We have to consider the best means of supplying those wants, and also how far those means should be made accordant with the conditions which have grown up as between the two islands. The Middle Island will not consent to colonize the North Island at the expense of neglecting its own coloniza tion, Whatever it consents to, as for the North Island, it will expect and require to be done as for itself. The North Island, un settled, can do but little. The North Island, settled, will support a fully equal share of population, and meet a fully equal amount of the general liability. We propose that, in a part or parts of the North Island, the colony shall be at the cost of constructing a trunk road, to place it or them in communication with the rest of the island. The expense of this we estimate to be £400,000, requiring an expenditure of about £IOO,OOO per annum for four years. But if the colony finds the money for these works, it is fair that it should con tribute an equal amount to analogous works in the Middle Island. We propose that it should be so—that an equal am >unt should be placed to the credit of the Middle Island, to be spent on railways, each province to be entitled to share, upon the basis of its re ceipts from the consolidated revenue. Such a sum will not of course, be sufficient for the construction of railways, but it will be a valuable contribution towards their cost, and, as between the two islands, the arrangement will be absolutely fair. The opening of a road through the North Island will promote its real, and probably rapid settlement; and this brings us to the consideration of whether, in common prudence, we should not, when we improve the value of the North Island estate, endeavour to,procure a portion of that estate to share in the profit of that improve ment. Whilst we do not seek to disable private purchasers, we do seek, in the inter est of both races, that the Government shall not be precluded from acquiring land. 