G.—]

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to satisfaction of Attorney-General. Natives propose to meet almost immediately, and I would be glad to receive an early reply, as a messenger will come from Waotu to hear your answer. The Europeans have agreed to unite all their interest, to put all lands acquired up to sale, and to submit a large area of best-quality land to auction on deferred payments. —J. Sheehan. No. 94. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, Wellington, 2nd February, 1880. Major Mair, Cambridge.- —No. 128.— 8e Patetere. I have sent telegram, which here follows for your information, to Mr. Sheeliau: " Government will retire generally from purchase of Patetei-e, if satisfactory guarantee given that advances and expenses connected therewith are recouped. This without prejudice in case guarantee not satisfactory ; also this is not intended absolutely to prevent Government acquiring any land within block, although I do not know that we shall have any such intentions." —John Brtce. No. 95. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, Wellington, 2nd February, 1880. J. Sheehan, Esq., M.H.R., Cambridge.—No. 127.—Government will retire generally from purchase of Patetere if satisfactory guarantee given that advances and expenses connected therewith are recouped. This without prejudice in case guarantee not satisfactory ; also this is not intended absolutely to prevent G overnment acquiring any land within block, although I do not know that we shall have any such intention.—John Brtce. No. 96. (Telegram.) Onehunga, 10th February, 1880. Hon. Native Minister (on arrival), Hawera. —Have now brought Patetere question to substantial head. All parties have come into arrangements. Main terms demanded by me and acceded to by them as follows : All land required to be put up to sale in suitable areas; and 25 per cent., selected in best portions of block, to be put up to auction on deferred payments. Ultimately matter will be formed into regular company, thus insuring fuller publicity and enabling any one to acquire interest. They are prepared to give substantial guarantee to satisfaction of Mr. Whitaker, or any person you may appoint. I wired to you previously it will be of importance that a competent officer should come with all documents and papers, so as to settle accounts with Natives. This is more necessary, as in withdrawing from other blocks you will be greatly helped by our putting down repudiation in this one. Gill would be best man. Mair also should be present. If not Gill, Puckey would do, as he is well acquainted with the whole affair. Reply Auckland. —John Sheehan. No. 97. (Telegram.) Hawera, 10th February, 1880. John Sheehan, Esq., M.H.E., Auckland. —No. 71. —Will return to Wellington in a day or two, and shall then attend to the Patetere matter, which is already in hand. —John Brtce. No. 98. (Telegram.) Hawera, 10th February, 1880. R. J. Gill, Esq., Wellington. —No. 72. —Have you put the Patetere accounts in hand as I directed, so as to have a complete statement of all our expenses in connection with it ? It is not unlikely that I may have to send you to the Waikato in connection with proposals in reference to that block. — John Brtce. No. 99. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 10th February, 1880. Hon. John Bryce, Hawera. —No. 152. —I have the Patetere land matter well up, with schedule of every expense paid, amounting to near £10,800. — Richd. J. Gill. No. 100. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th February, 1880. Hon. Native Minister, Wanganui. —Do not wish to be importunate, but would be glad of reply re Patetere to-morrow, if possible. —J. Sheehan, Te Awamutu. No. 101. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 13th February, 1880. John Sheehan, Te Awamutu. —No. 88. —The accounts re Patetere are being prepared as fast as possible. Advances and expenses on the block will amount to a large sum —probably not less than £15,000.—John Brtce. No. 102. (Telegram.) Waiwera, 21st February, 18S0. Hon. John Bryce, Wellington. —My opinion is, that the best way of dealing with Patetere will be to get the Maoris to give an adequate piece of land for the advance made by the Government, and then withdraw from the rest. If you accept money from one party it will give a sort of claim to that parly, to the disgust of others, as intended to give an undue advantage. Have talked with Mair, and he thinks my proposal can be carried out. Would avoid going into accounts, but name a number of acres of approved quality that you will be satisfied with. —Fred. Whitaker,