before the arrangement can be carried into effect. You are aware that I always advocated ample protection when any was afforded. This is the first step in the right path; and if two hundred Troops could be spared, in addition to the Pensioners propsed, I think the law might be enforced without risking the peace of the settlement. But the natives are so numerous in this district that I fear they will not pay much regard to Pensioners alone; and as to our Nilitia, they are numerically strong, but too inefficient to place any dependence on them. We require land more than anything I could name, and if you can succeed in obtaining the consent of the natives to the arrangement you speak of in your letter, placing them between the Mongaraka and Waiongona rivers, and securing to the Europeans the whole of the land as far as the Mongaraka, it would be a great point gained; although I am persuaded you should not let anything interfere with your purchasing the whole of the Block comprised between the North bank of the Waitara, and the South bank of the Oranui rivers. It is a level district, and a rich soil, chiefly fern, which is now so much desired. We find the small native reserves a great pest, and the source of constant disagreements. It would be very desirable, if practicable, to induce them to abandon all those included within the Town. In fact, it would be advisable to confine them to one spot as much as possible.