No. 12.
Mr. Commissioner Johnson to the Chief Commissioner.

I have the honor to enclose a deed from the Native Chief Manukau of the Uriohau tribe to the Crown, giving up a piece of land guaranteed to contain Five hundred acres which I have purchased for the sum of Fifty pounds.

The circumstance which led to this purchase was, that Manukau offered a large block on the rivers Wairoa and Otamatea, the merits of which I was unable to investigate through the various stages necessary before purchase, on account of a press of more urgent business in another locality, and from the difficulty I have experienced in making an equitable bargain with this Chief. I coul page 99not make him any advance on account; but, as he was anxious for cash, and having a strong voice in affairs here, I thought the most advisable plan was to make a purchase for a definite portion in the manner which has been done; so that, in the event of my not being able to agree with Manukau about the large block, no disadvantage will accrue to the public interest.