Auckland 17 Decr. 1867 My Dear Sir Will you excuse me for troubling you relative to a matter on which it is of great importance to me to obtain reliable information which it is very difficult to get - You are aware that I have no resource but to take whatever compensation the Arbitrators under the "Land Claims Arbitration Act 1867" may award me in Land Scrip of this Province - not exercisiable on the Confiscated Lands unless these lands should be disposed of under the Waste Lands regulations of the Province; and of this there seems little hope, as the Provincial Authorities have declined to take the Confiscated Lands subject to the claims upon them. I was induced to agree to the arbitration in the belief that I would be able to get a sheep run for my son at Poverty Bay - But must now look out for what it is possible to get out of the Lands remaining unsold by the Provincial Government - I have just heard that there is a block of land at or near Mokau on the West Coast which was purchased by you from the natives in 1858 - I was also told that it was grassy land and that the soil is good being of limestone formation - Will you favour me with the impressions which have been left on your memory in relation to these points - and the general advisability of making a selection there - I am told also that there is some land on the Piako which was purchased by Mr. Drummond Hay - of which they appear to know nothing at the Survey office Mr. Hay, as they say, never having furnished a map. I am told that there is little chance of disposing of the Scrip even at a nominal rate - unless it should be available over Confiscated lands - And you will see the importance of my being able to exercise it over any block which may be brought into the market. I know you will kindly give me any information in your power relative to these block and any others you may know of - With best thanks for your kindness to me I remain, Yours very Truly James Busby