Wellington 24th Jany. 1862 To the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the province of Wellington. Sir, I beg to call your attention to my claim to the Homestead at Waihakeka in the Wairarapa occupied by me for many years under the Natives. When Mr. McLean was purchasing that District, he promised to secure it to me, but he was suddenly called away before performing that promise, afterwards when that land with more adjoining was proclaimed as purchased in 1853 I waited on Mr. Bell the then Commissioner and arranged with him that all my Run should be withdrawn from sale until the Reserves which the Natives were to have, under their original deed of sale, should be set out, subsequently some Natives, not my Landlords deposited some money as I understood £70 with Mr. Bell for the purchase of some land on my Run, but Mr. Bell distinctly assured me that I should have the first choice and that the choice of the Natives was to be subject to my preemptive right, except as regards the Reserves mentioned in their deed of sale. I apprehend any grant to them of my homestead under these circumstances would be unjust, but I should be glad to arrange matters if possible, and if the Natives make a strong point of retaining my homestead. I could take 640 acres on that part of the Run adjoining the Southern boundary of the Greytown line commencing at the Waiohine River. I should also be desirous of reserving the site of my house and some ten acres around to include a grave which is there and which the Natives were always willing that I should retain. I am etc. (Signed)C. B. Borlase