Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland 4th July 1863 Sir I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Domett, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th ulto. requesting, under the circumstances of your relinquishment of the pay and emolument of your office of Chief Land Purchase Commissioner, that such sum may be allowed you for your past services in lieu of pension, as the Government may feel justified in awarding. In reply, I am to inform you that the Government fully recognize the value of public services which you have performed, but that, in the absence of any legal provision for payment of compensation for those services, they are unable to comply with your request. The Government will, however, if you wish, lay a copy of your letter before the House of Representatives, or it is quite competent for you to have your claim brought before the House by some private member. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, W. Gisborne Under Secretary