Mr. Commissioner Serancke to the Chief Commissioner.

"In September (27), 1858, I had the honour of reporting to you on the negotiations for the purchase of this block, I then succeeded in obtaining the consent of all the leading chiefs of the Ngatiraukawa tribe to the sale, and the waiving by them of their claims on it. Immediately their consent was gained, difficulties were thrown in the way of the completion of the purchase by a price per acre being insisted on, and the acreage ascertained. Whether these difficulties were made at the suggestion of the Ngatiraukawas, or by Te Hirawanu himself, in the pride of his heart in becoming the acknowledged and undisputed owner of so much land, I am not prepared to say.