendent be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, and to strongly urge upon the Government the necessity of prompt action in the manner indicated for the security of the general interests.

2

PETITION OF SETTLERS IN PROVINCE OE HAWKE'S BAY.