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No. 23. Mr. W. Butlee, J.P., Mongonui, to the Hon. the Ministee of Justice. Slß,— Mongonui, 21st April, 1873. I have the honor to call your attention to your letter of December 2nd, 1872, acknowledging receipt of my letter of November Bth, relative to the charges made against me by the Clerk of the Eesident Magistrate's Court at Mongonui, and informing me that the same was under the consideration of the Government. I have now the honor to request you to be good enougli to inform me if you have come to any decision on the subject, and, if so, what the decision may be, as I am anxious either that the Clerk may prove his charges, or be proved to have made charges that he is unable to substantiate. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Justice, Wellington. Wm. Butleb, J.P.

No. 24. Mr. Fountain to Mr. W. Butlee. (No. 305.) Office of the Minister of Justice, Sic,— Wellington, 14th May, 1873. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. Mr. O'Borke (in the absence of the Minister of Justice), to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st ultimo, with further reference to the complaint against you by the Clerk of the Court at Mongonui; and in reply, to inform you that the matter has been referred to Mr. Williams, Mr. White's successor, to inquire into and report upon for the information of the Government. I have, &c, E. G. Fountain, W. Butler, Esq., J.P., Mongonui. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 25. The Besidejtt Magistrate, Waiinate, to the Hon. the Ministeb of Justice. Sib, — Eesident Magistrate's Office, Waimate, Bay of Islands, 20th June, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a series of letters and papers referring to certain occurrences which have lately transpired at Mongonui, to which I find a minute attached in reference to complaints against the Clerk of the Court, that I should inquire and report on the same. Having always endeavoured to evince a ready compliance with any request made by the Government, I regret that in the present instance circumstances should cause any reluctance on my part to take action in the matter. A perusal of the papers convinces me that nothing short of a thorough investigation will give satisfaction ; and having been appointed Mr. White's successor, I would wish to enter this new sphere of duty unconnected in any way with these unpleasant occurrences. My official duties will often bring me into communication with the parties concerned, whom I desire to meet with unbiassed feelings. Under these circumstances I trust I may be allowed to decline making the inquiry, and to suggest that if an investigation be considered necessary, the Government will appoint some person unconnected with the district to conduct the same. Pending the decision of the Government, I beg to return the papers forwarded to me, fearing any accident to them if retained in my possession. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Justice, "Wellington. Edw. M. "Williams, E.M. Bj Authority: Geohoi Didsbukt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB73. Price 9d.]