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moved, and that you will be able to carry on your duties just as easily at Waitangi as at any other Port in the British possessions. I have, &c., (Signed) S. Carreer, Collector. A. W". Shand, Esq., J. P., Collector of Customs, Chatham Islands, &c., See.

Waitangi, 21st January, 1856. Sir,—I do myself the honor to leave in your hands, Fifty Copies of the " Pilgrims Progress' in the Maori language for distribution as you may think fit amongst the Natives. I have, &c., (Signed) S. Carreer* Colloctor. A. W. Shand, Esq., J. P., Resident' Magistrate, Chatham Islands, &c.j &c., &c.

Custom House, Chatham Islands, I7th January, 1856. Sir,—I have the honor to acknowledge your letters of yesterday's date, informing ine of the terms of your agreement with the Maories of this Island for the establishment of the Customs, and generally their recognition of British law. Of the importance of effecting this desirable result there can be no two opinions, and, in justice to you, I may add that your arrangements have been very judicious in the changed state of things you represent. In removing the main cause of opposition against myself by your authorising me not to insist on the prohibition of ardent spirits and arms, &c., to the Natives who were uneasy under the idea of any restriction, I have now more confidence, in trusting to have no more trouble or cause of disagreement with them ; but should the like occur, you may indeed depend upon it that it will not be of my wilful procuring, nor when I can with consistency prevent it. You are aware that it is from no personal ground of dislike that any of the Natives have objected to me, but from their early aversion to any appointments altogether, and to my insisting upon and maintaining a respect for authority, that they were willing to disregard. But you could not have done other than assure them of the rule of Government that any public servant is subject to be dismissed on a proper and reasonable complaint made against him. I will not entertain any apprehension that the Maories may regard the concessions you have been instructed to make to them, not merely (as they were intended) an impunity for what is past, but mistake them also for a freedom to offend in future ; and that my influence as a Magistrate may suffer by your telling them that I am to be relieved of the office of Government Resident on the Island. But I will continue to do my best in the circumstances, until Government arrangements are completed. I have, &c., (Signed) A. W. Shand, ' Collector. The Collector of H. M. Customs, Wellington. &c., &c., &c.

Custom House, Chatham Islands, 25th January, 1856. StR,—I have the honor of your favour of the 21st instant, communicating further paiticul.u of your arrangements with the Maories of this Island, with Schedule ot the expenses o t.u Customs Establishment for the ensuing year, and supposed amount of duties to be collected. In remarking upon these I will confine my observations, first, to qualify too sanguine an anticipation that the Revenue expected will be surely realised ; and 2nd. next as to my requirements, in order to enable me to use my best endeavours to realise the amount you contemplate, if it be possible.

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