there were already 1050 acres of the best land reserved for the natives when they signed the Deed. A proportion I believe vastly in excess of every other native reserve made by Government in the Southern Province. To add to such an extent 100 acres of land already the property of parties in England I cannot on the part of the Company agree to, especially when I am suddenly informed of it, contrary to all that has occurred previously. But I conceive I have equal reason to complain of the piece of land marked Public Native Reserve comprising 370 acres in the 12000 acre Block. I believe I am correct in stating that the natives from whom Mr. McLean acquired the land, agreed to sell the whole without any reserve for their use. I am certain this reserve was not made or marked out when the purchase was completed and they signed the Deed, which I witnessed, and not only did I receive no intimation untill seeing the plan you sent me to day of such a reserve being intended:- You yourself in a conversation with me not very long ago informed me that the only reserves would be some small ones required for Govt. purposes that there were to be none for the natives. Under these circumstances I beg to protest against the insertion of this reserve. I have (Signed) F.D.Bell Resident Agent Capt.H.King R. N. Resident Magistrate New Plymouth