SETTLEMENT ON STEWART'S ISLAND.

17

D.—No. 7a,

for two or three days without being robbed. I heard of an instance where a three hours' absence sufficed. A single constable would have the immediate effect of putting a stop to the practice I have endeavoured to expose. His presence would evidence that the attention of the Government had been directed to the malpractices which had been carried on, and prove its determination to prevent their continuance. Port William would be the best place at which to station him, as that port is most frequented by vessels in distress, the cargoes of which have to be landed for safety, though at present such a proceeding would ensure their being pilfered. The system of plunder has been carried on in so barefaced a manner, with such impunity, and for such a length of time, that one is almost tempted to the conclusion that the inhabitants, from immunity, have been led to believe that to plunder is the normal condition of man, and that " Those shall take who have the power, And those shall keep who can," is the principle enunciated by the local Government to which the few honest settlers on the Island would naturally look for protection. Walter H. Pearson, Commissioner of Crown Lands. Crown Lands Office, Invercargill, Southland, 26th December, 1866.

No. 9. SURVEYS FOR SPECIAL SETTLEMENT ON STEWART'S ISLAND. Mr. Pearson, to the Hon. W. Reeves. Crown Lands Office, Invercargill, 15th February, 1872. Sir, — I have the honor, as requested by you, to forward copies of two letters, as per margin, from surveyors offering their services in connection with the proposed settlement of Stewart's Island, under the Otago Special Settlements Acts, 1869 and 1871. Both the surveyors have been conducting surveys for years in Southland, as authorised surveyors; Mr Hately being one of some twelve years' standing, and Mr Aitken has' not only been employed by the Provincial Government in surveys on the main, but has just completed the survey of half-caste lands and claims under the Land Claims Settlements Act* in various parts of Stewart's Island, by instructions of the General Government. From these offers you will gather that my anticipations of obtaining a sufficiency of professional service for the conduct of surveys at Stewart's Island under the scheme expressed in my report on the subject to His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, of December hist—copy of which I had the honour to furnish you with when at Invercargill—have every prospect of being realised. I have, &c, Walter H. Pearson, Commissioner of Crown Lands. The Hon. W. Reeves, Christchurch.

. Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Mr. G. Hately to Mr. W. H. Pearson. Invercargill, 12th February, 1872. Sir, — , In reference to a previous conversation with regard to the survey of grants of land, under the Special Settlements Acts, on Stewart's Island, I have the honour to reply that I will undertake the surveys on the following terms, viz.:— Ist.—That a free grant of land of 100 acres, suburban land, and a quarter-acre of town lands, be allotted to the surveyor under the terms of the Special Settlements Acts. 2nd.—That tho survey of land purchased within the district for cash, may be paid in cash. 3rd.—That reserves for public purposes, and mineral leases or mineral reserves, surveyed, may be paid in cash or land; the latter to be selected immediately, or any time after the passing of the survey, with title to a Crown Grant for the same when its survey may be completed and occupation certificate issued. 4th.—The foregoing conditions being conceded, I am willing to survey the allotments as required by the settlers under the Special Settlements Acts, and to take, as remuneration, such