No. 3.
The Secretary for Crown Lands to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Canterbury.

Sir,—

The Native Runanga of Kaiapoi having sent a complaint to Government regarding the draining of Lake Ellesmere, apparently by the Provincial Government, and the consequent interference with their right of eel-fishing, I have the honor to request you will be good enough to report for the information of the Government on the nature and extent of the work being carried on by the Province; and also, as technical questions connected with the ownership of the land may perhaps be involved, what course is contemplated, if any, as to the disposal of the land to be reclaimed or drained, and on any other point connected with the subject upon which you may think it advisable to remark.