Waikanae, 24 Jany., 1849. My dear Sir, By the policeman that starts tomorrow morning for Wellington I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys letter of the 20th inst. received yesterday evening. I regret very much not being sooner aware of your Excellencys intention to visit Otaki as I should have postponed a public meeting held on Tuesday last with Te Rauparaha Rangihaeta presently at that place and the natives generally to await your Excellencys presence which would have had such a good effect with Te Rauparaha to whom however I explained on the evening previous to the meeting that it was your Excellencys desire he should render every assistance towards facilitating the present negotiations at Rangitikei. The old chief seemed proud at being noticed and considered as a supporter of the Govr. and accordingly promised his aid, stating at the same time that he made an attempt to meet your Excellency when on your way to Wellington but was too late to overtake you in passing the head of Porirua Bay. Before proceeding further I must briefly explain how I have been engaged since leaving your Excellency. I held a meeting of the Ngatiapa claimants at Awaho at which they unanimously without even one dissenting voice agreed to dispose of their land to the Govt. the boundary to commence at a Kaika tea bush 3 miles north of Manawatu extending a long distance inland excluding a tract claimed and occupied by Taratoa. After the meeting I requested the principal claimants to accompany me to Manawatu to discuss the question with the Ngatiraukawas who opposed the sale. They did so and fully adhered to their sentiments expressed to me at the meeting. Taratoa and other chiefs disclaimed their right to sell the land and protested against their selling any on the south banks of the Rangitikei stating to me if it was even paid for they should hold possession of it. Finding the natives of Manawatu were labouring under false impressions of the intentions of Govt. respecting their lands, I used every endeavour to explain to the Chiefs and parties interested that there was no desire as they supposed to deprive them of the whole of their territory that the Govt. had a paternal interest in their welfare and desired to see them amply provided for not only as regarded their present wants but with a view to futurity. They might rely measures adopted by the Govt. would eventually be found instead of doing them injustice a certain means of bettering and perpetuating their race. I spent a night with Rangihaeta at Porotawas he strongly opposed the Rangitikei being sold, or to the Europeans acquiring more land in this district than they now possessed, while there intelligence arrived that Iwikau of Taupo sent a party to plant a place that had been cleared by Rangihaeata at Rangitikei this circumstance unequivocally demonstrated the Taupo chiefs determination to support Rangihaetas claim to that country. Iwikau is himself daily expected, a party of his followers are also at Wanganui. At the Otaki meeting the sale of Rangitikei was objected to Rauparahas speech was on the whole favourable and Rangi did not as previously disapprove of the north of Rangitikei on to Wangaehu being purchased. I have directed the attention of the natives at present principally to the Rangitikei question considering it most imprudent to introduce more subjects before there is a disposition to entertain them favourably. The present understanding is that all the tribes concerned are to assemble at Rangitikei to discuss the question of sale decide the boundary between the Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa and to arrange the matter so as to prevent future disputes between the natives which might ultimately involve the Govt. After seeing the Waikanae and Porirua Natives I will go on to Wellington to communicate further particulars and receive such instruction or advice as your Excellency may be pleased to favour me with, I remain, My dear Sir, Yours most respectfully, Donald McLean. His Excellency, Lt. Gov.Eyre, Wellington. The Barometer and compass left by mistake at Mr.Williams are forwd. by the bearer. D.M.L. Wanganui, Hanuere 3rd, 1849. Ehoa e Iwikau te Heuheu, Tena koutou ko au tangata noho mai nei ki Taupo ki Tongariro. E tama me he mea ko te oranga iho a ti tuakana e tae atu ano au ki kona ki te mihi atu kia korua, ko tenei ekore pea au e tae wawe atu ki te aroha tonu au kia te Heuheu kua mate - Kua tae mai tou pukapuka ki au mo Rangitikei. E pai ana e mea ana hoki te wakaaro Ngatiapa kia tango i te nui mo ratou ana i te Pakeha. Me he me e kite mai koe au ki runga ki Tongariro ki Taupo e Kaiapa haere ana i te one one ka puta mai. Tou ki atawai a anei kone ranei, ko tenei na Ngatiapa ano te wakaaro aroha ki nga pakeha e taea hoki na te pehi. He mea kino koia te Pakeha kia noho tata ho atu he mea pai. E tama me karanga me atawai me aroha nui te Pakeha. E Wakaae ana a te Ruaparaha kia tuku a Ngatiapa i tona whenua mo nga pakeha, ko noho nga pakeha ki Rangitikei ka tata ki tau e mea mai ki nga kai pakeha ki nga weruweru ana ka tata kia korua ko Mokau hei homai i te Rangimarietanga i te aroha i nga tini o nga mea hei wakanui i te Tangata, ko nga kupu ki a nga tangata ki akoe e he ana engari ano ki tau kia ngaware nga ki Heoi ano ra e koro e ora mai ana koe i to tuawenua waiho te ki o te tangata kia puta kahatia hoki koe i te ki kau Ha te hoa, Ha te Makarini. Manawatu, 17 Jany., 1849. Dear Sir, I received your letter of the 16th ult. applying to reinstate your brother Edwin in the New Plymouth Police Force, and recommending young Shaw as a lad well adapted for the same employment. I regret that at present I cannot hold out any prospect of their being enrolled in the service prior application having been made for any vacancies occuring, however I am glad to find two such respectable persons are desirous of joining the Corps and shall if any future favourable opportunity offers bear their wishes in remembrance. Yours very truly, (Signed) Donald McLean. Dr. St. George, New Plymouth. Wellington, Feb. 10th, 1849. Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th Decr. applying for a privates situation in the New Plymouth Police Force, but I am not aware that there is at present any probability of the Force being augmented, or vacancies occurring to which you can be appointed. I am extremely sorry to hear that you have sustained such a severe loss by the cattle destroying your crops at Moturoa. I am, Sir, Your obt. servt., Donald McLean. Mr. Charles N. Rowe, New Plymouth. Wellington, 13th February, 1849. Lt.Govr. Eyre, Sir, I do myself the Honor to enclose for your Excellencys Information a Copy of the Statistical returns of the New Plymouth Settlement for the year 1848. The various migrations and changes among the Natives of New Plymouth has prevented my Obtaining an accurate Census of their Numbers so as to enable me to insert them in this Return I should however estimate those situated within the limits of Mr. Spains award between the Sugar Loaf Island and the Taimoa at 1100 Souls being upwards of 400 in excess of the number last year which is accounted for by the Return of the Ngatiawas of William Kings party to Waitara. In comparing the returns of 1847 with those of 1848 it is found that 80 persons have left the Settlement during the year, of which Number 42 were Adults and 38 Children the Births during the same period have been 48 and Deaths 10. The Importation of live Stock from New South Wales in the year has been 258 head of Cattle and 31 Horses. In the Revenue Expenditure exhibited in the Statistical Schedule there are several Amounts Included which were paid to the Natives for land and which has been chiefly expended by them in the purchase of useful agricultural implements Horned Cattle Horses and such other Articles as were most likely to tend to their amelioration and Improvement. I have the Honor to remain Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant, Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Otaki, 20th Jany., 1849. (Ngatiraukawa tribe) Friend Mr. McLean Wishing you well this is our word to you be cautious of the words of your people of the Ngatiapa, who persist in selling Rangitikei on to Manawatu, that is the boundary they desire to sell, there are only two more left. Friend McLean, if you consent to what they say give them your money, but the land shall not be given up to you. Listen, if you wish to purchase, let it be the other side of Rangitikei, do not consent to buy this side it will not be given up, all the people (the natives) have determined to hold the land, the boundary is Kukutairaiki that boundary shall be ours, presently the Europeans may say the evils arise from us from the natives. This is all our talk at present from us from the Ngatiraukawas to Mr. McLean. The original of this translation was addressed to me by Hakariah the principal teaihu at Otaki. (Sgd.) Donald McLean. A true translation. (Sgd.) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. To Mr. McLean, Manawatu. Heuheus letter. Pukawa December 5th, 1848. Friend Mr. McLean, Will you not consider what the natives are about in giving up their land with you rests some thoughts on that subject. Let your consent be to the purchase of some land, and object to the purchase of other land. My words are respecting Rangitikei it is not for myself alone I live carelessly as I am but it is Mokau or Rangihaeta it is for him I wish you to have thought or consideration. The Governor or you should not listen to the natives who persist in selling Rangitikei let that place alone before we have disturbances these were my words to Mokau which caused him to remain peaceable be cautious let not your desire or requests for land be made so near to Mokau. He Mokau is lamenting his lands at "Arapara" at "Mana" Porirua at Kapiti at Waikanae at the Onei te mai near Otaki this is all he has given up large possessions of land. Consider in your heart that two places have caused the late disturbances that is Port Nicholson but principally Heretonga or the Hutt these evils originated at these two places. Consequently these places above mentioned have been given up. All the lands are given up as payment for Te Rauparahas release, the places left for him to reside on are Manawatu and Rangitikei the natives are you see giving up land to you to the Europeans. Give up this place to Mokau leave it that our words be not wrong that mine be not wrong, that Potatau or Te Wherowheros be not wrong, and that the Governor to us both be not wrong. Listen to the above words. Mokau is lamenting his lands there are only the two places for him to rest on, presently if these lands are persisted in he will rise against the Maories and that occasions me some concern, but what I also think much of is the bad words or curses of these people to me that "I should be bitten by sandflies" at Wanganui another curse has been used to me "Kikokau" or cowsflesh Whero-whero has also been termed "a roasting stickfor Parrots" These are the evils of these people who never think of sending any payment for their lands up here. Let them abandon their great sayings or blustering and use easier words. Do not pay any attention to the words of the natives who disapprove of the words of myself and Mokau when they say "it is not right for those persons to interfere with my land" originally the land was theirs, in these days it is Mokau's and Te Rauparaha's land this is my opinion if he lived on the land in the water or on the great ocean the land should be theirs. That River Rangitikei is mine taking its source from Tongariro and Waikato I am going there to be near European food and clothing do not cut me off that I may be near the Governor and the Europeans also. This is all from Te Heu Heu Iwikau. P.S. This translation may in a few expressions differ slightly from one I handed to His Excellency the Lieut. Govr. when I received the letter such as the curse "Kikokau" which might be translated "all flesh" but I understand from the natives that the word in this instance means "cowsflesh" and the curse originated in a threat of Heuheu's to take possession of some land at Murimotu on the interior ranges between Taupo and Wanganui claimed by the latter people who retaliated by saying they would delight in eating the flesh of Heuheu's cows if he sent them there. (Sigd.) Donald McLean. Wanganui 29th. May 1849 Sir, Herewith I have the honor to enclose an Original and a copy of a voucher, certified by Major Wyatt, Resident Magistrate, Capt. Campbell, Mr. Park, and Mr. Sutherland, D.A.G.G. of the payment by me of the sum of One thousand pounds, to the Ngatiapa tribe, as the first instalment of purchase money for the Rangitikei district. In pursuance of the intimation contained in your letter of the 1st. inst., that the Auditor General wished to have receipts from the Wanganui natives for the advance made to me in 1848. I have, in this purchase, used the precaution to take separate receipts, independent of the Deed of Sale, from the Ngatiapa Chiefs, for the payment to them of One Thousand Pounds, an original of which, with its translation, is herewith transmitted. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) Donald McLean. Inspector of Police. To:- The Honble, the Col. Secretary. Wanganui, 16th May, 1849. We the undersigned do hereby certify that we have this day witnessed the payment by Mr. McLean of the sum of One thousand pounds, £1,000, to the Ngatiapa tribe as the first instalment of purchase money, for the district of land excepting native reserves, lying between the Rangitikei river and the boundary of the land designated the Wanganui block. Alf Wyatt, Major 65 Regt. Res. Magistrate. Robert Park, Surveyor. I. M. M. Sutherland, D.A.C.G. Mr. Campbell, J.P. A true copy. (Sigd.) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Wanganui, 16 May, 1849. Kua homai e te makarini i tenei ra kia matou nga Rangatira e Ngatiapa e mau nei nga ingoa ki raro o tenei pukapuka mi matou mo a matou tangata me era atu hoki e uru nei ki tenei tukunga whenua nga Pauna moni katahinei mano takitahi £1000 i roto ana moni i nga pikekotahi rau tokitahi £100. Ko te utunga tuatahi tenei mo a matou whenua i tuhituhia nga rohe ki roto ki te Pukapuka Tuku whenua i korerotia mai kia matou e te makarini i tuhituhi ai o motou ingoa me e matou tohu i tenei ra. Na Aperhama his X mark Tipae Reihana his X mark Kingi Hori his X mark te Hanea Paora his X mark Turangapito Witnesses to the Signatures and marks of the above chiefs Sgd. Alex. Campbell. A true copy. Sgd. Donald McLean. Wanganui, 22nd May, 1849. My dear Sir, My time has been so much occupied with the Ngatiapa for the last few days that I could not settle down to write, therefore, I am afraid my hurried report on the Rangitikei purchase will be rather deficient in details which I shall make up for by sending another communication with the certificates accounts etc. Rangihaeata sent me a message that he did not desire to attend the Ngatiapa meeting although he previously expressed a wish to do so, but he acknowledged the compliment paid him by requesting that I should remember to give him some "utu" of course I could not do so out of the purchase money which the Ngatiapas were to receive as he could not establish any legitimate claim to the soil, but I would respectfully suggest to your Excellency whether to ensure his good will and the security of settlers on the Rangitikei it might be adviseable to give him some present from here such as a little tobc. and perhaps a £10 bag of money the Ngatiapas themselves also intend giving him a part of their payment so that if your Excellency sanctioned my giving something besides he would be quite satisfied. Whenever I have finished the little after details of the Ngatiapa purchase I will visit Rangihaeata before commencing to open the Manawatu question and shall await any other orders which your Excellency may send me. In my report I have not alluded to the ferry reserves or the Native reserves previously noticed to your Excellency as the option of all these affairs rests in your Excellencys hands before the district is conveyed to the Company. I remain, My dear Sir, Yours most respectfully, Donald McLean. Wanganui, June 5, 1849. My dear Sir, By todays mail I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 28th ult. I am most desirous to carry out your views respecting the acquisition of more land on this coast especially at Manawatu and shall visit that river in the course of a fortnight to ascertain what terms can be made with the natives if a purchase can be advantageously effected, I shall go on at once with operations in that quarter although I am not very sanguine that there is a general disposition on the part of the natives to dispose of much land there, beyond what they consider themselves indebted to the Company for the goods originally paid for that district. I have told the chiefs of Manawatu that they are in honor bound to restore an equivalent in land for these goods and they seem convinced of the propriety of doing so. A claim is therefore already established which I shall endeavour to turn to the best advantage but should I forsee at Manawatu that considerable time would be occupied in carrying out the necessary details and arrangements, I should be inclined to make a preliminary investigation and let that district stand over for a time, say till next summer and endeavour in the meantime to acquire land at Taranaki. Sven at Taranaki I do not discern favourable prospects of purchasing land as the interested inhabitants are naturally disposed to represent. If the natives desired anxiously to sell their lands they would have made their wishes known to me as soon as such a desire became unanimous. Mr. Park has finished the laying out of some town sections at Petre and I am anxious to avail of his services for a few days at the expense of the Govt. to survey a small village site for the natives at Putiki opposite the Europeans. I have told Mr. Park that I did not suppose you would object to his being so employed. Afterwards he intends to survey the reserves which were not completed by Mr. Wills who was obliged to leave here in consequence of his mother's death before the land question was settled. There are two reserves at Rangitikei respecting which the Lt. Governor has spoken to you which will require to be surveyed by Mr. Park when these are decided on by Mr. Park and myself I shall leave him to carry on the survey, while I proceed to Manawatu. I observe the Taranaki people although full satisfied with your liberal and judicious arrangements have differed with their own committee. I am in hopes that the recent notice published by you holding out inducements for persons in this colony to send for their friends together with existing tranquility and amicable understanding with the settlers and natives will be the means of inducing immigrants to our shores, and although the possession of so much land by the settlers may keep the company out of the market for a short time a few ships with immigrants would soon buy up all their land and leave you to pursue your land sales without the slightest competition as it is quite evident that New Zealand has never been in such a fit state for their reception. I should be inclined to make only a preliminary investigation and let that district stand over for a time say till next summer, endeavouring in the meantime to acquire land at Taranaki I find that pressing the purchase of land where the natives are not spontaneously disposed to sell or at least the majority of them will only frustrate and prolong instead of facilitating our operations. Even at Taranaki I do not discern such favourable prospects of acquiring land as the interested inhabitants are naturally disposed to represent. If the natives desired to sell their lands they would readily communicate their wishes but the only place lately spoken of by the natives as for sale is a fine grazing district at Otamatua 50 miles south of Taranaki to the sale of which there is as yet considerable opposition manifested by some of the claimants. It is true that some of the Waitara and Puketapu Natives wish to sell but unfortunately their claims are intersected with those of others who will not be easily persuaded to come to terms for their portions of land which would have purchases concluded under such circumstances absolutely valueless to the settlers, however there shall be no opportunity or endeavour lost on my part in acquiring land wherever there is any prospect of doing so advantageously. Mr. Park has finished laying off some town sections at Petre I am anxious to avail of his services for a few days at the expence of Govt. to survey a small village site for the Natives at Putiki opposite the European settlement. I have told Mr. Park that I did not suppose you would object to his being so employed afterwards he intends to survey the reserves which were not completed by Mr. Wills who was obliged to leave here in consequence of his mothers death before the land question was settled. The Lieut. Governor informs me that he has spoken to you respecting two reserves at Rangitikei when these are decided on by Mr. Park and myself I shall leave him to survey them whilst I proceed to Manawatu. I observe the Taranaki people although fully satisfied with your liberal and judicious arrangements have in some instances differed with their own Committee. I am in hopes the recent notice published by you holding out inducements for persons in this colony to send for their friends, together with existing tranquility and amicable understanding with settlers and natives will be the means of induceing immigrants to our shores it is quite evident that New Zealand has never yet been in such a fit state for their reception. While I agree with you that the large extent of land acquired by the settlers as compensation is sure to impede ready sales by the Company still when we view the matter prospectively, the fact of these settlers having so much land must be a certain inducement to their friends to join them thus absorbing all the surplus land and eventually leading to increased demands for the Companys possessions. I remain, My dear sir, Yours very truly, Donald McLean. Wanganui, 9th June, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to transmit to you for the approval of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor the inclosed account of One hundred and ninety one pounds two shillings being the amount of daily allowance due to me, from the date of my leaving Taranaki for Wellington on the 5th December 1848 to the 5 June 1849 inclusive. May I request you will have the goodness to sign the Certificate on the voucher in reference to the performance of this service. The Auditor General having requested your signature to a similar voucher connected with the Wanganui purchase, I have the honor, etc.etc., (Signed) Donald McLean. The Honble. The Colonial Secretary, etc. Wellington. Enclosure as noted above. To an allowance of one Guinea per diem from 5th December 1848 the date of my leaving Taranaki for Wellington till 5 June 1849 inclusive As authorised by the Hon. the Colonial Secretarys letter of the 11th Oct. 1848 to the Resident Magistrate at Taranaki a certified copy of which is hereby forwarded. Wanganui, 9th June, 1849. I hereby authorise Kenneth Bethune Esq. to receive for me from the Colonial Treasury at Wellington the sum of One hundred and ninety one pounds two shgs. being the amount due to me as per letter and voucher transmitted to the Colonial Secretarys office. (Sgd.) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. The Honble.H.W.Petre, Colonial Treasurer, Wellington. Wanganui, 25 June, 1849. Sir, In obedience to the instructions contained in your letter No.49/430 of the 4th inst. I have the honor to transmit to your office a translation of the deed of sale of the Rangitikei district. I have the honor, etc. (Sgd.) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Wanganui, 25th June, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor that Mr. Park has received instructions from the Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company to prepare a plan or plans of the Wanganui block on which the extent and position of the native reserves within the block are to be shown previous to the issuing of a Crown Grant for the district to the Company. Owing to the changeable and severe state of the weather Mr. Park has not as yet been able to commence this service which will occupy some time as considerable information is required in addition to what has been already furnished. The following paragraph from Mr. Parks instructions conveys an idea of the surveying to be performed. "2nd. One or more plans of the Reserves executed in the manner and on the scale of that sent herewith No. 2 but containing (in addition to the particulars therein given) the length of the sides in chains, the contents of the angles, the estimated area of each reserve and where practicable a bearing to some unchanging feature of the country. Where the shape of the reserve is at present irregular and not rutilinear it will be best to square it on the give and take principle, the object being to ascertain at a future period what are the boundaries when the lines and stakes may have been destroyed". As Mr. Park may have frequent occasion to refer to me while conducting the above surveys I consider it may be adviseable to remain at Wanganui till matters are in a general train for him to go on before proceeding elsewhere. One or two of the native reserves in this district are bounded by old survey lines which have grown up, and which I intended to have resurveyed by Mr. Wills before he left this settlement, but being deprived of that gentlemans services before the surveys were completed I beg to submit to His Excellency, that it would be desirable to have such boundaries defined staked out and made known to the natives so as to prevent any possible difference or misconception arising respecting native boundaries after the Crown Grant is issued. I have the honor, etc. (Sgd.)Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Wanganui 25th, June 1849. Sir, Under instructions from the Colonial Secretary I have the honour to remit to you the sum of One Guinea (£1.1.0) which was found over, in counting the silver furnished to me to pay the first instalment of purchase money for the Rangitikei District. I have the honour to remain Sir, Your most obedient servant (Signed) Donald McLean. Inspector of Police. To:- The Honourable The Colonial Treasurer etc., etc., etc., Wellington. Wanganui 25th. June 1849. Sir, In accordance with your letter of the 28th. ult., I beg to inform you that I have transmitted to the Colonial Treasurer, the sum of One Guinea, found over, in counting the First Instalment of One Thousand Pounds, for the Rangitikei purchase. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your very obedt. servant. (Signed) Donald McLean. Inspector of Police. To:- The Honble, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Wanganui, 26 June, 1849. Sir, I beg to transmit to you for the information of his Excellency the Lieut. Governor the enclosed minutes of a meeting held at Te Awahu Rangitikei on the 15th and 16th days of March last to gether with a copy and translation of a letter from Hakariah the principal teacher at Otaki dated 20 Jany. expressing the opposition of the Ngatiraukawa tribe to the sale of land especially on the south bank of the Rangitikei. Having alluded to the proceedings of this meeting in previous communications it may be unnecessary for me in transmitting the minutes to offer any further remarks on this subject. I have the honor, etc. etc. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Wanganui, 2nd July, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to transmit to you for the approval of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor the enclosed accts. connected with the Rangitikei purchase which were expended as follows: 1st, The amount of £16.13/- in Voucher No.1 includes the payment made to forty three natives who were employed in pointing out their respective claims between Turakina and Rangatikei also the articles paid for a Canoe and Seven Natives in coming up the Rangatikei river as reported in myletter of the 10th April last. 2nd. In the same voucher articles to the amount of eight pounds nineteen shillings were expended for four Canoes and natives employed in exploring and pointing out their claims on the Wangaehu and Mangawhero rivers. No. 3. In the same voucher there is an expence of One pound seventeen and eight pence for food supplied to Ngatiapa claimants visiting Wanganui. No. 4. A charge of Three pounds five shillings for food to the Natives attending the meeting when the 1st instalment of One thousand pounds was paid to the Ngatiapa. No. 5. A sum of nine shillings for stationary. I have caused the charges in this voucher amounting in all to Thirty one pounds three shillings and eight pence to be divided as above enumerated that they may if necessary be more easily classed under whatever heads of expenditure it may be desirable to place them. The receipts of Aperahama and Wunu the two chiefs who distributed to the natives most of the different articles specified in Voucher No.1 are herewith forwarded. Voucher No. 2 amounting to £7.15.3 was expended in presents to the native chiefs of Wanganui and Waitotara who attended by invitation the several meetings in connection with the land question held at Manuatua Rangitikei and Wanganui. Voucher No. 3 amtg. to 19/4 is for food supplied to sick claimants and other natives. Voucher No. 4 amounting to £1.18.9 is for stationary purchased at different times up to the 29th of June. I have the honor to remain, etc. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Wanganui, Hurae [?] 2nd, 1849. Kua homai e te Makarini Kia matou ki nga tangata o ngatiapa nga hate nga tarauite nga parai kete nga tupeka me etahi atu o nga me a i tangohia mai mo matou i te whare e Wiremu wate hei utu mo a matou toko i nga a waka i Rangitikei i Whangaehu mo te haerenga hoki e a matou tangata e wha te kau 40 ki te wakaatu i e matou one one kia te Makarini. his Aperahama X Tipae mark his Te Wunu X Rangiwerohia mark his Hamuera X te Rangiao mark Kai titiro ki mei tuhinga ingoa Sigd. Alex. Campbell. W. Elwis, Lieut. 65 Regt. Wanganui, 2nd July, 1849. Mr. McLean has delivered to us the people of Ngatiapa the shirts, trowsers, blankets, tobacco and other articles which were purchased at Mr. Watts Stores as payment for our Canoes in going up the Rangitikei and Wangaehu rivers and for our people forty of whom accompanied Mr. McLean to point out their respective land claims. his Aperahama X Tipae mark his Te Wunu X Rangiwerohia mark his Hamuera X te Rangiao mark Witnesses to the writing of these names. Sigd. Alex. Campbell W. Elwis, Lieut. 65 Regt. A true translation. (Sigd.) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Wanganui, 26th June, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to report to you for the information of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor that on the 11 Inst. I proceeded up the Wanganui river with the Revd. Mr. Taylor to attend a meeting of natives at Mangamuotene a river which empties itself into the Wanganui district from this settlement about one hundred miles. Having ascertained that various jealousies and misunderstandings existed on the part of the chiefs in the interior respecting land and other subjects I was induced to attend this meeting which I considered as affording a favourable opportunity to explain ar and remove any unfounded misapprehension these chiefs might entertain. Nothing of particular interest occurred in going up the Wanganui the natives on the river quite disregardless of the severity of the weather which blew and rained heavily seemed animated by the utmost anxiety to attend the meeting and we were accompanied from each Pa as we passed with a numerous train of natives and canoes. We experienced considerable difficulty in getting up the Mangamuotene the winter floods had occasioned the channel of this river is narrow bounded on each side by steep high clay slate banks with several dangerous rapids requiring activity and skill on the part of the canoemen to pass over them with safety. Several accidents occasioning loss of life are said to have taken place on this river; the waters of which descending from the snowy ranges of Tongariro are so completely shaded from the sun by high mountainous ranges and heavy timber that a person falling in becomes very soon benumbed with cold. An unfortunate woman in one of the last canoes of our party was drowned when attempting to save her child who fell overboard at one of these rapids all efforts used by the husband and others to save her were unavailing. Although we entered this river at 2 o'clock in the day and our encampment was only three miles distant evening had set in before we reached Te Arero Pa where we hauled our canoe on a small flat covered with 120 besides. We ascended to the Pa with some difficulty being like most of the positions occupied by the natives in this district admirably selected for guarding against the sudden approach of an ememy a very necessary precaution when these tribes lived in a state of perpetual hostility. Several of the Pas in this part of the country are so well fortified by rocks and natural bariers that they can only be approached by ladders which are let down and taken up at pleasure. On the morning of the 15th we started to Otatake, the village where the meeting was held passing over a continued succession of hilly and broken country, with here and there small spots of taro, kumera and potatoe cultivations. On entering the village we found each party of natives as they arrived or were arriving busily engaged in erecting toi toi huts and tents the latter being chiefly formed of red and white blankets calico or whatever garment could be most easily spared to afford temporary shelter from the heavy sleet which was falling. These tents studded about on the different embankments surrounding the village to gether with the large assemblage of people congregated in the depth of winter in such a peaceable harmonious manner as compared with former years in a wild sequestered part of the country formed a more picturesque and interesting scene of New Zealand life than can be easily imagined. On the 16th a plentiful display of food was presented to the meeting consisting of twelve hundred kitts of kumeras several large hampers of taro with pupus made of bark containing a variety of birds boiled in their own fat which preserves them for two or three years besides dried eels from Waipa inangas or white bait from the Taupo lakes and a quantity of pigs and potatoes. The usual ceremony of dividing the food being over I had conversations in my tent with Pihi Te Manaku and several of the most influential chiefs who informed me that they were under some anxiety respecting interior claims at Taupo Waikotu and Murumotu an unavailable wooded district situated some distance inland of the Rangitikei purchase which they suspected had been included by the Ngatiapa in the boundaries of that purchase. I assured them such was not the case, and that there was no intention of interfering with their distant and distinct claims which explanation seemed to give perfect satisfaction as they had been informed to the contrary by some natives who are constantly in the habit of circulating exaggerated reports of whatever occurs especially in connection with the purchase of land. From what I could discern Te Mamaku and his followers appeared to magnify these unfavourable reports in all cases where European interests were concerned and to support an opinion similar to that frequently expressed by their late colleague Rangihaeita such as that the Europeans were gradually acquiring all the country and would soon disinherit the natives of all their rights leaving them like those at Port Nicholson without any land to settle on but rocks, from which they were driven from time to time by the Pakehas. To such of these arguments as were adduced in my presence I gave the natives a convincing proof to the contrary by alluding to the ample provision in land made by the Government for the natives in the late purchase at Rangitikei and to the benefits accrueing to that tribe from such liberal arrangements for their superfluous land. I find that the natives in the vicinity of the European settlement are so conscious of the advantages they derive by exclusively monopolising the sale of firewood and produce for the troops that they have been using various expedients to keep those who have been engaged in hostilities against the Europeans from participating in these advantages representing to them that they were not quite forgiven for previous offences, and that they should be apprehended if they came near the Settlement. This vein so much in accordance with their own revengeful customs was readily believed and caused a most unfavourable feeling which was likely to increase had these natives not been assured that such threats never originated with the European authorities, who would feel pleasure, so long as their conduct deserved it of extending to them, as to any others who visited the settlement the same impartial protection. The unfavourable state of the weather prevented many of the Waikato and Taupo people from attending so that the natives present at the meeting did not exceed fifteen hundred a much smaller number than was expected. I had some conversation with Te Mamakv respecting his claims at Wanganui, which I find by his own admission to be inconsiderable he seemed offended that as he was a great chief he did not receive two bags of money instead of one, when others received so many. I gave him to understand that as he received a considerable portion of the first payment by the New Zealand Company that the amount I awarded him was considered a full equivalent for his claim, he then expressed some dissatisfaction with Hamarema the person authorised by him to receive the money and ended the conversation by saying he was glad to have seen me hold a korero respecting his claim. I said that although he was a great chief he could not on that acct. alone be paid for land he did not claim to the exclusion of the legitimate owners. On the 18th I returned with Mr. Taylor to Te Arero, where we were obliged to delay a day from the dangerous state of the river, several land slips having fallen into the channel during the night. On the 19th we ventured down the Mangamiotene the torrent of water shooting ps past the several rapids at railway speed. In the evening at Parikino, where the natives offered to dispose of a tract of land at Matatara some short distance below their Pa on the left bank of the river extending to the Mangawhero and including probably about twenty five thousand acres of land. This tract of land joins the Wanganui Block and could be acquired on reasonable terms if the ownership of portions of it which is at present disputed by the Ngatiapa of Operiki can be easily ascertained and adjusted. The desire of the Parikino tribes and of Aouni Wiremu of Putikiwho conjointly with them is a large claimant to dispose of this land arises in a great measure from an apprehension that the disputed claims may be productive of serious differences between them and the Ngatiapa some of whom threaten to abandon the land on which they are residing and take possession of what they consider their rights in the disputed district. On the 20th I arranged with Taipo a Tunuhaere native to assist Mr. Park in pointing out the Tunuhaere reserves and reached Putikiwharanui in the afternoon. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your most obt. servt., Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Wanganui, 6th July, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to acquaint you for the information of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor that in pursuance of the instructions conveyed in your letter No. 415 of the 26th May I employed Mr. Park to lay out a native village at Putiki the original map of which is herewith transmitted and a copy furnished to the natives. The laying out of this village promises fairly to lead to a most beneficial change in the state of the Putiki natives who have except in one or two instances willingly acceded to the breaking down of large portions of their Pa to make way for wide healthy streets instead of the muddy contracted cross paths they hitherto used. One respectable native house of similar dimensions as Te Raupuruha's at Otaki has been erected by George King the chief of Putiki and four other houses of a similar description are in course of erection on the new town allotments. It is quite pleasing to witness the burning down by the natives of some of their filthy old huts which generated so much disease and to witness the preparations making to replace these huts by comfortable buildings constructed in the style of neat verandah cottages. I will furnish Mr. Parks account for the expenses of this survey when he returns from Whiretoa where he is employed in taking the bearings of the native reserves in that part of the district. I have the honor, etc. etc. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. The Honble. The Colonial Secretary, etc. etc. Wellington. Wanganui, 6th July, 1849. My Dear Sir, Availing myself of your Excellencys permission to write to you occasionally I forward this note of proceedings by the Governor Grey Schooner which sails with the first fair wind to Wellington. Various political questions were discussed by the natives at the meeting up the river especially by Te Mamuku Pehi and others the attendance was not however so great as I expected owing to the inclemency of the weather, which also prevented the chiefs from making their usual speeches in the open air where I should have had a better opportunity of ascertaining their general feelings. Te Mamaku had a long korero respecting his pretended claims at Wanganui his disatisfaction at not receiving more utu arises more from a troublesome disposition and a desire to make himself of importance than from any legitimate right to the land his particular district being at Manganuioteao and Tuhua. He acknowledges that Hamarama was authorised to receive his share of the payment and expresses disatisfaction with the manner in which that native disposed of some of the money in purchasing blankets and other articles without first consulting him. There appears to be a great deal of jealousy similar to that expressed by Rangihaeta respecting land existing among the upper Whanganui natives, who were united with that chief in the late Hutt war, it would be most desirable if your Excellency could occasionally detach an officer of the Government to visit these tribes. The weather interferes sadly with the progress of the necessary surveys in this district and I conceive it would be injudicious to leave till they are in a fair way of being completed, although I am getting anxious to commence fresh operations, the mapping and after details of a purchase requires two surveyors to get through the work with any degree of expedition. Mr. Taylor is desirous to obtain a Crown Grant for the mission station which is held by the Society under a deed from the natives consequently I have directed Mr. Park to survey it when laying out the native village as it forms a portion of their reserve. A map of Putiki village including the mission station is forwarded by this vessel, owing to interruptions and bad weather Mr. Park has been a month performing this service being a much longer time than either of us calculated for when he commenced. The work is however very creditably performed, and will confer a lasting benefit on these natives besides they are such an imitative race that the populous Pas on this river will soon be enabled and disposed at their own expense to follow the example of the Putiki natives. Mr. Taylor and I have intended proposing Hoani Wiremu Hipango of this place as a native assessor he is a most active intelligent native and well disposed he would be quite an acquisition to those already appointed. On the map of the village your Excellency will perceive that he has selected a spot for himself some distance from the Pa where he intends to have a neat garden and cottage something he says to surpass all the rest, so that the Governors may see his improvements when they next visit Whanganui. Aperahama Tipae of Whangaehu would also be a good assessor he acts already among the natives in that capacity although I believe he has never be recommended to your Excellency as a proper person to Gazette it would be desireable that the native chiefs should receive a copy of the Govt. Gazettes in which their appointment as assessors appears. The only other chief of the Ngatiapa capable of fulfilling such an appointment satisfactorily is Hori Kingi Te Hunea of Rangitikei who is an elderly man of some influence. I am glad to hear that the Hawks bay natives seem anxious to dispose of their lands and I hope Mr. Mantell will succeed in acquiring land in that vicinity it is quite as well that he should visit port Cooper before commencing negotiations as the natives by the time he returns will be more determined in their desire to sell and thereby render the acquisition of the district less troublesome. A large body of natives from that coast are shortly expected at Manawatu to a Tangi-hunga. I find it will be necessary from the jealousy still existing among the natives respecting their lands to proceed with great caution in the Manawatu question. I am now when opportunity offers quietly pursuing some enquiries on the subject and find that allowing some time to elapse before agitating the question immediately after the Rangitikei will be considerably in my favor and probably induce the natives to make overtures to the Government instead of pressing the matter on them as they will never regard a forced bargain as binding. If I find the arrangements there cannot be satisfactorily carried out I would prefer letting them stand over till the summer months when the surveys and other operations could be conducted at much less expence. The Whanganui settlers who have been throughout especially the original ones such severe sufferers feel deeply indebted to your Excellency for the kind manner in which you have introduced and supported their claim for compensation (for losses sustained by the troops) in your legislative Council. I remain, My dear Sir, (Signed) Donald McLean. Whanganui, 16th July, 1849. My Dear Sir, I am glad to inform your Excellency that the Whanganui surveys are progressing favourably the natives in every instance as yet recognizing all the boundaries of those reserves of which in the absence of a surveyor I was only able to give them a verbal explanation. There are still some back lines and one or two side ones which to have the reserves entirely completed to my satisfaction should be cut, but as Mr. Park is conversant with the localities my superintendance would be unnecessary as they would occupy a much longer time than your Excellency would probably feel disposed to let me remain here. To-morrow I intend starting with Mr. Park to the reserve at the Northern or Kai Iwi boundary when that is finished a few days more completes the Whanganui work then we start for Otakapo a small reserve on the Turakino fishing lagoons thence across to the Rangitikei and up the river to Otara selecting the place for the two reserves sanctioned by your Excellency for the future location of friendly natives, while Mr. Park is surveying these reserves, after their position is selected I will go on to Manawatu and see what can be done there from what I have ascertained this afternoon the natives in that quarter are becoming gradually more disposed to part with some land. A few interesting Native cases have lately taken place at this Settlement of which as I was in some measure accessory to their adjudication I must give an account to your Excellency. The first of these were three cases of adultery among the natives themselves, these were decided on by the assessor in Hori Kingi's new house, the whole circumstances of the separate crimes underwent a careful investigation and the guilty parties were fined ten pounds each to be paid in canoes pigs produce and cash or such of those articles as could be most readily contributed by the offenders. The next cases were at the Resident Magistrates Court who requested my attendance. A man named Hair had some sheep of Mr. Harrisons under his charge they were allowed to run at large without a shepherd on the south bank of the river, the native dogs attacked and killed some of them two months ago, the dogs were seized and the suspected dog killed afterwards they again attacked the sheep I was not present at the enquiry but it seems that a dog which had been found killing the sheep was released and recently 12 or 14. more were destroyed. I explained to the assessors and the other natives that our law was to destroy or secure all destructive dogs, especially those who injured sheep, and that the owner of such a dog after being aware of his propensity for sheep killing became responsible for the subsequent injury done by that dog, therefore I trusted none of them would persist in keeping mischievous dogs - they all replied they should not, and that besides two now in charge of the police for killing the last sheep they had themselves destroyed ten. Hair urged a claim for compensation, but Major Wyatt declined declined the admission of the case in a strictly official manner, and preferred reporting the matter to the Colonial Secretary which he has accordingly done. I trust however that with due regard to European interests some leniency will be extended towards the natives in enforcing what may be considered as strictly legal in such cases at least until they are more fully conversant with English legislation, although their code if it may deserve that designation does not in this particular case differ very widely from our own as far as I can judge from comparative cases I have known and analysed. Still there is a rudeness about it that wouad render the gradual introduction of our code more acceptable. It has frequently occurred to me that the holders of sheep and cattle should be ogliged to keep a herd to look after them otherwise they may roam at large destroying the labour of the industrious agriculterist whose crops may be exposed to their ramblings beyond the limits of their proper runs, moreover the sheep unable to protect themselves from vicious starved native dogs are as apt to stray over a native reserve where these dogs are most numerous as on any other part of the district. The next case was a claim by some natives on a log of timber bearing their mark, which was sunk in the river and was taken from there by the Gun boats crew. In this case the natives were given to understand that all loss in the river excepting those immediately fronting their reserves were European property, therefore they could not claim them, this decision was quite satisfactory and they were further informed that although their right was extinct inasmuch as some of those logs imbedded in the river and obstructing the channel were injurious to the navigation there was no apparent objection to their removing them so long as no objection was made by the Europeans to their so doing. The other cases being much in the usual routine of Court business I need not allude to them. I must not however pass over another subject which has been rather overlooked at this Settlement and that is the absence of inquests being held on the bodies of persons dieing suddenly from drowning violence or such other causes as may have occasioned death, two cases of sudden death occurred here within the last week one was that of a soldier who was found dead and buried up in mud or dung in a stockyard not far from the public house. No notice whatever seemed to have been taken of the circumstance and being a soldier I did not interfere. On Friday last another man named Hobbs a carpenter from Wellington was found dead in his bed some slight notice as far as sealing up the mans effects was taken of this and I called on Major Wyatt to request a more formal enquiry should be instituted as these circumstances occurring and passed unnoticed by the magistrates was a certain inducement to crime of which some of the many bad characters about Whanganui would take advantages by considering themselves at liberty to commit murder without fearing the results. An enquiry into the circumstances was held this forenoon at the Police Court which properly speaking should have taken place before the body was removed on the day of his death he was however examined by Dr. Rees and appears to have died from overflow of blood in the head. This and circumstances which have previously occurred induced the Magistrates today to address your Excellency through the Colonial Secretary for a district Coroner and I am quite of opinion that Dr. Rees would be a most eligible person for such an appointment neither do I conceive that he would expect any further remuneration for performing such a duty than the usual fee paid to a medical man when his attendance is required for such an occasion. Two or three circumstances of death by murder and death by poison have been stated to me as having occurred at this place whether these aspersitions have any truth in them or not it is quite impossible now to decide, but such whisperings attach a certain stigma to a place of which it may be altogether undeserving. There are many deaths at present among the natives and sickness is more than usually prevalent. Hoping your Excellency will forgive the freedom with which I have introduced some of the subjects in this letter, I remain, etc. etc. Donald McLean. Whanganui, 16 July, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to transmit to you for the approval of His Exy. the Lieut. Governor the enclosed accounts amounting to Forty pounds ten shillings for the time Mr. Park has been employed surveying the native villages. I enclosed to the Auditor General yesterday accounts for a man employed as labourer by Mr. Park amounting to Four pounds four shillings. I have, etc.etc. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. To the Honble. The Col.Secretary, Wellington. Wanganui, 23rd July, 1849. Sir, I beg to transmit to you for the approval of His Excellency the Lieut. Governmr the enclosed Vouchers of Messrs. Taylor and Hall amounting as per margin to £9.9.10 for expenses incurred in going up the Wanganui river and for presents to Pehi and some of the principal chiefs who attended the meeting reported in my letter of 26th ult. I 9/8 have also to enclose Vouchers as per margin for repairs of 19/7 1/2 tent food to sick natives and ten cases for containing 15/- maps and deeds that have been furnished to the Government and to the natives. Amounting in all to £2.4.3 1/2. I have the honor to remain, etc. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. The Honble. The Colonial Secretary, etc. Wellington. Manawatu, Augt. 6th, 1849. Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters numbered and dated as per margin to which I shall forward separate replies by the next overland mail. On receipt of your despatch of the 16th ult. which I received on Friday last (after returning from the interior of the Rangitikei plains) I communicated with Major Wyatt and the Rev. Mr. Taylor furnishing the names of the chiefs up the Whanganui river who I considered the most eligible for holding the office of Assessors when I hear from these gentlemen I will report to you more fully on this subject. I intend to visit Rangihaeata this week and expect to meet some of the Manawatu chiefs today to ascertain their views with reference to the acquisition of land on this river. As far as I can at present learn the natives here have not as yet relaxed so much in their opposition to the sale of this district as I should have wished. I have the honor to remain, Sir Your most obt. humble servt. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. Manawatu, 4th August, 1849. My Dear Durie, A large mob of the Ngatiapa are on their way to Porirua and seem very anxious respecting the issue of Wades charges against them some of which seem most exhorbitant, especially the horse sold to Hunia a miserable animal which if fairly valued would not be worth more than £15 if so much - 20 has been already paid on a/c. and Kawana has been collecting to the amt. of £4 or £5 more to liquidate the charge, so that I trust the Bench will treat him with leniency and grant some time for paying the balance as the circumstances under which the horse was left with the natives will quite justify such forbearance the other cases I do not know much about but the natives are taking as much money as they can with them to pay whatever debts they owe. It seems that Tamati Wiremu has made a demand on the natives for issuing summonses amtg. to £1.2.6 this should of course have been paid in court instead of being pressed to pay before their case was heard he also objected to refer the matter to me when the natives wished him to do so, making some remarks at the time which may entitle him to a slight reprimand from you. I am glad to see the natives coming forward so readily and were I not engaged I should stretch a point to go on with them as they were partly induced to come on under the impression that I should but I must remain here a few days to settle some little matters before going in to Wellington. Aperahama Tipae proceeds with the Ngatiapa to Porirua he may be of some assistance to you although he is not gazetted as an assessor he is however recommended as an eligible person for the appt. Yours very truly Donald McLean. Wellington, 12 December, 1848. Sir, I do myself the honor to enclose for your Excellencys information a copy of a letter which I addressed to Capt. King the Resident Magistrate at Taranaki with reference to the purchase of a block of land of 1500 acres in the Puketapu district. Subsequently to Capt. Kings receipt of my communication the sum of two hundred pounds, therein alluded to, was handed over to the Natives, and the money expended in the purchase of 22 heifers and steers 3 horses and acask of tobc. the majority of the claimants having executed a deed of sale. The reasons which induced the Resident Magistrate (the present Agent of the N.Z. Company at Taranaki being a party to the transaction) and myself to bring this negotiation to a conclusion so far, are so fully specified in the enclosure that it may be unnecessary for me again to repeat them, further than to observe to your Excellency as I had the honor of doing yesterday, that I do not consider the purchase in the present state of the Manawatu, 7th Augt., 1849. Sir, Paratine Ihakara and Wereta have informed me this morning that you have purchased from Mr. Compton the house which he occupied at "Kutikutira" and that you intend to locate a European with his wife and family at that place. The above natives appear quite opposed to the establishment of any other European than Mr. Compton at Kutikutira therefore I should recommend you not to encourage any Europeans to settle there in opposition to the wishes of the natives more especially in the present unsettled state of the land question in the district. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servt. (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. James Cook, Esq. Manawatu. Manawatu, 7 Augt., 1849 Mr. Burr. Can I trouble you to come down to the Rev. Mr. Duncans tomorrow forenoon as I am desirous to have some conversation with you respecting the land question. Yours truly, Donald McLean. Manawatu, 6th Augt., 1849. Sir, I have the honor to report to you for the information of His Excellency the Lieut.Governor that on the 23rd ult., three days subsequent to the receipt of your letter of the 10th July I left Wanganui for Manawatu having on my way staked out and defined the boundaries of a native reserve at Otakapo near some fishing lagoons situated about half way between the Turakina and Rangitikei rivers. I next visited the Rangitikei natives at Parawanui to enquire into some misunderstanding that had arisen between one of these natives and Mr. Skipworths overseer respecting the land on which Mr. Skipworths sheep were placed. Before proceeding to detail this case I must briefly notice the causes in which the difference originated. 1st. The Ngatiapa tribe were generally under an impression that on Europeans arriving in their district they as the original proprietors of the ceded country should unite themselves with them for mutual protection and that they should consequently reap every advantage to be derived from the erection of houses and other employments the settlers might require entirely excluding other district tribes from participating in such employment and even quarrelling among themselves as to who should have the right of claiming the first Pakehas or Europeans who should settle at the Rangitikei. 2nd. While the Ngatiapa were at Wanganui receiving the first instalment of purchase money for their land a European in the employ of Mr. John Wede at Porirua arrived at Rangitikei and agreed with a native named Panapa and the Ngatirangatahi since they abandoned the Hutt after the late war (who are a distinct tribe from the Ngatiapa and squatters on the south bank of the Rangitikei) to erect a house for Mr. Wede which was accordingly done the Ngatiapa, on returning to Rangitikei were surprized to find that before they had scarcely handled the "Utu" for their land a house was built on it and they naturally doubted the Europeans authority for such a hasty and ill advised proceeding informing him at the same time that they objected to the erection of the house till they should ascertain whether he had come there by the sanction of Govt., having been previously informed that no European should lease squat or hold lands without such sanction. The chief cause however of their annoyance was that a distinct tribe from themselves should step in their absence to build the house and thus deprive them of the work which they wished to monopolize. On reflecting however that they had sold their land they entirely withdrew their objection to the erection of the house - The Ngatiapa were anxiously looking forward to the arrival of more Europeans determined that they should take the lead in placing them on the most eligible situations for grazing their stock, in this they were again disappointed by Panapa and the Ngatirangatahi natives who eagerly watched the arrival of Mr. Skipworths overseer of whom they had previous notice and who they conducted with his sheep to some land where Reihana demanded a large reserve as communicated in my report of 10th April and entirely relinquished by him as notified in my report on the Rangitikei purchase of the 21st May. 3rd. Penihamine a relative of Reihanas finding that the Europeans were taken to this land by natives against whom he had a concealed grudge remonstrated against the sheep being brought there adducing various unimportant objections to the occupation of land which he had desired to reserve and which included the finest timber and sheep grazing tract in the district. A Ngatiraukawa chief named Paraone married to Penihamini's sister, Panopa, and several of the Ngatirangatahi with Mr.Bell the overseer who seems a prompt and decided man informed Penehamini that they would not be influenced in the slightest by his objections - the natives stating that they were quite aware that the land he urged a claim to was distinctly and fairly included in the purchase, therefore they should decidedly support the Europeans in taking possession of it. The Rangitikei natives also ridiculed Penihani's conduct and Reihana afterwards nearly came to blows with him for interfering with land for which he signed a deed and received payment. The most influential of the Rangitikei natives requested me not to notice this squabble which arose on the part of an obstinate inferior native whose feelings of jealousy and stubbornness they had frequently trouble in controlling, but which would cease on his part as well as on that of others who might be similarly disposed whenever more Europeans for which they were so anxiously contending came to reside among them. I assembled this tribe inviting the Ngatirangatahi from the opposite side of the river to be also present and explained to them that I trusted from the trouble care and expense incurred by the Govt, in placing them in such independent and comfortable circumstances for furthering their improvement in wealth and civilization by the purchase of their land under arrangements which provided amply for their own future and present wants. That they should now endeavour to abandon their old offensive customs and prejudices which were rapidly disappearing among the more civilized tribes in the Island and which combined with their avaricious and inhospitable disposition frequently exposed the Europeans who came in contact with them in travelling along the coast or otherwise to some most disagreeable treatment, and impositions which would not now be tolerated. From Parawanui I proceeded up the Rangitikei plains employing a few of the Ngatiapa and Ngatirangatahi chiefs to accompany me, by this means convincing the Ngatiapa that they could not always expect exclusive employment from the Europeans unless their good conduct entitled them to such preference. I called at Mr. Skipwo rths station which is judiciously selected on a beautiful spot of land well suited for sheep grazing and abundantly supplied with wood and water - At this station I found Paraeone with whom I had some trouble when adjusting the native claims. He assured me after a long favourable speech that he would not forget my advice to him at that time which was to be friendly to the Europeans. As a proof of his good intentions he had come to reside with the first who settled in the district and while he continued to do so they need not however isolated their position apprehend the least annoyance from any member of the various tribes with whom he was connected including those of Taupo Waikato and Manawatu and should Rangihaeta ever attempt to annoy the Pakehas again he should take care he did not molest those he would take under his protection on the Rangitikei the chief requested permission of me to be allowed to plant potatoes for the Europeans on a small wooded spot of land on the north banks of the river where he has cultivations. I told him that from the position of the spot he desired which I looked over with Mr. Park that I did not consider there would be any objection to his using it for the purpose he expressed at least for a few years and if his behaviour during that period was in accordance with what he now professed I had no doubt the Govt. would hereafter make some more permanent provision for him to ensure his residence among the European settlers. From this station I went to te Kauhanga and crossed the Rangitikei to a Pa occupied by Panapa and a party ofthe Ngatirangatahi tribe thence I had some intention of proceeding inland as far as Otara but deferred undertaking such a long journey in obedience to His Excellencys desire expressed in your letter of the 10th ult. that I should lose no time in commencing negotiations at the Manawatu. I went with Mr. Park some distance inland of this settlement to point out the position of a reserve of te kiri kiri bush on the road to Taupo the survey of which has been at present delayed owing to the difficulty of getting it finished within any reasonable time from the continued severity of the weather. The object of this reserve and of another of a similar descriptionis to provide land for the future location of friendly natives in such positions as may render them a protection to the settlers who might be subject to annoyances from natives passing to and from Taupo and other parts of the interior. The position of one of these reserves I intended to fix somewhere between Porirua and Otara, but have not decided on the exact spot till I have more time to accomplish my contemplated journey to see the Otara natives respecting interior boundaries etc. Having only as yet communicated with them by writing on this subject entrusting Panapa (from whom I first experienced much opposition but who is now favourably disposed) as the bearer of the letter. On the 21st inst. I took a canoe down the Rangitikei where I met an old savage looking native named Mohi who wished for a reserve near te "Aki Aki" opposite te Awahou where he had erected poles to show the extent he required. These I ordered him to pull down taking some of them down myself and explained to him that arrangements once concluded could not be altered, that the map of the land was now gone to the Governor therefore it was tapu and I should expect him to relinquish his cultivations on the north side of the river before the expiration of three years to which he assented remarking that he desired the reserve so as to be near the bones of his son the late Kawana Hakeki as the rest of the Natives would at the expiration of three years abandon the cultivations which induced them to remain at te Awahou and he should be left a solitary individual to watch over the bones of his dead son without a piece of land to cultivate this deprivation I told him could be easily remedied by his joining the natives on the Parawanui reserve which was close at hand and where he and his relations had extensive cultivations. Moreover a considerable reserve was already made for Te Hakiki's grave although it was more than probable that he and the rest of the Natives would in accordance with a desire already expressed by many of them remove Te Hakiki's bones to their large burying ground on the general reserve between the Turakina and Wangaehu rivers instead of leaving them carelessly unenclosed on land which must be trodden over by the cattle of Europeans. On the 3rd instant I left Rangitikei for the Manawatu where I am engaged in preliminary investigations respecting the land question. I have, etc. etc., (Sd.) Donald McLean. MEETING AT TE AWAHOU. Thursday, 15 March, 1849. Hunia with you the strangers or Ngatiraukaua is the talk I have little to say. Wirihana. I wish to marry the Europeans and to ask Mr. McLean if he will agree to this. Taratoas Huruhuru All we have to say is to keep this side of Rangitikei up to Taupo. Tanekapa. Same words. Mohi. All I have to say is about the sale of my land. A Ngatiapa. We have married our land. Old Kingi addressed the Ngatiraukauas who recited a piece of poetry all to gether in good chorus time to the effect keeping their land, A tall man of Ngatiapa said my land is my own I have grown on it lived on it with all its grass and everything it contains I give it up to you Mr. McLean. A Ngatitou Chief. Alluded to his having saved the Hakeki. Hunia. In reference to their old wars and his father having saved or favoured Te Rauparaha - a very good speech about their old quarrels. Kingi Hori. If you sell the land I will take possession of it and take it from the Europeans after you receive the payment for it but not before. Te Manihere Ngatiapa. I give up my land Taratoa that I before spoke to you about all of it I give up to the Queen. Te Wunu Wangaehu. Welcome Welcome - you are all the Governors people and we are all the Governors people and the Queens. I commenced to sell land to the Europeans. My land I give up all of it to the Queen, all our claims are given up to the Governor. You yourselves encouraged Europeans first to come among us. We want Europeans among us to feed their cattle and sheep among us. It has been a subject of correspondence for three years the sale of our land. Kingi. Otaki. Talk mouth to mouth talk about your land our joint land - have your say and we shall have our say - our voice is to have the land sold on the opposite side of the river we are now crowded on both sides Wanganui north of us is sold to the Europeans Wellington south and Porirua - now this is Rangitikei - you may sell this to the Europeans but Mr. McLean do not let the pakehas come on this side. Rameka Wangaehu. Welcome Welcome the Ngatiraukau etc. all I have to say is that I give all my land up to the Europeans every part of it. Ugly. A Ngatiraukawa chief. stated that if they sold this side of the river it would cause disturbances and recited a piece of poetry in which they all joined chorus indicative of their determinatior to hold the land on the south bank of the river. An old chief of the Ngatiapa said let us have little talk Ngatiapas do you all agree to sell your land - they all replied yes. A Ngatiraukau chief violently opposed the sale of land to Europeans in said instance the Wairarapa a few of the fools of that place offered to sell their land but on consideration, they would not sell for any amount. Ko Kiao E Peni. Christianity has made us one people welcome welcome I have been in slavery Christianity has released me - I did not first introduce Europeans you yourselves set the example. Pakau te Poraua. Ngatiraukawas do you all agree to sell the north side of Rangitikei to Mr. McLean - General reply - yes. Ropata Ngatiapa. Ngatiapas do you all agree to give your land to the Queen - Yes - To theGovernor - also yes. Panapa Ngatiapa. I will not give up my land No - No - I love my land too greatly to give it up your place is England you have no right here. Kawana Paipai Wanganui. I have nothing to say about the land I have come here as a visitor to hear the talk. It is an old custom my friends to meet together. Ngapuhi first sold their land we are now all being taught the Ngapuhis first sold their land. E Mohi Te Warewiti. It is good to speak openly in daylight that the Pakeha may hear with both ears what is said our talk and the Ngatiapas. Paraone. Let us retain some of our land for firewood What are we to have for ourselves if we give it all up to the Europeans Rangitoto is my tikitiki or great place. ? It is right you should welcome us we were friendly long ago before the new tikanga took place. We had also quarrels before then - but we should always keep friendly. Just look Mr. McLean the boundary we claim is the Rangitikei your people shall have one side and we shall keep possession of this side, but our retaining possession of it will not be for ourselves but for you also. Taratoa. All your talk about friendship to me is correct - the land this side is mine I will hold this side and never will give it up no never. I will not give it up forever. The other side if I agree to it will be given to the Europeans but not without Mr. McLean will not purchase land foolishly. Timoti - Ngatiapa. This south side of the river is for you Mr.McLean for me also and for the Ngatiraukawas. Te Tukupou. The other side is all we will ever give up. Turatoa. Be mindful of my words: Now be just look at the other side the other side is for you but do not come on this side if you wish to have peace. The Governors brother Major Durie and all of you Europeans present remember what I say to you this side if you attempt to take it will not be given up by us. There is not a person to say a word to you Hori Kingi come come you are welcome. Me. McLean - Talk all I have to say is that the natives should decide their boundaries between themselves Decide a boundary to preserve peace that you may not keep constantly quarrelling and trespassing - Ihakara. If it were a boundary between ourselves we should not be so stubborn about it. Koputara stream would be the boundary between us as natives but as Europeans are in question Rangitikei is decided on by us as a boundary for the Europeans. Meeting closed food served out. March 16th, 1849. Martin Ngatiraukawa. E Ngatiapa e Hunia tokuhou. We are now under a new law a law of peace. I was in the hands of all the tribes on the coast Ngatiruanui Wanganui Ngatiapa. It is only now we are getting wise the Europeans teach us wisdom - we are all children, we were all children it is only now we are acquiring knowledge. All I have to say to you Ngatiraukaus and Ngatiapas is to become old in wisdom. Mr.McLean I have nothing to say the words of each party are strong so that those who desire to do impartial justice are not heard. Kuruki the foot struck - Kiriwai burning in fire, Arapeta is my mark a man taken by him in war now ferryman at Rangitikei. Ihakara. If you pay the Ngatiapas for the land to the Ngatiapas you shall possess it and I shall possess it we shall never give up our land and we give you this open warning. Rawiri Ngatiapa. What Martin says is right we shall not add fuel to fire we are both strong in contending for the land. We will hold to our intentions and you will do the same. We shall all be put down very likely by the Europeans let both of us persist in our inclinations. The reason of our strength is on a/c. of the words of Te Kawana who is now dead we wish to adhere strictly to his last injunctions of giving his land to the Europeans. Taratoa and him would have arranged the matter were he alive. He Kawana gave up all the land we own it is written in the pukapuka, Rangitikei is now in the ocean or given up to the sons of the ocean the Europeans. Te Whaitere. There is not a single place reserved for us. Mana-watu is given up to the Europeans as payment for their goods - we have given up all the lands to you - not holding one spot - And all we think of is our religion which we wish to enjoy in quietness - We cannot take from you what you have in your hands. Taratoa. I have not a word to say Rangitikei is all I have to speak about. Do you wish for strife I will hold all this side, and the other side shall be yours. Rangitikei Rangitikei Rangitikei shall be the boundary - Kingi Hori. I now get up to speak. Welcome Welcome Welcome my friends grandchildren and sons - Welcome - E kone te po nei tuarua rawa mai - Ki tohu mai E Kiri ko te Ao Ko te Moe - Ki The land the women the canoe the Greenstone are our three great things. I was not the first to take to Europeans they are new to me. Do not talk of the evils of other places. Taratoa has come to me four times to talk about land. Makohai, Rangitoto. We were fixing houndaries before now let us not conceal. You will go on E Toa with your talk and I will go on with mine. Ihakara do not speak as you have done. Kingi Te AhuAhu. I shall hold our joint property - our joint property - The Europeans and him. Kingi te Puki. This is my wife I shalluhold her pointing to the land. Rangitikei shall be our boundary. Your law is not to allow any trespass on other peoples boundary, this is mine and you had better not trespass on it that is the land you have got from the Ngatiapas this is my determination for ever and ever. T.E Ahu. Listen Omurupapuku is the cause of this long talk - E Ahu e Te One One mau Omurupapuku. This is a great meeting the cause of all our disturbances was the want of previous meetings. McLean the boundary is Rangitikei a boundary formed by God - the other side is for the Queen and the Governor if you wish for this side let us go to the Govr. and declare that we shall fight for it in open daylight when the sun is shining. Mr. McLean What are the boundaries? let me know openly to prevent future differences. Omurupapuku Pukehinau Ko Matiu a i nga i Korangitia hei whe heotiano - Purakau wakaari oroa ko te awa, Otara inland - Aperahama Tipae. All the people are the Queens I will not consent at one line - The governor has all the people and I am his also. Hori Kingi. It is Ngatiraukaus do you retain this iwi or determination all replied Yes I know what determination that is. Do you consent that the Ngatiapas should have their own land. Yes. And that the Europeans should have the opposite side of the Rangitikei river. Yes. Ngatiapas Do you agree to the land being yours Ngatiapas Yes - Do you consent that no Europeans should live on this side 10 Ngatimaniopotos consented Yes - and Paihana Ihaka and either one or two more of the Ngatiapa claimants consented - the others objecting to do so as they promised all their lands to the Europeans. Mr. McLean - Ngatiraukawas I wish to hear you repeat your consent now given that the Europeans shall occupy the north banks of Rangitikei they all consented Yes. That the Ngatiapas should also have their own lands as far as they claim them. Yes. That you shall not also interfere with the Europeans on the north banks of the river, no we shall not interfere with them no we shall not. Meeting dispersing. Kawana Hunia. Taratoa stop listen to my word I consent to the Europeans settling at once on the other side of the river. This side we have agreed to as we have agreed about it so let it remain, the Europeans going on the other side. Taratoa replied. Speak speak. It is right for you to talk. I am vexed the Ngatiapas agreed not to sell this side. Dispersed - in a great hurry about 1 P.M. Doubtful. Not present. Manawatu, 4th August, 1849. My Dear Durie, A large mob of the Ngatiapa are on their way to Porirua and seem very anxious respecting the issue of Wades charges against them some of which seem most exhorbitant, especially the horse sold to Hunia a miserable animal which if fairly valued would not be worth more than £15 if so much - 20 has been already paid on a/c. and Kawana has been collecting to the amt. of £4 or £5 more to liquidate the charge, so that I trust the Bench will treat him with leniency and grant some time for paying the balance as the circumstances under which the horse was left with the natives will quite justify such forbearance the other cases I do not know much about but the natives are taking as much money as they can with them to pay whatever debts they owe. It seems that Tamati Wiremu has made a demand on the natives for issuing summonses amtg. to £1.2.6 this should of course have been paid in court instead of being pressed to pay before their case was heard he also objected to refer the matter to me when the natives wished him to do so, making some remarks at the time which may entitle him to a slight reprimand from you. I am glad to see the natives coming forward so readily and were I not engaged I should stretch a point to go on with them as they were partly induced to come on under the impression that I should but I must remain here a few days to settle some little matters before going in to Wellington. Aperahama Tipae proceeds with the Ngatiapa to Porirua he may be of some assistance to you although he is not gazetted as an assessor he is however recommended as an eligible person for the appt. Yours very truly Donald McLean. native population in the Puketapu district fitted for the location of settlers until we have a larger European population and a more general and spontaneous desire on the part of that tribe to settle on an extensive and amicable footing the long pending and perplexing land question. I am happy to observe that there are at present various indications of a desire on the part of several of the most obstinate chiefs to adjust this question, and I have no doubt if left alone for a time, that it will be brought to a more advantageous and satisfactory termination. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your Excellencys most obt. humble servt., (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. His Excellency George Grey K. C. B. Governor in Chief. Wellington, December 12th, 1848. Sir, One of the subjects which I had the honor of bringing verbally under your Excellencys notice yesterday was the want of a Native Interpreter for the New Plymouth district. I now beg to submit in writing the reasons which appear to me to render such an appointment necessary. 1stly. Cases of disputes and trespass between Natives and Europeans which could be adjusted in the Resident Magistrates court cannot be satisfactorily enquired into or the real origin (or nature) of such disputes accurately ascertained in the absence of an intelligent and accredited organ of communication between the Natives and the Government. 2ndly. A delay in adjusting such cases however trifling they may appear at the time they take place is often productive of discontent and difficulties of various descriptions so rapidly accumulate that it afterwards becomes a matter of tedious investigation to arrange. 3rdly. As it is important that a person in constant communication with the Natives on the part of the Government should be under a certain degree of discipline and superintendance I should respectfully take the liberty of suggesting to your Excellency that the person selected for such a situation be place in connexion with the Armed Police establishment to be at all times available for the Resident Magistrates court superintending road parties of Natives when employed by Govt., and in my absence from Taranaki to collect reports of Native proceedings and such other matters as it might be essential to acquaint Capt. King with for Your Excellencys information. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your Excellencys most obt. humble servt., (Signed) Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. His Excellency, George Grey, K.C.B., Governor in Chief. Wellington, Decr. 13th, 1848. Sir, I have the honor to bring under your Excellencys notice that it would be highly advantageous to the European and Native inhabitants of New Plymouth to have a sum of money expended in opening a public road towards Mount Egmont through the blocks of land that have been acquired by purchase under your Excellencys instructions from the Ngamotu and Taranaki tribes. On these lands the settlers are fast locating themselves and they find that the farther they retreat towards the interior mountain ranges the more fertile the soil becomes. This beautiful district in the neighbourhood of the most peaceable Ngatiawa tribes promises to become numerously inhabited by an industrious and persevering class of settlers, if a road is formed to explore the country so as to enable them to select their lands in the most available parts of it. It will also be the means of consolidating the settlement by preventing the Europeans from scattering over the face of a country where many of the Natives are not yet sufficiently well disposed for their reception. Some of the peculiar difficulties with which the New Plymouth settlement is surrounded, by the constant return from different parts of the colony of the original Native inhabitants would be in some measure removed by employing parties of such Natives under the directions of the Govt. in road making. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellencys most obt. humble servt., Donald McLean, Inspector of Police. His Excellency, George Grey, K.C.B., Governor in Chief. Poneke, Tihema 22nd, 1848. Ehoa e te Mamaku, Teu a koutori me ki Wanganui ko au tangata noa o mai kua tae tau pukapuka kia kawana kerei ki akarana no toua taenga mai ki konei ki Poneke ka me mai ia a te kawana. Ki au kia tuhituhi atu e au tenei pukapu ki a koe na. Kahore hoki a te kawana kupu heoi ano taua i me mai kia noho tahi koutou ko au tangata i runga i nga mahana me mia i nga wakaaro o te atawhai o tetahi ki tetahi. Ko te kupu i ki mai kae mo nga utu o te wenua e tika ana taku karangatanga ki akoe hei aha kua i te ngaro kae. Ku puta taku wakaaro ki te peke kotuhi mou, ngahuru nga pauna ki roto, ki hoatu kia Namarama te kaumatua e nohi ki to tuawakine a wakaae mai kae maua te wakaaro ki nga mea e karangatia ki tau ingoa, kahore hoki he konero atu mo tenei he mea kua tako to tika ngawahi mo nga pakeha mo nga tangata Maori ake tonu atu. Na te hoa, Na te Makarini. Wellington, 23rd Dec., 1848. Mr.Halse, I have this day received your letter of the 11th instant reporting the return of Aubrey from Auckland, Wherowheros intention of paying W.King a visit, a soldier having deserted from Wanganui Private Aubreys desire to leave the force, and Mr.Cookes mention of the Europeans at the Waiwakaiho complaining of Honi Ropihas sleeping away during the day. I feel much obliged to you for your careful collection and transmission to me of the different subjects you have communicated. With respect to Private Aubreys leaving the Police Force I have no objection to his doing so as there is a probability he may better himself at Auckland. I will therefore write him a discharge terminating his connection with the Police on the last pay day in the ensuing month Jany. - he will of course apply officially in writing for his discharge assigning the reason inducing him to leave and if such reason appears to you satisfactory and likely to be conducive to his interest, then hand him the discharge, if otherwise delay the discharge till further order - Mawatu Hanuere 12, 1849. Enoa e Mokau, Ki te rangi korero o Ngatiapa mo te one one kia tukua mo nga pakeha ekore kae e pai kia haeremai kia congo hoki koe i o ratou kupu. E kore au e pai kia wakahaerea pukutia nga tikanga mo te wenua engari ano ki taku me korero i runga i te ra e witi ana kia rongo kia kite hoke tera tangata tera tangata. Katahi taku kupu koia tena ka puta atu ki a koe, kei wakaaro hoki tou ngakau e wakakape ana a hau kiakoe i nga wakaminenga korero ki enei wahi. Na te Makarini. Heoi naku. Not forwarded in consequence of a large meeting being contemplated.