a.—4a

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no doubt as to their being ex-rebels. If it could not, and there is any other Act by which it could, I think this piece would meet their case; the only objection (that lam aware of) being the locating them so near to the European settlement at Kihikihi, and their residence there might be looked upon with distrust by their European neighbours. This piece was one that some of the Ngatiapakura tribe (through Mr. W. Swanson, jun.,) were anxious to get because of its value and proximity to Kihikihi Township; but I refused to allocate it to them, as they showed, and still show, much delay and dislike to occupy the pieces that have already been pointed out to them. It is, therefore, available for Te Kooti and people should Mr. Bryce think it advisable to let them have it. During a visit Hoard Poruru paid to me here a few days ago he said that Te Kooti had told him to prefer a request to the Government for a spring-cart, to enable them to get supplies to and from their settlement at Kihikihi: he says they have suitable horses, but have not the means to purchase a cart. Should it be agreed that the land referred to in this letter be given to them, and if you will have me informed at once of the fact, I will ride over to their settlement and let them know, and at the same time bring one of them in with me to Kihikihi and point out the boundaries to him; they would thus be enabled to commence clearing without delay. As I have not a spare tracing showing the section referred to I forward by mail my office map, which please return as soon as done with. The section is shown thereon with a red border, adjoining the Kihikihi Township. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

The Undsb-Seceetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson* Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, sth September, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, with regard to the selection of a block of land for Te Kooti and his people, and a request of Te Kooti's to be supplied with a spring-cart. In reply, Mr. Bryce instructs me to state that the section at Kihikihi, to which you refer is too near the township for the purpose for which it is required, and that an endeavour should be made to find a more suitable section, for the location of the Natives in question. The Native Minister does not see what Te Kooti wants with a spring-cart, nor why the Governin'ent should present him with one. The map enclosed in your letter is returned herewith, as requested. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Native Agent, Auckland. Under-Secretary <

Te Kooti to the Hon. Mr. Bbyce. (Translation.) Whakaarorangi, 22nd November, 1883. Greeting. I again write to you with reference to Orakau. I have been there and spoken to the European who owns the land. He has agreed, and has advised me to write to you, and also to Parliament. I have already written to you, but, not having received any reply, I now address you again. The land belongs to Mr. Andrew Kay, and contains 500 acres; it is fenced, and part of it is laid down in grass. Friend, when you receive this please reply, so that I may know your intentions. Ended. From your loving friend, Mr. Bryce, Minister. Te Kooti te Ttouki.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sic, — Native Office, Alexandra, 28th January, 1884. Eeferring to a conversation which took place some time ago between the Hon. the Native Minister and Te Kooti, relative to the obtaining for him and his people a piece of land for them to live on in the vicinity of Orakau, also subsequent correspondence connected therewith. I have the honour to forward herewith a letter received by me from Mr. Andrew Kay, of Orakau, in reply to one of mine to him of the 23rd instant, a copy of which I also forward, and request that you will instruct me how to reply to the same. Te Kooti's statement (said to be made to Mr. Kay) that I promised him 250 acres out of Mr. Kay's farm is not correct, as I have not seen him since his first meeting about this matter with Mr. Bryce at Alexandra last summer, at which time he had not seen either Mr. Kay or his farm. Mr. Kay's reference to his conversation with Te Kooti, and his statement to him that he would not break up his farm by selling fifty acres of the best land, is misleading. The fifty acres I spoke to him about at Kihikihi was out of the uncultivated and therefore least valuable portion of the farm, and I distinctly gave him to understand (as I was instructed by Mr. Bryce to do) that Government would not purchase expensive and cultivated land for Te Kooti, but might, if the terms were reasonable, buy a part of the uncultivated portion. I have attached the letters before referred to to the rest of the correspondence concerning this matter from the commencement, which perhaps you will return to me after you have perused them.. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,