[Translation.]

Friend,—

Your letter of the 23rd September was laid before the Hon. Mr. Ballance and his successor in the office of Native Minister, Mr. Mitchelson.

Mr. Mitchelson has read your letter with much pleasure, and has instructed me to thank you for the manner in which you have carried out your promise of a gift of a portion of the mountains of Tongariro and Ruapehu for the purposes of a national park. A Copy of your letter, with a translation, will be laid before Parliament. With reference to the request which you make, first, that the remains of your father, Te Heuheu, which are now on Tongariro should be removed to some other place, I am to state that the Government will allow you that request, and pay for the expense of removal, and also erect a monument in memory of that distinguished chief. Your second request, that you son, Tureiti te Heuheu Tukino, should be appointed trustee for the park after your death, has also been agreed to by Mr. Mitchelson, and provision will accordingly be made in any Bill introduced relating to the national park. Sufficient.