(Copy) Wanganui May 12th. 1859. Sir, I have the honor by direction of Mr. Commissioner McLean to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th. April relative to losses sustained by yourself in consequence of the over flowing of a stream, in which eeltraps have been erected by certain Natives and to inform you that on a reference to an authenticated copy of the Map of the Wanganui District, it is clearly laid down as a condition oS sale, that the Natives reserved a right to fish in the stream in question. As however you have this day sent in a Memorial to His Excellency the Governor, Mr. McLean although fully sensible of the losses you may have sustained, conceives that he cannot now take action until your complaint has received the attention of the Government. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient servant (sd.) H. Halse Assist. Nat. Secy. Mr. Francis Williamson. Wanganui.