TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

7

A.—No. 1

there are, I am sure, quite friendly, but have been sadly gulled and frightened by those absurd reports about the erection of barracks in different parts of the country, and sending soldiers to the outlying districts, and so forth. I took the opportunity of being at Eangitikei to go to the different pas on that river, and with the exceptions of a few quarrels among themselves about land, they appear to be quite quiet and well disposed. The general impression among the Natives of the whole of the Whanganui District, I think is, that as long as the war is against Wiremu Kingi about the land at the Waitara, and against the Ngatiruanuis (with whom there is no sympathy, on account of the murders), aud does not merge into the King movement, there is no cause whatever of any fear of an outbreak in these parts. I don't know whether Mr. Searancke's opinions coincide with mine on this subject, but as I have been in constant communication with the Natives for some time past, aud as they place some faith in me, I think I am not wrong in stating that this information may be relied upon. The settlers here have enrolled themselves into a Volunteer Corps, and I believe the Militia is also to be called out. I did not intend going at first, thinking that my presence might be required elsewhere; but on second thoughts I altered my opinion, as I should be better able to explain to the Maoris the cause of the enrolment, and, by being with them as much as possible, to do away with any fears on their parts, as these affairs are always exaggerated. There will be a meeting this evening to appoint officers, and I believe it is the intention of the settlers to appoint me as one of them. I explained the same to Hare Tipene yesterday, who seems very much pleased with it, on the grounds just mentioned by me. Of course I shall take every opportunity of being with the Natives, and endeavour to keep everything upon as friendly a footing as possible ; and I think more good is done in this way than by calling formal meetings and stating your opinions at them, as they are more inclined to listen to a little quiet talk, and will reason with you better than when they are excited. The Waitotara Natives held a meeting the other day about the price of the land. They would not fix any price, but want it to be paid for by the acre. I told them I was sure you would not agree to that, but that I would write and inform you of their request. I did not enter more than I could help into the affair, on account of the disturbed state of the country, and thinking you might wish to postpone the payment till a more fitting time. You will, however, I suppose, let me know whether these are your intentions. I have, &c, D. McLean, Esq., S. Deighton. Chief Land Purchase Commissioner, Taranaki. > Mr. John P. Stewart to Mr. S. Deighton. Sir,— Whanganui, 28th April, 1860. For your information, in connection with the Waitotara Block of Land, I subjoin the following: — The Native Eeserves retained on the bank of the Waitotara Eiver are four, viz. ; — a. .R. p. 1. Atlhupuku . . . . . . . . 29 0 0 2. Atlhaipo . . . . . . . . 201 1 0 3. At Perekamu (the river frontage of which has not been surveyed) about 925 0 0 4. AtAuroa . . . . . . . . . 137 0 0 The other Eeserves are — 5. At Manene. . . . . . . . . 58 1 0 6. At Nukumuru ........ 1223 0 0 7. At Piripi's Eeserve and the adjoining Eeserve at Pakaraku . . 4348 0 0 8. At the Okehu Stream . . . . . . . 380 0 0 Total . . .x. . 7301 2 0 The land in these Eeserves is mostly of a valuable quality. The whole of the land upon the Whanganui side of the Okehu Stream being also retained, there are left in the portion now offered for sale 24,900 acres, of which, however, 7,500 acres consist of sand hills of little value, they being nearly barren, with patches of scrub and toe-toe, Ac., only here and there. This leaves 17,400 acres whose value is much lessened by the occurrence of the aforegoing Eeserves in different portions of the block, destroying in a great measure its unity. Of this quantity more than one-half is open fern land of a good description, the remainder being bush land, the timber upon which is not of much value, there being little of it fit for sawing. The soil of both the open and the bush land is of a very superior description in general, but the portion of the open land adjoining the sand hills and the coast line, having a light sandy soil, is better adapted for grazing purposes than for cultivation. I have, &c., John P. Stewart, S. Deighton, Esq., Whanganui. Surveyor, Native Land Purchase Department. The Chief Land Purchase Commissioner to Mr. S. Deighton. Sir, —i Native Land Purchase Department, Auckland, 14th November, 1860. In reply to your letter of the 28th April last, enclosing a statement of the quantity and description of land at Waitotara, by Mr. Stewart, I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, to inform you that it is not intended to take any steps in reference to the pending negotiations at Waitotara during the present unsettled state of the district. I have, <fee, Donald McLean, S. Deighton, Esq., Whanganui. Chief Commissioner. 2