- That although the Government had no cognisance of the particulars of the circumstances which detained Mr. McLean at Taranaki, - they were given to understand generally that those circumstances had reference to land questions at Taranaki; also a settlement of the New Zealand Company; and one too at which I have been given to understand the Company were as anxious to have negotiations relative to the acquisition of further Blocks of land affected; as they had been in respect to the Wairarapa, Mr. McLean, therefore, although obliged to defer his negotiations relative to the latter, was detained, I imagine, under the orders of His Excellency, the Governor-in-Chief, on matters affecting their interests at Taranaki; and I need only point out to Mr. Fox, a fact well known to him, viz, - that there are very few persons in New Munster, either qualified or competent to act as Commissioner negotiating for purchases of land from the natives; and that consequently it was not in the power of the Local Government to nominate for the Wairarapa whilst the Officer was engaged under the immediate orders of the Governor-in-Chief, in attending to the interests of the New Zealand Company at their settlement in New Ulster. (Signed) G. Eyre. 27th. June 1850. Mr. Fox accordingly by 28th. June 1850.