No. 34.
Mr. Civil, Commissioner White to H. T. Kemp, Esq.
Mangonui, September 30th, 1864.
Sir,—
I have the honor to inform you that I have made arrangements with the native owners of a block of land, bounded by the Maungataniwha west, Hikurangi and Otengi Blocks and the Parapara River, and called Toatoa, that it should be surveyed; and I have directed Mr. S. Campbell to perform that duty. It is to be divided into two blocks.
The northern part is to be sold by Henry Kemp and others; the southern part by Matthew Tauhara, Wiremu Pikahu, and others.
I have also purchased a small block of forty-four acres adjoining the Maungataniwha West Block, close to the Victoria Valley, it having been cut off by a road which I have had opened into the valley. For this I have paid the owners Five pounds ten shillings (£5 10s.). I considered it advisable to close this purchase at the request of a large number of natives.
I have taken a receipt for the money, and they will sign the proper transfer on your arrival here.
I have been applied to very frequently by the native owners of Poneke, Mangatete, as to when the purchase of that block is to be settled for. I have not received the survey, but I have lately written to the Government to forward me forms of deeds for Poneke and Tipene's Reserve, Waimutu, at Taipa, which I have recommended should be purchased.
I am anxious that you should come to this district as soon as you can, not only that you may conclude these purchases, but I am of opinion that the natives will sell portions of Victoria when these lands are paid for; and I am also desirous of introducing The Native Land Act, 1862.
I have, &c., W. B. White,
Civil Commissioner
H. T. Kemp, Esq,
Land Purchase Commissioner, Keri-keri.