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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1088, 1 October 1869, Page 1

ments, and I find that the negociations for the purchase of the Block were in a very forward state, that the Province has expended a considerable sum in survey, and other preliminary expenses, and that the completion of the purchase was comparatively easy ; also that Mr. Locke, has not closed the negociations with the Natives, so that it can be , re-opened at once if thought desirable. My object in now addressing you upon this subject, is to state my opinion that it is of great general importance to secure the District in question for settlement, and that the establishment of a body of colonists in so central a position, on what must be the main line of road, connecting the Northern settlements with Wellington is really a matter of colonial interest. The Block in question is peculiarly suited for settlement, and the success of the sister district of the Wairarapa, shows that the small proprietor finds that kind of country peculiarly suited to his wants and requirements, whilst in the magnificent timber which the Block contains, there is every prospect of success to the capalist who may seek investment there. In a political point of view the establishment of a European settlement at the 40 Mile Bush would be valuable, inasmuch as it would necessitate the completion of the main lines of road between the East and West Coasts, and also between Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay. In the case of the road between the East and West Coast, only some thirty miles requires to be made to complete a thoroughly good road, there is at present a fair bush road between Manawatu on the West Coast and Napier on the East, whilst a further distance of about 20 miles of road, would give a coach road from Wellington via the Wairarapa to Napier ; also the planting a settlement of Europeans midway between the different Districts I have named, could not but have beneficial effect in securing the permanent peace of the Colony. For all these reasons I would urge that it is of colonial importance, that the opportunity of securing this District for settlement should not be lost. The Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay would, I feel certain do everything in its power to promote the different objects I have referred to, and if the General Government, could see its way to provide funds for the purchase of the land, it might be possible to take advantage of the services of the Commissioners about to proceed to England, to secure the settlement of the Block under special arrangements with an English Company, who might have the land handed over to it for the same which it may be bought from the Natives, on condition that the Company settle it from England, and provide funds for connecting it by roads, with the settled districts in its vicinity. „ ,' A sum ©f about £10,000 in addition to what has already been spent would, I beieve, secure the purchase of the Block now under negociation, and with little difficulty, the purchase could be extended to the Wairarapa. I The Provincial Council will shortly now be called together, and I shall be much obliged, if you will acquaint me whether the General Government will be able to take action in the direction I have suggested, as if so the Hawke's Bay Council could be asked to give their assent and assistance. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) J. D. ORMOND. The Hon. Native Minister, Wellington. • Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, September 25, 1869. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, addressed to the Native Minister, in which you state that negotiations for the purchase of the 40 Mile Bush were interrupted, owing to the want of funds at the disposal of the Provincial Government of Hawke's Bay, to carry them on, and urge that the Colonial Government should undertake the purchase, which you represent as important for political reasons, and as eligible for the location thereon of Immigrants, who might be sent by an English Company, under arrangements made by the Commissioners about to proceed home. You also state that a sum of about ten thousand pounds, in addition to what has already been spent by the Province of Hawke's Bay, would, in your opinion, secure the purchase of this Block. In reply, I have to state that, though the Government fully appreciates the importance of completing the purchase of this land with a view to its settlement, it has no funds at its disposal for the purchase of native lands. The only sum available for expenditure, on account of settlement in the Northern Island, is for public works, such as roads. The question of Immigration will be one of the subjects submitted to the Commissioners who go to England ; but the Government has no power to conclude any agreements involving public expenditure, in respect of it, without the previous sanction of the General Assembly. It is the wish of the Government to prepare and submit, if possible, to the Assembly at its next session, a comprehensive plan of immigration ; but, until such a scheme shall have been matured and submitted to the Legislature, and shall have received their sanction, it will not be in the power of the Commissioners to do more than to make careful enquiries in England, and submit suggestions for the guidance of the Colonial Government in preparing such plan. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient Servant, W. Gisbornb. J. D. Ormond, Esq., Napier.