Rangitikei 21st. March 1849. Sir, Referring to our late Meeting of natives held at this river, and subsequent proceedings connected with the contemplated purchase of the Rangitikei district, I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of His Excellency, the Lieut. Governor, that the Chiefs Rauparaha and Rangihaeata did not come further than Manawatu with the rest of the natives who attended the meeting. Rauparaha stated that he was unable to travel as far, assigning as a reason, that he was seized with deafness and cold, on his journey from Otaki, and that his sons, Thompson, Martiu, Hakaria, and Taratoa, the Chief of Manawatu, were authorised and deputed by the elder Chiefs to act for them in their absence; it being unanimously agreed that the boundary of the land to be sold by the Ngatiapa tribe should be the Rangitikei river Rangihaeata, who had been for some considerable time, preparing large quantities of food for the Ngatiapas and other natives who were invited by him to the meeting, was evidently calcuating on their co-operation in opposing the right of the Ngatiapas to sell any land South of the Wanganui river. This Chief had also been led to expect that that the Ngatiraukawas of Otaki and Manawatu would unite with him in opposing the sale of land, as several influential members of the above tribe solicited Rangihaeata's interference in preventing the Ngatiapa sale, and requested him and his followers to sign a document embodying their determination to retain possession of all their lands. This disposition was generally and strongly manifested by the natives, when I commenced the present negotiations. In the meantime, some of the Ngatiapas were secretly encouraging the Ngatiraukawas to hold the Rangitikei country, but they were apparently averse to making any open declaration at a meeting to this effect; and eventually yielded their opposition, objecting to accompany Rangihaeata to Rangitikei; and Rawiri Puaha, a Chief of that tribe, stated to me that their reason for not going to Rangitikei was that they had no pretension of a claim to that district. The Ngatitoas, a few of the Ngatiawa Chiefs, with Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, then proceeded to Taita, a village on the Manawatu river, where a feast was prepared for them. The Ngatiraukawas accompanied me to Rangitikei; where, after some discussion, it was publicly and unanimously admitted that the Ngatiapas had a perfect right to sell the North banks of the Rangitikei; and that they should not distrust any Europeans who should settle there. But although they at the same time acknowledged the right of the Ngatiapas to a portion of the South bank of the river, they protested against its being occupied by Europeans; and stated that any attempt to do so would be considered by them as equivalent to a declaration of war on the part of the Government, with their tribe. I took notes of the different speeches at the Meeting, which I shall have the honour of transmitting with my general report on this purchase. I should observe that Rangihaeata appeared disappointed at finding that the natives generally did not support him more earnestly in opposing the sale of land; and his speech, delivered in my presence, to the natives assembled at Manawatu, and partly addressed to myself, was remarked on by the natives as being a more pacific one than he is generally in the habit of making. The only expressions used by him which I considered unfavourable, were insinuations that he yet relied on being better supported by a less vacillating people than his own tribe; and a remark that he would annoy the Ngatiapas, after they received payment for their land. This latter portion of his speech was after repeated by a Chief of Otaki, named Kingi Hori te Puke, and replied to by Te Ahu Karamu of Ohau; who said he would take no part in any such proceedings. I am, at present, unable to detail further particulars, as the mail carrier has arrived, and I am preparing to start to Turakina, having marked off the Parewanui Reserve, including the village of that name, on the North bank of this river. I therefore beg to state that I expect to be able, within ten days of the present date, to define all necessary reserves, such as the Pahs and cultivations, in the occupation of the natives; and explore some portion of the interior, so as to form an approximate idea of the extent, quality, and general appearance of the country, to enable me to transmit for His Excellency's consideration and approval, an estimate of the amount that will be required to pay to the natives in annual instalments, to complete the purchase. The services of an experienced and active surveyor, to accompany me to the interior, are very necessary. The sum which I propose to pay to the natives, subject to His Excellency's approval, as a first instalment for their land, is One Thousand Pounds (£1000) in silver; which amount I should wish to be placed at my disposal at Wanganui, with as little delay as possible, as the Ngatiapas prefer going there instead of Wellington, to receive their money. I have the honour to remain Sir, Your most obdt. humble servant (Signed) Donald McLean. Inspector of Police. P.S. Requisition for I quire Elephant paper, for mapping, enclosed; and for 3 skins of parchment. To:- The Honourable The Colonial Secretary Wellington. Mr. Kalham informed me that the N.Z. Company had engaged Mr. Park, as knowing the country Mr. McLean is purchasing. I have not yet received official notice of it; but however Mr. K. promised to send it immediately. (Signed) A. Domett, March 23rd. 1849.