No. 39.
Lieut-Colonel McDonnell, to the General Government
Agent, Auckland.
Sir,—
I have the honor to report, for the information of the Government, that in accordance with in structions I received from Mr. Clarke, the Civil Commissioner, I proceeded from Auckland to the Waimate, and from thence to Otawa, to make enquiries respecting the block of land named Waoku, offered for sale to the Government by Hora Puatata, Wiremu Pore, and other Chiefs.
- 1st. It is all forest land, comprising kauri, totara, rimu, mata, and other useful timber.
- 2nd. The nature of the country is rough and mountainous in some places, and undulating in others.
- 3rd. The soil is of excellent quality, being a rich chocolate-coloured loam, that would grow any farm produce.
- 4th. As to the position and probable extent, the land is on the Mangakahia stream, which runs into the Wairoa River. I should judge the eastern boundary to be four or five miles to the westward of Maunganui (the mountains on the Coast). The Southern boundary commences about seven miles in a straight line from Otawa, running inland over the wooded range. The acreage is, as far as I could judge, about 35,000 acres.
- 5th. I am inclined to think there will be little or no dispute as to ownership, unless old Parore makes a claim. I spoke to the chief Mohi Tawhai, and with the Native member for the North Wireinu Katene, as to the ownership, and these chiefs seemed to think that those who have offered the land for sale have a good claim.page 111
- 6th. As I have not been over the land, I can say nothing for certain as to the best line of road, or the most convenient seaport or outlet, as it is forest country, surrounded by forest on all sides. Before a reliable opinion can be given, it must be thoroughly explored in fine weather.
- 7th. Its fitness for immigration purposes. This will, in a great measure, depend on the approaches that can be got to it, but I think a road could be made from Otawa and the Taheke. From the latter place, water carriage is to be had to Hokianga. A road might also be had to it from the Bay. I expect the natural outlet from it will be by the Wairoa. Should my surmises prove correct, the country might be suitable for Canadians or Nova Scotians, but not for immigrants fresh from the home country.
The lowest price mentioned by the Natives was 5s. an acre, but this was a mere matter of form. The utmost value I place upon it, and that only if available roads can be made to it, is at the outside 2s. an acre.
I believe coal exists, as the Natives showed me some, said to have been found on the land, a specimen of which I enclose.
I have, &c.,
Thomas McDonnell.
The General Government Agent, Auckland.