(Enclosure.)
Copy of a Letter from W. N. Searancke, Esq., to Chief Commissioner.
Sir,—
Manawatu, 16th October; 1858.In accordance with your wishes I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, on the lands transferred by the aboriginal owners to Mr. T. U. Cook for the benefit of his wife and half-caste children.
There are three distinct pieces of land: one at the "Awahou," on the north side of the Manawatu River, about sixty acres in extent, given by the Native chiefs Nepia, Ihakara, Wereta, and assented to by the Natives generally (in the year 1853). Mr. Cook is in full possession of and is now occupying this land, having upwards of twenty acres fenced in and in cultivation, and buildings valued at £1,000 thereon. The Natives have expressed their wishes that this land should be secured to Mr. Cook's children, and their willingness to sign any deeds or writings to that effect.
The second piece known as the "Totara," also on the Manawatu River, which is about 100 acres in extent, is claimed by Mrs. Cook as her own property, and her right assented to by Hakiki, [gap — reason: illegible], and others, and the Ngatiraukawas generally. Mr. Cook is now building a large wooden house on this land for his family.
The third piece known as the "Paiaka," on the Manawatu River, was given by Te Rangihaeata, Nepia, and others to Mrs. Cook and her children in your presence in the year 1853, consisting of about 200 acres, of which fifty are in cultivation. Mr. Cook and his family resided here in a large wooden house previous to 1855, when the earthquake rendered it no longer tenable.
Mr. Cook has now been eighteen years in New Zealand, sixteen of which have been spent on the Manawatu, is married to a Native female who is closely connected with all the leading Chiefs in this district, is engaged in business, and is very generally respected by both Natives and Europeans, and has a large and increasing family of seven children.
I believe that the Natives will be much gratified if these lands are secured for the benefit of Mr. Cook's family by title from the Crown.
No survey has yet been made of any of these lands, but Mr. Cook is quite prepared to have it made if necessary.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) William N. Searancke,
District Commissioner.
Donald McLean, Esq.,
Chief N.L.P. Commissioner
No. 1,374.Half-caste Claims. A True Copy of Original Report and Transcript of Letter.
Wellington, 21st December, 1880.