G.—4

38

The reserves within the purchase are pretty-well defined by natural boundaries. At the same time, it is necessary that a surveyor should be placed as soon as possible under my instructions to have them marked off. Ido not consider, however, that the resident settlers should be delayed on this account from selecting and purchasing their homesteads and runs, as they are generally aware of the extent and position of the different reserves; and, as they have been held so long under a precarious and disagreeable tenure, I conceive that they should now have every facility afforded them to secure their possessions without further delay, with an understanding, of course, that no grant is issued to them beyond a pre-emptive right of selection until the necessary surveys are fully completed. A thoroughfare of 100 ft. deep, to allow for the overflowing of the river, should be reserved on the right and left banks of the Turanganui Eiver, to afford the Natives free access to their several cultivations on the banks of the river, and to facilitate the conveyance by canoes of European and Native produce to the ferry. A right of public road through all the Native reserves is secured to the Crown. In addition to the general reserves specified in the deed of sale, I consider it advisable that a special reserve of 50 acres out of the lands ceded to the Crown should be made to Eihari, the principal Church of England missionary in the valley, who was almost destitute of land, from having no claims to any in this district himself. I herewith enclose a (copy) translation of the deed of sale which was executed by the Natives yesterday. I have, &c, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Donald McLean, Land Commissioner.

No. 3.—Mr. Commissioner McLean to the Civil Seceetaky, New Munster. Sib, — Wairarapa, 22nd September, 1853. I have the honour to report to you, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, that the Wairarapa Natives have signed a deed of sale, and received a first instalment on the 19th instant, for a tract of country comprising in the whole about 300,000 acres. This district is situated, as indicated on the enclosed tracing, on the north-west side of the Wairarapa Lake, and extends to the ranges on the westward above Otaki and Waikanae. That portion of it within the Wairarapa Valley, estimated at 30,000 acres, extends from the boundary of the first purchase at the new line of road to the Waingawa Biver, near Mr. Donald's station. The block within the Wairarapa Valley is described by several travellers as being well supplied with wood and water, excellent timber for building, and fine rich soil at the Waiohine and the elopes under the Tararua Eange. I have no doubt, considering all these advantages, and its proximity to the new line of road, that this must become an eligible site for agricultural settlement. The consideration to the Natives for the whole purchase, as shown in the translation of the deed of sale herewith enclosed, is £2,000, and the remaining £1,000 is to be paid in five yearly instalments of £200 each, besides 5 per cent net proceeds on all sales that may be made by the Government. I herewith have the honour to enclose, for his Excellency's information, tracings furnished to me by Captain Smith of the several larger purchases concluded in the district up to lhe present time. I have, &c, The Civil Secretary, &c, Wellington. Donald McLean, Land Commissioner.

No. 4.—Mr Commissioner McLean to the Commissioneb of Crown Lands, Wellington. Sib,— Wellington, 23rd December, 1853. I have the honour to inform you that I have arranged to purchase from the Natives that block of land formerly reserved by them at the entrance of the new line of road at Burling's, including the site so much required by the small farming association for their own town and suburban lands. The whole of the block is estimated at 19,000 acres, and, as it is of such urgent importance to acquire it, I have agreed to pay the Natives £1,000 for it, the Natives at the same time offering to give the Government an additional block of land, elsewhere in consideration of the high price they are to receive. To conclude this purchase with the least possible delay, I should feel obliged by your furnishing me with the sum of £1,000 to-day, as yon are aware how essential it is to settle this question as soon as possible. I have, &c, The Crown Commissioner, Wellington. Donald McLean, Land Commissioner.

No. 5. To Mr. Cooper. Turanganui (Wairarapa), 30th December, 1868. Friend, Salutations.—This is a word from all of us—a request that the arrangement made by the Government respecting our eel-fisheries should be confirmed. That law was set up by the Government in 1853. This was the word: No one, either pakeha or Maori, was to open the channel. If any one interferes to open the channel let him be tried before the Magistrate. Government said that a fine of £50 should be inflicted, for that place is a bridge, a road down which every one can travel. There are some of our European gentlemen friends living who are acquainted with that law, and we hold it now. Sufficient. We now request you to confirm that law; that bridge is not for us alone; that road is for every one. This was the word of the Government: If the water itself were to break out of the mouth of the lake it would be well; but the hand of man was not to touch it to dig out the channel. That was not meant for one year only ; no, it was for all the years which are in the future, even to future generations. We will keep this law for ever and ever; and do you publish that rule that