Mangaorapa, Porangahau 17th. July, 1857. Sir, As one of the oldest residents in the Ahuriri District, the' unfortunately one of the most unsettled, I must plead as an excuse for the liberty I take in addressing you on a subject of the greatest importance to myself, and other illegal Squatters in the Porangahau District, viz. the non purchase of the land by the Government. I hear that the purchase of the Block situate on the North side of Porangahau river is completed, or rather that the question as to price is decided upon, but that nothing has at present been effected, tho the Natives are willing to treat, for the sale of the Block situate on the South side of the river including the runs at present illegally occupied by the following parties H. St. Hill Esq. J. D. Canning W. Flyger D. Wallace W. & G. Speedy J. Herbert. On the importance of acquiring this Block I need make no comment, as no person is better acquainted than yourself with the full bearings of the case, but knowing your ability and the preference given to you by the Natives in all dealings connected with them, I trust ere you leave the District you will so arrange to negotiate with them and make a part payment for the to relieve us from our present unsatisfactory position and place us in a more favourable one as Tenants of the Province. I have the honor to be Sir, Yours most respectfully, Jno. Davis Canning. To Donald McLean Esq.