Letter from Donald McLean, relating to his instructions to retain right of road through Native Reserves, dated 10th. March 1849. Rangitikei, 10th. March 1849 Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th. inst., in which you remind me, by direction of His Excellency, the Lieut-Governor, "that in setting apart any tracts of lands as Reserves for the natives, either in the course of my present or any future negotiations for the purchase of land, it is of the highest importance that the power should be reserved to Government, of carrying any public roads through such Reserves, should the good of the community at any time require it. Also that - the Natives at the time of purchase should, of course, be made distinctly to understand this condition." In compliance with these instructions, I beg to state that I shall give the natives a distinct understanding of the condition above noticed, inserting a clause in the Deed of Sale, by which the right of forming public roads through such tracts of land, so reserved for the natives shall be vested in the Government for the good of the community. I have the honor, etc. (Signed) Donald McLean.