inducement for the Govt. to accede to their wishes. This offer is quite independent of the Kawakawa block which you have heard of and they would be willing to alienate a considerable tract of fine country in that neighbourhood. I may cite as my authority Honi Kingi Tahua, one of the principal parties concerned. I am informed that during my absence Mr. Hays protracted stay in Town had excited the attention of the Ministry and a hint having been conveyed to him of the probable consequences of such a neglect of orders if not immediately complied with, he went down as far as Orakei in his boat and them returned overland to Town, where he was