I.—6a.

27

"U." General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 17th June, 1890. In reply to your memorandum of the 10th May last, I am directed to inform you that the Government is advised that the decision of the Court of Appeal, in the case Patterson and Fairlie v. Humphries, does not affect the claim of Mr. Wason to a further grant of land, under the Forest Trees Planting Acts and Eegulations. The case in question has practically decided that there is no limit of area or value under a land-order issued under " The Forest Trees Planting and Encouragement Act, 1872," except as to value when received beyond the provincial district in which the plantation was made, under the Amending Act of 1888. After the decision of the Court of Appeal, it is not proposed to raise any further technical objections to the settlement of Mr. Wason's claims. Will you accordingly have the plantation inspected again, and forward a recommendation for a land-order to issue for whatever area Mr. Wason may be found to be equitably entitled to. H. J. H. Elliott, The Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch. Under-Secretary.

7—l 6a..