New Plymouth (undated (- March 1847?)) Sir, I do myself the honour to acquaint you, for the information of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor, that in pursuance of instructions received from His Excellency in reference to Land Purchases in this district, I proceeded on the 9th. inst. with a surveyor, whom I engaged at 10/6 per diem, to survey the external boundary of a block of land offered for sale by the natives to the South of the Sugar Loaves; and engaged a party of natives principally owners of that block, at the rate of 1/6 per diem, to cut the boundary lines. Another Surveyor, with a party of Europeans, and some of the Police, are employed cutting and clearing up old lines, preparatory to laying out the native reserves in the Moturoa district. I have the honour to remain Sir etc., etc., etc., (Signed) Donald McLean To:- The Honourable The Colonial Secretary etc., etc., etc., Auckland. New Plymouth 26th. March 1847. Sir, Mr. Harris has told me that the party of natives and Europeans employed on his survey at Moturoa, will be coming in to-morrow afternoon (Saturday) to receive the amount of wages due to them since they commenced cutting the lines;and as it is also probable that Mr. Carrington's party may come in during the next week for theirs, I shall feel obliged by your advancing me a sum of Twenty pounds (£20) to pay them with. Any other expenses attending the survey, such as charges of the Surveyors, may be referred to Auckland, for the approval of His Excellency the Governor; but I think you will agree with me as to the propriety of paying the labourers at the expiration of every fortnight, till we have heard from Auckland, or receive further instruction on the subject. I have the honour to remain Sir, your obedient servant (Signed) Donald McLean. To:- Capt. H.King R.N. Sub-Treasurer etc., etc., etc.,