"I have the satisfaction to report to you for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that the negociations entered into previous to Sir George Grey's departure in 1853, with the Ngatitoa tribe for the cession of their unextinguished claims over the Nelson and Canterbury Provinces, have at last been brought to a favourable termination.

2. In order that His Excellency may be enabled more easily to form a general view of the whole of the transaction, I may here advert briefly to some of the earlier circumstances connected with the purchase.

3. After repeated meetings and discussions with the Ngatitoa and Ngatitama tribes, who at first intended only to cede a portion of their less valuable land on the West Coast; a Deed of Sale was executed by them at Wellington, on the 10th of August, 1853, by which they agreed, subject to certain reservations, to relinquish in favour of the Crown, for a sum of Five thousand pounds (£5000), the whole of their claims upon the Middle Island.

4. These reservations consisted of the cultivations and lands required for the subsistence of the Natives resident in the district; it being always distinctly understood that Rangitoto, or D'Urville's Island, was excepted from the sale.

5. A first portion of the purchase money, amounting to Two thousand pounds (£2000), was paid at the time of the execution of the Deed; the balance of Three thousand pounds (£3000), remained to be discharged in six annual instalments of Five hundred pounds (£500) each.

6. In addition to the cash consideration payable to the Natives, which from the smallness of the sum they evinced some reluctance to accept, it was further agreed by Sir George Grey that fifteen of the principal Chiefs should have Scrips awarded to them, representing Fifty pounds (£50) each, which should be available in the purchase of Crown Lands in any part of New Zealand.

7. Twenty-six of the Native claimants were also to have Two hundred acres each out of the land thus ceded by them; in such places as the Governor might set apart for this purpose, and at such time as the land might be required for their use.

8. The natives have not yet evinced any desire to select this land, which they regard more as a provision for their future wants, than as needed for immediate occupation. They have, however, applied some of the Scrips before alluded to, in the purchase of land in the Wellington and Nelson Provinces.

9. The above statement embraces the whole of the more important arrangements concluded with the Natives, previous to Sir George Grey's departure; it being then fully contemplated, both by His Excellency, and by myself, that the further details of this purchase would have been brought to a much earlier termination; but circumstances which could be neither foreseen nor obviated, have hitherto interfered to prevent this.

10. The conflicting claims of different tribes (residing on both shores of Cook's Straits) to the unpurchased lands in the Nelson Province, occasioned considerable difficulty. For instance, the Ngatitoa tribe at Porirua (with whom the first treaty was concluded) had unquestionably, as the earliest invaders, a prior right to the disposal of the district This they never had relinquished; although, after the conquest, their leading Chiefs partitioned out the subordinate branches of their own tribe, as well as to the Ngatiawa, a few of whom took with part them in the conquest, the lands which these now occupy in the Nelson Province.

11. The latter parties did not assume to themselves a power of sale, except over the lands they actually occupied; yet some of them, when not confronted by the leading Ngatitoa Chiefs, professed to have independent and exclusive rights, which the majority, and even the parties making such assertions (when closely examined) always acknowledged that the general right of alienation vested in the Ngatitoa Chiefs of the Northern Island. In fact their relative rights through intermarriage, the declining influence of the chiefs, and other causes, had become so entangled, that without the concurrence both of these occupants, and of the remnants of the conquered Rangitane and Ngaitahu tribes, no valid title could have been secured.

12. To arrange, therefore, with the various claimants as opportunity might offer, was the next duty to be attended to. Accordingly, a section of the page li Ngatiawa who had taken part in the invasion but had returned to their possessions at Waikanae and Taranaki, and other places in the North Islands, (intending to migrate from one Island to the other, as their inclinations led them), were paid a sum of Nine hundred pounds (£900), for the extinction of their title, on the dates, and in the proportions specified in the margin.^*

13. In November of the year 1854, "Mr. Brunner, the Government Surveyor, and Mr. Jenkins, the Interpreter at Nelson, were despatched to mark off the boundaries of such Reserves as would be required for the resident Natives. These officers did their utmost to perform this service; but owing to the jealousy on the part of some of the Natives to the Ngatitoa sale, they were unable (except in a few instances) to effect any permanent adjustment of the Reserves and boundaries.

14. In December of the same year a large concourse of Natives, from different parts of the Nelson Province, were assembled on one of their periodical visits, at Porirua, to hold a tangi, or lamentation, over some of their relatives recently deceased. At this meeting there were present so many influential representatives of the various tribes, that it afforded a favourable opportunity for discussing the merits of their respective claims.

15. These meetings resulted in an unanimous desire on the part of the assembled tribes, to have the second instalment then due, paid to them at Porirua, instead of at Nelson, as originally intended; and, in order that the whole of them might participate in it (which they could not do if one installment only of Five hundred pounds (£500) were paid, they requested that four years' instalments should be handed over to them at once (£200), urging, as a reason, that some of their Chiefs had recently died of the measle epidemic; while two of them who had taken a prominent part in the conquest, though still alive, were in a precarious state of health; and that it was their unanimous desire that this payment should take place in their presence.

16. To this deviation from the original terms, I had some difficulty in assenting, however politic it might otherwise have been, in consequence of the understanding that the second payment should be made at Nelson, but the Natives from that Province were themselves the most urgent in requesting me to forego this intention. My reasons for acceding finally to their desire have been fully reported in my letter to you of the 15th December, 1854, and one of the same date addressed to Major Richmond.

17. I should here add, that the two old Chiefs who participated in this payment, and who have since both died, expressly charged their surviving relatives to use their utmost influence in assisting the Government to settle

^* March 2nd, 1854, for Wairau and Arapaoa, £200. March 10th, 1854, title of Taranaki Natives, £500. November 24th, 1854, for Te Awaiti, £200.

page lii this question; and this duty, as a parting request of these Chiefs, they hare most assiduously and faithfully performed.

18. The instalments now paid together with One hundred pounds (£100), to one of the Ngatiawa Chiefs at Gore Harbour, completed the sum of Five thousand pounds (£5000), stipulated for in the original Ngatitoa Deed of Sale, As there remained, however, unsettled claims of various resident Tribes; I applied for, and obtained a further advance of Two thousand pounds (£2000), to complete the purchase.

19. Owing to repeated and most unexpected interruptions, arising from my being obliged to go to Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay; thence by the East Coast to Auckland; and twice, (owing to disturbances there), to Taranaki; dissappointed, moreover, in not being able to get the Natives of the North Island, from illness, attention to their crops, or other causes to accompany me; I was unable to pay that attention to the claims of the residents in the Nelson Province, which it was my earnest desire to have done, with a view to the speedier settlement of a most important question, which had been already so long pending; and which the Natives, though their patience must have been greatly exhausted by these delays, declined to settle with any other officer except the one who commenced the negotiations.

20. On the 30th October, 1855, I was instructed by His Excellency Colonel Gore Browne, to accompany him from Taranaki to Nelson; where an opportunity was afforded from the number of Natives assembled there, to effect an arrangement with the Ngatirarua and Ngatitama for their claims, for a sum of six hundred pounds, the receipt of which is acknowledged in the deed executed by them on the 10th and 13th of November, 1855.

21. This deed provides that the land exhibited on the plan thereto attached, shall be reserved for the Natives; it is, together with what they elsewhere possess, of sufficient extent for their present and future requirements, even if they have a considerable increase of cattle and horses; it is situated within natural boundaries requiring no outlay for surveys; and lies on a part of the West Coast as yet remote from European settlers, but which the Natives were particularly anxious to retain. A Government right of road, should it in future be required, is provided for, by a clause to that effect inserted in the deed.

22. In proceeding by the 'Zingari,' from Nelson to Wellington, with His Excellency the Governor, on the 13th November, 1855, a survey party and Interpreter were taken on board, and landed on the way in Queen Charlotte's Sound, with instructions to lay off the necessary reserves in that part of the Nelson Province. This duty they were enabled to perform without much opposition on the part of the Maoris : and by the 15th January, in this year, the reserves were marked off.

23. On the 24th of this month, I crossed the Straits from Wellington to Cloudy Bay, in a small vessel, taking along with me the Ngatitoa Chiefs Rawiri Puaha, Hohepa Tamaihenga, and others, and was followed by Matene Te Whiwhi, and Tamihana Te Rauparaha, in course of a few days.

24. The left bank of the Wairau River being the southern boundary of the purchase, I held a meeting with the Natives of that place, in number about one hundred and twenty (120). They fully assented to the sale, having participated—except a small party of the Rangitane^* in the first and second payments made at Porirua.

25. To the Rangitane one hundred pounds (£100) was now paid in full satisfaction of all their claims.

26. The Reserves laid off at the Wairau consist of seven hundred and seventy (770) acres on the left bank of that river, a small bay named White's Bay, and about two hundred (200) acres adjacent thereto; and two sections, of fifty I acres each, to the Chiefs Wiremu Nera Te Kanae, and Te Tana Pukekowhatu. The latter section has been marked out; but the former, in consequence of the absence of Te Kanae, though its general position was defined, had not been surveyed. For these two sections I beg to recommend that individual Crown Grants should be issued to the above-named Chiefs.

27. From the Wairau, Isailed for Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte's Sound, a portion of the country inhabited chiefly by the Ngatiawa. The people had assembled at Waikawa to meet me, where, after several debates, which lasted for some days, I was enabled to effect a final settlement of their claims, for a sum of Five hundred pounds (£500), the receipt of which is acknowledged in the Deed signed by them on the ninth (9th) February, 1856,

28. The unsettled state of the Ngatiawa tribe, and the disposition manifested by them to return to their former possessions at Taranaki (where their [presence could only increase the troubles that already beset the land question in that Province) rendered the present negociation with them one of no small difficulty and delicacy, which might, if in any way mismanaged, affect the general tranquility of the country. I was induced, therefore, to agree to reserves of considerable extent being assigned to them in the various bays they were then inhabiting, with which they appeared to be fully satisfied. A plan, exhibiting these reserves, is herewith furnished for His Excellency's information.

29. To this part of the country, from its past associations, the Natives attach great importance, as the scene of many hard-fought battles, and of final conquest; the great resort, moreover, in former years, of whale ships from different parts of the world, with whom they carried on a lucrative trade;

^* The portions of this report printed in italics refer to the original owners. The italics are my own.—T.C.W.

page liv they could also, at all seasons of the year, resort to its well-sheltered bays and harbours for supplies of fish.

30. As expressive of the national interest felt by them for the place, [unclear: as] of the principal chiefs, Ropohama Te One, the last of several who had spoken in a most emphatic harangue, in which he alluded to these various circumstances, struck into the ground at my feet a greenstone adze, saying, in their usual metaphor, 'Now that we have for ever launched this land into the [unclear: sea.] we hereby make over to you, as a lasting evidence of its surrender, this [unclear: as] named Paewhenua, which we have always highly prized, from having [unclear: rega] it in battle after it was used by our enemies to kill two of our most celebrated chiefs, Te Pehi and Pokaitara. Money vanishes and disappears, but this greenstone will endure as a durable witness of our act, as the land itself which have now, under the shining sun of this day, transferred to you for ever.' allude to this incident that it may, if necessary, be referred to hereafter, as an evidence of the importance attached by this tribe to the treaty now conclude and a striking circumstance likely to be long remembered by them.

31. From Queen Charlotte's Sound I crossed by the Anakiwa Pass to Kaituna and Pelorus Valleys. At the Kaituna the extent of reserve which deemed necessary for the Ngatikuia tribe residing there, was three hundred (300)acres. Out of this extent I had to recommend that an individual Crown Grant be issued to the Chief Hura Kopapa. The position of the reserve has been pointed out in the presence of the Natives interested, but I had not then time to have it surveyed.

32. In addition to thus reserve a landing place for canoes at a place called Pareuku was requested by Kopapa. Its extent, as pointed out to me, will not exceed (10) acres. A very long pah occupied by this tribe, at a place called Motueka, is likely to be the only site available in that locality for a township. If it should really be required for this purpose, the Natives agreed to relinquish it; if not, then I would certainly recommend that it be reserved them. Should a town be laid out there, I would submit that Hura and Manihera ought to receive, by way of compensation, four (4) of the town sections of a fair average value. I trust that His Excellency will be pleased to [unclear: sanc] this proposal.

33. From Kaituna the next visit was paid to the Hoiere or Pelorus river to fix the reserves and cultivations for the Natives residing there. When these had been decided on, as shewn on the plan herewith furnished, the [unclear: Ngati] formerly the owners of the beautiful and fertile valleys of the Hoiere and Kaituna, now reduced in number to about fifty (50) souls, were paid One hundred pounds (£100) in extinction of their title, with which sum they appeared well satisfied, it being the first time since the conquest that their claims had in any way been recognized.

Native Land Purchase Department.

Abstract of Land purchased from the Natives between 5th July, 1850, and 31st March, 1856. Laid on the Table of the House 18th June, 1856, and ordered to be Printed.

Note.—In the latter end of the year One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two (1852), Major Richardson purchased from the Natives the Pakawhau Coal district, for a sum—as far as I can ascertain—of five hundred pounds (£500). I do not know the estimated extent of this purchase.

In addition to the cash consideration paid to the Ngatitoa Natives for the entire surrender of their claims, the right of selecting fifteen (15) scrips of fifty (50) acres each, in any Crown Lands in New Zealand, has been guaranteed to them by Sir George Grey. Twenty-six (26) chiefs were also to have two hundred (200) acres each in the Nelson Province, to be selected in such places as the Governor may set apart for that purpose.

A tribe of the Ngaitahu, about twenty-five (25) in number, on the West Coast, are entitled to a small compensation for their claims, not exceeeding one hundred pounds (£100). In the event of the Wakapuaka Natives relinquishing a portion of the land claimed by them as a Reserve, they would also be entitled to one hundred pounds (£100).

Donald McLean

, "Chief Commissioner for the Purchase of Lands from the Natives.

34. I next proceeded to the Croixelles harbour; but I found that the Chief of that place had preceded me to Nelson, where I afterwards decided the reserves to be allotted to himself and to his people, the Ngatikoata, and paid them a sum of One hundred pounds (£100), for their claims.

35. Before going to Nelson, I called at Wakapuaka, where a section of the Ngatitama live. These declined to give up any portion of the land held by them at that place, as they considered it not more than sufficient for their own subsistence; they also object to its being sold, without their consent, by their relatives in the North Island; and as the land they hold, is not of much greater extent than they would really require as a reserve, I did not deem it [unclear: dent] at present to urge a settlement of this particular question upon them.

36. The only tribe having claims upon this purchase, whom it was impossible for me to visit, are a small remnant of the Ngaitahu, about twenty-five (25) in namber, residing at Arahura on the West Coast, a remote, and, as yet, almost inaccessible, part of the country. From a settlement of their claims, I do not apprehend any difficulty; but, as a matter of justice, if the district is occupied by Europeans, a reserve of three hundred (300) or four hundred (400) acres should be secured to them, together with a small amount of compensation for their claims.

37. In conducting this purchase through its several stages, involving the interests of so many different, and differently disposed tribes, and altogether the most complicated, as it was also the last, in the Middle Island, I found the limited time at my disposal so fully occupied with the necessary koreros, or debates, attending it, that I was unable to see some ef the surveys completed to my satisfaction. I would gladly have done this myself, in order to prevent any possible question being raised hereafter about the boundaries. These details, however, can be easily arranged by the Government Surveyor, under the directions of Major Richmond, in whom the Natives place implicit confidence, and to whom I shall communicate additional information respect- big these surveys, besides the Memoranda already furnished.

38. In the meantime, even these unfinished details are so fully understood by the Natives, that I am not aware that there can be any objection to the had being now handed over to the Crown Commissioner, preparatory to its being disposed of in the usual manner.

39. In a separate communication I shall hereafter detail the steps taken by Major Richmond and myself to adjust some disputed rights to land comprised within the limits of Mr. Commissioner Spain's award.

Journal of James Grindell, Interpreter, N.L.P.D., from June 1st to July 31st, 1858.

Tuesday, June 1st.—Left Masterton this evening for Ihurana and Manawatu.* * *

Wednesday 23rd. * * * I found Te Hirawanu and his people. * * *

They were determined not to sell any land on the east of Tararua, (viz., in the Seventy Mile Bush) until they had disposed of all their lands on the west side, supposing, no doubt, that these lands, being nearest to the Ngatiraukawas, were the most likely to be disputed and claimed by them.

Wednesday, 30th—From this place I sent a letter to the Ngatiapas, informing them that matters were about to be discussed affecting their interests, and advising them to attend.

Thursday, July 1st.—This day was spent in collecting food for the visitors, and making complimentary speeches (usual on such occasions), with but little reference to the business in hand. Two bullocks and half a score of pigs were killed, and various other preparations made for the celebration of a grand feast.

Friday, 2nd.—I commenced the business of the day with a short address to the tribes assembled, in which I told them that I had been sent by Mr. Searancke to ascertain what lands they were willing to sell, with the boundaries, position, &c., and also to enquire into the respective claims of the i people occupying such lands. I represented to them that as they were all related together (having descended from one common source) they should endeavor to agree relative to boundaries and claims—that they should 'speak with one voice '—that if they were disunited by internal dissension; they would be laying themselves open to the attacks of the Ngatiraukawas, from whom much opposition was to be expected, and that there would thus be much less chance of coming to an amicable understanding with that tribe. I reminded them that there were several families located amongst them who had become part and parcel of themselves, and exhorted them to be mindful of the interests of these people in the disposal of their lands.

After four or five days consultation, it was determined unanimously, that, not only the Puhangina Block on the north, but a corresponding block also on the south of Manawatu should be offered for sale; the whole, comprising, I should say, some 150,000 acres. Boundaries and reserves were fixed, and a portion of land allotted to the Ngatiupokoiri. I was anxious to have the Oroua river as a western boundary, but it could not then be arranged, as the Ngatiraukawa have claims east of that river. * * *

I do not expect that the purchase of this block will be effected without some opposition from the Ngatiraukawas, but I am not inclined to think that any very serious obstacles will be raised by them, nothing but what may be got over by judicious management. * * *

Monday, 12th—Mr. Searancke not arriving, and being anxious to collect as much information as possible, as to the state of the Native mind relative to Hirawanu's proceedings and land selling in general, I started for the Awahou and Otaki. I was absent on this trip until Thursday, 22nd, when I returned to Puketotara.

I found the Ngatiraukawas divided into two distinct parties, the sellers and non-sellers. The latter party is headed by Nepia Taratoa; but, I believe, his opposition to be merely a matter of form—merely an assertion of his authority—an upholding of his dignity, which will die away with the jealousy which occasioned it. Kuruhou, an active supporter of Taratoa, assured me that many of the chiefs of the Ngatiraukawas had gone over to the land selling side, and that the land would eventually be sold, that it was impossible to resist the 'kawanatanga.' The sellers looking upon Te Hirawanu as one of their party, appear disposed to support him, whilst the non-sellers say that his intentions of acting independently of them, is a piece of assumption. If they were all united Te Hirawanu might meet with more opposition; as it is, I page lix have little doubt that the purchase of the land offered by him would lead to the acquirement of all the lands in the hands of the Ngatiraukawas. The advocates of land selling in that tribe (and they are numerous), would look upon such an event as a signal for a general action, and their opponents, considering further opposition useless, would confine their attention to those tracts to which their claims were undisputed.

Ihakara offers for sale a block of some ten or twelve thousand acres at the Awahou very desirable situation for a township, on a navigable part of the Manawatu, and exempt from floods; I am satisfied his title to this block is just, although disputed (for the present) by Nepia Taratoa, who however is pretty certain to come over to the land selling side, as he is aware that public opinion is becoming too strong to be long resisted. The amount to be paid for it, I imagine, would not be a very difficult matter to settle, as the Natives consider the settlement of Europeans amongst them, a matter of much more importance than the money they would receive for the land. This also appears to be the feeling of the Rangitane and Hirawanu's people.

When the Ngatiraukawas first established themselves in the country, each division of the tribe, claimed, and took formal possession of certain tracts as their share of the conquest; of which they forthwith became the sole proprietors, and of which they ever afterwards retained possession; but now, when the idea of selling the land is gaining ground amongst them, the opponents of such a step, for the first time, assert that the country is common property, and that no portion of it can be sold without the consent of all. The feeling however, in favor of selling is spreading rapidly, and the ranks of the sellers are daily augmented by deserters from the non-sellers; yet there is so much jealousy existing amongst the chiefs, as to preclude the idea of these conflicting claims lever being so thoroughly harmonized as to admit of the sale of the country without tedious disputes and quarrels amongst the Natives. That the time is fast approaching when the country will be bought up, there can be no doubt, but much care and cirsumspection will be necessary in conducting the negotiations.

Most of the chiefs and influential men wish to sell the particular districts which fell to their share after the conquest, but the purchase of the country in such small pieces would not only materially increase the cost, but give rise to numerous irreconcilable disputes.

On my return from Otaki, I saw Nepia Taratoa at the Awahou. He did not seem to object altogether to the sale of the land, but he said he wished the thing to be duly weighed and considered, and the claim of all parties properly adjusted before any portion of it was sold, otherwise evil might result. He complained of the rashness and precipitance of the other chiefs, and said he had page lx been strengthened in his opposition by their sneers and taunts and threats, to sell the land in spite of him. * * *

During my absence at Otaki, he had been to Puketotara to see the Rangitanes, about the land which they offer to sell; finding them determined to sell, he told them to 'wait a little while, a very little while, and he would not oppose their desire.' He has since declared his intention of selling the whole country between Manawatu and Rangitikei, including a portion of Te Hirawanu's block. I believe, however, he does not object to Hirawanu's receiving the money he is merely ambitious of the name, and anxious to prove his right to sell the whole country.

Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Chief Commissioner.

"I have the honor to submit to you for the information of His Excellency the Governor, a report of my proceedings, together with the present state of the negotiation for the purchase of the upper portion of the Manawatu District. * * *

On the 19th ultimo, I arrived here, and after a few days' delay proceeded, in company with Nepia Taratoa, Ihakara, and about forty others of the chiefs and principal men of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, up the Manawatu River to Raurawa, the settlement of Te Hirawanu, the chief of the Rangitane and and Ngatimotuahi tribes. A numerous meeting of Natives from the Ngatiraukawa, Ngatitehihi, Ngatiwaratere, Te Upokoiri, Ngatiapa, Ngatimotuahi, and Rangitane took place, when the whole of the upper part of the Manawatu was formally returned to Te Hirawanu by the first three named tribes.^* They fully consenting to his selling the whole of it to the Government, Nepia Taratoa, the chief of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, more particularly wishing him to complete the sale of this land at once. * * *

On returning to Raurawa, I found letters from Ngatirarohata, a tribe living at Te Oroua on the east boundary, also from the Ngatitohiti Natives living at Patea, disputing the boundary on the north and west, and also a letter from Nepia, requesting that I would meet him at the Awaturi, Te Ngatikauhata settlement, that the disputed boundaries might be settled without delay. I therefore at once accompanied by Te Hirawanu, and all his tribe, proceeded to meet him, and after several days' dispute succeeded in getting the boundary page lxi [unclear: cably] settled. The Ngatikawhata and Ngatiwhiti giving way to Te Hirawanu. * * *

I have also had several conversations with Nepia Taratoa respecting the [unclear: sale] by Ihakara of the Manawatu, and he informed me in Ihakara's presence, that as soon as Te Hirawanu's land was sold, he would be quite prepared to commence the negotiation for the sale of the whole of the outer part; that he was anxious to see the land question in this district settled, and that no opposition would be made by him.

I have found Nepia since my arrival here, of very great assistance in [unclear: settling] disputed boundaries, and in many ways by his influence used in my favour; I therefore feel that I cannot do less than recommend him to your favourable notice." * * *

Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Chief Commissioner.

"I have the honor to report for the information of His Excellency the Governor, on the present state of the negotiations for the purchase of the Awahou Block, offered for sale by Ihakara and the Ngatiwakakore tribe.

The Awahou Block is situated at the mouth of the Manawatu river, extends about thirty miles up that river, comprises an area of about Thirty-seven thousand (37,000) acres, and contains the only available site for a township in the District. At the former meeting that took place in our presence at the Awahou in March last, when the Block was first offered for sale by Ihakara, the opposition offered by Nepia Taratoa and his friends, without any feasible grounds, was very strong, and we then, while acknowledging the right of Ihakara to sell the land, deemed it politic at the time to I postpone any further discussion till September (last), Nepia promising in the meantime to think over it. I arrived at Manawatu in August last, and while taking every means to pacify Ihakara and his party, who were still very I urgent and anxious that the negotiation should be carried out, took every opportunity of associating Nepia Taratoa with myself in all the disputes and negotiations pending in the District; this gave me opportunities of frequent private couversations with him. When I informed him of my intention to page lxii fulfil the pledges given to Ihakara at the meeting in March, his answers, though dubious, I considered on the whole to be favorable.

Immediately on my return from Raukawa, Ihakara assembled all his friends (who were very much increased in numbers since the meeting in March), and requested that the promises made to him might be fulfilled. In the meanwhile Nepia had, unknown to the natives generally, left Te Awahou, and was visiting all the settlements lying between the Manawatu and Otaki, a week elapsed before I succeeded in persuading him to return. I arrived at Awahou on Tuesday.

On the following day the meeting took place; about one hundred and fifty (150) natives were present, when Nepia, not offering any opposition to the sale of the whole block, not only all the natives present, but myself fully believed in his consent to the sale. Nepia demanded that we should at once discuss the price to be paid for the block; this was done, Nepia taking no part in the discussion, but, after some time, finding that the demands made by the Natives were likely to be acceded to by me, quietly slipped away, and the first thing I heard on the following morning, was, that Nepia was sending Natives over the whole block, marking out his own and friends claims, which are, with one exception, very small and the worst parts of the block, the whole not amounting to one-third of the whole block. Ihakara and his friends again assembled, and demanded that the sale should be proceeded with. I, with some difficulty, pacified them, and in the meantime sent for Nepia, and found that, notwithstanding all his promises made both to me and the Natives, he was determined, whilst preserving an apparently friendly appearance to the Government, to resist the sale of any lands over which he had a claim. This determination on his part, I believe, to have some connection with his evident wish to proceed to Auckland to see the Maori King.

I clearly explained to Nepia his present position, how utterly impossible it was for him to resist the general wish of the Natives to sell their waste lands, a wish daily gaining strength; that in the case of Ihakara's sale, his conduct would have the effect of creating a distrust in the minds of the Natives generally towards him, and also, if any further difficulty took place, that I should feel it my duty to make the Government aware of his conduct in the matter, and that it was my intention at once to purchase the Block.

I was compelled by the circumstances I was placed in, and the very deceitful way in which Nepia has acted, to speak plainly to him, and I did so the more, that I believe that he and some others, always steady opponents of land sales to the Government, have had too much notice taken of them. Nepia then left, declining to make any reply to my remarks.

The arrangements come to between the Natives and myself for the pur- page lxiii chase of the Block, was that a sum of Two thousand five hundred pounds (£2500) should be paid to them in instalments. Immediately after Nepia left me, I paid Ihakara and his friends the sum of Four hundred pounds (£400) on account; this instalment may appear to be large, but I feel that the result will be that many, now wavering between selling and holding the had, will consider that any further opposition to the sale of the Manawatu district will be useless. I should mention that it is in my power at any time to complete the purchase of those portions of the Block belonging to Ikahara and his friends, but, before taking such a step, I should like to have your opinion.

Taking into consideration the number of years, and the many difficulties that the Manawatu question has been involved in, I have taken a step which I believe will lead to its solution at an early period, for this is not a question of the purchase of a few acres, but of the whole district.

"Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Chief Commissioner.

In accordance with your instructions I have the honor to forward herewith the original deeds and receipts for purchases of Native Lands, and advances made on Native Lands and on the five per cents, due to Natives. * * *

Awahou Block, Fifty pounds (£50) : This is a second payment on this, block was made to the Ngatiapas by desire of Ihakara, and will be deducted from the gross amount agreed upon.

"Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Chief Commissioner.

I have the honor to forward herewith two plans, one on an enlarged page lxiv scale, of the Awahou Block, the other the same on a reduced scale; the i Manawatu Gorge (Te Apiti), the Ahuoturanga or Upper Manawatu and Oroua Blocks, as offered for sale by Te Hirawanu, and surveyed by Assistant Surveyor Stewart, also memorandum of boundaries of the Awahou Block. The Awahou plan shows the land bought from the aboriginal owners on the 14th May 1858, the reserves made for them at that time, the pieces of land accepted as compensation on behalf of the New Zealand Company.* * *

Te Ahuoturanga or Upper Manawatu Block is still unsettled, and must continue so until the aboriginal owners become much more moderate in their demands.

In September (27th,) 1858 I had the honor of reporting to you on the negotiation 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 at becoming the acknowledged and undisputed owner of so much land, I am not prepared to say, but looking at the present unsettled state of Native affaire, I am inclined to lean to the former reason, the more so when I recollect the eagerness of Te Hirawanu and his friends to sell, previous to the Ngatiraukawas waiving their claim. On 12th November, 1858, I had again the honor of reporting to you on the negotiation for the purchase of this block of land, when his obstinacy was further confirmed and shown.

I then offered him a sum of £5000, and subsequently £6000, both indignantly refused. Since that time I have twice seen him and his friends, but his demands' were still so exorbitant that I was compelled to decline any further negotiation, verbally, till such time as he would listen to reason.

The acreage of this block is Two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000 acres), of which quantity One hundred and thirty-six thousand (136,000 acres), are of good and available quality, as shewn by Assistant-Surveyor Stewart's report, forwarded to you in September, 1859.