No. 17.
The Chief Commissioner to Mr. Preece.
Sir,—
With reference to your letter of the 21st ultimo, reporting on various blocks of land in the Mercury Bay District, I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to authorize the purchase of the Purangi, Whenuakite, and Hahei Blocks, at the prices therein named by you.
His Excellency has also directed that the sum of £300 should de advanced to you for the Whenuakite Block; £100 to complete the purchases in Mercury Island; and £100 to complete purchases in Coromandel Harbour, making in all the sum of £500.
I have, &c.,
Thomas H. Smith,
for Chief Commissioner.