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on behalf of the Government to advocate their claims. He would appear on behalf of Mr. Walker to advocate his claim. There were a lot of obstructive Natives who would stop the survey. Hon. Native Minister said he had come to the conclusion, after having heard all the evidence on the subject, that there was considerable risk that the surveys would be stopped with violence. He had stopped the surveys in consequence. It had been suggested to him that a public meeting should be held. He, however, confessed that he had no great faith in large Maori meetings. He had never seen any good come from a large Maori meeting. Major To Wheoro had suggested that it should be a meeting of representative men, and said that in his opinion it would lead to a more definite result. Mr. Graham said he supported that, but the meeting would be a gathering of owners. The Natives wished to have the meeting at the Waotu. Major Wilson said it would be a meeting of representative men, but they would be owners. Hon. Native Minister asked how many, in their opinion, would attend the meeting, and what would be the subjects for discussion. Mr. Graham said he supposed the subjects to be discussed would be the question of moneys paid on the lands, the tribal boundaries, what lands had been sold and what had not, and also as to reserves. Hon. Native Minister asked if the Natives would understand that these proceedings would be but the preliminaries, and that the questions would have to go before the Court. Mr. Graham said they would understand that. Hon. Native Minister said that, while he thought it would be advisable to have a meeting, still he would like to see the Maoris take the initiative. He would see that the Government were properly represented. He would do everything he could to make the meeting pass off smoothly. Mr. Walker wished the Government to know that, while he and his friends would represent themselves, they wished to assist the Government in every point on which they possibly could. Hon. Native Minister said it had been represented to him that they were perfectly willing to assist the Government in this way : that they were willing to assist the Government in getting bad land if the Government would assist them to get the good portions of the land. Mr. Graham thought it was the reverse. He and his friends were content to get the second-class lands. Major Wilson said there was another piece of land in the Patetere Block (he spoke for himself) — the Horohoro Block. A Southern gentleman and he had paid £850 on it. The Government, he believed, had proclaimed it. There were some 30,000 acres, as far as he understood. If the Government wished to obtain that land he would assist them in every way. If the Government would allow them to purchase it they would not interfere with the Government in any way. Mr. Walker said he was in the same state. Hon. Native Minister said he did not apprehend any difficulty in the way. Mr. Graham said that the Government had only purchased 80,000 or 90,000 acres of the block, which consisted of 300,000 acres, and was more than enough for all parties (including reserve). Their purchases were not nearly so extensive as the Government purchases. It would be a great pity for the Government to withdraw. No such opportunity had ever been offered before. The Natives were the parties moving in the matter. The deputation thanked the Minister and withdrew. No. 53. 15th November, 1879. The ITnt-ee-Seceetaey, Land Purchase, Wellington. —-I have been asked by Mr. P. D. .Rich as to whether the boundaries of the Kokako Nos. 1 and 2 Blocks encroach on the Government purchases in the Patetere District. After going carefully into the question, lam of opinion that the western boundary of the blocks, as surveyed, may be taken and deemed to be the eastern boundary of the Government claims. —James Macxat. No. 54. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 30th October, 1879. Majoe John* Wilson*, Wellington. —Some time back, when in conversation with you re lands on which you said you had advanced money, which lands are included in Government Proclamation of Patetere, you stated you would relinquish and withdraw from any further negotiation for the same, and would put such withdrawal into writing. If you have not done so already, would be obliged if you would on receipt of this.—W. H. Geace. No. 55. Major Wilson to Mr. W. H. Geace. Sie— Wellington, 30th October, 1879. With reference to your telegram of this day's date re my withdrawal from purchases of certain Native lands in the Patetere District ou which the Government have advanced money, I beg to state for your information that the Horohoro —otherwise " Eangiaho " —Block, estimated at 30,000 acres, was negotiated for by me, but that, in accordance to the Hon. John Sheehan, and subsequently to yourself, I have withdrawn from the said purchase, and will bo ready to assist the Government in acquiring the same. The money expended by me has been £803. I have, &c, W. H. Grace, Esq., Government Agent, Waikato District. John Wilson. No. 56. Hon. Native Minister's Office, Wellington, 19th November, 1879. Me. Olivee Ceeagh, surveyor, waited on the Hon. J. Bryce, Minister for Native Affairs, in regard to the stoppage of the survey of the Whaiti and Kuranui Blocks, Mr. Gill, Under-Secretary, Land Purchase Department, was in attendance.