So manj questions arise upon the disallow ance of this Act, that it becomes difficult to exhaust the subjeet. And as it is beyond comparison the most important topic of the day, to all who are interested either in the advancement of the Auckland Province, or in the civilisation of the native race, we have no scruple in reverting to it. What is to be done ? That is the ques tion for consideration. For to expect that the country settlers will be content to adopt the last of the three alternatives to which they have declared themselves reduced, viz :—: — "To lease lands from the natives," u To leave the Province," "Or to remain and be ruined" — is an absurdity of which officialism itself could not be capable ? In 1855, Superintendent Brown warned the Government, through his first address to the Provincial Counci , of the coming diffi culty, and suggested a remedy in the follow ing words :—: — The rapid progress of the country mainly depends upon the free supply of available land. Yet it will not be denied that such supply is most inadequate ;— that great demands are being incessantly made by persons who wish to purchase, but cannot obtain land to supply, their wants ;— that many, after coming to this prorince are compelled to leave it simply from inability to obtain a location for settlement. The government have ap pointed Commissioners in several districts to purchase from the natires, but their proceedings have been hitherto so slow, and their success so small, that it be comes imperatively necessary to resort to other means. It would not, perhaps, be advisable that the present plan should be abrogated •, but it is necessary that more vigorous efforts should be made than the present Com missioners seem capable of. I would therefore propose that settlers, as many as are able and willing, should be empowered by the Government to purchase land from the Natives, taking instructions from the Govern ment before commencing, and before concluding, any purchase. 