No. 23.
The Chief Commissioner to Mr. Preece.
Sir,—
A Memorandum has been placed in my hands, by Mr. Heaphy, having reference to certain blocks of land which the Natives expect to receive payment for from the Government; a copy whereof is herewith enclosed, as I deem it highly important that you should be put in possession of any information of that kind which is received at this office, in order that you may be able to report upon the nature of these claims for the information of the Government.
I have, &c.,
Donald McLean
Chief Land Purchase Commissioner.
Enclosure.
Memorandum by C. Heaphy, Esq., Provincial Surveyor.
The Natives of Coromandel look to the Government for the undermentioned "Papa Tupus," viz.:—
A. | R. | P. | Remarks. | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Surveyed.—Hihi, | 59 | 0 | 0 | Lying between Keven's & Peppercorn's claim. A new transaction. |
Surveyed.—Tuhitoto, say | 90 | 0 | 0 | Including a part of Wilson's claim, with Karaitiana's unsold land. |
Surveyed.—Poroporo, say | 25 | 0 | 0 | On Government half of Whanganui Island. One of Webster's claims. |
Surveyed.—Tawhiti, say | 5 | 0 | 0 | On Webster's claim, Whanganui Island. |
Island of M. Tapere, say | 50 | 0 | 0 | Quantity unknown One of Webster's claims. |
Kikowhakarere, about | 90 | 0 | 0 | A new transaction, adjoining Calloway's claim. |
Surveyed. — Downing's, Makariri | 10 | 0 | 0 | |
Total | 269 | 0 | 0 |
Mr. Preece is of opinion that the Natives are not yet ready to commence negotiations for further sales. Mr. Preece when I applied to him on the subject, stated that in about a month, or some such period, he thought the Natives would be able to go to the Big Mercury Island on the subject of their claims there.
I think that when the payment is made to the Coromandel Natives for the Papa tupus set forth on the preceding leaf, it is very likely they will be prepared to offer further lands to the Government.
It is very desirable that the land which reverts to the Crown from Webster's purchases at Wai Totara near Waiau and Motu Tapere, as well as that at Kennedy's Bay and Mercury Bay should be definitely taken possession of as soon as possible, by being marked out on the ground. Any additional payments which may have to be made upon these claims will but conduce in effect to the final acquirement by the Government of those lands which the Natives have no occasion to retain for their own use, in the Coromandel district.
Charles Heaphy,
16th August, 1857. The Chief Commissioner, Land Purchase Department.