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took a message from me to that gentleman, and Major Green told me the following day that lie (Sir Donald) was much pleased at my giving up Victoria Valley, and that he would assent to my request, and give me a good appointment South. So I wrote to the Natives North, and told them to settle quickly about the lands, but at the same time not to let any kauri be cut out from those lands by private parties. After this I left Auckland to come South, in the p.s. " Luna," last March. I have the honor to state that I have been so anxious to secure land for the Government that, when I could not get money, I have in my own name borrowed repeatedly from hotelkeepers and storekeepers, and in one urgent case obtained money at 25 per cent, interest from Mr. Stannus Jones, for which I, and not the Government, paid for. The first advance on the Mokau block was paid for by a private cheque of my own for £20. I have, &c, Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c, Thomas McDonnell. Chairman of the Tairua Committee. Colonel McDonnell to Sir G. Geet, K.C.B. Sib— Wellington, 18th September, 1875. With reference to the Otaua block, I stated in my evidence before the Tairua Committee that, at a meeting held by Sir Donald McLean at Haruru, Bay of Islands, in January last, I had called his attention to the Otaua land, saying that that was the block for Mr. Stannus Jones. I took a few notes at that meeting, and yesterday I found the memorandum book I wrote them down in, which I enclose. On the second page from where I began, I perceive I made a note as follows:—" Mentioned to Sir Donald about Otaua for Jones." I have, &c, Sir George Grey, X.C.8., &c, Tiiomas McDonnell. Chairman of the Tairua Committee. Mr. E. T. Bbissenden to Mr. J. E. Dalton. Sib,— Kaihu, 12th November, 1874. I have just been interviewed by Mr. Dargaville and Parore about the piece of land you have taken into the survey of Tutamoe block. I enclose a sketch of the locality. You should not have gone to the east bank of Tangowahine Creek, but kept the west bank. I have arranged with Parore that such shall be the case; so you will please return and cut out the piece encroached upon. Mr. Dargaville is to pay for all expenses you are put to —such as loss of acreage, loss of time, Ac. Have no fear, I will see that he fulfils that part of his agreement. lam most anxious to see you, for many reasons. I am informed you wrote an account of your work to McDonnell. I am somewhat astonished not to have been the one chosen by you for such statements. I have received the Patetere survey money for you, aud have stuck to it till we meet, for there was so much said about it, and so many claimants, I thought it best for you to make the distribution. I am now off for Wangarei with Mr. Nelson ; shall make the Bay of Islands ; go north ; return this way, via Hokianga, in about three weeks. Be sure to leave directions here for me where you are to be found. If in future you wish to write about your work, or have any other information, please remember that I am the one to write to. I have, &c, E. T. Bbissenden. J. E. Dalton, Esq., Tutamoe. Mr. H. T. Claeke to Major Gbeen. (Telegram.) ' Wellington, 27th August, 1875. No. 347. Have you a letter filed in your office from Colonel McDonnell, stating that Mr. Brissenden had informed him that he was authorized to purchase land for private parties —Hon. Sir Julius Vogel and Dr. Pollen amongst the number ? Date of letter said to be 25th January last. H. T. Clabke, U.S. Mr. H. T. Kemp to Mr. H. T. Claeke. (Telegram.) Auckland, 27th August, 1875. Me your 304, no such letter in this office. H. T. Kemp, C.C. Major Gbeen to Mr. H. T. Claeke. (Telegram.) Auckland, 27th August, 1875. No. 478 ; no such letter is recorded in this office. Edwd. L. Geeen, (for General Government Agent). Mr. J. E. Dalton to the Chaibman, Tairua Investigation Committee. Sic, — Wellington, 7th October, 1875. I have the honor herewith to beg to be examined on oath in reference to Mr. Brissenden's statement, wherein I have initialed certain passages ; and state that, having read the same over, find them to be incorrect. I can only add, in my own defence, that I signed it without mature consideration, and upon the spur of the moment. I therefore pray you will grant the above request, and examine me. I have, &c, The Chairman, Tairua Investigation Committee. J. E. Dalton.