No. 6.
Mr. Brissenden to Mr. H. T. Clarke.

I have the honor to report the purchase in the North, from the 3rd November to date, of the blocks of land a list of which I attach.

I find the natives are holding land firmer than on my former visits, and show considerable disinclination to sell, owing to the opposition offered to the Government by private parties: not that many of the Europeans are real purchasers; they oppose the Government on principle, trusting a day may come when, the present laws being done away with, they may be able to make their own terms with the Maoris.

I have not urged the natives to sell, but, on the contrary, assume a reluctance to purchase.

The lands secured on this last trip are a good average lot, closing in former purchases, and generally well situated.

Lands in the District of Whangarei are of a first-rate quality, but held at prices far beyond what it would be prudent for Government to give; but there are a few blocks near the town of which I expect to have the offer at from 2s. to 3s. per acre:. at these-figures they would be reasonable, This, district generally is the best and most flourishing I have seen in the North; but I must here mention that I consider the Upper Wairoa and Mangakahia Districts as thoroughly suitable for special settlements.

There are but few large blocks of land in the North unpurchased. I think about 200,000 acres of eligible land can yet be secured by judicious negotiation: the progress will be slow owing, to the blocks being small.

I have, &c.,

E. T. Brissenden.

Mr. H. T. Clarke.

page 43

List of Blocks of Land purchased for General Government from 3rd November to date.

• No. 1. Okaka, 1s, 3d. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 2. Waimatenui, 1s. 3rd per acre, Bay of Islands.
• " 3. Otangaroa, 2s. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 4. Mokau, 2s. 6d. per acre, Bay of Islands,
• " 5. Kioreroa, 2s. 6d. per acre, Whangarei.
• " 6. Tokowhero, 1s. 3d. per acre,-Mangakawhia.
• " 7. Tunapohipohi, 1s. 6d. per acre, Bay of Islands.
• " 8. Mangakinga, 1s. 6d. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 9. Te Katote, 1s. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 10. Te Mata, 1s. 3d. per acre, Hokiangai
• " 11. Te Whau, 1s. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 12. Pukebina, 1s. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 13. Whakarongorua, 1s. 6d. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 14. Taiha, 1s. 6d. per acre, Hokianga.
• " 45. Whataipu, 1s. 6d. per acre, Hokianga.
• Total acreage-of the blocks estimated at 50,000 acres.

E. T. Brissenden.