G.—ffo. 15.
CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON
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Enclosure in No. 32. Mr. J. Newcastle to Major Jackson. Sir, — Onehunga, Bth June, 1865. I beg to inquire of you when and where I shall receive the land which I served for under your command. It is most strange that those men who were tho first to arm should be last to share the spoil. Write me word again at your earliest convenience. I have, Ac, Major William Jackson, Kihi-kihi, on the Waipa. James Newcastle.
No. 33. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sir,— Camp, Kihi-kihi, 18th June, 1865. I have the honor to draw your attention to a letter of mine to the Defence Minister, dated 18th October, 1804, wherein I stated the grounds upon which I claimed a special grant of land for services performed as Officer Commanding the first corps of Forest Rangers. In reply, I received a letter, No. 2,541, dated 16th November, 1864, wherein the Government recognize the claim of self and men to a grant of good land, in accordance with the promise of His Excellency made in August, 1863, when the corps was raised. On the 16th January, 1865, I wrote to you, asking if any steps had been taken to set the land apart for my use, and requesting that you would give the matter your early attention. Since then, my present company, who formed part of the AVaikato Militia, and was principally made up by volunteers from the 2nd Regiment, AVaikato Militia, but in no way connected with the former corps, have been put in possession of laud at Rangiawhia, and struck off pay. As it was distinctly stated by His Excellency, in the presence and with the concurrence of the Minister for Colonial Defence, that I should have a largo grant of good land, and as it was solely on that promise I undertook to raise the corps, I humbly request that you will take such steps as may cause good land to be set apart for my immediate use. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Minister for Colonial Defence, AVilliam Jackson, Major. Auckland. P.S. —Since writing the above, I have received tho enclosed letters from members of my late corps, which letters I forward for your information. They have been written some time, but I only received them this day, 20th June, 1865. William Jackson, Major.
Enclosure in No. 33. Ensign McGregor Hay to Major Jackson. Dear Sir, — Auckland, 7th March, 1865. Urged by the renewed importunities of the men for the fulfilment of tho contract under which they were embodied, I again request information as to what has been or what is likely to be done, in the above matter. I cannot conceive the object of the delay of the present Government in giving effect to the act of their predecessors in office ; and more especially so as our claim is based on such manifest justice, and an agreement admitted and ratified by the letter you showed me from the retiring Defence Minister. When the men were enrolled it was plainly understood by them from Mr. Russell's Memorandum —Ist. That tho corps was embodied for three months' service. 2nd. That at the expiration of that time each would be entitled to receive a grant of land free of cost, according to the scale allowed for AVaikato settlers, untrammelled by any conditions for settlement. They were further assured by a statement made by you, on the authority of His Excellency the Governor, that the land would be in Rangiawhia. I need not ask how inviolate this promise has been kept, for as you must be aware, it is now moro than sixteen months since the corps was formally disbanded, having completed its term of service and complied with all the conditions of the Memorandum under which it was embodied ; and Rangiawhia (the promised land) has been surveyed, and partially if not entirely disposed of by the Government, without a word having been said about our claim upon it. Under such circumstances, then, it is not to be wondered at that the men should seek the assistance of their officers to maintain their rights and prevent their being defrauded in the face of so unmistakable a contract. I can assure you that these men who have applied to me are determined to have it enforced in its integrity, and have signified their willingness, if it be necessary, to petition the General Assembly to bear their proportion of the expense of doing so. I feel every confidence in your ability and willingness to negotiate with the Government on the subject, and bring it to a favourable issue; but should negotiation fail, and a settlement be delayed, there is no alternative but to take it to the Assembly, and havo the grievance redressed. Hoping to hear from you soon, I have, Ac, Wm. McGregor Hat, Major Jackson, Kihi-kihi. Late Ensign, F.R.