No. 5.
The Chief Land Purchase commission, to the Assistant Native Secretary, Auckland.
Sir,—
I have the honour to request that you will bring under the notice of His Excellency's Government, at your earliest convenience, the enclosed reports from Mr. James Mackay, Assistant Native Secretary, detailing his proceedinge in reference to the purchase of lands from the Natives at Kaikoura.
I also enclose the draft of the reply which I have sent to his communications, and have to request that you will take an early opportunity of applying to the Government for a refund of the sums advanced by Mr. Mackay out of his private funds, to the extent of £80; as also to obtain credit for the Sub-Treasurer at Lyttelton, for an advance of £20 made by that Officer to Mr. Mackay.
By this opportunity I also enclose the original Deed of sale, together with several other documents connected with the reserves which have been set apart for the Natives. All these should be carefully registered.
I have, &c.,
Donald McLean.
Chief Commissioner.