No. 73.
The Hon. J. C. Richmond to the Hon. W. B. D. Mantell.

Sir,—

Referring to my letter of the 25th July last, agreeing to guarantee, up to a certain amount, the costs of a suit as to the ownership of the Princes Street Reserves, Dunedin, I regret to be under the necessity of informing you that the Government, having at or near the time of my promise entered into an arrangement altogether inconsistent therewith, have considered it proper to withdraw the guarantee in question, so far as the future is concerned, holding themselves, nevertheless, fully responsible for all costs incurred, as between attorney and client, on behalf of the Native suitors up to this date.