EL—3B,

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

WITNESSING NATIVE DEEDS AT NAPIER, (INSTRUCTIONS TO MR. LOCKE RELATIVE TO).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 27th. July, 1876. " That copies of all correspondence and instructions having reference to the recent refusal by the Government to permit Samuel Locke, Esq., a Resident Magistrate at Napier, to leave his office for the purpose of witnessing certain deeds, in manner required by ' The Native Lands Act, 1873,' be laid before this House."— (Mr. Sheehan.) No. 1. The G-enebal G-ovEENMEifT Agent, Napier, to the Hon. the Native Ministee. (Telegram.) Napier, 11th May, 1876. Me. Locke, E.M., has lately received constant applications, from parties having land transactions with Natives, to go to the Native settlements inland" to wituess deeds. In this way the Natives are led to associate the Government officer with the transactions, which is undesirable. Recommend Mr. Locke receive an intimation from you that such transactions should be conducted at the office. Hon. Sir D. McLean, Auckland. J. D. Oemond.

No. 2. The Undee Seceetaby, Native Department, to Mr, Locke, E.M. (Telegram.) Auckland, 12th May, 1876. The Hon. the Native Minister desires me to say that it is not part of your duty to go about the country at the request of private parties to witness deeds. All such transactions should be conducted at your office. S. Locke, Esq., E.M., Napier. H. T. Clabke, U.S. By Authority : Geobge Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB76. Price 3d.]