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, it will be remembered, had embarked at the Buller, on the cutter Supply for Nelson, and on his arrival there, he was ordered to proceed to Auckland, for the purpose of interviewing Governor Gore Browne with regard to the purchase of the West Coast from the natives. After receiving Mackay’s report, the Governor instructed him to offer the Maoris a sum not exceeding £400, and to do his utmost to close the deal.

So once more in February, 1860, the explorer set out for Westland, with the four hundred sovereigns in his swag. This time he was accompanied by Alexander Mackay, Frank Flowers, and three Maoris from the Massacre Bay District. They travelled to the Roto-iti Plains with the intention of finding a