was brought before this Court by Nepia's son to answer for the non-payment of £10, being two months quota of the yearly rent for native lands south of Rangitikei River, and at present occupied by European European cattle; but the case was not entertained by Mjaor Durie being illegal. McKenzie had become mixed up in the matter in some ways which did not appear (as no evidence was adduced) either as part owner of the cattle or as agent for the rightful owner. The desire to lease runs to Europeans is daily gaining ground amongst the natives of this District. The moving cause with the Ngatiapas is I think the unwillingness of the Government to purchase land from them without the consent of the Ngatiraukawas, and as money must be had in some way, they are satisfied, for the present, to acquire it by leasing in which they are joined by Nepia. Nothing less can be expected than that, leasing once commenced, it will be pursued with eagerness by both tribes, for neutrality in either would be be considered as equivalent to a surrendering of all title and claim to the land. The Ngatiapas