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On Saturday, the 24th November, I refused to sell for cash or otherwise to ten applicants, but took their orders for the following week. On seeing Robinson on the matter he informed me that he should take no notice of anybody, but would kill when it suited himself, and that I could do the same. Now, sir, in what particular did I fail to carry out your instruction? And what is the reason you refuse to place Robinson and myself on the same terms, and allow the settlers to go where they are best served ? I have, &c, D. Macfarlane, Esq., Resident Agent. John Murdoch. Dear Sir, —■ Arawata River, 12th December, 1877. I received your letter concerning John Murdoch and supplying the settlers with meat. I beg to inform you I deny the statement that John Murdoch makes to you in regard to my not making any terms with him. In conclusion, I beg you will ask John Murdoch to be at your office on Saturday next, and make his complaints there, as I will be there to defend myself. I have, &c, D. Macfarlane, Esq., Resident Agent. Chas. Robinson. Dear Sir, — Resident Agent's Office, Jackson's Bay, 13th December, 1877. I beg to acknowledge tho receipt of your letter of 10th December, and in reply enclose copy of letter I received from Mr. C. Robinson. 1 would also remind you that, although your statement as far as it goes is correct, yet your memory must have played you false when you forget to mention that on two occasions I asked you to go to Okuru with meat, as by so doing you were only taking your fair share with Robinson. It is a matter of perfect indifference to me who supplies the meat to the settlers; but as long as you and others look to the Government for guarantee of payment, then it is my business to see that each party takes a fair share of the work of supplying the different stations. I have, &c, D. Macfarlane, Mr. John Murdoch. Resident Agent. Dear Sir, — Arawata, 13th December, 1877. I have just received yours of to-day's date re supply of meat to settlers, wherein you say that I have twice refused to take meat to Okuru. I remember, on the 29th of November, I think, in the store, you said that Mr. Robinson complained of having to take meat to Okuru, when I was not obliged to do so. Also, on 30th November, near my place, you asked if I could take some meat to Okuru, as Mr. Robinson complained that I did not do so. I then asked you how much, and when any would be required. On these points you did not know. On my remarking that Mr. Collyer had some cattle from Mr. Buchanan, and that I might find one of them just killed, which you admitted might occur. On neither of these occasions was any time fixed, or any refusal to go. I can remember an occasion about the end of last May; also about the second week in June. I had a beast running at Okuru, and I asked the privilege of killing it for beef there at 6d. and 7d. per lb. You informed me that the settlers at Okuru had plenty of salt meat, and did not require it; yet, in a few days, I went to take my beast home, and on the same day Mr. Robinson killed a beast at Okuru, and charged Bd. per lb., as I am informed. Truly, the settlers have something to be thankful for, as well as Mr. Robinson. You also complained to me on tho 10th instant that I carried out meat to settlers. I have to inform you that some one must be taking a rise out of you, for no such thing has occurred. On no occasion have I, or any member of my family, carried out meat, although I would submit that I ought to be the best judge of the propriety of doing so. I have, &c, John Murdoch, D. Macfarlane, Esq., Resident Agent. A Settler. Sir, — Arawata, 15th December, 1877. At our interview to-day you assert that I must go to Okuru with meat when you demand; at the same time you will not inform me whether any, or how much, is required, but that I must go and find out for myself. Now, Sir, I know well a bit of fresh meat would seldom come wrong to settlers at Okuru, yet I admit no obligation on my part to see to their wants, although I will be most happy to serve them by appointment when they require it. I have just seen M. de Montalk, from Okuru, who says that only a portion of the settlers at Okuru were served with meat last week; and on account of a bullock getting away, after being shot three times, they have got none this week. I hereby offer to take 2001b. or 3001b. of meat to Okuru at once at 6d. and 7d. per lb., and ask you to be good enough to forward a copy of the correspondence on this matter to the officer in charge of the settlement, E. Patten, Esq. I have, &c, John Murdoch, D. Macfarlane, Esq., Resident Agent. A Settler.

Papers advocating the formation of a Bailway via Haast Pass. Sic, — Westland Railway Committee Rooms, Hokitika, 9th August, 1878. I am directed by the Committee appointed for the purpose of promoting the connection of Westland with the south-east coast of the Middle Island by railway, to transmit herewith a copy of the petition to both Houses of Parliament which has been drawn up for signature here in favour of