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from the other side of the ranges would find it their interest gradually to accept them likewise. Meanwhile it is a vital object to induce all Natives alike to resort and submit themselves to the supremacy of the criminal law of the country. The Hauhaus living within the borders of Tawhiao's district have evinced a certain disposition to recognize that supremacy —at all events as regards offenders who may come Avithin those borders in order to escape from justice. The following example has recently occurred: —An accused person, not a Native, fled from Tauranga, and took refuge within the aukati ; the police boldly pursued him, and were at first threatened with death by the Hauhaus, but on explaining the object of then? mission, the police were allowed to search for the offender, and the Hauhaus, although declining formally to surrender the fugitive, yet gave such directions to the police that they could not miss the capture, which they ultimately effected, of their man. He was brought to trial before myself, and convicted. The Government are anxious that Tawhiao should be induced to recognize and act on the same principle in all cases, especially those of homicide, whether committed by Native or European, and whether within or without the borders of the Ilauhau territory; for they consider that if even thus much should be accomplished, the substance of sovereignty would be in a great degree conceded, the barrier between the Natives and the Government would soon disappear, and the authority of the Queen's warrant would be recognized throughout every part of New Zealand. After observing for so many years the Natives' mode of action, I am not prone to form hasty anticipations of their improvement: they move slowly, and after long deliberation, but I am hopeful that they will still yield to conciliatory treatment. I wish also to assure your Lordship that during the short time that I may administer the Government, I shall abstain as far as practicable from interfering in questions of policy, whether Native or European, and shall avoid doing any act which may commit His Excellency Sir James Fergusson to this or that line of conduct. My humbler duty will be so to carry on the Government, under the advice of my Ministers, that no heavy arrears of business may be cast upon Sir James Fergusson when he arrives, and to hand over the machine to His Excellency in the same admirable working order as Sir G. E. Bowen has left it. But I agree with my Ministers in thinking that, for the purposes and within the objects above specified, we ought not to delay, but should accept the first opportunity, should any occur, to improve those friendly relations with the Natives which were initiated on my recent visit to the harbour of Kawhia. In conclusion, I beg to apologise to your Lordship for this long, and, I fear, wearisome Despatch. It will probably be the only occasion for my so trespassing upon your Lordship's time. In that hope, I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. A. AENEY.

DESPATCHES FEOM THE SECEETAEY OF STATE. No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley to Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. (No. 73.) Sir, — Downing Street, 3rd December, 1872. I have to acknowledge your Despatch No. 79, of 20th September, reporting the resignation of Mr. Fox and his colleagues, and the formation of a new Ministry under Mr. Stafford. I have, &c, Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. KIMBEELEY.