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or four different blocks. I went down to Maketu, and I asked Sir Donald McLean if he had received any application from the Natives to survey it, because I had a lease, and, if they were not allowed to have it surveyed, I should have to give it up aud clear out. Sir Donald McLean said that, if the Natives sent in applications to have tho land surveyed, and if these applications were found to be correct, the Government would take them into consideration. Some little time afterwards the applications were sent back to Tauranga, and the signatures were gone into by some Native officer. After that, another Court was held, and the names ofa good many more Natives were put into the certificate ; I forget, at the present time, what number. After that I purchased the land. That is the actual statement of the case. 265. When you went down to Sir Donald McLean in that way, did you know that there was any question in the mind of the Government as to whether the Maoris had power to sell or not ? —I was aware that the Maoris had applied to have the land surveyed in order that it might bo sold. 266. Hon. Sir George Grey.] AVhat was the date when you weiit to Maketu ? —lt was the time Sir Donald McLean held a meeting there. I fancy it was in March. It lasted for about three weeks or a month. I went up one afternoon, and came back next day. 267. And you did not know shortly after that the Natives applied for leave to get the alienation taken off the land to sell it to you ? —I understand they had applied before. 268. Tou knew, then, they wanted to sell it to you?—Oh, yes ; I had known for some time that they wanted to sell it, but there were some obstacles, and I was going to clear out at one time. 269. [The Hon. Sir George Grey here showed witness a fetter.] Do you know whose handwriting that is in ? —Tes. 270. AVhose is it ?—I do not wish to say that. 271. Tou were aware that the Natives were soliciting Mr. Clarke to interfere with the Government to let you purchase it?—Tes. 272. AVhat sum, in money, was paid to the Natives for it? —I do not know that I need answer that question. 273. AVas part paid to storekeepers?—l do not know that I need answer that. 274. Was part paid to storekeepers for spirits ? —I do not know that I need answer that. 275. Do you know Mr. Douglas? —AVell,l have heard of Mr. Douglas since I have been down here, who married a woman who said she had claims to this land. 276. Do you remember having a conversation with him ? —I do not know that I ever spoke to him. 277. Did you ever tell him you had heard of his wife's rightful claims to this land ?—I do not think I have ever spoken to him, Sir George. It is possible I may have done, but Ido not remember the man by sight. 278. The Chairman.] Douglas told us he met you once when you were engaged in drainage operations ? —lf any man did speak to me about a Maori woman's claim, possibly I should have said it was a matter for the tribe. 279. Hon. Sir George Grey.] Do you know a Native of the name of Peter? —Tes. 2SO. Did you know a Native of the name of Ramarihi ?—No. 281. Do you recollect telling any woman who applied to you for payment of her share that you referred her to the Government, to whom you had paid the money?— There was a woman applied to me, who said she had a share in it. She came to me one day, and said she wanted some money on this thing. lam not sure she did not say she was a sister of Peter's. I said I had paid the money, and knew nothing about the subdivision of it. 282. Tou did not tell her that you referred her to the Government, to whom you had paid the money ? —Certainly not, because I did not pay the Government mone3 r. 283. _Z7.e Chairman.] Have you ever made application to Mr. Clarke, either verbally or in writing, in respect of this proposed purchase of yours ?—No. 284. Do you know of any action whate\ rer that Mr. Clarke took by way of assisting you in the purchase ?—No. 285. Hon. Sir George Grey.] Did you make any application to the Government about it?— No. 280. Did you speak to any other member of the Government about it ? —No. I asked Mr. Clarke to obtain for me an interview with Sir Donald McLean about it. I saw Sir Donald McLean coming out of the Court, and I spoke to him, with the result that I mentioned to the Committee just now. 287. Mr. Clarke (through the Chairman).] Did I ever assist you, directly or indirectly, in any of your land purchases at Tauranga ?—No. 2SB. Do you remember at the last time when the certificates were settled that you complained to me of putting you in a difficulty by introducing some other names into the certificate?—l did complain, and I thought that I was very hardly used; I think I was treated very hardly. Forty-five names were afterwards put in, instead of sixteen. 289. Did I explain the reason why I had increased the number of people put on the certificate ? — I think you intimated to me that I had nothing to do with the matter, and that you were to decide who were to be put in. 290. Do you remember the transaction with regard to a place called Poheke ?—Tes ; I remember that, at the same time the Natives wished to sell this other place, they applied to sell Poheke, and they came back and told me that Mr. Clarke said Poheke could not bo sold. 291. Has Poheke been sold, or is it held under lease?—lt is held under lease. 292. Hon. Sir George Grey.] Did Sir Donald McLean assure you that your lease was all correct ?— When I first had an idea of taking a lease, I asked Sir Donald McLean if it was a valid lease, and he said it was: if those are the names on the certificate, it is all right. 293. Tou said that the addition of these other names was a great disadvantage to you ? —Tes; it invalidated the lease, and there were more people to divide amongst. It was an immense advantage to the Maoris to have all tho names of the hapu put on the certificate.