No. 26.
Mr. Commissioner Johnson to the Chief Commissioner.

I beg to enclose the Deed of the Ruarangi purchase, in the district of Whangarei, with a translation annexed. A little explanation is necessary in this case to prevent confusion in the accounts.

The amount authorized for this purchase was Seven hundred pounds, with which amount I was furnished by Mr. Commissioner McLean. Three hundred and fifty pounds (£350) of this amount was paid to the Natives of Whangarei, and One hundred and seventy-five pounds (£175) to the Ngatiwhatua in Auckland. The remaining Hundred and seventy-five pounds, I kept in my possession, to pay to the Ngatiwhatua of Kaipara when I went there, intending to obtain all their signatures to the Deed collectively for the Seven hundred pounds (£700). In the meantime-Matikikuha (I believe the name was) went to Auckland, and received the One hundred and seventy-five pounds (£175) for the Ngatiwhatua of Kaipara from Mr. Commissioner McLean, so that deed or receipt from him must not be brought separately to account; but appended to the enclosed Deed, which acknowledges a receipt of Seven hundred pounds, while Five hundred and twenty-five (£525) is all that has been actually paid by me; and I must, be charged with the One hundred and seventy-five (£175) in my possession which was advanced by Mr. Commissioner McLean at Auckland, in lieu of the similar sum which I hold, intended to be paid by myself.