Minute by Mr. H. Halse, Assistant Native Secretary.

Forwarded for the information of the Government.

The land claimed by Tauroa and Pita is a Native reserve, and most likely regarded as common property to all the Ngatiteatas, of which tribe the writers of this letter are members. If the Governor advised Hori Tauroa as stated, I presume it will be necessary to obtain the consent of the owners to place the land under the provisions of "The Native Reserves Act, 1856." But previously to attempting this I submit that it may be well for Major Speedy to inquire more closely into the reasons of this desire on the part of Hori Tauroa and Pita, in order that the Government may be satisfied of their soundness and sufficiency.