Mr. Mantell to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

Sir,—

Finding that considerable excitement among the Natives of this and the neighbouring settlements has been caused by a letter lately received by them from Pigeon Bay, informing them that the Government has concluded a purchase of the Murihiku District from Wahapiro and others, I do myself the honor of enclosing a copy of that letter; and, with the view of removing erroneous ideas which threaten to present serious obstacles to the speedy conclusion of my negotiations for the purchase of that district, would request to be favoured with such a contradiction of this foolish report as His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief may deem sufficient.