This block consists of two pieces, known as Tararu north, and Tararu south, which have been surveyed by the Native owners, the total area of the two being about 3,500 acres. This land is of known auriferous character, and is likely to support a large mining population. The title is not disputed, but the Natives are not disposed to sell it. No reserves are required, the land being of a class unfit for Native or other cultivation. The kauri timber from Tinker's gully to the source of the Tararu stream has been sold to the Moanataiari Water Supply Company.
Karaka Block.
This contains all the most valuable claims on the Thames Goldfield, also the towns of Grahamstown and Shortland. The townships are chiefly private property, and it would not be advisable to interfere with existing arrangements. A large portion of the land, amounting to 1,600 acres, exclusive of townships, has been surveyed under my directions, and the =surveyed remainder may be estimated at 1,000 acres. The difficulty of purchasing this block cannot be easily estimated, as the owners have boon in the habit of receiving about £5,000 per annum for miners rights' fees alone. There is no unsold land within this block fit for any purpose other than mining.
Otunui Block.
This is unsurveyed, but may be estimated to contain from 6,000 to 7,000 acres. The land is not suitable for agricultural purposes. Gold has been found on it in small quantities, but no claims are at present occupied, which may be attributed to the want of means of communication by a practicable road, and the absence of any machinery for extracting the gold from the quartz. The kauri timber on the banks of the Mangakirikiri and Mangarehu streams has been purchased by Europeans.
Wleakairi Block.
This block is under survey by my direction, and is estimated to contain 35,000 acres. There is but a very small proportion of it' suitable for settlement. Probably some portion of it is auriferous, but at present the gold miners have but a poor opinion of it in that respect. The kauri timber has been purchased by a company at Auckland, who intend erecting a saw mill at Shortland, which will be a great boon to the Thames Goldfield.
Kirikiri .Block.
This block has not been surveyed, but probably contains about 5,000 acres. The land is not fit for agricultural purposes, and is not in favor with the gold miners. Small quantities of gold have been found in the Kirikiri river, but no claims are held within the block. The kauri timber has been sold to Mr. John Gibbons. The large reserve to the westward of the goldfield boundary contains more land than is required by the Native owners for cultivation and settlements. Any surplus would be suitable for European occupation for ordinary agricultural purposes.
Te Puriri Block.
The same remarks as made in the previous case (ICirikiri block) apply to this block, with the exception that gold has been found at Te Puriri in payable quantities, and the kauri timber has not been sold. The land has not been surveyed. The probable area is 10,000 acres.
The lands under the second bead are contained in the Whangapoua, Mercury Bay, Tairua, Wharekawa, and Omahu blocks.
Whangapoua Block.
This has nearly:all been granted to Natives, under the "Native Lands Act." Gold has been found in two or three places in the neighbourhood of the Waitekuri river, but the workings were abandoned in consequence of the obstructive policy pursued by the Native owners. There is a little land within this area which would be available for settlement, but the greater proportion is hilly, broken country. The kauri timber has been sold to Messrs. Craig and Harris, and has formed the subject of interminable lawsuits between those parties. It is questionable whether much of the Whangapoua block could be .purchased, as it is probable the title to it is complicated by private arrangements between the Native owners and certain Europeans.
Mercury Bay Block.
This district is of considerable area. There are probably 40,000 acres of unsold land in it. The extent of land available for settlement is small. Gold has been found in two places, but the workings aro now abandoned. Nearly the whole of the land has been granted to the Native owners, under the Native Lands Act, and the available kauri timber has been sold to either the Mercury Bay Saw Mill Company, or the Auckland Saw Mill Company, who have valid leases or agreements extending over terms of years. I do not anticipate any great difficulty in procuring the freehold of this district. The Government have previously acquired some large blocks there, but which aro of but little value for settlement.
Tairua Block.
This block probably contains about 20,000 acres of unsold land, mostly of a hilly, broken character, unsuitable for settlement, but which is believed to be auriferous. Alluvial gold has been found in two or three places, and it is reported that a " rush" of miners from the Thames has taken place there during the last few days. The kauri ,timber has been sold to Messrs. Seccombe and Son, who have a valuable saw mill on freehold land near the mouth of the river Tairua. I think this block can
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