declare that Nepia took the initiative step in the matter by receiving money from Mr. Robinson of Manawatu for the depasturage of cattle which are not confined to Manawatu but ramble all over the country, even to Rangitikei, They, in consequence, several times made arrangements with Europeans for depasturing their stock on the plains south of Rangitikei. Some of these have since beenremoved by their owners. Subsequently some of the Ngatiapas and Nepia have conjointly leased runs to European residents of Rangitikei and Whanganui and the evil appears likely to increase. The natives are fully aware that it is unlawful for Europeans to lease lands from them, and they have always been taught that the law is inviolable; yet they see it broken continually with the utmost recklessness and impunity. The effect of this upon the native mind must necessarily be to give them a not very exalted opinion of the power and authority of the Government, and to encourage them to transgress the law in cases where transgression could not be tolerated. It is therefore absolutely