a—No. i

WANGAPEKA LAND SALES

14

No. 15. Copy of Telegram from the Superintendent, Nelson, to the Hon. W. Gishorne. Nelson, 9th December, 18C9. I think it most desirable that Government should authorize official inquiry into matter of petition respecting Wangapeka land sales. I suggest, to avoid delay, that Mr. Domett might be instructed by telegram. Oswald Curtis, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 16. Copy of Telegram from the Hon. W. Gisborntb to the Superintendent, Nelson. Wellington, 9th December, 18G9. I did some days ago refer petition respecting Wangapeka land sales to Mr. Domett for official inquiry, and I understand he is now making that inquiry, but I will repeat instructions by telegraph. His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. Ctisborne.

No. 17. Copy of Telegram from the Superintendent, Nelson, to the Hon. W. Gisborne. Nelson, 9th December, 1869. I forward correspondence respecting attempted survey of purchased land at Wangapeka, survey being indispensable to ascertain position of disputed land before proclaiming district a gold field. I refer you to Judge Richmond's charge to Grand Jury, in Nelson Examiner, 2nd July, 18G8, and I request early reply as to course Government will take or recommend. Oswald Curtis, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure 1 in No. 17. Copy of a Letter from C. Bkoad, Esq., to the Superintendent, Nelson. Sir, — Blue Creek, Wangapeka, Saturday. I have the honor to report to you, that on my arrival hero this morning I put myself in communication with the miners; a committee of thirteen had been appointed to meet mo, and behind them were the miners. I succeeded in convincing them with reference to Mount Owen, but no persuasions or threats will induce them to allow the survey. Since my last visit the3 rhave been reinforced by some of the West Coast men, and also by some from the Karamea. The former have some very bad characters amongst them. I told them I should proceed to survey on Monday morning, and they told me they would prevent it. The recent arrivals have complicated matters. There are over 100 men in the crowd, some armed. The Superintendent was burnt in effigy this afternon. If the Government insist upon the survey, we shall want a very strong armed force. They will not allow any one to pass Blue Creek, and are in a state of utter lawlessness, although, they deprecated any physical force to myself. I am convinced that there is a sufficient turbulent element amongst them to lead them on to anything. Of course there is no reasoning with men who are determined to withstand all authority. I shall, of course, as a matter of form, go on Monday morning with the surve} rors, and, if prevented, await the arrival of your instructions. In the mean time, would it not be better to proclaim the gold field, and let the land purchasers fight it out in the Court with trespassers ? I think this would allay all angry feeling, and avoid a collision, which must result in bloodshed. In the event of this being done, Culliford's should be gazetted a separate claim. Since the last visit, all north of Nuggety Creek is pegged out, and you will therefore see that the miners do not think the vacant ground between Blue and Nuggety Creeks meets their wants. At the same time, I am certain that many are here just for the purpose of having a row, and don't care a rap for the claims. In haste, I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. Charles Broad.

Enclosure 2 in No. 17. Copy of a Letter from the Provincial Secretary, Nelson, to C. Broad, Esq. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Nelson, sth. December, 1869. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, and in reply I am directed to request that, in the event of the survey being forcibly prevented, you will try and arrest one or two of the most prominent persons offering resistance, such attempt to be made without resort to violence. Should the arrest be prevented by force, you will at once report to this office, and wait further instructions. I have, &c, Alfred Greenfield, C. Broad, Esq., E.M., Wangapeka. Provincial Secretary. 4