New Plymouth May 23rd, 1857 Sir, Adverting to my letter of the 6th ultimo, transmitting a letter from Poharama expressing a desire to sell portions of Native Reserves at Moturoa and Waiwakaiho, I have now the honor to forward in accordance with your letter of the 28th ultimo, the following particulars in reference to Poharama's motives for wishing to sell his land. Reserve, No.1, of 200 acres, was excepted with other land in the deed of sale of the Grey Block, dated 11th October 1847, for the use of the Moturoa natives of whom Poharama is the Chief, but in consequence of frequent disputes arising from common ownership and from not being permitted to let their lands, they decided, upon dividing this Reserve into allotments and the part colored yellow in the accompanying tracing, comprising about 56 acres is, with other allotments, the joint property of Poharama and his brother Wiremu Kawaho both of whom are anxious to sell it to any European who will give £10 an acre for it. The whole is fern land and rather broken but considering its central position and excellent supply of water, would under judicious management make a profitable homestead. Only 20 acres of the whole reserve have been cultivated by the natives during the last 10 years, nor does it appear likely that the quantity will be materially exceeded, as some of the natives for whom the Reserve was made are dead and others contemplate leaving for Nelson, amongst them Wiremu Kawaho himself. The principal motive, assigned by Poharama and W. Kawaho for wishing to sell the land, is the recent death of the two surviving sons of W. Kawaho. He is now childless and careless about land he himself cannot cultivate. The scarcity of money is another reason given by Poharama and one not infrequently advanced by other natives for the sale of their Reserves. With regard to the Waiwakaiho Reserve of 12 1/2 acres, belonging exclusively to W. Kawaho, he is anxious to sell it for £12 an acre - it is mostly forest and was given to him when the block was purchased in August 1853. W. Kawaho states that he is old and unable to cultivate it now that he is childless. From careful inquiry I have no reason to think that objection would be raised by the Moturoa or resident Natives in the event of Poharama's and W. Kawaho's wish being granted by the Government - They understand the reason why Poharama and W. Kawaho desire to sell the land, but the effect it might produce upon the natives generally who have considered such lands inalienable, might probably, without the clearest explanation, operate adversely to the purchase of land. A circular from the Government would be a good medium for explaining to the Natives the circumstances connected with any alteration in regard to Reserves and would effectually remove any misapprehension. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant H. Halse Sub Commissioner