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No. 37.
J. W. Hamilton, Esq., to D. McLean, Esq.
Sir,—
Referring to my letters of January 8th, and February 5th, 1857, so far as they treat of the lands in this and the neighbouring Province of Nelson yet unpurchased from the legitimate owners residing at Kaikoura on the east, and at Arahura on the West Coast, I conceive it my duty as connected with the recent purchases at Akaroa and Kaiapoi to urge upon your notice the necessity for making early arrangements for sending a competent Maori scholar to Kaikoura and Arahura to obtain the surrender of the remaining Native lands in this Island. The recent gold discoveries at Nelson are so likely to raise the value of the land in the eyes of the Maoris to the most extravagant pitch, that I fear any delay in accepting their proposals to treat may end in totally preventing the acquisition of the land sought for by us.
I have, &c.,
J. W. Hamilton,
Late Agent for purchasing lands at Kaiapoi.
In 1850, the Arahura people came to Kaiapoi with their women and children in 14 days. The journey can hardly be a very difficult one.
From Nelson to Arahura would probably require six weeks. The road is very dangerous.