approach to Meeanee bridge. The Maoris are selling away at a great rate, and I have written to the Native Office to urge upon Govt. to have inalienable reserves made under the act of 1866, to save the Maori from himself, or they will soon be paupers on the state. Tareha left £400 out of his Papakura £500 in Button's store within 1/2 an hour of the payment and the £3,000 due next year is more than forestalled. Henare is selling Wahaparata, Karauria has sold the Priests paddock at Waitangi, and other sales are going on all round. At this rate the whole thing won't last 2 years more - and then?