Colonial Secretary's Office Auckland 4 July 1863, Sir, I Have the honor by direction of Mr. Domett, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4 ult. requesting under the circums tances of your relinquishment of the pay and emoluments of your office of Chief Land purchase Commissioner that such sum may be allowed you for your past service in lieu of pension, as the Government may feel justified in awarding. In reply I have to inform you that the Govt, 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 obt. Servt. W. Gisborne. D. McLean Esq., Under Secretary. Chief Land Purchase Commissioner, Napier.