Mr. Commissioner Searancke to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

I have the honor to inform you, in reference to the old land claims at Matapouri, that I have at length succeeded in coming to an arrangement with the Natives, subject to the approval of the Government.

The difficulty in coming to a settlement of this claim was the opposition made by the Tutukaka Natives to the south boundary, which they have now withdrawn, on my promising them a small compensation in money.

The survey of the Matapouri Block is complete, with the exception of the south boundary, which I propose completing at the first opportunity; the area of this land will be between 4,000 and 5,000 acres to be ceded to the Government.

The sum the Natives have consented to receive, in full compensation for their claims, is One hundred and twenty pounds (£120).

I now beg to submit this arrangement and the payment to the claimants of the above sum for your approval.

Minute.

Referred to His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland. Does he approve?