a—3a,

6

but a portion of the swamp I have purchased is claimed by some of the owners of the Aroha Block (still on the western bank of the river), and I am unwilling to complicate matters by directly negotiating with the Natives for that part necessary to square my boundary. I have already purchased, surveyed, and partly paid for the upper part. I now propose that Mr. Mackay complete the whole purchase for the Government, the Government giving me what I require to square my land, so as to give me a boundary at right angles with the river, I paying the same for the land that I have already paid for the portions I have purchased, or a sum bearing a fair proportion to the price the Government may pay for the whole. This plan will save both parties money, will hasten the completion of the the purchase, and, I apprehend, in every way facilitate the Government operations in that district. Mr. Mackay's letter on the subject is annexed. 31st July, 1874. T. Russell.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 6 in No. 5. Sketch illustrating foregoing Memorandum. 1 and 2. Waiharakeke Block, purchased by Mackay for the Government; 2 is the part I get, 1 the Government get. 3. The purchase and survey I have made from the Ngatihaua of their share of the Mangapouri Swamp. 4. A further part of the swamp that is claimed by owners of the Aroha Block, which I intend to purchase, but respecting which I submit the annexed proposition. 5. Native land.

Enclosure 7 in No. 5. Lieut.-Colonel St. John to Mr. J. Mackay. Sic, — Native Office (L. P. Branch), Wellington, Ist September, 1874. With reference to the purchase, by Mr. T. Russell, of the Mangapouri Swamp, I am directed to forward to you a copy of a letter received from that gentleman, and to inform you that the matters therein referred to are left entirely in your hands, for you to come to an agreement with Mr. Russell on the subject. I have, &c, J. Mackay, Esq., Thames. J. H. H. St. John.

Enclosure 8 in No. 5. Mr. J. Mackay to the Hon. Dr. Pollen. Sic,— - . Auckland, 23rd September, 1874. In accordance with your request, I have the honor to transmit herewith a description of the boundaries of the lands situated in the Hauraki, Upper Thames, and Piako Districts, which the Government are now acquiring under the provisions of the Immigration and Public "Works Act. "Within the boundaries as thus set forth are the Hungahunga and "Waiharakeke West Blocks, the purchase of which has been negotiated by Mr. Thomas Russell; and the Aratiatia Block, which has been similarly dealt with by Mr. J. C. Firth. As the acquisition of these lands by those gentlemen affects and is mixed up with Native claims to lands on the eastern side of the River Waihou, under negotiation by me for sale to the Crown, and it is very difficult to describe the boundaries, so as to exclude the Hungahunga, Aratiatia, and Waiharakeke West Blocks, correctly, I deemed it expedient to include them within the district proposed to be proclaimed under the Act, purposing, at the time of finally completing the purchases on behalf of the Government, to reserve those pieces from sale in the deed of cession executed by the Native owners, so that they can carry out their previous agreements with Messrs. llussell and Firth. I received instructions from the Hon. the Native Minister, in a letter dated Ist September instant, that the arrangement of the question of the purchase, by Mr. llussell, of the Hungahunga and Waiharakeke West Blocks was left entirely in my hands to arrange. Mr. Firth's purchase of Aratiatia in no way affects the Government purchases, except as hereinbefore mentioned, as it has not been intimated to me that the Crown is desirous of acquiring that block, but it has been included because I do not possess the necessary information to separate this claim from that of Mr. Russell. But by allowing the Natives to hereafter reserve the lands in question from sale in the deed of cession of the remainder to the Crown, all difficulties will be obviated. I beg to state, for your information, that a large extent of the lands described in the document forwarded herewith has already been proclaimed, under the provisions of the Immigration and Public Works Act; and it will be necessary, in making a new proclamation, to annul that previously made. (Vide General Government Gazette, 10th October, 1872, No. 51.) I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, Auckland. James Mackay, Jun.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 8 in No. 5. Boundaries of District proposed to be proclaimed under Immigration and Public Works Act. Commencing Pukorokoro, on the western shore of the Firth of the Thames; thence by the eastern boundary of the lands comprising the District of Waikato, as taken under the New Zealand Settlements Act, to the north-west angle of the Hungawera Block; thence by the northern boundary of the Hungawera Block, the western and northern boundaries of the Aroha Block, and the northern