A.—No. 1,

with a view to a more accurate definition of Native rights within the confiscated territory, and for the acquisition by purchase, with the good-will of the Natives, of such portions of land as they hold within it, but do not require for their own use, and which appear desirable for European settlements. During the Native Minister's stay in Taranaki, William King, the chief with whom originated the war of 1860, emerged for the first time since that period from his strict seclusion in the forest ranges lying between Waitara and Whanganui. The reappearance of this chief and his followers, after an absence of twelve years, has inspired great confidence among both the Europeans and the Natives of the Province, who unite in regarding his presence in their midst as the most significant indication and greatest assurance of future peace which has yet been manifested in the West Coast district of the Northern Island. The entry into the town was made in a most orderly manner, the Natives, to the number of about 400, marching in ranks through the streets to their destination at the Native Office, where, in accordance with Maori custom, they were welcomed, and invited to partake of food. Every spot in the vicinity was crowded with Europeans, many of whom had known William King years ago, and all anxious to see the old chief whom they had heard so much. His Excellency will notice in the speeches allusions made to an ancient Maori custom, in accordance with which the march of a chief actuated by friendly intentions along paths hitherto trodden by war-parties only, was a sign of the extinction of all hostile feelings, and of the abandonment of all thoughts of revenge for the dead who had fallen during the war. [A report is appended of the proceedings at the meeting.] During their stay at New Plymouth, the conduct of the visitors was all that could be desired, and William King himself became a centre of attraction, the old settlers whom he remembered bringing their children for him to see, and the chief evincing great delight at the notice thus taken of him. The party set out from New Plymouth on the 26th instant, leaving behind them the impression among the settlers that no better augury could be found of a future state of quiet than the present resumption of amicable relations by tribes for so long a time estranged from both Europeans and friendly Natives residing within the settled districts. Wellington, 29th February, 1872. Donald McLean.

No. 56. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimbebley. (No. 32.) Government House, Wellington, My Lobd,— New Zealand, 21st March, 1872. Adverting to my Despatch No. 111, of the 24th November ultimo, and to other correspondence respecting the labour traffic in the South Sea Islands, I have the honor to report that I recently received letters from the Earl of Belmore, the late Governor of New South Wales, stating that, from information which had reached Sydney, there appeared some reason to suspect the schooner " Helen," of Auckland, of illegal proceedings in that trade. 2. I lost no time in again directing the attention of the Colonial Ministers to this subject; and, after taking the opinion of the Attorney-General, they caused a strict inquiry to be instituted at Auckland. From the official reports addressed to them, it appears that the schooner " Helen " left that port on the 27th May, 1871, for Naumea, in New Caledonia, with a cargo consisting principally of sawn timber, and that she has not since been seen in New Zealand. lam assured that nothing tangible in the shape of legal evidence can be procured in this country respecting the recent deplorable outrages in the South Seas. In fact, as your Lordship is already aware, the naval officers, the authorities at Sydney and Brisbane, and the Consuls at the Fijis and the Navigator Islands, are alone in a position to ascertain the facts of these cases. 3. The Addresses to the Queen from both Houses of the New Zealand Parliament, transmitted with my Despatch referred to above, show the earnest desire of the Government and Legislature of this Colony to co-operate, to the utmost of their power, with Her Majesty's Government in the suppression of all illegal practices in the South Seas. Every possible watchfulness will continue to be maintained by myself and by the Colonial authorities. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN. P.S. —In a later letter, Lord Belmore further stated that he had heard that a man named " Crossley," said to be living at Auckland, was accused of complicity in some of the irregularities of the labour trade ; but the police report that, after full search, they were satisfied that no person of that name is now, or has recently been, resident in New Zealand. G. F. B.

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NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.