No. 41.
Memorandum by Mr. Commissioner Kemp (acting for the Chief Commissioner).

Enclosed herewith are three letters received this day from the three principal Natives who object to the occupation of the land at Tirikohua by Major Russell and Mr. Newman.

The purchase was originally made by Mr. Johnson, and, as far as I can learn, in the most complete and satisfactory manner. The objection has arisen in consequence of the non-delivery of a share of the payment to Ruka; and in Simon's case, because he would not accept the share allotted to him. Piripi also, the writer of one of these communications, appears to have been the person deputed by the tribe to negotiate with the Government for the sale of the land, but did not act up to the trust confided to him. In his letter, money is recommended to settle this difference. Mr. Johnson states, as will be seen by a minute of Mr. McLean's on Mr. Newman's letter, 21st October, 1854, that the claim is unjust. A relative of Ruka, the principal opposing man, who brought in the letters, confirms the fact that these men have cropped the ground this season; and he has given me to understand that, if a sum of money were offered, the Natives would come into town to receive it, and the difficulty be removed. The sum paid by Mr. Johnson for this block was Four hundred and thirty pounds (£430)-Ruka's name is not in the deed of conveyance; but the Surveyor-General of opinion that his claim was taken into consideration and settled at the time the payment was made.