Extract from a letter dated, August 31, 1863. From Walter Buller, Esq., R.M., (who assisted Dr. Featherston, throughout, in his purchase of the Rangitikei-Manawatu Block,) to the then Native Minister.

"It appears that when the Ngatiapa, in 1849, surrendered to the Crown I the land lying between the Whanganui and Rangitikei rivers, they compromised the conflicting Ngatiraukawa claims (of conquest) by conceding to the Liter the right of disposal over the territory lying south of the Rangitikei, with the mutual understanding that as the Ngatiraukawa had received a share of the payments, the Ngatiapa should in like manner participate in the purchase money of this block, whenever the Ngatiraukawa should sell.^* With the lapse of years the Ngatiapa have come to regard their claim as one of absolute right, in every respect equal to that of the present holders; while the latter, always regarding the latter claim as one of sufference, are now disposed to ignore it altogether."