A.—No. 2A.

indicated by me was thought likely to tend to the permanent settlement of the district, and to be in other ways practicable. The opinion which I gave with respect to the formation of settlements between Patea and Stony River, was, in other words, that if settlements depending for self-support upon agriculture were established in that country without further active operations, an amount of resistance from the natives would have to be encountered, which would render their maintenance by the Government more expensive than the reduction of the natives to submission by active measures. This is an opinion which I arrived at very unwillingly, and I can only say that I shall be most happy to admit that I have been in error if good reasons can be shown for an opposite view, and that in any case I shall endeavour in every way in my power to cooperate with the Colonial Government in any course in relation to thia district which may finally be decided -on. I cannot at present profess to believe, however much I may desire to do so, that the time has arrived when the Colonial Government can properly delegate to the Provincial Government the charge of the district in» question, as in doing so it appeal's necessary to assume that the country is in a state of peace, and that any resistance to the occupation of the country may be dealt with as a matter of police by the Provincial authorities. But whatever my private opinion as to the respective functions of the two Governments may be, I feel too anxious to see an end to these disturbances, to shirk any responsibility which the Colonial Legislature may think fit to place upon the Government of the Province. I have therefore respectfully to request that if it be the opinion of the Colonial Government that the district referred to is in such a state that the Province ought to take upon itself all further liability and responsibilty for its occupation and management, you will state, as definitely as may be possible, the conditions upon which the Legislature would be advised to place this district under the control of the Provincial Government. I would ask especially for information on the following points : — (1). The power (if any) which would be entrusted to the Provincial Government, of negotiating ■wgith natives still in arms, for the peaceable cession of territory, with fair reservations. (2). The power which the Provincial Government would be permitted to exercise in repressing violence—say by a local police or temporary constabulary force—or if a Colonial force should be kept in the district at the expense of the Province, to what extent the Provincial Government would be consulted as to its disposal and movements. (3). The amount of pecuniary assistance which would be allowed to the Province, as an advance on the land fund, or otherwise. (4.) The probable extent of the just claims of friendly natives, according to the best information which can be procured, and the amount of open land which should be reserved for locating returned rebels. When I am in possession of the views of the Government on these points and others bearing on the subject, which it may appear desirable to explain, I will submit the whole question to the Provincial Council, and will lose no time in communicating to you the views of the Council, together with my own, upon it. The matter will then be in a fit state for the consideration of the Colonial Legislature. I have, &c, H. R. Richmond, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, Superintendent. r No. 24. Copy of a Letter from the hon. c. w. Stafford to his honor h. c. Richmond. Sir,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 29th May, 1866. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter, No. 36, of the Bth instant, having reference to the position of the Confiscated Lands in the Province of Taranaki, and to the conditions on which the management of these lands might be delegated to the Provincial Government. The General Assembly is about to meet in a few weeks, when the whole question of dealing with these lands, whether by transferring their management to the Province or otherwise, will be decided by the Legislature, which will necessarily consider the conditions on which any such transfer, if determined •n, should be effected in connection with the ability of the Province of Taranaki to accept it. As the question will be fully discussed in Parliament, in all its aspects, it does not appear to me that a prolongation of the correspondence on this subject, at the present moment, would lead to any practical conclusions in anticipation of the action of the Legislature. It is desirable, with a view to the fullest information being afforded, that the views, to which you refer in the latter part of your letter, of your Honor and the Provincial Council of Taranaki on this important question should be expressed, in order that they may be, together with previous correspondence on the subject, communicated to the Legislature without unnecessary delay. I have, &c, E. W. Stafford. Mis Honor the Superintendent, Taranaki.

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FUETHEE PAPEES EELATIVE TO THE SETTLEMENT