Letter from Donald McLean, to the Honble, the Colonial Secretary, relating to the first instalment of Rangitikei purchase, dated 1st. May 1849. Wanganui 1st. May 1849 Sir, Referring to that portion of the fourth paragraph of your letter of 25th. ult., in which the gentleman acting on behalf of the Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company, expresses a desire that the sum to be paid immediately for the Rangitikei district should be somewhat less than One Thousand pounds, but at the same time stating that if necessary, he would be prepared to provide that amount, - I have the honor to state that, after maturely considering the subject in its various bearings, the conclusion I arrive at is that a less sum could not be judiciously offered to the Ngatiapas as a first instalment for their claims. I am happy to find His Excellency favourably entertains the reasons I have already adduced for requiring such a large sum at once. In addition to these reasons, and I should add that the Ngatiapas intend distributing among Chiefs not immediately connected with the tribe, some portions of the first instalment, in order to secure the acquiesence of those Chiefs to the disposal of their lands. I have therefore applied to the Acting Agent of the New Zealand Company to favor me at his earliest convenience with the amount of One Thousand pounds, as the first instalment. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. To:- The Honble. The Colonial Secretary, Wellington,