A.—No. 2.

have been neglected and ill-treated by some of its servants, but to the Colony itself we owe a debt of gratitude. Great efforts have been made to afford us assistance in our time of need, and the Colony has become largely involved in debt by reason of an expenditure incurred in putting down a formidable insurrection at our doors, and in taking measures for our future security. If, therefore, apart from the profit or gain, it is possible for us, without serious loss to ourselves, to relieve the Colonial Government from trouble and difficulty in this matter, by undertaking necessary and important work within the Province, it is plainly our duty not to shrink from the task. Believing, then, as the Superintendent does believe, that by the acceptance of the proposal made, ■we may, if we even fail to obtain all the advantages which may be reasonably expected, at least mitigate any losses to be sustained, and turn to the best account expenditure that must be incurred; that a duty fairly owing to the Colony will be performed; that we shall be placed in a position to render promptly some service to those who have suffered severe losses from native outrages ; and especially that the Province will secure the management and control of most important affairs vitally affecting its interests. The Superintendent recommends the Provincial Council to concur with him in accepting the proposed transfer to Provincial administration of the confiscated lands in the Province of Auckland. FrEDK. WIIITAKER, Superintendent's Office, Auckland, January 30, 1866. Superintendent. Enclosure 2 in No. 10. Session XIX., 1865-6. Extract from the journals of the Auckland provincial council. Eesolved— Friday, February 2, 1866. " That this Council, having taken Message No. 3 into consideration, doth concur with the Superintendent in accepting the proposed transfer to Provincial administration of the confiscated lands in the Province of Auckland." Eesolved— " That an Address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent forwarding the foregoing resolution." (True extract) G. Maurice O'Eorke, His Honor the Superintendent. Speaker. No. 11. (No. 60.) Copy of a Letter from the hon. c. w. Stafford to ins honor f. whitaker. Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 15th February, 18 56. The Provincial Government of Auckland having accepted the transfer to Provincial Administration of the Confiscated Lands in the Province of Auckland, I have to request you to be good enough to inform all Officers in the employment of the General Government, connected with the survey and settlement of the Confiscated Lands in the Waikato and at Tauranga, that, in consequence of this transfer, all expenses connected therewith will be regulated and provided by the Provincial xluthorities, and that accordingly, His Honor the Superintendent will, after the end of the present month, give them the necessary instructions. I have to request you to convey to them the thanks of the Government for their services while the administration of these lands was controlled by it. I have, &c, His Honor F. Whitaker, Government Agent, Auckland E. W. Stafford. No. 12. Copy of a letter from his noNOR f. whitaker to the hon. c. w. Stafford. Sir, — Office of the Agent for the General Government, Auckland, 23rd February, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, requesting me to inform all officers in tho employment of the General Government, connected with the survey and settlement of the Confiscated Lands in Waikato and Tauranga, that, in consequence of the Provincial Government of Auckland having accepted the transfer of the Confiscated Lands in the Province of Auckland to Provincial Administration, all expenses connected therewith will, after the end of the current month, be regulated and provided by tho Provincial Authorities, and instructions conveyed to them by His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Auckland. In reply, I beg to inform you that your instructions will be carried out, and your request to convey to these officers the thanks of the Government for their services while the administration of these lands was controlled by it, will be properly attended to. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. F. Whitaker.

9

OF THE CONFISCATED LANDS.