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come when, the present laws being done away with, they may be able to make their own terms with the Maoris. I have not urged the Natives to sell, but on the contrary assume a reluctance to purchase. The lands secured on this last trip are a good average lot, closing in former purchases, and generally well situated. Lands in the district of Whangarei are of a first-rate quality, but held at prices far beyond what it would be prudent for Government to give ; but there are a few blocks near the town of which I expect to have the offer, at from 2s. to 3s. per acre: at these figures they would be reasonable. This district generally is the best and most nourishing I have seen in the North ; but I must here mention that I consider the Upper Wairoa and Mangakawhia districts as thoroughly suitable for special settlements. There are but few large blocks of land in the North unpurchased. I think about 200,000 acres of eligible land can yet be secured by judicious negotiation: the progress will be slow owing to the blocks being small. I have, &c, Mr. H. T. Clarke. E. T. Beissenden. List of Blocks of Land purchased for General Government from 3rd November to date. No. 1. Okaka, Is. 3d. per acre, Hokianga. „ 2. Waimatenui, Is. 3d. per acre. Bay of Islands. „ 3. Otangaroa, 2s. per acre, Hokianga. „ 4. Mokau, 2s. Gd. per acre, Bay of Islands. „ 5. Kioreroa, 2s. 6d. per acre, Whangarei. „ 6. Tokowhero, Is. 3d. per acre, Mangakawhia. „ 7. Tunapohipohi, Is. 6d. per acre, Bay of Islands. „ 8. Mangakinga, Is. Gd. per acre, Hokianga. „ 9. Te Katote, Is. per acre, Hokianga. „ 10. Te Mate, Is. 3d. per acre, Hokianga. „ 11. Te Whau, Is. per acre, Hokianga. „ 12. Pukehina, Is. per acre, Hokianga. „ 13. Whakarongorua, Is. 6d. per acre, Hokianga. ~ 14. Taiha, Is. Gd. per acre, Hokianga. „ 45. Whataipu, Is. Gd. per acre, Hokianga. Total acreage of the blocks estimated at 50,000 acres. E. T. Beissenden.

No. 76. The Hon. Sir D. McLean to Mr. Bbissenden. Sic, — Auckland, 29th December, 1874. I beg to inform yoii that I have learned by correspondence forwarded by Mr. Williams, E.M., that an objection is raised to the survey of Otangaroa and Te Patoa by the chiefs Hongi Hika and Paora Uraroa, on the grounds that deposits upon these lands were paid to Turenui Naihi, Tamora, and Hohepa te Taha, without their knowledge or approval. I should like to hear from you on this subject, as nothing so tends to render transactions abortive as attempts to get hold of two or three owners without the consent of the rest. In such a case Natives consider that an effort is being made to take an individual advantage of them. Rumours have also reached me that in sundry purchases reserves are being made by the Natives under agreement that, when all arrangements are completed, they are to dispose of them to private individuals. This would amount to the fact that the pick of the lands would be reserved at first and then pass into the hands of private persons, while all the refuse would become the property of the Government. I have also a report from the Inspector of Surveys in which he complains that, in consequence of your action, Mr. Stephens has been detained at Mangakahia for fifteen days, for which he, of course, charges; that you informed him that the Wairoa survey could not yet be gone on with; and yet that a few days after you put on another surveyor. On all these points I shall be glad if you will give me a clear and explanatory statement. I have, &c, Mr. Brissenden. D. McLean.

No. 77. Mr. Beissenden to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sic, — Auckland, 30th December, 1874. I have the honor to forward you a memorandum report of lands negotiated by me for the General Government from March, 1874, to date, showing price per acre, actual moneys advanced on each block, and area so far as known. I have also the honor to submit to you a list of blocks for which I am now in treaty with the owners. The surveys of the blocks have been pushed forward with great vigour by Percy Smith, Esq., chief assistant of Inspector of Surveys. At the rate at which the work is now progressing the whole of the blocks will be finished before the end of the summer. 1 have, &c, The Hon. the Native Minister, Auckland. E. T. Bbissexdeh-. •I—G. 7.

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