LAND FOR TE KOOTI (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1884 Session I, G-04a

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1884. NEW ZEALAND.

LAND FOR TE KOOTI (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO).

Laid on the Table by the]Hon. Mr. Bryce, with leave of the House.

Te Kooti to the Hon. Mr. Beyce. (Translation.) Kihikiki, 25th July, 1883. tarn awaiting your reply about a piece of land for me to live on at Orakau. Do you let me know as soon as possible. From The Hon. J. Bryce. Te Kooti.

The Hon. Mr. BEYCiTto Te Kooti. (Translation.) Wellington, 30th July, 1883. Youb telegram has arrived. I have not forgotten my word. I will endeavour to procure a piece of land for you near Orakau, and I will attend to it as soon as Parliament is over. Te Kooti, Kihikiki. Na Tβ Pabaihi (John Bsyce).

Te Kooti to the Hon. Mr. Beyce. (Translation.) Otewa, 2nd August, 1883. Greeting to you, the lord of lords, the saviour of those who are in adversity; long live you and the Governor, who relieve people who suffer in body and on account of their land. May you live for ever and ever. Ended. I have received your letter; it is well: the decision rests with you alone. From Mr. Bryce. Te Kooti.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undek-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sic, — Native Office, Alexandra, 28th August, 1883. Eeferring to a request made by Te Kooti some time ago to the Hon. Mr. Bryce, at Alexandra, for a block of land somewhere near Orakau for himself and people to reside upon, I have the honour to state that I have made inquiries from several sources, including the Secretary of the Highway Board in that locality, also some of the leading land commission agents in Auckland, but I cannot hear of any block of unimproved land in the vicinity of Orakau that is attainable by purchase. Mr. Bryce is aware (having been informed by me when at Alexandra) that there is no available Government land in that locality; but there is a block of Government land close to the Township of Kihikihi, viz., Section No. 69, Parish of Mangapiko, containing 129 acres 2 roods 30 perches, which might be utilized for the purpose required. Unfortunately it has not a frontage to the Purua Eiver; hut I have reason to believe, from a conversation I lately had with Hoani Poruru, one of Te Kooti's principal men, that the absence of a river frontage would not be considered a drawback, so long as there was a road by which they could get to the river when they required. They are anxious for the Government to give them a piece of land as soon as possible, in order that they may plant food on it during the season, which is near at hand. I also learned from Hoani that they would, be glad to accept the piece at Kihikihi, and that, although not at Orakau, as asked for by Te Kooti, still that would, be near enough for their purpose. It is plain to me that Te Kooti, with his people, is anxious, seeing the turn things are taking amongst the King Natives and Ngatimaniapoto, to cease living upon Maori land to which they have no title, and, instead, to occupy land which they can call their own. They have already left Te Kuiti, and are now living at a place called Otewa, about two miles from Mango-o-rongo, where Mr. Bryce's meeting with Te Kooti took place in March last, and fifteen miles from Kihikihi; they have, however, no claim to the land they are living on. With regard to Section No. 69, referred to, the Inspector of Surveys, in a memorandum to me in March last, writes of this piece as follows : "Crown land is marked in books as Native reserve, not Crown-granted, nor is it known to whom it is promised." The question, however, arises as to whether this land could be given to Te Kooti and people under "The Waikato Confiscated Land Act, 1880," as they had no claim to it, neither did they occupy it before the war, although there is I-α. 4a.

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no doubt as to their being ex-rebels. If it could not, and there is any other Act by which it could, I think this piece would meet their case; the only objection (that lam aware of) being the locating them so near to the European settlement at Kihikihi, and their residence there might be looked upon with distrust by their European neighbours. This piece was one that some of the Ngatiapakura tribe (through Mr. W. Swanson, jun.,) were anxious to get because of its value and proximity to Kihikihi Township; but I refused to allocate it to them, as they showed, and still show, much delay and dislike to occupy the pieces that have already been pointed out to them. It is, therefore, available for Te Kooti and people should Mr. Bryce think it advisable to let them have it. During a visit Hoard Poruru paid to me here a few days ago he said that Te Kooti had told him to prefer a request to the Government for a spring-cart, to enable them to get supplies to and from their settlement at Kihikihi: he says they have suitable horses, but have not the means to purchase a cart. Should it be agreed that the land referred to in this letter be given to them, and if you will have me informed at once of the fact, I will ride over to their settlement and let them know, and at the same time bring one of them in with me to Kihikihi and point out the boundaries to him; they would thus be enabled to commence clearing without delay. As I have not a spare tracing showing the section referred to I forward by mail my office map, which please return as soon as done with. The section is shown thereon with a red border, adjoining the Kihikihi Township. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

The Undsb-Seceetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson* Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, sth September, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, with regard to the selection of a block of land for Te Kooti and his people, and a request of Te Kooti's to be supplied with a spring-cart. In reply, Mr. Bryce instructs me to state that the section at Kihikihi, to which you refer is too near the township for the purpose for which it is required, and that an endeavour should be made to find a more suitable section, for the location of the Natives in question. The Native Minister does not see what Te Kooti wants with a spring-cart, nor why the Governin'ent should present him with one. The map enclosed in your letter is returned herewith, as requested. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Native Agent, Auckland. Under-Secretary <

Te Kooti to the Hon. Mr. Bbyce. (Translation.) Whakaarorangi, 22nd November, 1883. Greeting. I again write to you with reference to Orakau. I have been there and spoken to the European who owns the land. He has agreed, and has advised me to write to you, and also to Parliament. I have already written to you, but, not having received any reply, I now address you again. The land belongs to Mr. Andrew Kay, and contains 500 acres; it is fenced, and part of it is laid down in grass. Friend, when you receive this please reply, so that I may know your intentions. Ended. From your loving friend, Mr. Bryce, Minister. Te Kooti te Ttouki.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sic, — Native Office, Alexandra, 28th January, 1884. Eeferring to a conversation which took place some time ago between the Hon. the Native Minister and Te Kooti, relative to the obtaining for him and his people a piece of land for them to live on in the vicinity of Orakau, also subsequent correspondence connected therewith. I have the honour to forward herewith a letter received by me from Mr. Andrew Kay, of Orakau, in reply to one of mine to him of the 23rd instant, a copy of which I also forward, and request that you will instruct me how to reply to the same. Te Kooti's statement (said to be made to Mr. Kay) that I promised him 250 acres out of Mr. Kay's farm is not correct, as I have not seen him since his first meeting about this matter with Mr. Bryce at Alexandra last summer, at which time he had not seen either Mr. Kay or his farm. Mr. Kay's reference to his conversation with Te Kooti, and his statement to him that he would not break up his farm by selling fifty acres of the best land, is misleading. The fifty acres I spoke to him about at Kihikihi was out of the uncultivated and therefore least valuable portion of the farm, and I distinctly gave him to understand (as I was instructed by Mr. Bryce to do) that Government would not purchase expensive and cultivated land for Te Kooti, but might, if the terms were reasonable, buy a part of the uncultivated portion. I have attached the letters before referred to to the rest of the correspondence concerning this matter from the commencement, which perhaps you will return to me after you have perused them.. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

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The Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. Sic, — Native Office, Wellington, 7th February, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, with which you forward a letter received from Mr. Andrew Kay, of Orakau, with regard to the selection of a piece of land for occupation by Te Kooti and his people, together with other correspondence on the same subject. In reply, I am directed by the Native Minister to state that he thinks you should see Mr. Kay on the subject. Mr. Bryce is not aware that he has anything to add to his original instructions on the matter. He considers it desirable that Te Kooti should have land to settle on, and that, if fifty acres could be procured at a moderate price at Orakau, it would be a suitable thing to purchase it and allow him to settle upon it. As regards Te Kooti's statement that half of Mr. Kay's farm was to be procured, it is probable that the word "half" was used in the Maori sense, namely, a part. The correspondence enclosed in your letter is returned herewith, as requested. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Native Agent, Alexandra, Waikato. Under-Secretary,

Te Kooti to the Hon, Mr. Bryce. (Translation.) Kihikihi, sth February, 1884. G-Reetino. Friend, lam waiting your decision upon the subject of our conversation. If you think the piece of land is too large, give me fifty acres. lam very anxious to live at that place. Mr. Bryce. Te Kooti te Tubuki.

The Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Te Kooti. (Translation.) Wellington, 16th February, 1884. Gbeeting. Mr. Bryce has seen your letter of the sth February, in which you make inquiries respecting the land for you ; and this is to inform you that Mr. Bryce has directed Mr. Wilkinson to try and arrange the matter, and he hopes that he will succeed. From your friend, Te Kooti. Te Euihi (T. W. Lewis).

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, Bth February, 1884. Be land for Te Kooti and people : Mr. Andrew Kay, of Orakau, called to see me this afternoon, and says that, if Government care to buy the 261-acre section known as Ngamoko No. 2, he will sell it for £2 10s. per acre. The other portions of his farm are under cultivation, and cannot be sold for less than £5 per acre, and upwards. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

The Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department, to the Begistbab of Deeds, Auckland. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 9th February, 1884. Please telegraph, for information of Hon. Native Minister, the transactions registered against Ngamoko No. 2, 655, North Waikato, 261 acres, granted to Hakiriwhi and others on 31st March, 1870, a 73, folio 13507. Who is present owner ? T.W.Lewis, The Begistrar of Deeds, Auckland. Under-Secretary.

The Deputy Land Commissioneb, Auckland, to the Dndeb-Secbetaby, Native Department (Telegram.) Auckland, 11th February, 1884. No dealings registered against Ngamoko No. 2, 655. A grant in this office unregistered. Thos. Kissling-, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Deputy Land Commissioner.

The Undek-Secbetaey, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 9th February, 1884. Be land for Te Kooti: Do you consider the land, Ngamoko No. 2, offered by Mr. Kay, worth the money asked? . T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undeb-Secbetaey, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 9th February, 1884. Be land for Te Kooti: I have not seen it; understand part of it is swamp, which, if not too much, w 7 ould not be a disadvantage. It is not bounded by Puniu Eiver, but the Mangahoe Stream. A right-of-road for a short distance through part of the farm w r ould have to be given, which Mr. Kay promises along the confiscated line. I can go and see it, if you like, or could send a valuator. Te Kooti has returned. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington, Government Native Agent.

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The Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G, T. Wilkinson, (Telegram,) Government Buildings, 11th February, 1884. (Confidential.) —On looking into title of Ngamoko No. 2 I find that no dealings are registered against it—that the unregistered grant remains in the Deeds Office. The land was granted to Te Baihi and other Natives in 1870. Moreover, Mr. Kay does not include the land in his Property-tax return. Has he stated to you what title he has ? T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

The Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 12th February, 1884. You had better go and see Ngamoko No. 2, and send me report, with information about title, as soon as you can. Native Minister wishes matter expedited. T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq. Under-Secretary.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undeb-Seceetaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 12th February, 1884. Me. Kay has not stated to me what title he has to Ngamoko No. 2. I took it for granted that he was the owner, knowing, however, that the necessary inquiries into title would be made if the purchase was agreed to. Do you wish me to see or communicate with him? G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib, — Native Office, Alexandra, 15th February, 1884. In accordance with instructions contained in your telegram of the 12th instant, I have the honour to state that I waited upon Mr. Andrew Kay at Orakau yesterday, and with him went to view the Ngamoko No. 2 Block. As, before anything could be done regarding a sale, it would be necessary that the person selling should have a good title, I may state that, on questioning Mr. Kay about his title, he informed me that the land was bought by him in the name of his brother-in-law (Mr. John Bunciman). He says there were five owners to the block, of whom Wiremu te Wheoro was one. The interests of four of the owners had been purchased some time ago, but it is only lately that the fifth interest (that of Te Wheoro) has been secured. Mr. Kay says that the purchase is now complete ; the deeds have passed the Trust Commissioner and are at present in the hands of Mr. McGregor Hay, solicitor, of Hamilton, who will have them registered without delay. Should a purchase be agreed upon, Mr. Kay guarantees a good title. Presuming, therefore, the title to be a good one, I can now refer to the land. A number of years have now elapsed since this block was surveyed; it was not, therefore, possible for me to see the exact position of the boundaries, and Mr. Kay could only point them out to me approximately. To get the exact position it would be necessary to re-survey the block. The boundary-line dividing Mr. Tole's land from that of Mr. Kay has not been fenced yet. I have made a rough sketch (attached) showing the position and features of the block. I am of opinion that, taken by itself, the.block, although valuable for European farming, contains too much swamp to be a suitable block to give to the Natives. Mr. Kay, however, offers to guarantee that there are not less than one hundred acres of dry and cultivable land in it. You will see by the sketch that most of the dry land is in such a position as to be cut off by swamp from the present Government road. There is, however, a road, which is at present in general use, which, from its position, will, I think, be a continuation through the King country of the present Government road, which ends at the confiscated line, and they could make use of this road to connect with the Government one. (I have shown it with dotted lines on the sketch-map.) Should, however, the purchase of the block be agreed upon, Mr. Kay will give a right-of-road along the confiscation line through Lot 55 to Government road. It appears to me undesirable to give to the Natives a quantity of swamp land that they cannot well cultivate. At the same time it would be a great advantage to them to have the use of the Mangahoe Stream for fishing purposes, and the timber that grows along its banks, even if this had to be got at the expense of taking a portion of swamp land with it. I would therefore suggest that the Government buy a portion of Ngamoko No. 2 (abutting on the creek and extending to Tole's line, as per either of dotted lines on sketch), say 100 or 150 acres, at £2 10s. per. acre, and also a portion, of, say-, twenty-five or thirty acres, of Lot 55 (as per either dotted line on sketch), at £6 per acre, which would thus give Te Kooti and his people sufficient dry land for their present use, and they could increase their area by draining the swampy part of Ngamoko No. 2 whenever they thought fit to do so. By buying the land in this way it would not cost more than to purchase the whole of the 261 acres of Ngamoko No. 2 only, and the requirements of the Natives would be better satisfied. Mr. Kay says he would not object to a purchase of that sort taking place, but he would require a right to drain his portion through their land if the fall rendered it necessary. As, however, the land in that locality is valuable, and is likely to get more so, it would not, I think, be unadvisable to purchase the whole of Ngamoko No. 2, as well as the part, or even the whole, of Lot 55, as then a sufficiency of suitable land, consisting of dry land, swamp, creek front-

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ages, and timber, would be available, not only for the allocation of Te Kooti and his people, but also for the purpose of allocating other Natives under the Waikato Confiscated Lands Acts, if considered advisable to do so in the future. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

Te Kooti to the Undeb-Secbetaey, Native Department. (Translation.) Otewa, 22nd February, 1884. Greeting. I received you letter on the 20th February with respect to my application to Mr. Bryce. Mr. Wilkinson has been on to that land; subsequently I went to see that pakeha, and asked him what Mr. Wilkinson said to him, which was not satisfactory. I asked for fifty acres, but he did not agree, but he would consent to give one hundred. I consented, the reason being that the number of people was so great—one hundred men, women, and children—and there would not bo anything for cattle and horses. Now, friend, do you and Mr. Bryce consider this letter on the receipt thereof; that is all. From yours and Mr. Bryce's loving friend, Mr. Lewis, Te Kooti te Tueuki.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Kihikihi, 28th February, 1884. Just returned from examining the Ngamoko No. 2 Block with Mr. McKellar, surveyor. After going over the length, we consider there are not more than sixty acres dry land, the rest being lowlying swamp. The dry portion, however, is good cultivable land, and lies nearly all at south end of block. I hear from two sources that Te Kooti has been to look at the land, and is prepared to accept it. Mr. McKellar is on the ground with his men, and will commence work to-morrow morning; but, should this reduction of area of dry land from what was expected cause Mr. Bryce to decide not to purchase, Mr. Smith would be communicated with, and Mr. McKellar withdrawn day after to-morrow. I return to Alexandra this evening. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 3rd March, 1884. Te Kooti and his people are here. He wished me to ask Mr. Bryce to reconsider his decision about Ngamoko No. 2, and purchase instead for him the one hundred acres to east of road, viz., Lot 55a., owned by Mr. Kay, at £4 per acre, as it is close to Orakau pa, and where his people were buried. If Mr. Bryce will not agree to this, he will accept the other piece, but asks that no division line be run through, but to let him and his people have the whole, as it is swamp. He is anxious, if possible, to be inside the confiscation line, as some Maoris have told him that the titles to Ngamoko No. 2 will be disputed in the same way as Puahoe Block adjoining it. Te Kooti will wait here for a reply. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent,

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Seceetaey, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 3rd March, 1884. Since sending my last telegram about land for Te Kooti, I have heard that one reason why he presses to get Lot 55a is because it is close to where his people are buried; and, also, that he has prophesied that it will be given to him. Perhaps Mr. Bryce might object to give it, if this is true. As I said before, he will accept the other piece if he cannot get the one he wants. My informant is John Davis, a half-caste, who mixed a good deal with Te Kooti and people ; but he is also a good deal with Mr. Andrew Kay, who owns Ngamoko No. 2, which it is proposed to buy. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

The Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 3rd March, 1884. Native Ministee directs me to inform you that he will not purchase Sections 54 and 55; and that, as Ngamoko No. 2 contains much less dry land than Mr. Kay said he could guarantee when he named the price, the price per acre should be reduced accordingly. The line, also, must be cut as directed. You can inform Te Kooti that the title will be carefully looked into before the purchase is made. T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

The Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 4th April, 1884. What have you done about land for Te Kooti ? T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary,

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Mr, G. T. Wilkinson to the Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 4th April, 1884. Be land for Te Kooti, I posted to you yesterday a further report, enclosing tracing showing the survey of the block and position of dividing-line, and showing the amount and position of dry land in each portion. I have not seen Mr. Kay since, about reducing the price. Do you wish me to do so at once, or will you wait until you see the tracing ? G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

The Undee-Seceetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 4th April, 1884. Please see Mr. Kay at once. The price, which Mr. Bryce considers too high, considering the character of the land, is the important point upon which information is required. T. W. Lewis, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Kihikihi, sth April, 1884. Have been to Orakau and seen Mr. Kay. He says that, as the resurvey shows the block to contain nearly 280 instead of 261 acres, he is willing to sell the whole for £600. Am now returning to Alexandra. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undeb-Seceetaey, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 9th April, 1884. Te Kooti has sent me a letter, dated 7th instant, from Mercer, asking me to meet him at Orakau to-morrow, 10th instant. As I presume it is about Ngamoko Block he wants to see me, had I not better wait until I get definite instructions from you about it before going to see him. If he wants to see me about anything else he can easily ride or send over here. Shall I wire him saying that I will see or communicate with him after I get instructions from you ? G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

The Undeb-Secbetaey, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 9th April, 1884. Am sending you instructions respecting land, but there is no reason why you should put yourself out of the w r ay to see Te Kooti. T. W. Lewis, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. Sib, — Native Office, Alexandra, 2nd April, 1884. I have the honour to forward herewith a tracing, with memorandum attached, by Assistant-Surveyor-General, showing the resurvey of the Ngamoko No. 2 Block, a portion of which is proposed to be given to Te Kooti and his people, and also showing a line which has been cut subdividing the block into two parts, each of which contains a fair proportion of dry land. Will you please inform me whether the purchase of this block from Mr. Kay is to be concluded, and, if so, give me the necessary instructions concerning it, and also, in the event of the purchase being completed, inform me which piece I am to offer to Te Kooti, or whether he is to be allowed to take his choice. The piece that I should think would be most suitable for him and his people is the portion containing 155 acres, out of which 26 acres is dry land. It is, however, farthest away from Orakau and the Government road, which may perhaps cause him to prefer the other piece, which contains a little less dry land. Unless, however, there is any reason to the contrary, I would, suggest that (if the purchase is concluded) I go on the ground with him, and after showing him, with the aid of the tracing (which please return), the position and quantity of dry land in each piece, that he then be allowed to take his choice. I have, &c, G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

Mr. S. P. Smith to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. District Survey Office, Auckland, 26th March, 1884. Memorandum re Ngamoho No. 2. I enclose herewith a tracing showing the division as made in the above block as arranged between you and Mr. McKellar. You can now, if required, get a conveyance for any part shown. I see that the total area of the block is considerably more than the original plan shows (about twenty acres). I suppose you will secure the road by conveyance, but at the same time it should be known that that there is a right of road through the block, which will not expire till 31st March, 1885. In any

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conveyance from the Crown of the eastern part of this block, the road-line should be reserved right through to Manukatutahi Block, for, the right having expired in the block to the south, all the country to the east is cut off from Kihikihi. S. Peecy Smith, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Assistant Surveyor-General.

The Under-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, Wellington, 9th April, 1884. The land offered by Mr. Kay, and described in the tracing forwarded in your letter of the 2nd instant, can be purchased at the price named, £600, provided that the title is found to be good. You can instruct Mr. Williamson, Crown Solicitor, to examine the title. The conveyance will be to Her Majesty, and the money will be imprested to you from Civil List vote to make the payment. When title satisfactory and complete, Te Kooti can be informed that the land is assigned to him and his people to live on. He can have either the 155 acres or the 120 acres, as you may think best. I am forwarding you a letter to above effect, and imprest by mail, together with the tracing you wished returned. T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 15th April, 1884, Ceown Solicitoe has searched title of Ngamoko No. 2, and reports that no purchase from Native owners has yet been registered. I have communicated with Mr. Kay, asking him to get their title registered without delay. G. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

The Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. Sib,— Native Office, Wellington, 16th April, 1884. Referring to your letter of the 2nd instant, and your telegram of the sth idem, I have the honour, by direction of the Native Minister, to inform you that the land offered by Mr. Kay, as shown on the tracing forwarded by you, can be purchased at the price named, £600, provided that the title is found to be good. You can instruct Mr. Williamson to examine the title. The conveyance will be to Her Majesty. An imprest requisition in your favour for the amount of purchasemoney has been prepared and forwarded to Treasury, so that you maybe able to make the payment when the title is found to be satisfactory and complete. Te Kooti can be informed that the land is assigned to him and his people to live on. He can have either the portion containing 155 acres or that containing 120 acres, as you may think best. The tracing forwarded by you is returned herewith, as requested. I have, &c, T. W. Lewis, G. T. Wilkinson, Esq., Native Agent, Alexandra, Waikato. Under-Secretary.

Mr. G. T. Wilkinson to the Undee-Secbetaby, Native Department. (Telegram.) Alexandra, 21st April, 1884. Have not heard from Mr. Kay since I wired him to lose no time in registering the Ngamoko No. 2 deed. How would it do for me to ask him to hand it over to Crown Solicitor, who could pay all fees, get it registered, and deduct cost out of purchase-money. G-. T. Wilkinson, The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington. Government Native Agent.

The Undeb-Secbetaby, Native Department, to Mr. G. T. Wilkinson. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 22nd April, 1884. You can act as you suggest in matter of Ngamoko. T. W. Lewis, George T. Wilkinson, Esq., Alexandra. Under-Secretary.

By Authority: Geoege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.

PLAN ofNGAMAKO N*a BLOCK