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Supreme Court work until the cases before the Commission can be heard, and the only person who can obtain the necessary access to me is my secretary. lam awaiting your reply before taking any steps to have applications already lodged gazetted for hearing. The Hon. B. Mitchelson, Auckland. W. B. Edwards.

No. 39. The Hon. the Native Minister to Mr. Justice Edwards. Mr. Justice Edwards, Wellington. Auckland, 29th September, 1890. I signed letter ]■ agreeing to your wishes regarding appointment of secretary before I left Wellington. You should have received it before now. E. Mitchelson.

No. 40. Mr. Commissioner Edwards to the Hon. the Premier. Dear Sir,— Hill Street, Wellington, 9th October, 1890. The matter of the appointment of a secretary to the Native Land Commission appears to have slipped your memory. It is of some importance that the secretary should be appointed at once, as the claims lodged ought to be gazetted for healing. I see no reason to alter the opinion expressed by me to the Hon. Mr. Mitchelson that my secretary is the only person who can render any real service, and that his appointment would also save considerable cost to the colony. I have, &c, The Hon. Sir Harry Atkinson, &c, Wellington. W. B. Edwaeds.

No. 41. The Hon. H. A. Atkinson to Mr. Justice Edwaeds. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 10th October, 1890. Referring to previous correspondence with regard to the clerical work of the Native Land Commission, I have the honour to inform you that the suggestion you have made that your Associate should also act as secretary to the Commission has been approved, and that Mr. Sayers will be allowed remuneration at the rate of £125 a year while acting as secretary to the Commission, exclusive of his salary as Judge's Associate. I have, &c, H. A. Atkinson, His Honour Mr. Justice Edwards, Wellington. (For the Native Minister.)

No. 42. The Hon. the Native Minister to Mr. Commissioner Edwards. (Telegram. Forward if left.) Wellington, 4th February, 1891. The brief session just closed having afforded no opportunity for legislation in connection with your Commission, or the defective titles which have been or might be brought before it, the question has been pressed upon the Government as to the possibility of affording sufficient and equitable protection pending legislation. The Government do not, of course, wish to interfere in the slightest degree with the proceedings of the Commission, or make any reference to individual cases; but the general question is of great importance, and I shall be obliged by your favouring me with any information and suggestions on the subject you may feel at liberty to offer. His Honour Mr. Commissioner Edwards, Auckland. A. J. Cadman.

No. 48. Mr. Commissioner Edwards to the Hon. the Native Ministbe. (Telegram.) Auckland, sth February, 1891. The report recently forwarded as to the Gisborne sitting shows generally the position. lam not aware that any general protection can be given save by legislation, but any person having a doubtful title can obtain interim protection by lodging, before the middle of March, an application with the Commissioners under existing legislation and rules. Many persons interested would object to the expense, but the Government can, if you think proper, reduce1 or abolish the fee payable on lodging applications. The Commissioners would not, under the circumstances, proceed to dispose of any application before next session of Parliament, unless requested so to do by the applicant. This would afford the required protection, which I believe can be obtained in no other way. I shall reach Wellington- about Wednesday next, and shall be glad to confer with you upon the matter if you desire it. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington,. W. B. Edwaeds.

t This is letter No. 87 in the preceding page, and which was not despatched to Mr. Edwards.