iL—No, IB

4. The effect of the judgment of the Court is to confirm, in the main, what had previously been done by Dr. Eeatherston. Specific awards to the amount of six thousand two hundred acres (6,200) have been made (as shoAvn in the Schedules annexed to the Order of the Court) to the dissentient claimants who had refused to concur in the sale. Subject to this reservation, the Rangitikei-Manawatu block. of land has now passed to the Crown, has become a valuable part of the Provincial estate, and is thrown, open for European settlement. Nothing can be affirmed with certainty as to the future conduct of so impulsive a people as the Maoris ; but I am assured that no further disturbance need, in all probability, be apprehended regarding this matter, which has been so long a source of grave embarrassment. Indeed, the Chief Judge (Mr. Eenton) has written to me in the following terms : " The Court has dealt with and settled cases of much greater " intrinsic difficulty, and possessing far more powerful extrinsic obstacles, than " the Manawatu claim, and has never yet, even at Taupo, had. a decision disputed, or even obedience delayed." I should observe that the Native Lands Court sat at Taupo, a few months back, in the centre of this Island, in the middle of the Native population, and at a great distance from the European settlements ; and that the Judges had'no force beyond a feAV Maori policemen wherewith to carry out their decrees. These facts seem to speak volumes for the confidence Avith which this Court is generally regarded by the Maori owners of the soil. By its aid the old tribal or communistic tenure, the source of so much internecine strife, is gradually converted into fee simple; on the production of sufficient proof, certificates of title are given to individual landholders, and on these certificates CroAvn Grants are issued. The Maoris, like the Europeans, are thus brought to look upon the Queen and the law as the protectors of their territorial rights. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G. G. E. BOWEN.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND.

No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Earl Granville, K.G., to Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (Confidential.) Sir, — DoAvning Street, 14th July, 1869. With reference to your Despatch No. 41, of the 29th March, in which you represent the value of the services rendered by the Native Chief Te Kepa, or Major Kemp, I have to inform you that Her Majesty's Government propose to send out a silver-mounted sword, in order that it may be presented by you to Major Kemp in the name of the Queen, in token of Her Majesty's recognition of his services. The sword will probably be followed by a silver badge. Her Majesty's Government understand that there are, besides Major Kemp, three or four other friendly chiefs Avho have rendered, and are still rendering, important services against the insurgent Natives to the British Government. A chief of the name of Haimona has been mentioned to me as having distinguished himself by services performed for the Government. Should you be of opinion that they are also deserving of some mark of Her Majesty's favour, you will be good enough to submit the names of those Avhom you Avould recommend aa specially deserving of reAvard. You had better not mention Her Majesty's intention to send out this present to Te Kepa until it arrives. I have, &c., Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G. GRANVILLE.

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DESPATCHES EROM THE SECRETARY OE STATE