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An Epitome of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases in the North Island of New Zealand

No. 1. — The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Chief Protector

No. 1.
The Hon. the Colonial Secretary to the Chief Protector.

page 352
Instructions for Mr. E. Meurant. Colonial Secretary's Office,
Auckland, 6th November, 1841.

Sir,

It being determined to send Mr. Edward Meurant to the chiefs of the Waikato tribe to treat with them relative to the purchase of a piece of land which they offer to sell to Her Majesty's Government on the banks of the Waipa, I have it in command from His Excellency the Governor to request that you will instruct that gentleman to proceed on Monday, the 8th November, to visit Waikato, Waipa, Whaingaroa, Aotea, Kawhia, and Mokau.

On his arrival at the place of his destination, he will have an interview with the chiefs of each of these places, and read to them the enclosed letter from the Governor. He will then examine the land which they are anxious to sell, making them clearly understand that the Governor wishes to preserve them in the undisturbed possession of their dwellings, cultivations, and such other portions of their land as they may wish to retain for their own use.

He will make himself acquainted with the names of the chiefs who have the right to sell the land, the extent of land they are willing to part with, and the price at which they value it. He will then appoint a day for the chiefs to assemble at Ngaruawahia, the place proposed by Te Wherowhero, to meet an officer of Her Majesty's Governments to treat finally for the possession of the land.

In the course of his communications with the chiefs he will use every endeavor to assure them of the good faith of the Government, and of the determination of the Governor to use no unfair means to deprive them of their lands. He will be as expeditious as possible in accomplishing the object of his journey, and on his return make a report to the Government, through you, of the success of his measures.

Should he find the chiefs willing to undertake to clear a road between Kawhia and Taranaki, he will express the Governor's wish that it should be done, and ascertain the amount of payment they will require for their work.

I have, &c.,

Jas. Stuart Freeman,
Chief Clerk
(for the Colonial Secretary).

The Chief Protector of Aborigines.