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Regarding the measure in a pecuniary point of view, it is better to use some exeition to provide funds without delay, whilst the land can be obtained on moderate terms, than to run the risk of not obtaining it at all, or, if eventually obtained, to be compelled to pay an enormously high price for it. In Auckland within the last eighteen months, about six hundred thousand acres ot land in different parts of the Province have been negotiated for, of this extent about three hundred thousand acres have been partially surveyed so as to prevent disputes in reference to boundaries with the Natives. The various details connected with the purchases have also been so far adjusted, that on the payment of a few instalments, still due to the natives, the negotiations will be completed. Fromtwo of those purchases alone, the one in the vicinity of the town near Orakei, and that at the Waiuku, it may be estimated that for an outlay of about six thousand pounds, a revenue will be realized of not less than fifty or sixty thousand pounds, independent of the more permanent revenue that must accrue from the occupation of the land by European colonists. As an investment therefore, independent of the polital importance of the question, I think there can be no doubt as to the expediency of providing funds for this service, I have, &c-, (Signed) Donald McLean. Principal Commissioner, The Honourable the Colonial Secretary.

Land Purchase Department, Auckland, August 31, 1855. Sir, — I have the honor to report to you, for the information of his Excellency, the officer administering the Government, that it is of great importance that arrangements should be made with as little delay as possible to complete the negotiations which have been undertaken with the Natives in 1853 for the unpurchased parts of the Nelson and Canterbury Provinces, as I apprehend that any fnrther may very much complicate the final adjustment of this important question. I would also submit that a sum of Two thousand pounds (£2000) mav be required for completing this extensive purchase. I believe that a sum of that amount was retained in the hands of the Crown Commissioner for this purpose, expecting that I should have gone at an earlier period to Nelson to settle the question. Whether this amount is still retained by the Commissioner for this purpose, I am unable to state, but if it is, it would be much more convenient to receive authority to get the money there, and pay it, or such portions of it as may be found necessary, at Nelson. I would like to be favored with instructions as to whether I am to proceed after his Excellency can dispense with my services at Taranaki, to adjust the Nelson question, which I fear the commissioner there will be unable to average satisfoctorily without my assistance and presence of several chiefs from Wellington Province, who ceded the land in the first instance to the crown. I have, &c., (Signed) D. McLean." Principal Commissioner. The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.