Wanganui, May, 1846. My Friends, Some time since I was sent to you by the late Governor to ascertain your intention regarding the adjustment of your lands that you might live in harmony with the resident Europeans and you then expressed a desire to settle these matters, observing that you wished the Governor to send some person who would arrange with you concerning your boundaries at the same time stating your willingness to accept the award of Mr. Spain, namely £1000 in money. Since that time a new Governor has arrived who has been to see you, and who wishes to see you happy and prosperous living in amity with the pakehas in this District. To him you expressed the same wish that these matters should be settled, in order to effect which, he has sent me, as you will see by the letter now read to you, to enquire into your several claims, and to arrange with you the boundaries of the block of land, and when this shall be clearly understood by us both, to pay you the sum of £1000, which is a large sum of money and with which I trust you will purchase that which will become a lasting benefit to yourselves and your children. I am not here to try and persuade you to part with any land which you have not previously agreed to sell or which you may require for yourselves