No. 8a.
Sir D. McLean to the District
Officer, Bay of Islands.
A question of disputed title exists with regard to two blocks of land near Whangaroa, called Otangaroa and Te Patoa; the rival claimants being respectively the Ngapuhi, Hongi Hika's tribe, and the Ngatipo, Wiremu Maihi's [unclear: tibe]. Messrs. Brissenden and McDonnell entered into negotiations for the purchase of these lands, and orders were given for the survey, which, however, was not carried out. You will find in H.A.L.A., 1873 (see 21 et seq.) That you should have made inquiry into the title before the survey could take place; but from the brief time during which you have held the position of District Officer, it was not to be expected that you could have attended to this duty in this particular case. In future, however, in all instances where Natives are about to bring their lands under investigation before the Native Land Court, or intend to dispose of them to the Government, you will be required to make a full preliminary inquiry, so as to be able to state whether the survey can be proceeded with without affecting the peace of the district.
"The Native Lands Act, 1873," so clearly lays down the duties of District Officers, that I am only to direct your notice to its provisions, and to request you to give them your particular attention.
I have also to point out to you the necessity of your making yourself acquainted with all land transactions in the district, and also with the surplus lands that have reverted to the Crown, so as to protect the interests of the public in the event of an attempt being made to reclaim the latter, to redispose of them either to the Government or to private individuals, or to deal with them in any other manner.
Donald McLean.
W. Webster, Esq., Bay of Islands.