The reply ot Taurua was— “ New Governments(Minis terics) always promise very much. What they'perform is very much alike.” We cannot say that definite promises have been made so far by the present Govern ment to settlers here, though, in a vague sort of way, great expectations have been raised. Thu most “promising” Government this district ever had was that of His Honor P. A. Carrington. That, however, if now dead, lot it there fore be buried. But the present Govern ment has duties to perform, if it lias not yet definite promises to fulfill, which affect onr interests materially. Indi cations so far are not reassnring as to the views of the Government on what is at present a question of material impor tance to us—that of the confiscated lauds. The survey of the Waimato Plains has been suspended some weeks and there arc no sif/ns of it heiny resumed. Pakeha stock is depasturing there under agree ment with the natives. Pakeha stock is also depasturing on the confiscated land inland of Momakaki, under native leases. There is but one conclusion can be arrived at, and that is that Sir George Grey has determined to let the balance of the confiscated land slide back into the hands of the natives. It is possible that he cannot legally hand it back, but practically, it amounts to the same, if ho allows it to be dealt with by lease to Europeans, and vested rights to be initiated,which will surely tend to compli cate the question and prevent the land being dealt with as it has been, and is now being dealt with, under Mr Civil Commissioner Brown, from Patca to Waingongora. ?Ve have nothing to say against those gentlemen who arc taking advantage of opportunities, presented by Government, to enable them to make advantageous bargains with the natives for the depasturage of stock upon those lands. In fact, we look upon it as part of the programme of the Grey Govern ment, who are ever trumpeting forth their desire to serve the people, while actually playing into the hands ot the rich. 