Memorandum on the Purchase of Two Native Reserves.

Te Keene and Paraone, who were the principal claimants in the Waioneke and Okaka Blocks, which are now being handed over to the Provincial Government, have been to the Native Office several times regarding two Native reserves: one in Okaka called Tipare, containing fifty-four acres; the other in Waioneke, containing about eighty-two acres. They have just now agreed to accept £7 10s. for each, which I promised to give, subject to the approval of the Government. I submit that it will be very desirable to have the reserves purchased, as they might otherwise become an annoyance to persons hereafter, who might be running cattle on Okaka and Waioneke.