I should be inclined to make only a preliminary investigation and let that district stand over for a time say till next summer, endeavouring in the meantime to acquire land at Taranaki I find that pressing the purchase of land where the natives are not spontaneously disposed to sell or at least the majority of them will only frustrate and prolong instead of facilitating our operations. Even at Taranaki I do not discern such favourable prospects of acquiring land as the interested inhabitants are naturally disposed to represent. If the natives desired to sell their lands they would readily communicate their wishes but the only place lately spoken of by the natives as for sale is a fine grazing district at Otamatua 50 miles south of Taranaki to the sale of which there is as yet considerable opposition manifested by some of the claimants. It is true that some of the Waitara and Puketapu Natives wish to sell but unfortunately their claims are intersected with those of others who will not be easily persuaded to come to terms for their portions of land which would have purchases concluded under such circumstances absolutely valueless to the settlers, however there shall be no opportunity or endeavour lost on my part in acquiring land wherever there is any prospect of doing so advantageously. Mr. Park has finished laying off some town sections at Petre I am anxious to avail of his services for a few days at the expence of Govt. to survey a small village site for the Natives at Putiki opposite the European settlement. I have told Mr. Park that I did not suppose you would object to his being so employed afterwards he intends to survey the reserves which were not completed by Mr. Wills who was obliged to leave here in consequence of his mothers death before the land question was settled. The Lieut. Governor informs me that he has spoken to you respecting two reserves at Rangitikei when these are decided on by Mr. Park and myself I shall leave him to survey them whilst I proceed to Manawatu. I observe the Taranaki people although fully satisfied with your liberal and judicious arrangements have in some instances differed with their own Committee. I am in hopes the recent notice published by you holding out inducements for persons in this colony to send for their friends, together with existing tranquility and amicable understanding with settlers and natives will be the means of induceing immigrants to our shores it is quite evident that New Zealand has never yet been in such a fit state for their reception. While I agree with you that the large extent of land acquired by