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to pay an additional sum of over $18,000 in compensation for any loss that might have been caused by the action of the Government. Messrs Howard and Stephens were not satisfied with this offer and finally Mr. W. Lyttelton decided that the whole matter should be referred to the new Governor of the Colony, for Matthew Nathan, H.C.M.G. Mr. Howard was informed that Sir M. Nathan's award must be regarded final and that no modification of it could be entertained. His firm was represented by Counsel at the enquiry, the evidence of expert witnesses was taken, and Sir M. Nathan was assisted by the Chief Justice of the Colony in the decision of the case. Mr. Howard was therefore given the fullest opportunity of making out his case, and under the circumstances, the decision arrived at cannot properly be regarded as otherwise than final, as Mr Howard agreed in effect that it should be.