COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS

C—No. 1

78

dary line cut by the Surveyor, in a determined manner, for several hours. Haki at last waived his opposition, and several of his party at once gave way, but two of his young men were obstinate throughout and left the meeting iu an excited state, protesting against the disposal of the disputed portion of the block. The price offered was Is. an acre, and as they ask 2s. the matter is referred to the Government. I do not recommend that any money should be forwarded to me for this block at present until the Natives have decided the dispute with the parties objecting. Although the Chiefs ridicule the opposition, especially as the principal of the Ngunguru party has consented to the sale. Tirarau then addressed the meeting at considerable length, aud explained that his object in being present was to have an opportunity to bring forward publicly the desirability of having a Government road between Whangarei and Wharekohe—the landing place at Wairua which leads into the Wairoa river. Tirarau and Hori Kingi advised giving up the whole line of road from Whangarei to Wharekohe, without any remuneration, but they were opposed by Te Manihera the Native Assessor and the whole of the Natives of this place. It was subsequently agreed that the line of road throughout should be ceded to the Government, aud Tirarau and Hori will give up their portion, which will include about half the distance, the remaining part will require to be paid for. The negotiation will probably be difficult, as the Native claimants are numerous and have rather an exaggerated idea of the value of the line of road The Europeans directly interested at present in having the road determined, are Mr. Walton, Messrs. Davis and Reid at Mauugatapere, and a number of settlers on the Wairoa river. However, the advantages of connecting the East and West coast in this part of the country by means of a public road, appear to me so obvious, that it is unnecessary to make any remark. lam requested by the Chiefs to bring the question under the notice of tho Government, and should it be viewed in a favorable light, I have to request, respectfully, that instructions may be forwarded to me, for the purpose of proceeding with the negotiation. William Pohe aud others then applied tome for the payment of land called Owhiua opposite to Limestone Island, at the termination of the deep water. There is a correspondence in the Native Land Office iu connection with this block, to which I beg to call your attention. There were several minor matters which were referred to at the meeting, but the lateness of the day precluded any decision being arrived at. I have to request an early reply in order to communicate again with the Natives on the subject matter of this letter. I have, &c, John Rogan, The Chief Commissioner, District Commisioner. Nauve Land Purchase Department, Auckland.

No. 12. district commissioner to chief commissioner. Whangarei, sth November, 1861. Sir,— I have the honor to forward herewith the deeds of sale and conveyance of Ruatangata and Mirowhakatiki, which were executed by the native owners on the 2nd iustant. After a considerable time I succeeded in inducing the natives to accept the sum of £600 for these blocks, aud an agreement was entered into with them to give up a right of road between Ketenikau and Mirowhakatiki, for which twenty-five pounds was deducted from the purchase money and handed to the Manihera, who paid it over to Hirawani and others whose names are attached to the deed of conveyance. Mr. Searancke travelled over the intended line of road accompanied by Ngamako, one of the principal owners, aud although there is a clear understanding with the natives regarding its general direction, I submit that the attention of the Provincial Government should be called to this matter with a view to have the line of road cut in the proper place at once, in order to prevent any dispute arising hereafter, A cheque for ten pounds is transmitted herewith to be paid into the Colonial Treasury to the credit of Hori Kingi Tahua, in repayment of a loan advanced to him during the Kohitnarama Conference. A description of boundaries of each purchase is also enclosed for proclamation in the New Zealand Gazette. I have, &c, The Chief Commissioner, John Rogan, Native Land Purchase Department, District Commissioner. Auckland. [Note.—For description of boundaries, see New Zealand Gazette, 7th December, 1861, page 321.]