Sir,—For your information, and, as showing that the natives of this colony have been well treated and appreciate the freedom they enjoy, the following communications speak for themselves:—

1.	King Mahuta, on his arrival at Wellington, at an interview with the Premier. Meeting between the Premier and King Mahuta, Monday 17th September, 1900. "Salutations to you, the Premier: salutations to your wife and to your family—my best wishes to you all. To-day is a new birth, a new light. It is faint, but will grow brighter. Salutations to the Governor and to the Ministers; my best wishes page 17 to all. I am here at your invitation. I have left the Waikato, my home, and my people, to be present with you to discuss matters for the good of both races. My father's words to me were 'Good are the Governments.' The Governments were good in his day, and they had his good wishes. As his sou, the Government of to-day has my best wishes. You, the Premier, have power through our mother, the Queen; that power should be used for good. It has come to me that you are prepared to offer me a scat in the Legislative Council, and, also a seat in the Ministry. This has caused anxiety, and have given it every consideration. I am glad to be able to state that I will accept both positions after we have talked over matters. It will be after this conversation between you and I, on matters of moment to both races, that the final decision as to the future will be arrived at. Sufficient. We both wish to promote the welfare of both races. Salutations to you. Long life to you; and may God give you every blessing and keep you from harm. Sufficient.
2.	Letter from King Mahuta, who has just been on a visit to Wellington to promote legislation in the interests of the Maoris on the west coast of the North Island. King Mahuta has sent a letter to the Premier, in which he says:—"Great is the joy and thankfulness of the heart at your forcefulness in carrying on and completing those measures that would bring rest to the breast of the Maori people who live in this island of ours. The heart and mind have had proof of your masterful forcefulness. For somewhere near unto forty years have the Maori people appealed for some measure of mana to be granted to them to administer the residue of their lands remaining to them. There have been many Governments and many Premiers prior to you, but it was not till your day, and the Government, that such a great measure as this has been seen. This great measure arranged between us will never be forgotten. It will remain as a great monument of your day and ours, so then, O! Premier, in token of our great admiration for the masterful way in which you have carried out matters to the present conclusion, and having had proof as we have of the rightful way in which you have arranged matters, we hereto sign our names.—King Mahuta, Tawhiao, and 78 others."
3.	A letter from about 100 chiefs and natives of the East Coast. "Gisborne, 14th September, 1900. The Premier Honorable Sir,—In Tuesday's issue of the Poverty Bay page 18 Herald we find that a Bill was introduced by the native Minister conducive to the higher civilization and contentment of us—the Maoris. We, the undersigned, cannot find words to convey to your far-seeing and truly wise Government our deepest gratitude for such a step—the salvation morally, physically, and spiritually of these dusky but loyal subjects unquestionably lies in bunging the provisions of the Bill into operation as early as possible. In conclusion, we wish to assure you that we shall heartily welcome the day when such Bill will come into force. Hoping you will convey our sincere thanks to your Government.—We remain," etc.
4.	Letters from chiefs and natives of the Northern Maori District, Kaipara, October 30, 1900. "The Hon. Mr. Seddon, Premier. Friend—Greetings to you and the members of your Government. We, the Maori people of this district, desire to express our great thanks to you and your Government for the great efforts that you have made to devise ways whereby Acts affecting Maori administration have been passed; a valued possession that our ancestors, who have all passed away, have endeavored to obtain. Well, then, all the tribes have a great admiration for you and your hon. members, and are full of thankfulness. Long may you live! May the great God blew you all!"

After perusal of these communications, all lovers of justice and fair play must come to the conclusion that the statements made by his Excellency Sir George O'Brien are unfounded, and based on incorrect information, and I feel sure, had enquiry been made from reliable sources, the remarks would never have been uttered.