Wellington, 30th January, 1874.
(Circular.)
It is deemed highly advisible that, whenever, practicable, transactions remaining incomplete for the purchase of native lands should he brought to a close: land purchase officers are therefore requested, before beginning any fresh negotiations, to use their energies to conclude those on which they have already entered.
It is however left to their discretion how far thev are to act in the aboye manner, as no advantageous offer should be lost; but generally they are instructed to devote their exertions to bringing to a complete end the arrangements for the purchase or lease of native lands which they have initiated.
H. T. Clarke,
Under Secretary.