No. 14.
The Chief Commissioner to Mr Commissioner Kemp.

With reference to your letters, of 3rd February and 26th March last, relative to the acquisition of the Mawhe-Kairangi Block, I have the honor to inform you that the price named by you—viz., Two thousand pounds (£2,000) for a block estimated at five thousand (5,000) acres appears so extravagant that the Government will-not entertain the matter of the purchase unless there is reason to suppose that the demands of the natives will be brought within more reasonable limits.