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running after them trying to lease their lands. I have been up there several times, but find it is impossible to deal with them in any way at all. On the 12th March, 1907,1 left Opotiki for Rotorua en route for Waiotapu to find the owners of Paeroa South A No. 3, of 495 acres, and B No. 2of 1,763 acres. I had to proceed to Taupo to interview the principal Native in the block. I found him, but could settle nothing at the time, as he had to consult other owners who were at a long distance. He has since written to me on the subject, declining to sell these lands at the price offered. On Monday, the Bth April, I went to Torere to see Ngaitai re the Takaputahi Block of 32,000 acres, which he had talked of selling. I found that, on the advice of Wi Pere, they had decided not to sell, but to lease. On Thursday, the 18th April, I started for Rotorua to see the Natives ie the Mangarewa-Kaharoa Block, and also part of the Rotomahana-Parekarangi Block. With regard to the former, they agreed to hold a meeting and inform me of the result. I think it probable, they will agree to sell at the price offered. As to the latter block, the Natives prefer to sell the block as a whole, and I think it could be obtained at a reasonable figure. I have, &c, Dean Pitt, Native Land Purchase Officer. Wm. C. Kensington, Esq., Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington.

Report op Mr. H. Dunbar Johnson. Sir,— . Otaki, 6th May, 1907. In compliance with the request contained in your memo, of the 16th ultimo, I beg to furnish a report as to the areas purchased out of the Whakaihuwaka and Taumatamahoe No. 2b No. 2 Blocks. In January last, at Whanganui, I purchased five interests in the Taumatamahoe Block, aggregating IJ$ shares, the purchase-money amounting to £324 13s. At the same time I purchased 72 \ shares in the Whakaihuwaka Block, at a cost of £173 Is. lOd. On the 20th ultimo, at Wellington, 40| shares in the latter block were purchased at a cost of £97 Bs. 2d., the amount being paid out of Mr. Sheridan's imprest account. Up to the 20th ultimo the interests purchased in the Taumatamahoe Block aggregated 51 shares, representing an area of 17,587 acres, the total amount paid being £9,024 os. 4d., including the sum of £245 ss. 6d. overpaid to Paura Wharetuturu. The latter amount has been partly recouped by the transfer of two interests in the Whakaihuwaka Block. The deed has been signed, but lam not aware that the vouchers, totalling £81 3s. 6d., have been brought to charge. Up to the same date the interests purchased in the Whakaihuwaka Block aggregated 5,757 shares, representing an area of 36,696 acres 2 roods 5 perches, the total amount paid being £13,984 Is. 6d., including the sum of £81 3s. 6d. in respect of the two interests of Paura Wharetuturu previously referred to. The foregoing totals of shares, areas, and amounts paid may require some slight modification upon a further revision of the lists. I have, &c, H. Dunbar Johnson, Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington. Native Land Purchase Officer.

jpitreximate Cost of Paprr. —Preparation, not given: printing 0.480 eopien;, £5 4».

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o7.

Price 6d.