A—No. 2±

No. 1. MEiroEAJfDL'M for the Colonial Teeasueee. The annexed of the papers connected with the claim of the Province of Wellington for payment in respect to surveys over Native lands, has been prepared with the view of showing the papers in order of their dates and in their sequence and mutual inter-dependence. A cursory inspection of this precis will show that these papers are so inconclusive as to any of the points at issue, that I can only respectfully suggest that the whole should bo placed in the hands of some impartial person, who should be empowered to take such further evidence as he might deem necessary, and then to report what is the liability, if any, of the General Government in respect of the past, and what it ought to contribute in future to the cost of these surveys, and on what conditions such aid should be granted. J. Woodward. 17th December, 1868.

Enclosure in No. 1. PRECIS OF PAPERS.

PAPERS RELATIVE TO REFUND OF EXPENSES ON ACCOUNT OF SURVEY OF NATIVE LANDS IN PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON.

Date. Nature of Paper. Writer. To Whom Addressed. Subject. 1867. fay 20 Copy of Letter II. Jackson, Chief Surveyor of Province Commissioner of Crown Lands Enclosing three Schedules of surveys over Native lands on reserves during 1866-7. Schedule No. 1. —Blocks connected by triangulation, cost at Id. per acre, £295 14s. 8d. Schedule No. 2.—Native reserves resurveyed, cost at Gd. per acre, £283 5s. Schedule No. 3. —Copying plans under Native Lands Act, and cutting N.W. boundary of Eangitikci Block, cost stated as £272. Suggests the Province is put to heavy expenses for checking surveys under the Native Lands Act, and proposes a 6taff for the purpose, at a cost of £752 per annum. Encloses the above, thinks the recommendations reasonable, and presses them on the attention of the Superintendent. Encloses letter of Chief Surveyer, and asks for payment of expenses incurred, which it states to bo £778 19s. 8d. Submits Mr. Jackson's proposal for consideration, and asks the G-overmnent to contribute " in future " to the cost of surveys referred to, £752 per annum. Suggests that letter be referred to Secretary for Crown Lands and Native Under Secretary. Thinks there is no conceivable ground for charge in Schedule 1. Thinks that charge in Schedule 2 is for the benefit of Natives, and that something should be paid on this account out of Native funds, if available. Considers charge in Schedule 3 " extraordinary and preposterous." The checking of plans, is considered, was offered to the Province solely for its benefit. If surveys are to be made, they should be done by Mr. Heale, or under his direction. Considers surveys of reserves should be paid for by Natives if done at their request, not otherwise. . The General Government in no case liable. If it had required surveys it would have had them done by its own Surveyor. Acknowledges letter of 14th instant. The Government cannot admit the charges. For cost of surveys under Native Lands Act, the Government might make advances, but not absolute payments. Points out discrepancy in amount claimed, which, according to enclosures, should be £850 19s. 8d. instead of £778 19s. 8d. as stated in letter. Makes objection to charges in Schedules for reasons given in Mr. Domett's minute. The system proposed for future surveys had been partially initiated in Auckland, but, if adopted, the entire direction and management of the staff must rest with the General Government. day 23 Letter W. Fitzherbert, Commissioner of Crown Lands Superintendent Superintendent une 14 Letter Colonial Secretary une 15 Minute (as above.) W. Gisborne, Under Secretary A. Domett, Secretary for Crown Lands 'une 26 Minute W. Kolleston, Native Under Secretary Letter Colonial Secretary Superintendent ... "une 28