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may have supposed that some portion of the original traverse lines, run at some distance from the true boundary, was, in fact, tho boundary, and this possible misconception on their part constitutes their only claim to consideration. 4th. Mr. Harding appears to have a perfect right, equitably as well as legally, to erect his fencing on the boundary of his laud as defined in his Crown grant, as well as in the grant of the Waipawa Eeserve, and also to receive possession of the land which he claims. sth. Mr. Sheehan himself seems to have known this, for in December, 1875, ho agreed, on behalf of the Maori owners of the reserve, that they should remove from the disputed land within two months from that date, on condition that certain actions at law were withdrawn. 6th. The Natives must therefore cease their resistance to the erection of the boundary fence, and must also prepare to give Mr. Harding possession of his property.' 7th. But, as it is possible, as I have already said, that the Maoris misconceived the position of their boundary line by mistaking the original traverse line for it, I am prepared to show them some consideration provided they concur in my decision and give no further trouble in the settlement of this vexed question. Blh. I will, in that case, ask Mr. Harding to allow the Natives a sufficient period —say six months—for the removal of their buildings and crops from, his property, and I will, on behalf of the Government, pay them £200 to assist them in effecting such removal. It must, however, be distinctly understood that this offer is completely contingent on the acceptance by the Natives of my decision. 9th March, 1880. Join? Beyce.

Mr. G. A. Preece, Napier, to the Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) 12th March, 1880. Me your telegram of 2nd instant, I have received letter from Waipawa Natives stating that they will give their answer as soon as they can get Matiu and others together to consider the matter. Matiu is at present at Porangahau ; they have written for him. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. George A. Preece.

Mr. G. A. Peeece, E.M., Napier, to the Tlndeb-Seceetaey Native Department, "Wellington. (Telegram.) 13th March, 18S0. Will you kindly send instructions for Mr. Hamlin to accompany me to Waipawa. Geobge A. Peeece, E.M., Native Officer.

The Undee-Seceetaey, Justice Department, to the Eesident Magistrate, Napier. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 15th March, 1880. Please place Mr. Hamlin's services at the disposal of Captain Preece, who wants him to go to Waipawa with him. E. G. Fountain,

Mr. G. A. Preece, Waipawa, to the Hon. J. Bryce, Wellington. (Telegram.) 31st March, 1880. The Waipawa Keserve: Natives refused terms and obstructed survey, but subsequently allowed survey to proceed. I will endeavour to induce them accept terms by giving them time to consider. Send this in case obstruction of survey should be reported. George A. Preece.

Mr. F. E. Hamlin, Napier, to the Hon. the Native Minister, "Wellington. (Telegram.) Ist April, 1880. Accompanied Captain Preece to Waipawa yesterday in case Harding v. Waipawa Natives. Natives, although at first somewhat stubborn, and went so far as to stop the survey, by little judicious management ultimately withdrew their objection so far as the survey was concerned. His Excellency's Government may compliment itself that this survey has been objected and opposed for about ten years past and now allowed to progress; but the Natives still maintain that they are right with respect to their ownership of the land. The survey was allowed to go on unmolested, although the Natives at the time stated that they would [not] accept the £200 offered by the Government; still lam of opinion that they will yet accept the terms offered —excepting what European influence outside of the Government may yet be brought to bear. Captain Preece will doubtless have tendered a more full report. F. E. Hamlin, Interpreter to General Government.

Mr. G-. A. Peeece, Napier, to the Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) 2nd April, 1880. Me Waipawa reserve. I returned yesterday. Mr. Ellison completed the survey without further trouble. lam inclined to think Natives will accept terms if they have short time to consider. Have made them understand that your offer is contingent on their agreeing to abandon land and give no further trouble. I think they will give in if dealt with firmly. They will write to me on subject in few days. George A. Pueece.

Nepia te Apattj to Captain Preece. (Translation.) Waipawa, 7th April, 1880. Friend, salutations! Tour letter of yesterday has been received, in which you state you have received a telegram from the European (Native) Minister, requesting us to consider the offer made to us through you and Mr. Hamlin; also stating that, if the offer was refused, it would not be renewed. My word to you is, Matiu is still absent; but I think I told you so before. I have sent letters to Matin, N opera, Paora, and others to come here. Enough. Probably they will be here next week. Notwithstanding our houses being surveyed, your words are not finished. To Captain Preece. From Nepia te Apattj. 2—G. 9.