No. 18.
Mr. Brissenden to the Under
Secretary, Native Department.
(Telegram.)
I have at last succeeded in clearing away the many obstacles attending the purchase of 20,000 acres of the Pakiri Block; the right to cut kauri for thirty-one years had been ceded to Stannus Jones and Co., who had paid the Natives £400. I have however, purchased land and timber, and am about to conclude with the owners to-day for the sum of £1,600 to the grantees, and £50 to outside claimants. I have further to inform you that I have purchased a small block of 520 acres, named "Owhetu" the greater portion of which is in forest), for the sum of £100. Accounts and vouchers will be forwarded by first opportunity. Please notice by this that I shall require a further sum of money immediately. Other blocks are in course of negotiation.
E. T. Brissenden,
Government Land Purchase Agent.
H. T. Clarke, Esq., Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. s.—C.