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No. 32. Mr. Beissendex to the Hon. D. Pollen. Sic,— Auckland, 14th April, 1874. As I understand that you are aware that I have been appointed Government agent for the purchase of Native lands in the North by the Hon. the Native Minister, and that you act for him in his absence, I take the liberty of addressing you on the subject of Native lands. I have commenced the negotiation for the following blocks of land—viz., 20,000 acres of Te Pakiri Block, for which I require £2,000 ; the Muriwhenua Block, about 20,000 acres, at 2s. an acre, £2,000; the Taupaki Block, 6,000 acres fit for special settlement; and many other blocks, in all amounting to some 100,000 acres. I have been very much crippled in my transactions for want of the necessary funds to enable me to pay the whole or part of the purchase money, and have in consequence been compelled to prolong negotiations to fill up time. One great obstacle is the number of private individuals throughout the North anxious to purchase kauri forests as well as open country. These people having money in hand gives them a great advantage over me, and makes my task extremely difficult, the more so while many of the blocks in the North have passed through the Native Land Court, rendering private transactions quite safe. I hope that no further delay will be given, and that you will be good enough to authorize mo to draw for any such sums as may be required from time to time on the Bank of New Zealand, Auckland. 1 have, &c, The Hon. D. Pollen, Government Office, Auckland. E. T. Beissendkn".

No. 33. Mr. Bbissenden to the Ukdeb Seceetaby, Native Department. (N.L.P.8.,N0.3.) Sic,— Auckland, 16th April, 1874. Since mine of the Bth instant I have the honor to report the commencement of my negotiations for the following blocks of Native lands north of Auckland—viz., the second 10,000 acres of Te Pakiri Block, at 2s. per acre ; the Muriwhenua Block, of above 20,000 acres, at 2s. per acre ; the Taupaki Block, of 6,000 acres, surveyed and through the Court. This block is a very superior one and well adapted for special settlement; it is near Auckland and accessible. I have not yet arranged as to price, but hope to secure it for ss. per acre, though I have lots of opposition from private parties who are willing to give three times that price. Before this reaches you I expect to have concluded the above transactions, and hope you will be able to induce the Treasury Department to be prompt in forwarding me, without loss of time, the necessary sums of money for which I send in requisitions. I have also begun negotiations for several other blocks of Native lands that will amount to more than 200,000 acres, and have every prospect of securing by purchase very extensive tracts of country throughout this district in a short space of time. I enclose requisitions for money required at once. I have, &c, H. T. Clarke, Esq., Under Secretary, Native Department, . E. T. Beissekdek. Wellington.

No. 34. Mr. H. T. Clabke to Mr. Bbissenden. Native Office (Land Purchase Branch), Wellington, Slß,—- 22nd April, 1874. 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, and, in reply, have to inform you that the money required will be forwarded through the General Government Agent at Auckland with as little delay as possible. 1 have, &c, H. T. Clabke, E. T. Brissenden, Esq., Auckland. Under Secretary.

No. 35. Mr. Brisseuden to the Undee Secbexaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Auckland,-11th May, 1874 I Have at last succeeded in clearing away the many obstacles attending the purchase of 20,000 acres of the Pakiri Block; the right to cut kauri for thirty-one years had been ceded to Stannus Jones and Co., who had paid the Natives £400. I have, however, purchased land and timber, and am about to conclude with the owners to-day for the sum of £1,(500 to the grantees, and £50 to outside claimants. I have further to inform you that I have purchased a small block of 520 acres, named " Owhetu " (the greater portion of which is in forest), for the sum of £100. Accounts and vouchers will be forwarded

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