CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO A CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON TO A GRANT OF LAND.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1871 Session I, G-15

G.—No. 15

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO A CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON TO A GRANT OF LAND.

Return to an Order of the 31st August, 1871. That there be laid upon the Table of this House—" Copies of Correspondence, Minutes, or Reports relating to the claim of AVilliam Jackson to a grant of land." (Mr. T. Kelly.)

WELLINGTON.

1871.

G.—No. lfc.

No. 1. The Hon. T. Russell to Mr. W. Jackson. Mr. AVilliam Jackson, — Colonial Defence Office, Auckland, 6th August, 1863. You are authorized to raise a corps of men for the purpose of following up the Natives in the bush, and scouring the Hunua Ranges, in the manner described this morning in conversation with His Excellency the Governor. The men will get Bs. per day, with a commissariat ration. There will be one lieutenant and one ensign, whose pay will respectively be 15s. and 12s. per diem, with allowances. The Government, in addition to the ordinary grant,* will make a grant of land to any man who distinguishes himself, or to the widow of any man who may be killed in action. Thomas Russell. Any men now in any of the Colonial corps may leave to join this force. sth (sic) August, 1863. Thomas Russell.

No. 2. Extract from Gazette, No. 41, 19th August, 1863. Colonial Defence Office, Auckland, 14th August, 1863. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to make the following appointment in the Forest Rangers Volunteers: — William Jackson to be Lieutenant. Date of commission, 14th August, 1863. T. Russell.

No. 3. Jackson's Forest Rangers. Lieutenant William Jackson is entitled to forage allowance for one horse, from the 6th August, 1863. 6th October, 1863. T. Russell.

No. 4. The Hon. T. Russell to Mr. W. Jackson. Lieutenant Jackson, — 9th November, 1863. Your corps will be disbanded, as the term of your engagement expires on the 10th instant. You may, however, enlist one hundred men on tho same terms as the Colonial Defence Force : viz., ss. per day, less charge for rations. They will probably form a part of the Colonial Defence Force, not mounted, or may be attached to one of the Waikato regiments. T. Russell.

No. 5. Lieutenant Jackson to the Hon. T. Russell. (Telegram.) 11th November, 1863. If the men cannot leave the Colony, many of them will rejoin; only ten or twelve have promised to do so yet. Tho detachment from the Mauku has not arrived yet. Am Ito swear in what men I can get, and for how long ? May I take men from Wairoa, Mauku, or Waiuku (Waikato) ? I am waiting an answer. I have to meet some men in town as soon I can get settled with the men.

No. 6. The Hon. T. Russell to Lieutenant Jackson, Drury. (Telegram.) You can swear in what men you can get. They must take service under the Waikato Regulations for three years. You may take men from either of the places you name. Thomas Russell.

No. 7. Captain Jackson to the Hon. T. Russell. (Telegram.) 13th November, 1863. I have been to Wairoa. Did not succeed in getting any men. They have tho same pay as I offer. If you were to allow rations, I think I would be able to gat more. lam on the way to the Mauku and Waiuku. I will wait an answer. I have had many applications from the Waikato Volunteers. * The words "in addition to the ordinary grant" are interlined in original.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO A CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON TO A GRANT OF LAND.

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CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

No. 8. The Hon. T. Russell to Captain Jackson. We cannot increase the offer by adding rations. 13th November, 1863. Thomas Russell.

No. 9. Extract from Gazette No. 61, 28th November, 1863. Colonial Defence Office, Auckland, 27th November, 1863. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to make the following appointments : — In the Auckland Militia. ********* Lieutenant William Jackson to be Captain.—Date of commission, November 9th, 1863. T. Russell.

No. 10. Mr. AY. Seed to Major Jackson. Sir, — Colonial Defence Office, Auckland, 9th April, 1864. The very able services rendered by you in connection with the attack on the rebel Natives' entrenched position at Orakau having been specially mentioned in the despatch of Brigadier-General Carey, who commanded on that occasion, and brought under the notice of the Governor by the Lieutenant-General Commanding, I have the honor, by direction of the Minister for Colonial Defence' to inform you that His Excellency has been pleased to confer on you the rank of Major in the Auckland Militia, for distinguished services in the field. The official notification of your promotion appears in to-day's Gazette, a copy of which I beg to enclose to you herewith. Your gallant conduct in face of the enemy has on other occasions been also warmly commended by the military authorities, and the Government has no doubt that tho announcement of the reward now conferred on you will be received with general satisfaction. I have, Ac, Major Jackson, Forest Rangers, Head Quarters. William Seed.

No. 11. Extract from Gazette No. 12, 9th April, 1864. Colonial Defence Office, Auckland, 9th April, 1864. The names of the under-mentioned officers belonging to the Colonial Forces having been specially brought to the notice of the Governor for distinguished services in the field during recent engagements with the enemy, His Excellency has been pleased to direct that they shall receive the following promotions, viz. : — In the Auckland Militia. ********* Captain William Jackson, 2nd Regiment, Waikato Militia, to be Major.—Date of commission, . 3rd April, 1864. ********* T. Russell.

No. 12. Major Jackson to the Hon. T. Russell. Snt, — Auckland, 17th October, 1864. I have the honor to inform you that several men who served in the first company of Forest Rangers, under my command, have written to me concerning the land which was promised them. I have not answered their letters, as I thought it best to communicate with you on the subject first. If you would kindly inform me what I am to say to them, you would greatly oblige. I enclose a copy of the authority for raising the corps. (Vide No. 1.) I havo, Ac, William Jackson, Major, The Hon. Thomas Russell. Commanding Forest Rangers.

No. 13. Minute by the Hon. T. Russell. Replt.—That the men of the old company who took their discharges, and have not joined the existing company of Forest Rangers, are not entitled to land. 18th October, 1864. T. Russell. [Letter, No. 2,458, 19th October, 1864.]

TO A GRANT OF LAND.

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G.—No. 15.

No. 14. Mr. W. Seed to Major Jackson. (No. 2,458.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— Auckland, 19th October, 1564. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, on the subject of grants of hind to men who served in the corps of Forest Rangers under your command. In reply, I am directed by the Minister for Colonial Defence to inform you, that the men of the old company, who took their discharge, and have not joined the existing company of Forest Rangers are not entitled to land. I have, Ac, Major Jackson, Commanding Forest Rangers, William Seed. Auckland.

No. 15. Major Jackson to the Hon. T. Russell. Sir, — Auckland, Bth November, 1564. I have the honor to state that on the 6th plugust, 1863, I received instructions from you to raise a corps of men for the purpose of following up the Natives in the bush, in a manner described by His Excellency the Governor in conversation I had with him that morning. The conversation was with reference to the duties to be performed by the corps, and the remuneration they were to get for the service they might render. The men were to have each a grant of land, and to any man who might distinguish himself, a special grant. With reference to myself, I was given io understand that I should have a large grant of good land, and, to prevent any mistake, I specially drew His Excellency and Mr. Russell's attention to the question. The words I made use of were, '" That by following up the Natives, I ran a great risk of being killed, and that His Excellency must not think I wished to show any disrespect to him if I spoke rather plain, as I thought a fair understanding then would save a great deal of unpleasantness afterwards." I also made use of the following words : " You" (meaning His Excellency and Mr. Russell) "say you will give me land ; I may therefore tell you, that it is not for the pay, neither am I anxious to get a name, but that if I get through, 1 shall expect a lump of good land." The words His Excellency said were, "We do not wish to bind ourselves too tight, but I will give you not merely a lump, but a large slice in the choicest part of Waikato; I will settle you down in Rangiawhia." And on the strength of those words I raised the company which was known as the Forest Rangers. His Excellency also said he thought the war would be over in three or four months. Mr. Russell instructed me to swear in the men only for three mouths. Tho men were particular about the land, which was promised to them without any condition, it being merely called the ordinary grant. I may also state that the men were disbanded at the end of three months ; also that they did all the work required of them, which was sometimes of a very harassing nature, being almost continually in the bush day and night in a wet winter. Hoping you will give the subject your early attention, so that the land may be set apart for our benefit, I have, Ac, The Hon. Thomas Russell, AVm. Jackson, Major, Defence Minister. Commanding Forest Rangers.

No. 16. Mr. J. Botd to the Hon. T. Russell. Sir, — Sheppard's Bush, 11th November, 1864. AVould you be kind enough to inform me the best steps to pursue, in order to secure the land which I am entitled to for my service in Major Jackson's first company of Forest Rangers ? You would confer a great favour oil Your humble Servant, The lion. Mr. Russell. James Botd.

No. 17. Minute by the Hon. T. Russell. Reply.—That the Government recognize the claim of Major Jackson and his men to a grant of good land, in accordance with His Excellency's promise, made to Major Jackson in August, 1863. State that the Government think Major Jackson and his men should be located at Rangiawhia; but, as the present Government retire from office in a few days, they can do nothing more than recognize the claim he prefers. 15th November, 1864. T. Russell. [Letter No. 2,541, 16th November, 1864.]

No. 18. Mr. AY. Seed to Major Jackson. (No. 2,541.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir, — Auckland, 10th November, 1564. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, in which you request that land may be set apart for yourself and the company of Forest Rangers that you raised in 2

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CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

accordance with instructions you received in the month of August last year. lam directed by the Minister for Colonial Defence to inform you in reply, that the Government recognize the claims of yourself and your men to a grant of good land, in accordance with His Excellency's promise made to you at the time named, and that you should be located at Rangiawhia. But lam to state, that as the present Ministry retires from office in a few days, they can do nothing more than recognize the claim which you prefer. Major William Jackson, I have, Ac, Commanding Forest Rangers, Auckland. William Seed.

No. 19. Scaik of Pat of Forest Bangers. s. d. 1 Captain ... ... 20 0 per diem, less lOd. per diem for rations. „ ... ... 3 0 per diem forage allowance. „ ... ... 10 per diem contingent allowance. 1 Lieutenant ... ... 14 0 per diem, less lOd. per diem for rations. 1 Ensign ... .... 12 0 „ „ Staff-Sergeant ... ... 8 6 Sergeant ... ... 7 6 „ „ Corporal ... ... 6 0 „ „ Bugler ... ... 5 0 „ „ Private ... ... 5 0 „ „ Chaeles Knigiit, 25th November, 1864. , Auditor.

No. 20. Major Jackson to the Hon. T. Russell. Sir,— Auckland, 28th October, 1864. I have the honor to request that you will inform me if I shall be allowed to draw lots with Major Hill, 2nd AVaikato Militia, for priority of choice for country sections of land; and if not, how shall I select my land ? I have, Ac, William Jackson, Major, The Hon. Thomas Russell, Commanding Forest Rangers, 2nd AVaikato Militia. Colonial Defence Office, Auckland.

No. 21. Minute by the Hon. T. Russell. Replt.—That the Government propose to give the Forest Rangers a separate block of land, which, if done, will avoid the necessity of deciding the question raised in this letter. 16th November, 1864. T.R. [Letter to Major Jackson, No. 2,557,18 th November, 1864, attached.]

No. 22. Mr. W. Seed to Major Jackson. (No. 2,557.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— Auckland, 18th November, 1864. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, and am directed to inform you in reply, that the Government propose to give the Forest Rangers a separate block of land, which, if done, will avoid the necessity of deciding the question raised in your letter as to priority of choice for country sections of land. I have, Ac, Major William Jackson, William Seed. Commanding Forest Rangers, Auckland.

No. 23. Major Jackson to the Hon. T. Russell. Sir,— Auckland, 12th November, 1564. I have the honor to request that you will cause my company of Forest Rangers to be detached from the 2nd Waikato Militia, for the following reasons, namely:—That I consider my company entitled to a special section of land, which it will not get whilst attached to the 2nd Waikato Militia, as each company will have to draw lots. That, whilst lam in the 2nd AVaikato Militia, some officers command me who otherwise w rould not. That I have great difficulty in getting men discharged, in room of substitutes. I have to get a particular class of men, and when I have found them I have to wait, from one week to one month, as the papers, Ac, have to pass through so many offices, which would be obviated were I made independent of the regiment.

TO A GBANT OE LAND.

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Q.—TSo. 16.

I may add, that I have not the slightest ground of complaint against my commanding officer ; on the contrary, he has always been very kind to me. Hoping that you will favourably consider my request, I have, Ac, William Jackson, Major, The Hon. Thomas Russell, Defence Office, Auckland. Commanding Forest Rangers.

No. 24. Memorandum by the Hon. T. Russell. I think the Forest Rangers should be separated from the Waikato Regiments. 21st November, 1864. T. Russell.

No. 25. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sir, — Camp, Forest Rangers, 16th January, 1865. I have the honor to inform you that, on or about the 18th October, 1864, I addressed a letter to the late Minister for Colonial Defence, in which I stated the grounds whereon I claimed to have a grant of land in Rangiawhia. I received, in answer, a letter, No. 2,541, dated 16th November, 1864, wherein I was informed that the Government recognized my claim to land in Rangiawhia, but as they were to retire from office in a few days, they could do no more than recognize the claim preferred. You would greatly oblige by informing me if any steps have been taken to cause the land in question to be set apart for my use. Hoping you will give the matter your early attention, I have, Ac, Wm. Jackson, Major, The Hon. the Minister, Colonial Defence, Auckland. Commanding Forest Rangers.

No. 26. Minute by the Hon. Major Atkinson. Replt.—The Forest Rangers will be detached from the 2nd AVaikato Militia, and made a separate corps. They will be located at Rangiawhia. 31st January, 1866. H. A. A. [Letter No. 2,732, 2nd February, 1865.]

No. 27. Captain Holt to Major Jackson. (No. 2,732.) Sir, — Colonial Defence Office, Auckland, 2nd February, 1865. In reply to your letter of the 16th ultimo, in which you again refer to your claim for land at Rangiawhia, I am directed by the Minister for Colonial Defence to inform you that the Forest Rangers will be detached from the 2nd Regiment of Waikato Militia, and made a separate corps, and that they will be located at Rangiawhia. I have, Ac, J. Holt, Captain, Major Jackson, Commanding Forest Rangers, Auckland. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 28. Major Jackson to Mr. W. Seed. Sir, — Camp, Forest Rangers, Kihi-kihi, 28th January, 1865. I have the honor to forward, for the favourable consideration of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, the enclosed letters signed by some of the members of my late company of Forest Rangers, requesting information concerning land due them for services performed, in accordance with the promise made to them in writing by the Government. I may add that the men who have signed their names did serve the Government until they were disbanded. I will in the course of a few days send you a list *.of all men entitled to land for services performed as Forest Rangers up to the 10th of November, 1863, the day they were disbanded. I have, Ac, Wm. Jackson, Major, William Seed, Esq., Colonial Defence Office, Commanding Forest Rangers. Auckland.

Enclosure 1 in No. 28. Mr. F. Russell to Major Jackson. Dear Sir, — Papakura, 9th January, 1868. Excuse the liberty I take in writing you a few lines concerning the grant of land of which you * List not received.

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CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

(on our being sworn in to the company of Forest Rangers, of which you were in command) held a Memorandum from the Defence Minister, which was read to each as we were sworn, and entitled each, at the expiration of his time of service, to a grant of land, which you said was to be at no other place than Rangiawhia. It is now over twelve months since wo were disbanded, and during that time we have not heard one word concerning our promised grant of laud. Whose fault is it ? Why ! yours, and not the Government's. Rangiawhia is now being divided to other corps; and you are of course too late (at least we think so). It is your duty I believe, being commander of that force, to bring the matter before the notice of the Government, and why have you not done it? Is it becauso you have already received yours, and don't care one rap what becomes of our land ? At any rate it seems a great deal like it. In conclusion, I may add that I cannot for one moment think that the Government, with so clear a contract before its eyes, would be guilty of such an act of despicable baseness as to endeavour to repudiate our claims, based as they are upon His Excellency's word of honor, Russell's Memorandum, and three months of the hardest and most valuable service that the Colony ever paid for. I leave it now to you, being your duty to see into the matter, and hope soon to hear of something favourable. I now beg to sign myself, Your most, Ac, Fred. Russell.

Enclosure 2 in No. 28. Lieutenant Roberts and others to Major Jackson. Sic, — Cambridge, 25th January, 1865. As members of the old corps of Forest Rangers, we would respectfully beg to remind you, its commanding officer, that, as the Waikato regiments are about to receive their land, the time has arrived when our claim for services in the above corps should be no longer neglected; and we request that you would use your best endeavours to forward our interests in the; proper quarter. AYe have, Ac, J. M. Roberts, Lieut., 2nd Coy. Forest Rangers. Alex. S. Sherhet, Ensign, 2nd Coy. Forest Rangers. Edward G. McMinn, Staff Scrgt., 2nd Coy. Forest Rangers. Henrt Soutuee, Sergt., 2nd Coy. Forest Rangers. his Thomas Buttler, x Private, 2nd Coy. Forest Rangers. mark Thomas Keena, Private, 2nd Coy. Forest Rangers. Submitted to fhc Hon. the Defence Minister. 27th January, 1865. Wm. Jackson, Major.

Enclosure 3 in No. 28. Mr. R. Alexander and others to Major Jackson. Sic, — Camp Forest Rangers, 25th January, 1865. AYe have the honor to request that you will inform us if land has been set apart for us, for services performed in the Corps of Forest Rangers, raised on or about the 6th August, and disbanded on or about the 10th November, 1863, in accordance with the terms under which we wero enrolled. AYe have, Ac, Robert Alexander, John Carter, John Rouen, Jamks Watters, AVilliam Wells, He.nhy Long, Henht Hendrt, Thomas Holden, Stephen Mahonet, his x mark. Chas. AVkstkup, Lieut. Richard Bell, No. 1 Coy., Forest Rangers. Major Jackson, Forest Rangers. Submitted to the Hon. the Defence Minister. Wm. Jackson, Commanding Forest Rangers.

. No. 29. Major Jackson to Colonel De Quinct. Sir— Camp Kihi-kihi, 7th March, 1865. I have the honor to request that you will bring to the notice of Colonel Haultain, Commanding AVaikato Militia, the enclosed statement of Lieutenant Westrup, of my company of Forest Rangers, for the purpose of being forwarded to the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence. I have, Ac, AVm. Jackson, Major, Commanding Forest Rangers. Colonel De Quincy, Military Secretary, Alexandra. Memorandum (No. 224-G5) forwarded for the consideration of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial

G.—No. 15.

TO A GRANT OP LAND.

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Defence.—l do not consider that the promise made to the Forest Rangers gives them a right to the allotment of land in question, and Major Heaphy concurs in this opinion. T. M. Haultatn, Colonel. 6th April, 1865. Commanding Waikato Militia. Replt according to this minute. —H.A.A. 24th April, 1865.

Enclosure in No. 29. Lieutenant Westrup to Major Jackson. Sir,— Kihi-kihi, 6th March, 1865. I have the honor to request that you will forward the following statement to the Minister for Colonial Defence, with a view to gain his intercession to adjust matters as regards a portion of land situate at Rangiawhia, and which has been placed at the choice of part of No. 4 Company, 2nd Regiment, AVaikato Militia. Statement. In January last, the Minister for Colonial Defence made known to Major Jackson, commanding No. 1 Company, Forest Rangers, the decision of the Government (in letter No. 2,732) that his company should get their couutry land at Rangiawhia. A considerable portion of that land has now been allotted for the location of part of No. 4 Company, 2nd Regiment, Waikato Militia, thus compelling the Forest Rangers to take part of their land out of the settlement. I have, Ac, Major Jackson, Charles Westrup, Lieutenant, Commanding Forest Rangers, Kihi-kihi. Forest Rangers.

No. 30. Mr. H. Hartwright to Major Jackson. Sir,— Taranaki, 24th April, 1865. Colonel Haultain has forwarded for the consideration of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence your letter of the 7th ultimo, in which you enclose one you had received from Lieutenant Westrup, of your company, wherein it is stated that the Forest Rangers had been informed by Government they would get their country land at Rangiawhia and that a considerable portion of that land had now been allotted for the location of part of No. 4 Company, 2nd Regiment, Waikato Militia. I have it in command to acquaint you in reply, that Major Atkinson does not consider the promise made to the Forest Rangers gives them a right to the allotment of land in question. I have, Ac, Major Jackson, Henrt Hartwright Commanding Forest Rangers, Kihi-kihi. (for the Under Secretary).

No. 31. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sir, — Camp Kihi-kihi, 14th Juno, 1865. I have the honor to forward to you a letter from AY. F. Rowen (a member of my first company of Forest Rangers) relative to land due to him for service performed in said corps. Whilst writing on this subject, I may mention that there are several men here equally interested, who are continually asking me if any steps have been taken to set apart land for their use. Hoping that you will give the matter your early attention, I have, Ac, The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, Wm. Jackson, Major, Auckland. Commanding Forest Rangers.

Enclosure in No. 31. Mr. W. F. Rowen to Major Jackson. Sir, — Princes Street, Onehunga, 6th May, 1865. Will you be kind enough to inform me how I am to obtain the land due to me for service in your first corps of Forest Rangers ? I have Ac, Major Jackson. R°WEIf-

• No. 32. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sir,— Camp, Kihi-kihi, 15th June, 1865. Referring to my letter of 14th instant, No. 277, enclosing a communication from W. Rowen, which I had received, requesting that I might inform him whether the land promised to my first corps of Forest Rangers was yet allotted, — I have the honor to forward herewith a like application from J. Newcastle, of same corps, and referring to the same subject. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, Willtam Jackson, Major, Auckland. Commanding Forest Rangers. 3

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CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

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Enclosure in No. 32. Mr. J. Newcastle to Major Jackson. Sir, — Onehunga, Bth June, 1865. I beg to inquire of you when and where I shall receive the land which I served for under your command. It is most strange that those men who were tho first to arm should be last to share the spoil. Write me word again at your earliest convenience. I have, Ac, Major William Jackson, Kihi-kihi, on the Waipa. James Newcastle.

No. 33. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sir,— Camp, Kihi-kihi, 18th June, 1865. I have the honor to draw your attention to a letter of mine to the Defence Minister, dated 18th October, 1804, wherein I stated the grounds upon which I claimed a special grant of land for services performed as Officer Commanding the first corps of Forest Rangers. In reply, I received a letter, No. 2,541, dated 16th November, 1864, wherein the Government recognize the claim of self and men to a grant of good land, in accordance with the promise of His Excellency made in August, 1863, when the corps was raised. On the 16th January, 1865, I wrote to you, asking if any steps had been taken to set the land apart for my use, and requesting that you would give the matter your early attention. Since then, my present company, who formed part of the AVaikato Militia, and was principally made up by volunteers from the 2nd Regiment, AVaikato Militia, but in no way connected with the former corps, have been put in possession of laud at Rangiawhia, and struck off pay. As it was distinctly stated by His Excellency, in the presence and with the concurrence of the Minister for Colonial Defence, that I should have a largo grant of good land, and as it was solely on that promise I undertook to raise the corps, I humbly request that you will take such steps as may cause good land to be set apart for my immediate use. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, AVilliam Jackson, Major. Auckland. P.S. —Since writing the above, I have received tho enclosed letters from members of my late corps, which letters I forward for your information. They have been written some time, but I only received them this day, 20th June, 1865. William Jackson, Major.

Enclosure in No. 33. Ensign McGregor Hay to Major Jackson. Dear Sir, — Auckland, 7th March, 1865. Urged by the renewed importunities of the men for the fulfilment of tho contract under which they were embodied, I again request information as to what has been or what is likely to be done, in the above matter. I cannot conceive the object of the delay of the present Government in giving effect to the act of their predecessors in office ; and more especially so as our claim is based on such manifest justice, and an agreement admitted and ratified by the letter you showed me from the retiring Defence Minister. When the men were enrolled it was plainly understood by them from Mr. Russell's Memorandum —Ist. That tho corps was embodied for three months' service. 2nd. That at the expiration of that time each would be entitled to receive a grant of land free of cost, according to the scale allowed for AVaikato settlers, untrammelled by any conditions for settlement. They were further assured by a statement made by you, on the authority of His Excellency the Governor, that the land would be in Rangiawhia. I need not ask how inviolate this promise has been kept, for as you must be aware, it is now moro than sixteen months since the corps was formally disbanded, having completed its term of service and complied with all the conditions of the Memorandum under which it was embodied ; and Rangiawhia (the promised land) has been surveyed, and partially if not entirely disposed of by the Government, without a word having been said about our claim upon it. Under such circumstances, then, it is not to be wondered at that the men should seek the assistance of their officers to maintain their rights and prevent their being defrauded in the face of so unmistakable a contract. I can assure you that these men who have applied to me are determined to have it enforced in its integrity, and have signified their willingness, if it be necessary, to petition the General Assembly to bear their proportion of the expense of doing so. I feel every confidence in your ability and willingness to negotiate with the Government on the subject, and bring it to a favourable issue; but should negotiation fail, and a settlement be delayed, there is no alternative but to take it to the Assembly, and havo the grievance redressed. Hoping to hear from you soon, I have, Ac, Wm. McGregor Hat, Major Jackson, Kihi-kihi. Late Ensign, F.R.

TO A GRANT OE LAND.

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No. 34. Memoeandum by Captain Holt for Colonel Haultain. Shall I inform Major Jackson that the men of his first corps of Forest Rangers —not being now in either No. 1 or No. 2 Company, Forest Rangers —are to receive fifty acres of land each, but that the officers will receive no laud, as they still hold commissions in the corps, and will get land according to their present rank ?—the promotion they have received, and consequent increased quantity of land, being considered equivalent to the land they would have received if their services had not been continued. 16th November. J. Holt.

No. 35. Memorandum by Colonel Haultain for Ministees. I constdee that the men of the first company of Forest Rangers, who did not re-enlist in November, 1863, cannot claim land under Mr. Russell's Memorandum, of the 6th of August, 1863, unless they are prepared to complete a three years' occupation, as they were only promised the ordinary grant of land (and additional land in case of distinguished conduct, which does not appear to be claimed), to which they could not be entitled until the termination of their period. But as it was stated in the House of Representatives, by the late Defence Minister, that the Government had decided to give them their land, I consider that this promise should be carried into effect. But no officer or man who, having re-enlisted, has been already put in possession of land, should have a second grant. Major Jackson has already been allotted 400 acres of exceedingly good and valuable land at Rangiawhia. 10th November, 1865. T. M. Haultain. Theee are no grounds for acceding to the claim made. —E.W.S. 18th November, 1865. Ido not consider these men have a claim to the ordinary grant of land in equity. The Defence Minister who was in office when the men were raised states in his Minute of the 15th October, 1864, that he considers they are not entitled to land. Ido not consider that the declaration of his successor in office imposes on the present Government the necessity for reversing that decision. 22nd November, 1865. C. 11. Russell.

No. 36. Captain Holt to Major Jackson. (No. 670.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir, — . AVellington, 23rd November, 1565. In reply to your letter of the 18th June last, No. 285, I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, to inform you that the Government, after full consideration of the subject, are of opinion that your claim to land has been fully met by the allotment of 400 acres at Rangiawhia of the most valuable land in the AVaikato District; and that those men who belonged to tho first company of Forest Rangers, and who on their disbandment, did not re-enrol for the completion of the period of service, which alone could entitle them to the ordinary grant of land, cannot now claim it. The Government will not, therefore, I am directed to state, reverse the decision conveyed to you in Mr. Russell's letter No. 2458, of 19th October, 1864. I have, Ac, J. Holt, Major Jackson, Forest Rangers, Kihikihi. Under Secretary.

No. 37. Major Jackson to Captain Holt. Sir,— To Awamutu, Bth June, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter (No. 670, 23rd November, 1865), wherein you state that, in reply to my letter of 18th June, 1865, No. 285, you are directed by the Hon. the Defence Minister to inform me that tho Government, after full consideration of the subject, are of opinion that my claim to land has been fully met by the allotment of 400 acres at Rangiawhia. i AVith reference to the above, I beg to inform you that I have no recollection of having then preferred mv claim for extra grant of land, as I understood the Government to have acknowledged said claim, and that they would have handed same to me ere this. The letters I have written on tho subject refer to the men whom I enlisted in tho month of August, 1863, and who were disbanded by order of the Hon. the Defence Minister on the 10th of November following. As there is evidently some misunderstanding on the matter, I humbly request that you will bring this letter and enclosures to the notice of the Hon. the Defence Minister, in order that he may take such steps as he may think necessary to enable me to receive a grant of good laud, in accordance with the promise made by His Excellency the Governor, in the month of August, 1803. On the Bth of November, 1864,1 wrote a letter to the Hon. the Defence Minister, requesting that land might be set apart for myself and the company of Forest Rangers that I raised in accordance with instructions received in the month of August, 1803. In that letter I stated that the land then claimed had no connection whatever with the land to be allotted to mo as a Waikato Militiaman, in answer to which I received tho letter No. 2,541, 16th November, 1804, wherein the Government recognized the claim I preferred. The letter from the Defence Office, No. 2,458, 19th October, 1864 (to which you refer), was in reply to a letter of mine dated the 17th previously, which was written at the request of several of the

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CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

men who were discharged from the old company, with reference to which I forwarded the letter above quoted (viz., Bth November, 1864), stating more fully the claim of self and men to a grant of good land. In conclusion, I would respectfully state that I raised the corps of Forest Rangers wholly and solely on the condition that I should receive a large grant of good land, or, to use the expression made use of by His Excellency the Governor, " not merely a lump, but a large slice." I have, Ac, Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Wm. Jackson, Major, Defence Office, AVellington. Commanding Forest Rangers. P.S.—The documents enclosed are as follows : —(1.) Copy of authority to raise the corps; (2.) Copy of authority to disband the corps; (3.) Copy of letter recognizing claim.,

No. 38. Minute by Captain Holt. A reference to Major Jackson's letter of 18th June, 1865, will show that it was for land for himself that he principally made application at that time, and the reply thereto gave the final decision of the Government, both in regard to himself and his men. J. Holt. 30th June, 1866. Replt accordingly.—T. M. Haultain. 30th June, 1866. [Letter, No. 1,524, 2nd July, 1866.]

No. 39. Captain Holt to Major Jackson. (No. 1,524.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— AVellington, 2nd July, 1866. I am directed by the Hon. the Defence Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth ultimo, No. 193-4, relative to a claim for land by yourself and company of Forest Rangers, and to inform you, in reply, that my letter of the 23rd November, 1865, No. 670-1, conveyed to you the decision of tho Government in the matter, both as regards yourself and your men. I have, Ac, J. Holt, Major Jackson, Forest Rangers, Te Awamutu. Under Secretary. P.S.—A reference to your letter of 18th June, 1865, to which mine, noted in your letter of Bth June instant, is a reply, will show you that it was for yourself, and not for your men, that you at that time principally made application. J. Holt.

No. 40. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sic,— Te Awamutu, 13th December, 1867. I have the honor to request that you will kindly cause to be sent to me copy of a letterwritten by me to the Hon. T. Russell, Defence Minister, dated Bth November, 1864. The Government replied to the said letter by letter dated 16th November, 1864, and No. 2,541. Hoping you will give the matter your immediate attention, I have, Ac, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Wm. Jackson. Send copy of letter referred to, to Major Jackson. —T. M. Haultain. 30th December, 1867. _______

No. 41. Major Jackson to the Hon. T. B. Gillies. Deae Sic, — Rangiawhia, 27th June, 1870. You will please excuse the liberty I have taken, in asking you to communicate with the General Government, requesting that land may be granted to me for military services performed in the year 1863, in accordance with the promise made by His Excellency Sir George Grey and the Government then in office. I enclose to you the documents bearing on the matter: —Letter marked (A), authorizing me to raise corps, also promising to give a special grant, in addition to the ordinary grant to those who distinguished Ihemselvcs ; Letter marked (B), informing me that the corps would be disbanded as the term of their engagement expired; Letter (C), in which the Government recoguize my claim; Letter (D), in proof of distinguished services. AVith reference to the above, I beg to state that it was solely on the faith that I should get land that I undertook to raise the corps. The words I made use of at the time were: "Your Excellency must not be offended if I speak plain, as a little plain speaking now may prevent a great deal of unpleasantness afterwards. If I get shot I shall require nothing, as my wife will be otherwise provided for; but, if I get through, I shall expect a lump of good land." (His Excellency and Mr. Russell previously stated that I should get land.) His Excellency replied, and said, "We do not wish to be bound too tight. We will not merely give you a lump, but a largo slice, in the choicest part of

TO A GRANT OE LAND.

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G.—No. 15.

Waikato ;wo will settle you down in Rangiawhia." His Excellency also stated, at the same time, that the war would be over in less than three months ; and, under instructions from Mr. Russell, my men were only enrolled for that time—namely, three months, which plainly shows that tho men were never intended to serve three years. After the men were disbanded, at their request I wrote to the Government respecting the grant of land, and, in answer, received letter marked (E); on the receipt of which I wrote again, drawing the attention of the Government more fully to the conditions under which I took service, and, in answer, received letter marked (D), acknowledging claim. Afterwards the succeeding Minister for Colonial Defence (Major Atkinson),in answer to question from a Member.stated that he believed a distinct promise had been given, and that the Government were prepared to carry it out. That Government retired from office, and not hearing anything more, I wrote to the next Colonial Defence Minister (Colonel Haultain) and received the letter (F), stating that they considered my claim had been fully met by the allotment of 400 acres of land at Rangiawhia, and that they would not reverse the decision conveyed in Mr. Russell's letter above mentioned and marked (E). In answer to further correspondence on the matter, I was informed that the letter (F), 23rd November, conveyed to me the decision of the Government in the matter. The land I now claim has no connection whatever with land that was allotted to me as a militiaman, but should it be decided that the claim I now make has been met by the allotment of land I now hold, I shall prefer my claim for distinguished services, and put in letter (D) as evidence ; —otherwise, I should not care to sound my own trumpet. The pay I received was only 15s. per day, and as I at the time remarked to His Excellency, it was not for pay I joined, but entirely on account of being promised land. It was well known at the time that it was no ordinary grant of land I was to get, or else why had Mr. Russell to get His Excellency to make me the promise ? and why did His Excellency mention the large slice? Mr. Russell's letter of November 9th plainly shows that the engagement on the part of the corps was completed, and it was impossible for them to serve three years, they being disbanded, as Mr. Russell stated —the term of their engagement having expired. AVhen the men were disbanded, it was understood that they would get land as soon as any was available, and it was not until twelve months afterwards that the Government ruled they were not entitled to any, and I believe that then they did not know the conditions under which the corps was raised; for when I again wrote, and produced the documents I forward to you herewith, the claim was admitted. I have, Ac, The Hon. T. B. Gillies, Wellington. William Jackson.

No. 42. Memorandum by Mr. Cooper. I nAVE read through the whole of this correspondence. Major Jackson received 400 acres of land at Rangiawhia, the richest part of the Waikato district. He was promoted to a Majority for distinguished service in the field. He has made application for more land to various Governments, and been refused. I strongly recommend that his present application be refused, not only because it is clear that he has been uncommonly well treated already, and has no case whatever, but also because appeals of this kind to one Government against the decisions deliberately arrived at by its predecessor are becoming so common as to amount to a positive nuisance, and ought to be discouraged. Major Jackson's case was referred by the late Defence Minister to the Cabinet, and decided upon by them. 30th July, 1870. G. S. Cooper.

No. 43. Minutes by the Hon. D. McLean. For the Cabinet to consider. D. McLean. To write to Dr. Pollen privately, and ascertain his views on the subject. D. McLean. No. 44. The Hon. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. D. McLean. My dear Mr. McLean, — Auckland, 27th January, 1871. I have read these papers, and concur with Mr. Cooper in thinking that the decisions come to by Ministers on a former occasion ought not to be disturbed in this instance. Major Jackson has done good service, and he has been very handsomely treated. He has the best piece of land in Waikato. He was kept on full pay for many months after the time of his location upon his land, and he received from the Government besides, £209, in compensation for losses on his farm at Wairoa, which he had left whilst he was on service. I have, Ac, The Hon. D. McLean. Daniel Pollen. No. 45. Mr. Cooper to Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lewis,— 23rd August, 1871. As you were in the Defence Office at the time when the Forest Rangers under Major (then Lieutenant) Jackson were enrolled, and afterwards attached to 2nd AVaikato Regiment to enable the Government legally to give them land, I should feel obliged if you would write a memorandum 4

Q.— No. 15.

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CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

giving a succinct account, of the whole transaction;' and also showing, as far as materials on record enable you to show, what quantity of land will be required to satisfy other claimants, if Major Jackson's claim be admitted and used as a precedent. G. S. Coopee.

No. 46. Mr. Lewis to Mr. Cooper. Mr. Cooper,— Defence Office, 24th August, 1871. In accordance with your instructions to write a memorandum giving an account of the enrolment of the Forest Rangers under Major Jackson, in reference to that officer's claim to land, I beg to submit the following, requesting you to bear in mind that the circumstances took place at a period before the experience of eight years had made the organization of the Defence Office so perfect as it is at present, and that therefore much that would now be placed on record was, at that time, done verbally by the Defence Minister, and reports which, if in existence, would make matters clear, were neither sent in nor called for. I can illustrate my meaning by giving one or two instances, viz.:—There was no record kept in the Defence Office at the time the instructions were given to Major Jackson to raise the first corps of Forest Rangers ; and, from Major Jackson's account, the arrangement was principally verbal between His Excellency Sir George Grey, the Hon. Mr. Russell, and himself. No report of having raised the corps, or roll of the men, was received in the Defence Office from Major Jackson. No report was received in reply to the order for disbaudment, showing how many men took service under the new conditions. It is therefore evident that, where so much was done verbally, no one but the late Governor and Defence Minister, besides Major Jackson, can absolutely state what was, or what was not, conveyed and understood by the various instructions and conditions referred to. I shall only, therefore, state what appears upon the record, read in the light of tho knowledge of the subject that I possess from having been in the Defence Office from the time of its institution. The original conditions signed by Mr. Russell, dated 6th August, 1863, and upon which Major Jackson bases his claim to land, are in my handwriting, and the words " ordinary grant," interlined by Mr. Russell, I believe, referred to the grant that each member of the corps was to receive, the quantity of which is not given in the conditions ; but as there is great difference of opinion on that subject, and it has been taken to mean tho ordinary grant of land to military settlers who enrolled under the conditions published in the Government Gazette of sth August, 1863 (the day before the date of Mr. Russell's Memorandum), I think no one but Mr. Russell can state definitely what grant is meant by those words. It is very important that the meaning of the words " ordinary grant " in the conditions of 6th August, 1863, should be ascertained; not so much, as I will show presently, as affecting Major Jackson's personal claim, but the claims which have been so frequently preferred by those men who took their discharge, and who claim on the ground that land was absolutely promised for their three months' service as Forest Rangers. Promising that tho words referred to mean the grant of land to a military settler for three years' occupation, then Major Jackson has evidently no claim for more land than he has already received. And if the claim made by him is on account of " distinguished service," it must be borne in mind that the distinguished service referred to in the letter from this office of 9th April, 1864, took place at a time some months subsequent to the disbandment of the first corps, and also, that for those services Major Jackson was promoted to his present rank from that of Captain, and has received in consequence 400 instead of 300 acres of land. AVhen the first corps of Forest Rangers was formed, the service was supposed to be one of peculiar danger, and, as stated by Major Jackson in one of his letters, it was thought that the Native disturbance would be quelled in a very short time. A specially high rate of pay (viz., 10s. a day for sergeants and Bs. for privates) was authorized, in addition, as I believe, to a grant of land. At the end of three months, the Government, as the correspondence appears to show, seemed to depart from the exceptionally good terms offered in the first instance to the Forest Rangers ; and the second Memorandum by Mr. Russell was written on 9th November, 1803, disbanding the corps. Nothing is contained in this Memorandum respecting the claim of the men to land, audit is apparently left an open question whether thenncrn r corps was to form a part of the Colonial Defence Force (a corps without promise of land), or of the land-receiving corps, the Waikato Militia. The Forest Rangers under Major Jackson were, however, subsequently attached to (though afterwards separated from) the 2nd AVaikato Regiment. No correspondence appears on record about the land claims of any officers or men of the original corps until 17th October, 1864, when Major Jackson wrote, enclosing a copy of the authority (of 6th August, 1863,) to raise the corps, and stating " that several men of the first company had written to him concerning the land which was promised them," and he requested " to be informed what he should say to them." It is noticeable that in this letter Major Jackson makes no reference to any claim of his own, and does not identify himself with the men referred to. And here I remark that it would appear that the claims to land, under the first conditions of service, of Major Jackson and others of the first company of Forest Rangers (who joined the second corps) were waived, or, more properly speaking, merged into their claims under the Waikato Regulations. None of the correspondence of this period contains any reference to two grants of land. The reply to the above letter was to the effect that the men of the old company who had " taken their discharges, and had not joined the new corps, are not entitled to land." Major Jackson does not return an answer, but writes on the 28th October, 1564, asking if he will be allowed to draw lots with Major Hill, 2nd AVaikato Regiment, for priority of claim for country sections ; and if not, how shall he select his land ? Mr. Russell's Minute, upon which the reply was written, is dated 16th November, 186-4, and is as follows : —" Reply that the Government intend to give to Forest Rangers a separate block of land, which, if done, will avoid the necessity of deciding the question raised in this letter."

TO A GRANT OE LAND.

15

G — No.

15

Query—His present or late men ?

It is important to notice the date of the above Minute, and also that there is no allusion whatever to other than one grant of land to the Forest Rangers, and that the existing corps. The next letter on the subject is from Major Jackson, dated Bth November, 1864, and contains an account of the circumstances under which the first corps was raised, and the interview between Sir G. Grey, the Hon. Mr. Russell, and himself. Hero Major Jackson identifies himself with the men of his first corps, but does not state, in so many words, that he claims land in addition to that referred to in his letter of 28th October, 1864. I will quote the whole of tho Hon. Mr. Russell's Minute in reply. It is dated tho 15th November, 1865 (tho day before the Minute promising to give the Forest Rangers a separate block of land at Rangiawhia) : — " Reply that the Government recognize the claims of Major Jackson and his men to a grant of good land, in accordance with His Excellency's promise made to Major Jackson in August, 1863. " State that tho Government think Major Jackson and his men should be located at Rangiawhia; but as the present Government retire from office in a few days, they can do nothing more than recognize tho claim he prefers." At the time the Hon. Mr. Russell wrote the above he had before him his previous Minute, of 15th October, 1864. and which, if two grants of land to Major Jackson (or others who had belonged to Ist and now to 2nd Company, had been intended) the last quoted Minute contradicts; there is, however, nothing to show that Mr. Russell considered the two decisions in any way contradictory. The next letter from Major Jackson is dated 12th November, 1864, and asks that the company of Forest Rangers may be detached from the AVaikato Militia, for the reasons stated. I will give the one bearing upon land : — " That I consider my company entitled to a special selection of land, which it will not get while attached to the 2nd. AVaikato Militia, as each company will have to draw lots." The Hon. Mr. Russell's Minute on this letter is dated 21st November, 1864, and is as follows : — " I think the Forest Rangers should be separated from the Waikato Regiment." The above is the last Minute by the Hon. Mr. Russell on the subject. It is unnecessary for me to refer to the action of subsequent Governments on the question; the whole is summed up in the following letter to Major Jackson, of the 23rd November 1865:— " In reply to your letter of 18th June, 1865, I have the honor to inform you that the Government, after full consideration of the subject, consider that your claim to land has been fully met by the allotment of 400 acres, at Rangiawhia, of the most valuable land in the AVaikato District; and that those men who belonged to the first company of Forest Rangers, and who, on their disbandment, did not re-enrol for the completion of the period of service, which alone could entitle them to the ordinary grant of land, cannot now claim it. They will not therefore reverse the decision conveyed to you in Mr. Russell's letter No. 2,458, of 19th October, 1864." If the claim of Major Jackson bo admitted, the claims of Ensign Hay, the representatives of the late Major Yon Tempsky (who was an Ensign in the first company of Forest Rangers), nine sergeants and about fifty privates, who formed the first corps, will also have to be satisfied. The quantity of land promised to the first company was never stated ; unless the " ordinary grant" means the quantities given to military settlers under tho Waikato Regulations, in which case the following would be required:— For 2 Ensigns at 200 acres ... ... ... ... ... 400 acres For 9 Sergeants at 80 acres ... ... ... ... ... 720 acres For (say) 50 Privates at 50 acres ... ... ... ... 2,500 acres Major Jackson's claim ... ... ... ... ... 400 acres Total ... ... ... ... 4,020 acres T. W. Lewis, Chief Clerk.

No. 47. Mr. Cooper to the Hon. D. McLean. I directed Mr. Lewis to make a Memorandum from the papers, assisted by his own recollection, upon the subject of Major Jackson's petition for an additional grant of land. As the Public Petitions Committee has reported in favour of tho petition, I think this Memorandum will be found useful when the Motion comes on for adopting the recommendation by the House. Mr. Lewis has thoroughly exhausted the subject in this very able Memorandum, and has very properly pointed out that if Major Jackson's grant be given, it will result in the loss to tho Colony of upwards of 4000 acres of land. August, 20th, 1871. G. S. Cooper.