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from any interference from without. I wished to add a few more words on the subject of land. It has been reported to me that as soon as the Convention between the Emperor of China and the Queen of Great Britain was signed certain people were induced to sell their lands at a low value by being told that the British Gov- ernment would take possession of the land without payment when they came into the territory. I take this opportunity of telling you, the elders and gentry of all the villages, that if any man has been induced to sell his land by these false mis- representations and he is not satisfied, he can give notice to the Land Officer, who will register the title until the real question at issue has been looked into and decided. I have mentioned all this before by proclamation, but I wish to emphasize it more strongly now that I see the gentry and elders before me, as I am determined that if any man has been improperly induced to give his land away under its value I won't accept the sale as valid.

YOUR EXCELLENCY,

I.

Reply of the Committee-men at Táipó.

Your subject, on behalf of the Committee-men present and the people of the Districts and Sub-districts whom they represent, thanks Your Excellency for honouring us with a visit.

We have eagerly looked forward to Your Excellency's coming to-day which marks a new era in the history of this Territory. This visit will infuse into the country and the people a new life and spirit and will be followed by peace, prosper- ity and happiness.

We know that Your Excellency will treat us justly, considerately and im- partially.

We congratulate ourselves on our good fortune in having placed over us such a kind. Governor, and proud indeed are we to be the subjects of such a benevolent Sovereign as Her Majesty QUEEN VICTORIA.

We pray that Your Excellency will, when memorialising the Throne, tender to Her Majesty our humble submission and our profound feelings of loyalty.

YOUR EXCELLENCY,

II.

Reply of the Committee-men at Ping-skán.

Your subject, on behalf of the gentry and elders present and the people whom they represent in this part of the Territory, thank Your Excellency for your trou ble and condescension in coming here. We have been waiting for this visit with as much anxiety as those who, in time of drought, await the refreshing rain. Your kindness in visiting us bas given us the privilege of seeing you in person while the speech we have just heard, so dignified and so clear, has increased our reverence for Your Excellency.

We are well aware that Your Excellency's policy in this Territory is a kind and benevolent one and your subjects are unanimous in their feelings of gratitude. Your Excellency's character will act as a transforming influence for good among us. We also predict that this barren region will become a land of wealth and progress under Your Excellency's administration. What we feel with the deepest pleasure is that all evils are being now eradicated while what is good and noble are being encouraged. Law and order, peace and prosperity, alike distinguish Your Excellency's government.

We pray that Your Excellency will, when memorialising the Throne, tender to Her Gracious Majesty the humble submission and profound feelings of loyalty of her subjects in this Western portion of the Territory.