the same footing as you were before they were entered into, the land being then, as it now is (with the exception of Shaw's section) a native reserve; and I have only to observe that they have not been made with the most distant view of rendering European interests subserviant to either the whims or caprice of the natives, nor in consideration of any interest apart from the public duties with which I have been entrusted by His Excellency; who, it is to be hoped, will soon arrive; when your case, if not in the meantime settled, will no doubt receive the consideration it merits. I am Sir, Your obedient servant. (Signed) Donald McLean. Inspector of Police. To:- R.Browne Esq. Taranaki. New Plymouth. 30th. April 1847. Sir, As it is not intended that the line you are at present cutting or surveying, on the banks of the Mongora river should be considered a permanent boundary only as between the tribes of Ngamotu and Puketapu, I am anxious that you should save as much time and incur as little expense in the survey as possible; and as the river of itself forms a good natural boundary, all I conceive at present necessary is to run your lines along without heavy cutting, if avoidable, using practicable and expeditious means of ascertaining the extent of the present purchase, rather than of laying down the river accurately; which being, no doubt, tributary to a larger, is in itself of little importance, further than it may be well to know some of its bearings. Having proceeded as far as you find the land of good quality,and available, you will cut through in the direction that it is intended, the back line of the present block shall be carried by blazing the trees as you go along, for about a mile; which I suppose will be a sufficient distance to shew its course to the Southern boundary at Tapuwai, and give the natives along with you an idea of the extent we obtain from them, as well as enable you to furnish me with an estimate for my guidance. I am etc. (Signed) Don. McLean. To E. Harris Esq. Land Surveyor.