assume a practical form sooner or later, and I believe most of the sheepfarmers will agree that the sooner the better; indeed it is to be regretted that those wants were not provided for ere this, as this summer has proved so favourable for fattening, and boiling down or meat-preserving must be resorted to; for it is no blinking the fact that three-fourths of the runs are overstocked; the bare pasture in winter in past seasons, and the starved appearance of the sheep in early spring has proved this beyond controversy. Auckland, with the high freight, and the numerous small charges on sheep, does not prove a profitable market; and, even if it did, it is not available for stations any distance inland, as the long drive to Napier, and subsequent voyage, reduces the condition of the sheep considerably.

I am under no apprehension for the safety of the flocks towards the northern boundary of the province, but will, as soon as possible, extend my examination in that direction.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

G. PEACOCK,

Inspector of Sheep.

His Honor the Superintendent,

Napier.

Inspector of Sheep Office,

Napier, Jan. 22, 1870.

Sir,—I am in the receipt of advices from Mr. Telford that the Scab has appeared in the flocks of Mr. V. Smith and Mr. Sutherland, of Mataikona, and that neither of those stations have, at present, either material or appliances for dipping their sheep; that the probability is that it will spread all through their flocks before such measures can be taken to arrest its progress. Such being the case, I should say that the state of the Oahanga flocks, which mix with Sutherland’s sheep, are either doubtful now, or will soon be so, and that the danger of its spreading to this province is imminent. I would therefore suggest that a meeting of the sheepfarmers of the province, or at least of those more immediately interested, be at once convened, to consider what preventive measures can be taken to guard against the spread of this disease into this province, I shall have great pleasure in co-operating with the settlers in carrying out any measures receiving the support and approval of the Government. The expense of carrying out any such measure could probably be met, at least in part, by the surplus funds now accruing from this department. I am aware that, in the early years of this province, when there were few sheep, the income from this department did not meet its expenditure; but the province has probably been recouped, by this time, for any loss then sustained. However, the case is urgent, and I trust it will receive that earnest consideration, and zealous co-operation of your Honor, and the settlers of the province, which its importance, and the large interests involved, entitle it to.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

G. PEACOCK,

Inspector of Sheep.

His Honor the Superintendent,

Napier.

PROCLAMATION.

By JOHN DAVIES ORMOND, Esq., Superintendent of the Province of Hawke’s Bay, in the Islands of New Zealand.

WHEREAS by an Act of the Provincial Council of the Province of Hawke’s Bay, Session 12, No. 1, it is amongst other things enacted that the Superintendent may from time to time, by proclamation, appoint Pounds and Poundkeepers at such places as he may think fit, and at any time to annul such appointments and make others—Now, therefore, I, John Davies Ormond, Superintendent of the Province of Hawke’s Bay, do hereby proclaim that the Stockyard erected on portion of Suburban section No. 53, Meanee, shall be a Public Pound, and do hereby appoint Cornelius Dempsey Poundkeeper of the said Pound.

Given under my hand and seal of the Province of Hawke’s Bay, this second day of February, One thousand eight hundred and seventy.

JOHN DAVIES ORMOND,

Superintendent.

CROWN GRANTS.

THE undermentioned Deeds of Grant, having been duly executed, are now ready for delivery at this office, under the authority of the “Crown Grants Act, 1866.” A fee of sixpence is chargeable on each Crown Grant, for every month during which it shall remain in this office after the expiration of three months from the date of this notice.

J. C. LAMBTON CARTER,

Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Crown Lands Office,

Napier, January 28, 1870.