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Mr. McLeod has informed the Government that he has made arrangements for proceeding to Mangawhai and obtaining the necessary information for describing the land required. You are requested to be good enough, directly that the laisd in question has been obtained from the Natives, to communicate the same to me for the information of the Government. I have, &c., (Signed) Andrew Sinclair. Colonial Secretary. The Surveyor General, &c., &C.j &c. Auckland, 11th February, 1854. Sir, I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your communication, of yesterday's date, relative to the location of the party of Highlanders, whom I represent, informing me that his Excellency the Officer administering the Government has agreed to consider the party here as the first applicants under the Old Regulations (of 4th March last I presume) but with regard to further requirements his Excellency can do more than abstain for the present from surveying or offering to public competition the land contiguous to that first selected. As the Government are thus unable to do more, I shall not lose additional time by attempting any further representations on the subject, but shall at once make arrangements, as required, for proceeding to Mangawhai, in order to obtain the necessary information for describing the land which we desire to purchase. From the terms of your letter, I am further encouraged to hope that his Excellency will not be unwilling to forward our views with the General Assembly in procuring the privilege of the reserve which his Excellency has felt himself unable to grant. I have, &c. (Signed) D. McLeod. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary. &c., &c., &c. <