No. 9.
The Chief Commissioner to the Hon. the Native Minister.
Sir,—
I have the honour to request that an authority may be granted to send Mr. Cooper to the Wairarapa, to arrange with the Natives for the settlement of the moneys due to them as 5-per-cents. The Wairarapa having formed part of Mr. Cooper's district as Land Purchase Commissioner, I conclude that he is well qualified to undertake the duties. The first step to be taken is to ascertain the quantity of land sold out of blocks subject to the 5-per-cents, and it may be more convenient, in cases where the whole block is not disposed of, to pay the Natives a fixed amount for any future claims they may have under this head. It is probable I may meet the Superintendent of Wellington, in a few days to discuss this and other questions connected with the purchase of land.
I have, &c.,
Donald
McLean,
Chief Commissioner.