interested that there was no desire as they supposed to deprive them of the whole of their territory that the Govt. had a paternal interest in their welfare and desired to see them amply provided for not only as regarded their present wants but with a view to futurity. They might rely measures adopted by the Govt. would eventually be found instead of doing them injustice a certain means of bettering and perpetuating their race. I spent a night with Rangihaeta at Porotawas he strongly opposed the Rangitikei being sold, or to the Europeans acquiring more land in this district than they now possessed, while there intelligence arrived that Iwikau of Taupo sent a party to plant a place that had been cleared by Rangihaeata at Rangitikei this circumstance unequivocally demonstrated the Taupo chiefs determination to support Rangihaetas claim to that country. Iwikau is himself daily expected, a party of his followers are also at Wanganui. At the Otaki meeting the sale of Rangitikei was objected to Rauparahas speech was on the whole favourable and Rangi did not as previously disapprove of the north of Rangitikei on to Wangaehu being purchased. I have directed the attention of the natives at present principally to the Rangitikei question considering it most imprudent to introduce more subjects before there is a disposition to entertain them favourably. The present understanding is that all the tribes concerned are to assemble at Rangitikei to discuss the question of sale decide the boundary between the Ngatiapa and Ngatiraukawa and to arrange the matter so as to prevent future disputes between the natives which might ultimately involve the Govt. After seeing the Waikanae and Porirua Natives I will go on to Wellington to communicate further particulars and receive such instruction or advice as your Excellency may be pleased to favour me with, I remain, My dear Sir, Yours most respectfully, Donald McLean. His Excellency, Lt. Gov.Eyre, Wellington. The Barometer and compass left by mistake at Mr.Williams are forwd. by the bearer. D.M.L.