and in doing so, imputing (by implication) to the Local Government, - either negligence or indifference, relative to these negotiations; which, were the imputation true, would properly be a ground of just complaint, on Mr. Fox's part. These two facts are:- First, - That efforts were made in 184- by Messrs. Bell and Clark, to acquire the Wairarapa district from the natives, and again Mr. Kemp, in the latter part of 1848, and beginning of 1849; but were unsuccessful, owing to causes with which Mr. Fox is aware, but which Government had no power of controlling; whilst since the early part of 1849, or from the close of Mr. Kemp's Mission, Government have, from time to time, been in communication with the natives, on the subject. Until September of that year, when Mr. McLean was requested to undertake the negotiations, and instructions issued to him in communications dated 26th. September, the 2nd. October, and the 22nd. October 1849; and of which the general tenor was embodied in your communication to Mr. Fox, dated the 22nd. September 1849. That circumstances prevented Mr. McLean from entering upon the negotiations entrusted to him for so long a time, no one can regret more than myself. But Mr. McLean was not an Officer of this Province; and had other duties in connection with New Ulster, of which the Local Government at Wellington had no knowledge, and in which they could not interfere; for their earnest and known desire to press forward negotiations, in every noticeable way, - I would refer to the promptitude and urgency with which their instructions were conveyed to Mr. McLean; to the deliberations of the Executive Council, on the subject; and to your letters to Mr. Fox, of the 22nd. September, and 8th, December 1849.