Enclosure 1.
The Civil Secretary to G. S. Cooper, Esq., J.P., New Plymouth.
Wellington, 29th November, 1852.
Sir,—
Your report of the 24th October last on the block of land offered for sale by the chiefs of the Mokau District having been laid before the Governor-in-Chief, I am directed by His Excellency to inform you that it is not desirable that anything further should be done in this matter until the Natives are all agreed to dispose of the extent of country required by Government—the tract now offered being almost valueless—unless a considerable portion on both sides of the Mokau were added: thereto.
This course, it is considered, may be adopted without injustice to the Natives who have offered their land for sale, because all that was promised was that the district should be examined and reported on; which has been done. You, will, however, be good enough to write a letter on the part of Sir George Grey signifying His Excellency's approval of Ta Kerei's exertion to obtain land for Government, and his friendly co-operation with yourself.
That chief has also been appointed a Native Assessor, and the Resident Magistrate has been instructed to make him a small present.
I have, &c.,
Alfred Domett,
Colonial Secretary.