D._No. 7

6

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

No. 2. Hon. J. D. Ormond to Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir,— Napier, 30th September, 1870. In my letter of the 23rd September, instant, transmitting Mr. Locke's report on the passing of the Seventy Mile Bush through the Native Lands Court, I referred to a plan of the district, which I now find was omitted to be sent by that opportunity, and is now forwarded. This map has been prepared with the assistance of Mr. Heale, and is, I believe, the only general plan of that district that has been made—there was a tracing of the Seventy Mile Bush made n long time ago by Mr. Park, but it was a very meagre sketch. The plan now sent is not, of course, an accurate survey, and many of the different purchases and blocks shown on it are only approximately fixed. An actual survey has, however, been made of certain portions of the block, including nearly all within the boundaries of the Province of Hawke's Bay. It will be advisable that a careful examination should be made of the deeds of former purchases, with a view to ascertaining whether or not any portion of the large block situate at the Wairai-apa end of the Bush, has been dealt for. In one block called the Mangahao, shewn on the plan, an advance of fifty pounds was made by His Honor Dr. Featherston, but, as the purchase was not completed, I conclude that agreement is void. You are aware that application has been made by the Native owners to have their title to the large block at the Wairarapa end of the Bush, including Mangaohao, enquired into by the Native Lands Court, and I believe a sitting of the Court at Masterton has been arranged for an early day. It is extremely desirable that an efficient officer of the Government should attend the sitting of the Court, both to watch the interests of the Government in blocks already dealt for, and also to assist the Natives in getting their own differences aiTanged. Had not the Government done this at the late Court at Waipawa, the Natives would not have passed their lands through. It would be desirable that the same officer who attends the sitting of the Court should also negociate with the Natives for the purchase of that end of the Bush ; and as the negotiations will be both difficult and important, care should be xaken to select an efficient officer. With regard to the purchase of the part of the Bush which is through the Native Lands Court, and in which Mr. Locke is now engaged under my direction, I regret I am unable to report as yet any definite conclusion. The demands made at first by the Natives were extreme, and, although somewhat modified, are not yet reduced to what I consider reasonable limits. The question at issue is, however, only a question of price, and I trust to complete the purchase at no distant date. I shall be glad to hear from you when arrangements are made for the conduct of the negociations for the Wairarapa end of the Bush. I would willingly have directed myself what has to be done, but the difficulties of communication are too great to enable me to do so properly ; also, Mr. Locke's services are required in Taupo and other places, and cannot be devoted to this work, and I have no one eke qualified to act. I shall be happy to give every assistance and information in my power, and should be glad to hear of the return of Dr. Featherston to Wellington, when he would, I am sure, take charge of the direction of a work so important to the interests of his Province as the acquirement of the Seventy Mile Bush. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. J. D. Ormond.

No. 3. JHon. W. Gisborne to His Honor J. D. Ormond. Sir, — Colonial Seeretaiy's Office, Wellington, 7th November, 1870. 1 have the honor to acknwledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th September last, in which you forward a plan of the Seventy Mile Bush, prepared with the assistance of Mr. Heale. As Mr. Parks' tracing was only intended to indicate the old track through the bush, the map you enclose will be valuable for reference. It is satisfactoiy to find that so much of this bush lying within the boundaries of your Province has been actually surveyed, and that arrangements are in progress for its purchase from the Natives. A careful examination will be made of the deeds of former purchases, with a view of ascertaining what negotiations have been entered into with the Natives in reference to lands in the Southern portion of the forest. In the case of the Mangaohoa Block on which an advance of fifty pounds was made by Dr. Featherston, and in any similar ones which may be found to exist, it will be advisable to adhere to the principle of acquiring those lands on which deposits have been paid, or at least an equivalent for the money in some other purchase. I entirely concur with your Honor in the importance of the selection of a thoroughly efficient officer to attend to watch the proceedings in the interest of the Government at the sittings of the Native Lands Court to be held at Masterton, and it has been arranged that Mr. Cooper shall be in attendance for that purpose. There is no doubt that the purchase of that part of the bush which has passed through the Court will be attended with very great trouble, and will require much time and patience to overcome the various obstacles that have to be encountered. Care will be taken to inform your Honor of such arrangements as may be made for the purchase of the Wairarapa end of the block. The Government fully recognise that the multifarious duties imposed upon your Honor render it extremely difficult for you to devote much attention to this subject, and they feel therefore the more