G.—4

40

If Manihera Rangitakaiwaho informs me correctly this view has already been conceded. He tells me that originally the land on the east side of lake was sold down to margin of water. At time of great earthquake there was a considerable block of submerged land near Ruamahanga upheaved, which has since been sold to the Government. A rough tracing is attached to the appended papers, on which I have dotted in red ink the boundary of purchases according to deed. The red line includes the well-defined Native reservations. I am led to believe, if the Government buy out the Native right to the lake, it will not cost less than £1,000. Heney Clarke.

No. 10. Sir, — Greytown, Wairarapa, Bth February, 1875. I have the honour to bring under your notice a paragraph (copy annexed) which appeared in the New Zealand Times newspaper of the sth instant, relative to a meeting held by certain settlers here regarding the opening of the Wairarapa Lake. You are aware that I have been instructed by the Government to enter into negotiations with the Natives for the surrender of their fishery-rights in that lake. Subsequently I was directed by telegram not to proceed in the matter until the return to Wellington of the Hon. the Native Minister. I have acquainted the settlers interested in the matter of the substance of the telegram, and also to-day have written remonstrating with them upon the action they purpose taking. There will be much sympathy evinced towards the Lower Valley Natives should their fisheryrights be invaded by the pakeha, and insurmountable difficulties will be the result in the adjustment of the question. The settlers should, I submit, be advised by the Government to refrain from any overt act of this nature. I have, &c, The Native Secretary, Wellington. E. S. Maunsell. The Standard reports that a meeting of the landowners on the banks of the Wairarapa Lake was held at Featherston on Monday last. Present : Mr. J. P. Russell, who was appointed chairman of the meeting; Messrs. C. Pharazyn, P. Hume, D. McMasters, J. Tocker, J. Donald, A. Matthews, W. Williams, F. Beckett, J. Wilkinson, and John Feast. For particulars of extract, vide resolution forwarded by Mr. Russell, chairman of meeting.

No. 11. Sir,— Greytown, sth February, 1875. I have the honour to enclose, for the information of the Government, a copy of a resolution carried at a meeting of the landholders on the banks of the Wairarapa Lake, held at Featherston on the Ist instant. I have, &c, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. John P. Russell, Chairman.

Copy of a Resolution carried at a Meeting of the Landholders on the Banks of the Wairarapa Lake, held at Featherston on the Ist February, 1875. Proposed by Mr. C. Pharazyn, and seconded by Mr. P. Hume, " That this meeting pledges itself to test the question as to the right of opening the mouth of the Wairarapa Lake by digging a channel for the water on the first occasion on which it is sufficiently high after the Ist March next, and, in the event of legal proceedings being taken against the persons doing so, to subscribe the necessary funds to decide the matter in a permanent way ; and that copies of the above be sent to both the General and Provincial Governments, with an intimation to the effect that the settlers are only forced by the urgency of the case to come to this decision, which, if carried out, they are well aware may not improbably lead to a dispute with the Natives, the consequences of which may be more or less serious, and that under these circumstances they would urge upon the Government to make further efforts in the meantime to settle the question in a more amicable manner." Carried. John P. Russell.

No. 12. Mr. Halse. Prepare telegram for Hon. Sir D. McLean, informing him of meeting of settlers, and the resolution they came to; also, that I have seen Mr. Maunsell, who is of opinion that the Wairarapa Lakes should be purchased, and that he thinks he could obtain them for a reasonable sum. Ask what action, if any, should be taken. Say settlers appear determined to try the question, and that the Natives will probably resist. 13th February, 1875. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 13. Hon. Major Atkinson, Wellington. Grahamstown, 16th February, 1875. I was under the impression that Mr. Maunsell had already been instructed to negotiate about the Wairarapa Lake. Some time ago Mr. Wardell was instructed, and all papers were sent to him, but Mr. Maunsell would more effectually do it. The resolution of the settlers is simply preposterous, and cannot be entertained for a minute. Donald McLean.

No. 14. John Russell, Esq., Chairman. Native Office, 22nd February, 1875. I am directed by Hon. Major Atkinson, in the absence of the Native Minister, to acknowledge your letter dated the sth instant, covering the copy of a resolution carried at a meeting of the landholders on the banks of the Wairarapa Lake, held at Featherston on the Ist instant.