Letter from G. Eyre, to Donald McLean, dated 24th. April 1848. Government House Wellington 24th. April 1848. My dear Sir, I send you up, per Brig, an order on the Company's clerk for £1,000, to enable you to complete the payments for the New Zealand Company's Block, if the natives will consent, and can agree among themselves to receive it on such terms as you may consider right and just. I am very anxious, if possible, that the affair should now be finally disposed of, if you can do so in a satisfactory manner; and it will be time for you to remain a few days longer to complete the arrangements; if you find there is a probability of your doing so successfully. You may tell the natives that I have given orders for a plan to be prepared for a Native Hospital; and as soon as ever the necessary preliminary steps can be taken, the work shall be commenced. I shall have all the funds ready. Have an eye to a good site for this purpose; which must be reserved, and should not be less than an acre in extent, - if so much can conveniently be procured. Let me hear from you by every opportunity, as well as respecting your proceedings at Whanganui, as relative to Mr. King and his party, and the disposition you found existing among the natives, on your line up the Coast, between Otaki and Whanganui. Should any difficulties occur making a reference here necessary, you will, of course, send off an express by the police, with directions to make all possible haste; and I will expedite my answer in the same manner. If it is a question as to Reserves, a sketch or tracing will have to be sent. I am, however, desirous that you should, -and I trust you will - accomplish a settlement of the whole affair, without any further reference. The "Fly" has arrived; and the "Rerehau"(?) sails for England on Thursday. Governor Grey is gone to the Bay of Islands, and not likely to come down South for some time. Yours faithfully (Signed) G. Eyre. To:- Donald McLean.