No. 18.
J. W. Hamilton, Esq., to the Colonial Secretary.

Sir,—

I have the honour to report, for the information of Her Majesty's Government, that, finding the Native Land question had reached a highly favourable point with the Maoris for effecting settlement of it at once, I have felt it right to make every exertion to carry out His Excellency's instructions. I have succeeded in obtaining the kind services of Mr. Aldred, Wesleyan Minister at this place, than whom no other Interpreter can be found among the residents of this Province. From what I learnt from that gentleman of the anxiety of Maoris for an immediate settlement, and of their determination to come to no terms after any much longer delay, I have not waited for any Interpreter to come from the north. I proceed on the 6th to Akaroa.