Mr. Commissioner Kemp to the Native Secretary.
Sir,—
With reference to the memorandum dated the 16th instant, in further explanation of the negotiations for the purchase of the bush reserve adjoining the coal mines at the Kawakawa I have now the honour to forward, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, the copy of a letter, with translation attached, from the chief Kawhiti, who is the leading man in this district, on the same subject. After giving the subject careful consideration, I think I shall best consult the interests of the Government by paying the money to the Native settlers as soon as the plan is completed, believing that, under the circumstances, there will be no difficulty in arranging a transfer of the land in question in the usual manner to the provincial authorities.