Recommended that authority should be given to the Native Secretary to conclude the purchase more particularly of the block of land that may be required for the Nova Scotia settlersat Whangarei if the price does not exceed 2/- per acre for a block say of 10,000 acres. I consider that it is of importance that the Native Secretary should be empowered to conclude such purchase at once as any delay in doing so now might endanger the negociation by its postponement to an indefinite period. Also that the purchase of such other blocks in that district may be concluded as can be obtained at a rate not exceeding 1/- an acre. Donald McLean 9 Feb. 1857 I think it is desirable that the Native Secretary should have the power during his present intended visit to Wanganui. At the same time the power should not be acted upon in any case where a reference to Auckland does not seem likely to endanger the negotiation I recommend that authority be granted. C. O. Richmond Feb. 9 /57