No. 5.
The Native Secretary, to Mr. C. H. Brown.

Sir,—

I am directed by Mr. Mantell to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo, and, in reply, to inform you that the Government does not assume the right to dictate to the Natives the manner of sub-division of their reserve, nor does it pretend to do more than advise them, when they wish it, in following it out. But when, as in the case of the Tuahiwi reserve, provision has been made in one block for Natives resident and non-resident, the Government is bound to protect the aggregate interests of the latter.

Mr. Mantell has repeatedly stated that the Tuahiwi reserve was made partly for the resident and Peninsular Natives (then not otherwise provided for, but since provided with ample reserves), and partly in compliance with the most strongly urged demands on the part of these Peninsular Natives for certain members of their tribe residing at Moeraki, whose numbers they represented to be 100. Mr. Mantell has also stated the average allowance which he endeavored to make in these reserves at 10 acres for each individual. The extent, therefore, of the addition to the Tuahiwi reserve, granted to the Moeraki Natives, was 1000 acres, leaving 1640 acres, more or less, for the others. These others have already taken about 1650 acres in farms; they have received, Mr. Mantell believes, the allowance paid for roads. A further apportionment of about 250 acres, in farms and unalloted land, has been proposed by Mr. Buller and approved, their reversionary interest in the uncleared bush land not having been interfered with. In all, therefore, 1900 acres, at least, of the reserve has become theirs, besides a joint property with the other body of proprietors of that portion which lies, at the southern and between the eastern boundary and the Korotuakeka; and further north, between that boundary and the north road. The remainder, as shown on the tracing sent to you, have been decided by Government to belong to Moeraki claimants, not already provided for at Tuahiwi, is less, not more, than is justly due to them.

You will of course communicate to the Tuahiwi residents the proposal of Mr. Buller for farms for those named by him, and, on the Natives undertaking the expense, you can order the survey, but you will not endeavour to force or persuade them to do it. No concession whatever must be made to any unreasonable demands of theirs. You will send to Matiaha Tiramorehu, as the principal man among the Moeraki claimants, an outline plan of the reserves, and distinguishing by different colours:—

(Blue) 1. Public reserves (Church, Cemetery, &c., &c).

(Yellow) 2. Portion awarded to Tuahiwi residents.

(Green) 3. Portion unallotted and common to both bodies of claimant.

(Pink) 4. Portion allotted to Moeraki claimants, including the farms suggested by Mr. Mantell for Matiaha and Topi.