No. 14.
The Chief Commissioner to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.
Auckland, August 16th, 1855.
Sir,—
Captain Heale, who has been employed to survey the block of land offered for sale by the Ngatihaua tribe, has completed this service, and the Native claimants are now in town to conclude the purchase. They have already been paid One hundred pounds on account of it, and a further sum of Two hundred pounds will complete the transaction. Captain Heale reports the land to be of fair average quality. The area of the block is 4,000 acres. The price is rather high, but it is of great page 340 importance that the Ngatihaua, who are large owners of land in the Waikato and elsewhere, should be induced to sell by giving them a good price in the present instance, as this is their first treaty for the cession of land to the Crown.
I have therefore the honor to apply for His Excellency's authority to pay the sum above alluded to.
I have, &c.,
Donald McLean,
Principal Commissioner.
Approved.—R. H. W. August 20th, 1856.