Letter from Alfred Domett, Colonial Secretary, to Donald McLean, Esq., respecting terms of payment £2,500, - annuities to Chiefs. dated 25th. April 1849. Colonial Secretary's Office Wellington 25th. April 1849. Sir, I am directed by the Lieutenant Governor, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th, instant, reporting your proceedings in reference to the acquisition of the Rangitikei district; and to inform you that His Excellency having laid that communication before the gentleman acting on behalf of the New Zealand Company during the absence of the Principal Agent, he has, on the part of the Company, given a general acquiescence to the terms proposed by you for the purchase of the above-mentioned district. I am therefore instructed to convey to you His Excellency's authority for carrying those terms into effect; that is to say, - , - The whole of the claims or rights of the Ngatiapa Natives, and of any others who may possess such rights (excepting as regards such specific Reserves as may be set apart for them), shall be acquired throughout the district lying between the Rangitikei River and the Wanganui Block, and running indefinitely inland as far as any such claims extend. - The total purchase monsy shall be Two Thousand five hundred pounds, £2,500. - One instalment of One Thousand Pounds to be paid immediately the setting apart and marking on the ground all the Reserves is completed. - The other One Thousand five hundred pounds to be paid in three subsequent equal annual instalments. The gentleman acting on behalf of the Principal Agent, expressed a desire that the sum to be paid immediately, should be somewhat less than One Thousand pounds; but at the same time stated that, if necessary, he would be prepared to provide that amount. If therefore, on reconsideration of the subject, you still think it desirable that the sum originally named should be adhered to, the Lieutenant Governor does not, for the reasons which you gave, and which appear to His Excellency to be strong and valid, think that you should be at all fettered in this respect. There are only two other points upon which His Excellency thinks it necessary to touch, in addition to your general instructions. These are, - first, as regards the Reserves to be set apart for the natives, which His Excellency would strongly advise should be clearly agreed upon, distinctly marked upon the ground, and that plans of each should be given to the natives, prior to the payment of the first instalment. The other point relates to the granting of annuities. Fully coinciding in the view taken by you in regard to this particular purchase, His Excellency considers that no reference should be made in the Deed to anything beyond the Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds, which should be taken to be the consideration paid for the land. At the same time, I am glad to add that the Government will be prepared to receive and consider favourably any recommendation you may make for small annuities to influential Chiefs, as an act of grace and favour on the part of the Government, to deserving individuals; and with a view to securing the zealous assistance and co-operation of such persons in locating settlers, - preserving peace and order among their own people, and generally aiding in carrying out the views and wishes of the Government. His Excellency does not, however, think that such annuities should be all decided upon immediately, or that any of them should commence at once. But upon this point, the Lieutentant Governor will be glad to receive your Report and recommendations. As a matter of course, no annuities will be promised to extend beyond the lives of the individuals to whom granted. The New Zealand Company's Agent will be prepared to furnish the first instalment whenever required. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) Alfred Domett Colonial Secretary. To:- Donald McLean Esqre. Wanganui.