Since I had the honor of forwarding my report on the tenure by which the Natives held their lands, dated 17th ultimo., several important considerations naturally arising out of the subject have occurred to me, which, as they appear to have an important bearing both upon the wellbeing of the Natives and the best interests of the Colony at large, I take the liberty of submitting to His Excellency the Officer administering the Government.

It will be obvious to His Excellency, from the very complicated nature of the question, that no purchase could be effected but by a person possessing some general knowledge of the principles by which the claims of the Natives are governed, and that to perform such services satisfactorily would require considerable time, and that large blocks of country could not possibly be obtanied without prejudicing the interest or coming in contact with the prejudices of some of the tribes.

Ngapuhi District.

For instance, in the northern district, inhabited by the Ngapuhi generally, there are at least one hundred hapu, or small tribes, embracing a population of about 20,000 souls resident in the country lying between the North Cape and Bream Head. Now, assuming the quantity of land contained within these limits to be about 5,000 square miles, we cannot average more than 1,500 as available for agriculture. This computation, if correct, would give about 15 square miles, or 10,000 acres of available land for each hapu, and as they require a large piece, independent of then cultivations, for pig runs, it would leave but a small block of desirable land eligible for disposal to Government, and as their independence is only to be maintained by holding possession of their land, think it would not only be difficult, but very injurious to them to purchase large blocks of country, even if offered.

They can dispose of small portions of land without embroiling themselves with their neighbours, and with manifest advantage, but in attempting to dispose of large tracts of land they are certain either to injure themselves or to come into collision with others.

Disinclinaiion to sell large Blocks.

In support of my position I would remind His Excellency that since the period when his determination to discontinue the purchase of small pieces of land was made known to the Natives not a single one has been added to the demesne lands of the Crown, and that the only instance of a large block having been offered for sale—viz., that by Kaihau, has revived old and bygone animosities between two tribes.

The Natives are not only not willing, but cannot by any means be induced to part with their paternal possessions, which in general are the best lands, both for soil and situation, the country contains; and I hesitate not to say that the overplus lands at present in the hands of the Natives, of really a valuable and desirable character, can only be acquired by a gradual process of small purchases.