G.—No. 15.

TO A GRANT OP LAND.

9

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