C—No. 1

the Waipukurau on the 4th instant, on which date the deed of sale, signed by 377 claimants, was duly executed. There was a numerous attendance of Natives from different parts of the island, and the utmost care was taken with the assistance and co-operation of the principal Chiefs, to make a fair and impartial distribution of the amount, not only among the several claimants residing in the district but also to those who arrived from the Wairarapa, Manavvatu, and other distant places. Te Hapuku had a neat house built for the occasion, abundance of food provided, and every preparation made for the reception of his numerous guests. On the 7th instant I arrived at Ahuriri, where I found that Tareha and his followers were not behind Te Hapuku in making similar preparations, messengers were dispatched by him to collect the tribes from the different parts of the coast, and on the 17th instant, the deed of sale was signed and the first instalment of One thousand pounds (£1000), for the district and harbour of Ahuriri was handed over to the claimants. The original deeds for both purchases, with translations, are herewith forwarded. In the course of a few days I intend to proceed to Mohaka to pay the first instalment of Two hundred pounds, (£200) for that district, and shall afterwards take an early opportunity of reporting more fully on the several arrangements entered into with the different tribes at Hawke's Bay. I have, &c, Donald McLean, Land Commissioner. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Wellington.

No. 8. Ahuriri, 20th November, 1851. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of instructions of the 29th t September, received to-day. i I shall not fail to attend to that portion of your instructions which has reference to the further purchases of land from the Natives of this District. I have, &c, Donald McLkan, L:.nd Commissioner. To the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

No. 9. Ahuriri, loth December, 1851. Sir, — I have the honor to report to you, for the information of His Excellency the Governor in Chief, that I have returned from Mohaka, having paid the Natives the first instalment of Two F hundred pounds for that District. To-day I shall proceed with the surveyors to the interior toward* Manawatu, to examine a block of land which Te Hapuku and other Chiefs are prepared to offer to the Government. After the boundaries of this block are ascertained, I beg to submit that I shall proceed with Mr. Assistant-Surveyor Pelichet to Castle Point, where I have an appointment to meet some Chiefs in reference to the purchase of land in that quarter; thence I shall go by way of Wairarapa to Wellington, where I shall have an opportunity of reporting more fully on the progress of the several duties which have occupied my attention during the time I have been stationed at Hawke's Bay. I may add that the European statistics of the Bay have been completed; that several cases of debt at the whale fisheries have been adjusted; and numerous cases, some of them, of very old standing, between Natives and Europeans, have been arranged in such a manner, as to ensure the tranquility of this district, as well as of Poverty Bay, for some time to come. I have, &c, Donald McLean, Land Commissioner. To the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

No. 10. Wellington, 29th December, 1851. Sir, — In continuation of my several reports in reference to the progress of negotiations for the purchase of land from the Natives of Hawke's Bay, I have now the honor to state to you, for the u

Acknowledging receipt of ette of instructions,'

Mohaka Block. 'irst instalment of £20&

_Generat.. las referen* to Hit newly

RELATIVE TO LAND PURCHASES.

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