f1.—13

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show fully the questions raised and argued. In neither case was there or could there be any question as to the merits, and in both cases I acted merely as counsel, and never saw or knew the parties. The question of the bona fides of Mr. Seymour's transactions was in the year 1888 the subject of a judicial investigation in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal (see Seymour v. Apiata, 6 N.Z.L.E., 331) ; but in this case I was not retained by Mr. Seymour. The practical commentary upon the charge against me with respect to Seymour's application is, that this case has now been inquired into by the Commissioners to the complete satisfaction of the Natives who are alleged to have been wronged; an agreement has been come to between the parties in open Court; and a report, which was approved by counsel for all persons interested in the block, has been made by the Commissioners. With regard to the Koterapaia case, lam not aware whether it is to come before the Commissioners. If so, a reference to the report will show that it was, at all events, impossible that I could foresee this, as his Honour Mr. Justice Bichmond decided upon the facts stated by the Native Land Court that a good title could, under the circumstances,' be made; and such reference will further show that, even if the block does come before the Commission for inquiry, it is quite impossible that my judgment can be biassed by the fact that I argued a bare point of law, which was, as it happens, decided in favour of the person for whom I appeared as counsel. The fact that these two cases are relied upon to show my unfitness for the office shows clearly how industriously the matter has been inquired into to find matter to allege against me, and how absolutely groundless are the charges that have been made. It shows further that Mr. Ballance has been prompted by some person resident in Gisborne who probably has a personal object to serve, as no other person could know whether or not the Koterapaia Block is likely to be the subject of an inquiry before the Commission. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Wellington. W. B. Edwards.

No. 25. The Hon. the Native Minister to Mr. Commissioner Edwards. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 10th July, 1890. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, in which you deny the accuracy of the statement made in Parliament by the Hon. Mr. Ballance to the effect that you have been so connected with Native matters as to render your appointment to the office of Commissioner improper. I have, &c, Mr. Justice Edwards, Native Lands Commissioner, Blenheim. E. Mitchelson.

No. 26. Mr. Commissioner Edwards to the Under-Secretary, Native Department. Sir,—- Judge s Chambers, Wellington, 11th August, 1890. I have the honour to inform you that Mr. Frank E. Wilson has resigned his appointment as secretary to the Native Land Commission. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. W. B. Edwards.

No. 27. Mr. Justice Edwards to the Under-Sucretary for Justice. Sir, — Judge's Chambers, Wellington, 11th August, 1890. I have the honour to inform you that I have appointed Mr. Edmond T. Savers my secretary in the place of Mr. Frank E. Wilson, who has resigned his appointment. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, Department of Justice, Wellington. W. B. Edwards.

No. 28. The Undek-Secretary, Native Department, to Mr. Justice Edwards. Sir,—- ■ Native Office, Wellington, 15th August, 1890. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, in which you state that Mr. Frank E. Wilson has resigned his appointment as secretary to the Native Land Commission, and, in reply, to inform you that the Hon. the Native Minister has accepted Mr. Wilson's resignation. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis. Mr. Justice Edwards, Native Lauds Commissioner, Judge's Chambers, Wellington.

No. 29. Mr. Commissioner Edwaeds to the Hon. the Native Minister. Sir, — Judge's Chambers, Wellington, 20th September, 1890. I have the honour to call your attention to the necessity of making immediate provision for the appointment of a secretary to the Native Land Commission.