C—3a,

7

boundary of the Mangakahika Block, to the River Piako ; thence by that river to the junction of the "Waiharakeke Stream; thence by that stream to the Waihongi Block ; thence by the northern boundary of the "Waihongi and Kahia Blocks to the River Waitoa ; thence by that river to the Uruhau Block; thence by the eastern boundaries of the Uruhau and Matamata Blocks to the Wharetangata Block; thence by the northern boundary of the Wharetangata Block to the Turangamoana Block; thence by the western boundary of the Turangamoana Block to the River Waihou; thence southwards by that river to the junction of the Oraka Stream ; thence by a line due east to the western boundary of the lands comprising the District of Tauranga, as taken under the New Zealand Settlements Act; thence by that boundary to the summit of the Aroha Mountain ; thence by the northern boundary of aforesaid District of Tauranga to Ngakuri, a whare on the coast of the Bay of Plenty; thence by the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand to Cape Colville; thence by the shore of the Firth of the Thames, or Hauraki Gulf, to the point of commencement at Pukorokoro aforesaid. 23rd September, 1873. James Mackat, Jun.

Enclosure 9 in No. 5. The Undee Secbetaet, Native Office, to Mr. Mackay. Native Office (Land Purchase Branch), "Wellington, Sib,— 16th October, 1873. In reply to your letter of 23rd September, transmitting a description of the boundaries of lands in the Hauraki, Upper Thames, and Piako Districts, I have the honor to inform you that a Proclamation will appear in the next Gazette bringing those lands under "The Immigration and Public "Works Act, 1871." At the same time, I am instructed to point out to you that the proclamation of an area of so extensive a character is not to be taken as an authority for your purchasing all lands within its boundaries without reference to their character or value. In cases where you consider purchase should be made within them, you will have the goodness to forward a recommendation giving such particulars of nature of soil, probable price, &c, as will enable the Government to come to a decision, whether for approval or not. "With regard to your proposals contained in the same letter respecting Messrs. Russell and Firth, I am further directed to acquaint you that the Hon. the Native Minister concurs in them. I have, &c, H. T. Claeke, J. Mackay, Esq. Under Secretary.

No. 6. Mr. J. W. Pbeece to the Hon. the Native Ministee. Sib,— Auckland, 14th June, 1876. I have the honor, in compliance with a request from you, to make the following report relating to the purchase of the Hungahunga and Waiharakeko Blocks by Mr. Thomas Russell, as far as the circumstances came under my knowledge. Towards the end of the year 1872,1, then a member of the firm of Preece and Graham, was requested by Mr. Thomas Russell to undertake the purchase of the whole of what is known as the Mangapouri Swamp, together with some dry land adjoining, of which the Hungahunga and Waiharakeke Blocks only form a small portion. The block I was first instructed to purchase was bounded to the south by lands leased and purchased by J. C. Firth, Esq.; to the east by the Waihou River, as far as the northern boundary of the Aroha Block, including such portion of that block as was to the west of the Waihou River; to the north by the northern boundary of the Aroha from the "Waihou River westward and extending on to the Piako River; and to the west to the Piako and Waitoa Rivers to Mr. Firth's boundary, or as much of the land contained within those boundaries as I could acquire : this block was estimated to contain about 50,000 acres. Early in the month of February, 1873, I proceeded by the way of the Thames, and, travelling inland through the Ohinemuri and Aroha Districts, I, by negotiations with the Natives, paved the way for the purchase of the interest of the Thames Natives in their portion of the land. I then travelled into the Ngatihinerangi settlement, and, although I did not then come to terms with them for their portion, I succeeded in inducing them to submit their claims to the Native Land Court, in order that their portion should be divided off in the event of their not coming to terms. I then proceeded through the different settlements of the Ngatihaua, who were not only willing, but evinced an anxiety to deal. I spent some little time with these people, and ultimately obtained their consent to sell the Hungahunga Block, being a part of the swamp portion of the land, at the rate of 2s. per acre; the purchaser to pay for the survey and all other incidental expenses and costs. This agreement was come to with a considerable number of the most influential Natives, and signed, in the presence of the rest, by six of the leading chiefs present. I then paid them the sum of £100 as a deposit, and arranged with them for the immediate survey of the land. This took place at Tamahere, on the 11th and 12th of March, 1873 ; the agreement was signed, and the money paid, early on the 12th. Finding that the Natives were all about to assemble at Ngaruawahia, for the purpose of meeting His Excellency the Governor (Sir George Bowen), I determined to meet them together there, and endeavour to get the agreement confirmed by some of the chiefs who were not present at the time of the first payment of money, and agreement to sell. I therefore proceeded there the same day, and found that the Natives with whom I had already agreed, who had preceded me by a few hours, had informed their friends and co-claimants of the terms already come to, which were approved