6

at about eight millions (8,000,000) of acres.
As soon, however, as I shall have had an opportunity of visiting the spot, and discussing the question with the resident natives, I will lose no time in making, for his Excellency's consideration, a report of the amount for which this extensive and valuable district can be finally purchased; the cost, under any circumstances, is not likely to amount to the rate of one farthing per acre.

I have been engaged during the greater part of the present and past weeks in discussing fully the claims of the different tribes, and other questions affecting this transaction, and I have much pleasure in stating that the division of the two thousand pounds (£2,000) was effected with the most perfect fairness, and gave general satisfaction to the parties concerned; a sum of two hundred pounds (£200) being paid to Te Rangihaeata as the principal conqueror of the country and leading chief of the tribe; the remainder of the money being paid to the other chiefs in amounts corresponding to their interest, and the number of their relatives and followers.

I have Excellency will be glad to learn that the aged chief Te Rangihaeata, who has always been a determined opponent to the sale of any land, took a prominent part in this discussion, exerting all his influence in inducing his followers to bring the negotiation to a satisfactory conclusion, and in restraining the exorbitant demands of some of the chiefs. He came forward without hesitation, and affixed his name to the deed of sale, being the first time within my knowledge that Te Rangihaeata has voluntarily done so.

I venture to hope that the course which I have adopted on this occasion may meet with his Excellency's approval, as it has finally settled all questions between the Government and the Ngatitoa tribe as regards an extensive and valuable tract of land, rich in coal, copper, and other minerals, and will, through their influence, materially facilitate the negotiations with the other tribes possessing claims there.

I have the honour to enclose, for his Excellency's information, the copy of a letter which I have addressed to the Commissioner of Crown lands at Nelson in reference to this subject.

I have, &c.,
(Signed) DONALD M'LEAN,
Land Commissioner.
The Honourable the Colonial Secretary,
Auckland.

Land Commissioner's Office,
Wellington, December 15, 1854.
SIR—I have the honour to inform you that I have taken advantage of the arrival here at Porirua of the principal chiefs from the Middle Island, including Wiremu te Kanae and his followers from Wairau; Taiaroa, the principal aboriginal chief of the island; Pukekohatu, and several others; to effect a final arrangement with them, as well as with all the chiefs on this island, for their several claims to the Middle Island, for which the first instalment was paid before Sir George Grey left here in August, 1853.

I should have preferred carrying out this arrangement (as previously intended) at Nelson, after the surveys of the native reserves were further progressed; but, after due reflection, I found that it would be impossible for me to get such a collection of influential chiefs together at Nelson as have assembled here. Taking also into consideration the urgent necessity for hastening an adjustment of the question, so as to throw the land open for colonization, I have, on the assurance of the chiefs that they will, as soon as their reserves are marked off, give peaceable possession of the whole of that portion of the island, paid them a sum of two thousand pounds (£2,000), as acknowledged in a deed receipt, the translation of which is herewith furnished for your information.

I am aware that, although the chiefs from the Middle Island have fully entered into this arrangement, there will be some questions to settle with a few minor tribes residing at Wakapuaka, Queen Charlotte's Sound, and other portions of the island; but these, I feel satisfied, can be duly adjusted by the principal chiefs to this arrangement, who have undertaken to accompany me, when my duties here will admit of my going over to Nelson, to settle with their respective tribes and followers resident at the Middle Island.

Wiremu te Kanae will facilitate the surveys of the necessary reserves for the natives at the Hoiere and Kaituna districts, whenever Mr. Brunner is prepared to proceed with the surveys in that neighbourhood.

His Honour the Superintendent mentioned to me (when last at Nelson), that he was anxious to obtain a portion of a native reserve at the Wairau in exchange for other land, as the place alluded to would be very desirable as a site for a ferry.

I have spoken to Kanae on this subject, who agrees to give up any portion of a reserve that may be requisite for the above purpose.

Pokekohatu, or Te Tana, from Motueka, has received two hundred pounds (£200) as his share out of the two thousand pounds (£2,000) recently paid to the natives. In addition to this sum, he is to receive for himself and his tribe a further sum of four hundred pounds (£400), which, with another sum of one hundred pounds for the people of Wakapuaka, he has agreed to accept; and, in the meantime, he intends to deposit with you, until he and his tribe are finally settled with,