No. 62/27 24th January 1862 Crown Land Commr. Wellington Borlase's Homestead, Wairarapa. Crown Lands office, Wellington 24th January 1862 Sir, In reply to your letter of the 17th instant respecting a purchase of 494 acres by the Natives mentioned in the margin, within the Hikawea and Taratahi Block, I beg to say that I have made diligent search and enquiry since my return as to Mr. Borlase's position in this matter and I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a letter which that gentleman has written me on the subject. Having respected faithfully the promise made by Sir George Grey of a preemptive right over 640 acres to the runholders in every case in which it has been made (and proof given of the existence of a bona fide lease) by the runholder; I cannot of course make Mr. Borlase an exception. At the same time his proposal appears to me to be perfectly reasonable and equitable and would I should think answer every purpose. The reserve of 10 acres to which allusion is made, surrounds the grave of one of his children which ought under any case to be held sacred. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedt. Servt. William Fitzherbert Commissioner