G.—B

1883. NEW ZEALAND.

WAIHARAKEKE AND HUNGAHUNGA BLOCKS (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF). [In Continuation of Papers laid on the Table on the 7th June, 1876.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Mr. T. Eussell to the Hon. J. D. Oemond. Sib,— Auckland, 3rd May, 1877. Eeferring you to the agreement made by me with the late Government, as set forth in the Parliamentary Papers, 1876, C.~3a, I have now the honour to enclose a map, certified by Mr. Mackay, showing the piece of land which the Government have agreed to give me under that arrangement. A reference to Mr. Mackay will inform you that I have carried out my agreement with the Government by transferring to them my interest in Waiharakeke East, and by withdrawing from competition with them in the purchase of lands in the Thames District; and I have now to request that I may be furnished with an account showing the amount which I have to pay for the land, as by the enclosed plan, in the terms of agreement. I have, &c, The Hon. J. D. Ormond. Thomas Eussell.

No. 2. The Hon. J. D. Oemond to Mr. T. Eussell. Sib,— Government Buildings, Wellington, 25th May, 1877. In reply to your letter of the 3rd instant I have the honour to inform you that the purchase of the Aroha Block has not yet been completed, and that it is consequently impossible to prepare the account with which you request you may be furnished. I have, &c, Thomas Eussell, Esq., Auckland. J. D. Obmond.

No. 3. Mr. T. Bussell to the Hon. J. D. Oemond. Sib,— Auckland, 25th June, 1877. I have the honour to enclose the original of the undertaking signed by Mr. Mackay, in reference to Waiharekeke Bast and West. You will observe Mr. Mackay's engagement is that I shall have a Crown grant for the portion on the west side of the river; but, in order to prevent complication, I suggest that Mr. Mackay be instructed to have that part conveyed to me direct from the Native owners. I have, &c, The Hon. J. D. Ormond, Wellington. Thomas Eussell.

Enclosure in No. 3. Mr. J. Mackay to Mr. T. Eussell. Sib, — Cambridge, 2nd January, 1874. In consideration of your not opposing the Government in the purchase of the Waiharakeke Block, I hereby undertake, on behalf of the Government, that, so soon as the purchase of the same shall be completed, you shall have a Crown grant for the portion on the west side of the Biver Waihou, adjoining the Hungahunga, on repaying to the Government the amount of purchase-money which shall have been paid by them for the same. I have, &c, Jambs Mackay, Thomas Eussell, Esq. Agent, General Government.