0-.—No. 15.

12

CLAIM MADE BY MAJOR JACKSON

men who were discharged from the old company, with reference to which I forwarded the letter above quoted (viz., Bth November, 1864), stating more fully the claim of self and men to a grant of good land. In conclusion, I would respectfully state that I raised the corps of Forest Rangers wholly and solely on the condition that I should receive a large grant of good land, or, to use the expression made use of by His Excellency the Governor, " not merely a lump, but a large slice." I have, Ac, Captain Holt, Under Secretary, Wm. Jackson, Major, Defence Office, AVellington. Commanding Forest Rangers. P.S.—The documents enclosed are as follows : —(1.) Copy of authority to raise the corps; (2.) Copy of authority to disband the corps; (3.) Copy of letter recognizing claim.,

No. 38. Minute by Captain Holt. A reference to Major Jackson's letter of 18th June, 1865, will show that it was for land for himself that he principally made application at that time, and the reply thereto gave the final decision of the Government, both in regard to himself and his men. J. Holt. 30th June, 1866. Replt accordingly.—T. M. Haultain. 30th June, 1866. [Letter, No. 1,524, 2nd July, 1866.]

No. 39. Captain Holt to Major Jackson. (No. 1,524.) Colonial Defence Office, Sir,— AVellington, 2nd July, 1866. I am directed by the Hon. the Defence Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth ultimo, No. 193-4, relative to a claim for land by yourself and company of Forest Rangers, and to inform you, in reply, that my letter of the 23rd November, 1865, No. 670-1, conveyed to you the decision of tho Government in the matter, both as regards yourself and your men. I have, Ac, J. Holt, Major Jackson, Forest Rangers, Te Awamutu. Under Secretary. P.S.—A reference to your letter of 18th June, 1865, to which mine, noted in your letter of Bth June instant, is a reply, will show you that it was for yourself, and not for your men, that you at that time principally made application. J. Holt.

No. 40. Major Jackson to the Hon. Major Atkinson. Sic,— Te Awamutu, 13th December, 1867. I have the honor to request that you will kindly cause to be sent to me copy of a letterwritten by me to the Hon. T. Russell, Defence Minister, dated Bth November, 1864. The Government replied to the said letter by letter dated 16th November, 1864, and No. 2,541. Hoping you will give the matter your immediate attention, I have, Ac, The Hon. the Defence Minister, Wellington. Wm. Jackson. Send copy of letter referred to, to Major Jackson. —T. M. Haultain. 30th December, 1867. _______

No. 41. Major Jackson to the Hon. T. B. Gillies. Deae Sic, — Rangiawhia, 27th June, 1870. You will please excuse the liberty I have taken, in asking you to communicate with the General Government, requesting that land may be granted to me for military services performed in the year 1863, in accordance with the promise made by His Excellency Sir George Grey and the Government then in office. I enclose to you the documents bearing on the matter: —Letter marked (A), authorizing me to raise corps, also promising to give a special grant, in addition to the ordinary grant to those who distinguished Ihemselvcs ; Letter marked (B), informing me that the corps would be disbanded as the term of their engagement expired; Letter (C), in which the Government recoguize my claim; Letter (D), in proof of distinguished services. AVith reference to the above, I beg to state that it was solely on the faith that I should get land that I undertook to raise the corps. The words I made use of at the time were: "Your Excellency must not be offended if I speak plain, as a little plain speaking now may prevent a great deal of unpleasantness afterwards. If I get shot I shall require nothing, as my wife will be otherwise provided for; but, if I get through, I shall expect a lump of good land." (His Excellency and Mr. Russell previously stated that I should get land.) His Excellency replied, and said, "We do not wish to be bound too tight. We will not merely give you a lump, but a largo slice, in the choicest part of