Wellington, 22 Septr. 1852. Sir, In a conversation I had the honor of holding with His Excellency Sir George Grey, I represented to him the necessity of having the Native reserve between the Turakina and Whangaehu rivers retained entirely for the use of the Natives, and their increasing stock. I therefore write to acquaint you that His Excellency concurs in these views and instructs me to request that you will as the Resident Magistrate of that district prevent Europeans from leasing any portion of the said reserve, which is duly registered as a permanent property for the Natives and their descendants, and His Excellency further desires me to add that you will take proceedings against any one who may interfere with the reserve until you receive further and more positive instructions on this subject from the Colonial Secretary. I need scarcely remark to you that several attempts have been made by Europeans to lease the said land that it will be necessary to use some vigilance to prevent such proceedings. The toleration by the Government of such leasing would be generally regarded by the Natives as a violation of the treaty under which the Government in acquiring the Rangitikei district assured to the Ngatiapa that they should not only not be interfered with in the quiet and continued possession of the said district, but that every means should be taken to prevent the unauthorized occupation of it by Europeans. Signed, Donald McLean. Major Durie, Whanganui.