Mr. James Preece.

In furthering this object the Government would be very much aided by securing the services of Mr. Preece, who has been resident in the colony as a missionary for the last twenty-six years, having lived, the greater portion of the time in the Thames District. Mr. Preece is now retired from the mission service. He is thoroughly acquainted with the tribes, and knows the extent and general position of their claims. I would therefore recommend that he should be employed to carry on preliminary negotiations for such lands in the Coromandel District, where he is residing, as the Natives may from time to time be disposed to alienate, and in the meantime, until the work accumulates, that he should receive pay at the rate of One hundred pounds (£100) per annum.