Letter from Lieut. Governor Eyre, to Donald McLean Esq. dated 22nd. May 1849. Government House 22nd. May 1849. My dear Sir, I have duly received your letter of the 8th. May last; but have hitherto been so occupied with the Council and other business that I have been unable to reply to it; and now I can only write a line or two. After seeing, and talking to Mr. Fox, on the subject of the Reserves you propose, (two of 300 or 400 acres each) to set apart on the line of route to and from Taupo, , with a view to their being donated hereafter, to Friendly natives, I am happy to say that Mr. Fox quite agrees with me in the utility and importance of setting apart for such a purpose, and with his full consent, I am to authorise you to do it; of course making the Reserves in such a site as, whilst meeting to the fullest extent the object in view in reserving, you may in the least degree, forthwith interfere with lands required for colonizing purposes by the Company, - Mr. Park will make the surveys, as well as those of the Reserves; and all should be completed before you return from the District. Reserves upon the rivers for ferries, etc., I think it will not be necessary for the Government to interfere with, or make any present provisions, especially as the eventual line of road is not known. I shall be glad to learn, from time to time, how you are prospering; and trust that at least no difficulties will arise from the Taupo or upper Whanganui natives. The extent of their claims from the hills downwards, ought to be clearly ascertained, so that we may know what we really do buy . Believe me, my dear Sir, faithfully yours (Signed) G. Eyre. To:- Donald McLean Esq.