CHAP. XIII.] AWAROA VALLEY. 221 



less than 120,000 acres of arable land. In respect 

 to the quality of the soil, the facility of cultivation, 

 as well as of water communication, the abundance 

 of excellent wood and of other building materials, 

 the district is one of the most favoured in New 

 Zealand. A great portion of the land has been 

 purchased by a few private individuals ; but if the 

 intentions of Government, of not allowing more 

 than 2500 acres to any one individual, is strictly 

 carried into effect, a great part of these purchases 

 will come back to the natives, and, without injuring 

 the interests of the latter, government will have 

 no difficulty in acquiring a fine agricultural dis- 

 trict. Kaitaia itself, which is eight miles from the 

 western coast, and six from Southee's station, is a 

 desirable place for a provincial town, as it is in the 

 centre of the district, and in a healthy situation ; 

 it stands on an eminence commanding a view of 

 the whole district, and is especially adapted to serve 

 as a central point and market-place for the sur- 

 rounding native population. 



