, A copy of the letter sent to Mr, McLean to be sent to my office for transfer with the Document relating to the Rangitikei. 25th. April 1849 The Lieutenant Governor, Instructions to write to Mr. McLean. Mr. Domett, Write to Mr. McLean, in reply to his letter of the 11th. April and state that I have laid that communication before the gentleman acting on behalf of the New Zealand Company, during the absence of the Principal Agent; and, as he has, on behalf of that Body, given a general acquiescence to the terms proposed by Mr. McLean, for the purchase of the Rangitikei district, I have to convey to him an authority to carry those terms into effect; that is to say, - 1. The whole of the claims or rights of the Ngatiapa natives, or of any others who have such rights, (excepting as regards such specific Reserves as may be set apart for them), shall be acquired throughout the district between the Rangitikei river and the Whonganui Block, and running indefinitely inland as far as any such claims extend. 2. The total purchase money shall be £2,500. 3. One instalment of £1,000 to be paid immediately the setting apart and marking on the ground all the Reserves is completed. 4. The other £1,500 to be paid in three subsequent equal annual instalments. The gentleman acting on behlf of the Principal Agent, wished the sum to be paid immediately to be of a somewhat less amount than £1,000, but stated that if necessary, he would be prepared to provide that sum, if on re-consideration of the subject, Mr. McLean still thinks it desirable that the amount originally proposed should be adhered to, I do not, for the reasons which he gave, and which appear to me to be strong and valid ones, - think that he ought to be at all fettered in this respect. The only two other points upon which I think it necessary to touch, in addition to Mr. McLean's general instructions, are, first, as regards the Reserves to be set apart for the natives, I would strongly advise that every one of these should be clearly agreed upon, distinctly marked down upon the ground, and that plans should be given to the natives of each, prior to the payment of the first instalment. The other point to the granting annuities - fully coinciding in the view taken by Mr. McLean in regard to this particular purchase. I think no reference should be made in the Document, to anything beyond the £2,500, which should be taken to be the consideration paid for the land; at the same time, the Government will be prepared to receive and consider favourably any recommendations Mr, Mc Lean may make, for small annuities, to influential Chiefs, as an act of grace or favour on the part of the Government to deserving individuals, and with a view to securing the zealous assistance and co-operation of such persons in locating settlers, preserving peace and order among their own people, and generally aiding in carrying out the views and wishes of the Government. I do not think, however, that such annuities should be all decided upon, immediately, or that any of them should commence at once. I shall be glad, however, to receive Mr. Mc Lean's Report and recommendation on this question. Of course no annuities will be promised beyond the lives of the individuals to whom granted. The New Zealand Company's Agent will be prepared to furnish the first instalment whenever required. (Signed) G. Eyre. 24th. April 1849.