I have little more to state than that the settlers have been busily employed on their farms and gardens, and that the prospects of the season remain very fair, although the proportion of rainy and squally weather has been greater than is usual in this month. Several mechanics, unable to obtain employment at their own trade, have become cultivators of land, and there is now scarcely any person in the settlement who is not in some way employed upon land.

Maori Immigration.

I am informed that a considerable number of Waikanae Natives intend to make the Taranaki District their future place of residence, and from other quarters immigration of Maoris may soon be expected. The Bishop of New Zealand (at present staying at my house) insists upon the Native reserves being let for the benefit of the aborigines, and not occupied by them. On behalf of the Company I protest against their occupation of other land than their "tenths," as I understand the blocks granted, or to be granted, to the Company are entirely the Company's property, with the exception of the Native and public reserves. The Native reserves would afford room enough for the occupation of the Natives now in the district, and a considerable surplus to be let; but the case would be altered if a large immigration from the North and South should take place. This is a matter which does not at present occasion much annoyance, but may be the source of future difficulty.

Manganese.

We have just discovered a considerable quantity of manganese in the town, close by the Carrington Road. I send a specimen, which you will oblige me by forwarding to the Directors, who may perhaps notify a large Cornish firm,—John Williams, junior, and Brothers, Scorrier House,—of the existence of this valuable article of commerce in New Zealand.