Wellington 28th October 1860 Dear Sir Will you be good enough to inform me whether the natives are at liberty to dispose of, by sale, to individuals, any of their lands held under the tiths either of Crown Grants, or ''Native Reserves''? - My enquiry applies more particularly to the lands (belonging to natives) between the Rivers 'Whareama' on the North, and Patanui on the South, in the Province of Wellington - The immediate object of my enquiry is to put myself in a position to guard against, as far as may be, the inconvenience I should be subject to, by the alienation of any native land within the boundaries of my run, to any individual other than myself. I have the honor to be Yours very obediently Edwin Meredith Donald McLean Esq. Native Secretary