Letter from Donald McLean, to Colonial Secretary, reporting proceedings in reference to Rangitikei purchase, dated 11th. April 1849. COPY Wanganui, 11th. April 1849 Sir, The terms of payment which I have the honor to propose for the consideration of His Excellency, the Lieut. Governor, and the Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company, for extinguishing the claims of the Ngatiapa tribe, to the district of land bounded on the one side by the Rangitikei river, and on the other by the South boundary of the Wanganui purchase, containing, as nearly as I can ascertain, Five Hundred Thousand, (500,000) acres of land, are as follows;- . That a sum of One Thousand Pounds, (£1,000) be paid to the natives, as a first instalment. . That a further sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Pounds, (£1,500), the payment of which should extend over a period of three or four years, as may be agreed upon with the claim- -ants, be given to them in full compensation for their claims. . I do not suppose that a smaller sum than I have mentioned for the first instalment would satisfy the different claimants, about five hundred in number, who have contracted debts in anticipation of receiving a large amount similar to what they are aware has been recently offered for a less extensive district, at the Wairarapa. Many other natives at the Manawatu, and elsewhere, who are at present tenacious of parting with their land, will be more readily influenced to do so if they find the Ngatiapas are satisfied with their first payment. . From the disorganised state of the Ngatiapas, owing to the loss of their principal Chiefs, in their wars during the conquests of Te Rauparaha, and the recent decease of one of their most influential men, Kawana te Hakeki, I perceive it would be difficult, without creating jealousies and discord in the tribe - to introduce life annuities, expecially if the payment of such annuities is not extended to several members of the tribe, some of whom are old men, between fifty and sixty years of age. To guard against discontent on the part of the neighbouring tribes, who have previously disposed of their land, without any conditions, for annuities; also to prevent discontent on the part of the inferior members of the Ngatiapa tribe, who are in many instances, larger possessors of land than the Chiefs, I would respectfully take the liberty of suggesting, with regard to this particular purchase, that the sums I have previously specified, should be inserted in the Deed of Sale as given in full consideration for all their claims as a tribe within the aforesaid boundaries; and that the additional pensions, if approved by His Excellency, should be paid in small sums, ranging from Five to Ten pounds, to the most deserving Chiefs, for maintaining order and regularity among their tribe, and for ensuring their co-operation and support, in carrying out the measures of Government. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your most obedient servant (Signed) Donald McLean. Inspector of Police. To:- The Honorable The Colonial Secretary Wellington.