o;—4.

2

D. A. Tole, Esq., to Sir Geoege Geet. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd June, 1876. Be Pepepe Coal Fields. On visiting Mr. Sinclair's office, to assure myself of the accuracy or otherwise of the statement referred to in your telegram, I was informed in effect by that gentleman that he had been instructed by Government to decline to give me any information verbally: that in future it would be necessary that I should submit in writing the subject matter of any further inquiries I might be called upon to make at that office, when, after reference of the matter to his " superior officer," a reply in due course would be given. Do you desire that I should adopt this course ? D. A. Tole, Sir Geo. Grey, X.C.8., Wellington. Commissioner Crown Lands.

FURTHER TELEGRAM LAID ON THE TABLE, 27th JUNE. D. A. Tole, Esq., to Sir Geoege Geey. (Telegram.) Auckland, 24th June, 1876. Me coal fields. Grantees' names, Frederick Whitaker, Thomas Eussell, James Williamson, James Tannock Mackelvie, and William Aitken. The consideration money is never now expressed in Crown grants, but the amount paid in the present instance was £3,693 15s. Area granted, 9,850 acres. Date of execution of grant, 23rd October, 1874. Date of sale, 2nd October, 1874. D. A. Tole, Sir George Grey, X.C.8., Wellington. Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Price 3d.] By Authority : Geobge DidS-TOT, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB76.