19

I—B

As it would be most unjust that we should continue to be deprived of our property for an indefinite or for any further period whatever, I would suggest, as a fair settlement of the award made by Mr. Hamilton upwards of three years ago, either a vote of money to the amount of our award, £9,275, with interest thereon at colonial rate from 15th March, 1875, when the Government failed to fulfil their contract; or the issue of a fresh land order, entitling us to select land to the amount of the award in some other part of the colony, where an immediate selection may be made; or that the Government should pay the interest on the award from the 15th March, 1875, and until such time as land may become available for selection under our land order in the Province of Taranaki, a period of two years, or other reasonable time being allowed us for selection after any land may come into the possession of the Government, and be open to selection. I submit these suggestions for your consideration, and consider them fair and reasonable for the settlement of our claims. Seeing that for a period of between twenty and thirty years we have been deprived of both principal and interest of our property, it is not unreasonable to ask for a settlement without further delay. Tours very truly, Caey Boeeeh. By Authority : Georgb Dedsbuet, G-OTernment Printer, Wellington.—lB76. Price is.]