it could be turned over, merely burning off the present overgrowth of vegetation, and removing the few isolated Ti-trees, which are scattered over the plain. At Porewhara, sixteen miles from our last stage, we found some natove plantations owned by Panapa, a Ngatapa Chief, a man of most powerful and forbidding countenance, who deserted his tribe and joined Rangihaeata= threatening, with that Chief, to use his utmost influence in preventing the sale of the district. Our reception was not the most friendly. The natives, excepting a few who came up from Parananui to meet me, strongly exclaimed against the sale of their land. Panapa erected a flag staff that morning, where his claim, which is considerable, commenced; stating that he would die by it,