TO THE GOVERNOR OE NEW ZEALAND.

15

A.—No. la.

not signed the deed of sale of the block of land at Eangitikei, which was claimed by certain members of the Ngatiraukawa Tribe. I have to express my satisfaction at receiving this information. I have, &c, BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (No. 2.) Sir, — Downing Street, 10th January, 1868. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 117, of 4th November, forwarding further papers on the subject of the petition of John Topi Patuki, chief of the Ngahitahu and Ngatimamoe Tribes, on the subject of the Native claims to a reserve of land in Princes Street, Dunedin. I am glad to learn that these claims are likely to be judicially decided. I have, &c, BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to the Officer Administering- the Government of New Zealand. (No. G.) Sir, — Downing Street, 18th January, 1868. I have to acknowledge the receipt of Sir George Grey's Despatch No. 162, of Bth October, enclosing a Memorandum from his Responsible Advisers in which they state their opinion that the most desirable spots for the 18th liegiment to occupy are Taranaki, Auckland, and Napier. Secretary Sir John Pakington, to whom I referred Sir George Grey's Despatch, has informed me that he approves this distribution of the regiment, which comes within the instructions of Her Majesty's Government, for the short time during which it will remain in the Colony. I have, &c., BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from His Grace the Duke of Buckingham to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (No. 7.) Sir, — Downing Street, 22nd January, 1868. I have received Sir George Grey's Despatch No. 115, of 30th October, written in acknowledgment of mine of 22nd August, No. 51, announcing the appointment of Sir George Bowen as his successor in the Government of New Zealand. Sir George Grey will have perceived from my Despatches Nos. 71 and 72, of 15th and 23rd November, and from that of 28th December, No. 87, that his removal from New Zealand was merely consequent on the expiration of his term of office. The statement contained in Sir George Grey's Despatch No. 115, of 30th October, was evidently made under the misapprehension that he had been