18

a—B

with the Chiefs, and offered to go out again in a few days, when the weather moderated, and if they could procure food. This they declined doing, as they were busily engaged in fitting up a large house intended for the reception of other Natives, who were to take part in a " hahunga,' or disinterment of bones. But they proposed that I should return in the summer months, when they would go over the block, and point out all the boundaries to me. Prom what I could see and judge of the country, I make the following remarks : — Ist. It is all forest land, comprising kauri, totara, rimu, matai, and other useful timber. 2nd. The nature of the country is rough and mountainous in some places, and undulating in others. 3rd. The soil is of excellent quality, being a rich chocolate-colored loam, that would grow any farm produce. 4th. As to the position and probable extent, the land is on the Mangakahia stream, which runs into the Wairoa river. I should judge the eastern boundary to be four or five miles to the westward of Maonganui (the mountains on the Coast). The southern boundary commences about seven miles in a straight line from Otawa, running inland over the wooded range. The acreage is, as far as I could judge, about 35,000 acres. sth. I am inclined to think there will be little or no dispute as to ownership, unless old Parore makes a claim. I spoke to the chief Mohi Tawhai, and with the Native member for the north Wiermu Katene, as to the ownership, and these chiefs seemed to think that those who have offered the land for sale have a good claim. Gth. As I have not been over the land, I can say nothing for certain as to the best line of road, or the most convenient seaport or outlet, as it is forest country, surrounded by forest on all sides. Before a reliable opinion can be given, it must be thoroughly explored in fine weather. 7th. Its fitness for immigration purposes. This will, in a great measure, depend on the approaches that can be got to it, but I think a road could be made from Otawa and the Taheke. Prom the latter place, water carriage is to be had to Hokianga. A road might also be had to it from the bay. I expect the natural outlet from it will be by the Wairoa. Should my surmises prove correct, the country might be suitable for Canadians or Nova Scotians, but not for immigrants fresh from the home country. The lowest price mentioned by the Natives was ss. an acre, but this was a mere matter of form. The utmost value I place upon it, and that only if available roads can be made to it, is at the outside 2s. an acre. I believe coal exists, as the Natives showed me some, said to have been found on the land, a specimen of which I enclose. I have, &c, The General Government Agent, Auckland. Thomas McDonnell.

No. 15. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to the General Government Agent, Auckland. Sir, — Auckland, 24th December, 1872. I returned from the Kaipara yesterday evening, and have the honor to inform you, with respect to the block of land near Little Omaha, named Pakiri, that I have been instructed to purchase, that I have had personal communication with two of the three owners, Eahui, and Arama Karaka who is trustee for Wi Apo. Hori te More, tho third owner, I have not yet been able to communicate with. Kahui says that she is not willing to dispose of her right to the Government, but that she is willing that the owners' titles be individualised by the Native Land Court, after which each person can do as he or she may then please. Arama Karaka, trustee for Wi Apo, has given his consent to this arrangement, and has signed a requisition to the Native Land Court to this effect, and Eahui has signed also. Arama Karaka is agreeable to sell 6,000 acres out of what will be awarded to Wi Apo, reserving 4,000 ; or to dispose of the whole, if some provision be made for the lad's education, and he wishes the sum of £300 to be advanced at once on the land, and I enclose a letter from him, which I believe is to that effect. I have not spoken to Hori te More about the money he is said to be owing Mr. McLeod, but I understand that he is willing to settle old scores with that gentleman, should the Government purchase his interest in the land. I will, however, place myself in communication with him, and acquaint you with the result. And I presume nothing further can be done in this matter until it has been brought before the Native Land Court. I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Government Agent, Auckland. Thomas McDonnell.

No. 16. Lieut.-Colonel McDonnell to the Genebal Government Agent, Auckland. Blß,— Auckland 11th February, 1873. I returned this morning from the Kaipara, and have the honor to inform you, for the information of the Government, that after I had seen Mr. Rogan respecting the Marunui land, I proceeded to Otamatea, and saw Arama Karaka. This chief sent one of his Natives, who pointed out he is willing to dispose of—a block of 2,200 acres ; also a piece of land, 500 acres in extent,