On receipt of your instructions to discontinue the purchase of land, I was preparing to commence the survey of a portion of the Puketapu country; and had also effected a partial investigation of native claims at Waitara; from whence I expect a body on natives on Monday; who, with other claimants, I must endeavour to reconcile to the present suspension of proceedings. It is fortunate, however, on the part of the settlers, that sufficient land has been obtained to meet their more urgent wants. It may be estimated - subject of course to natives' reserves - that 26,000 acres have been acquired under His Excellency's instructions, and a great portion of the forest, as it becomes occupied, proves to be more accessible and fertile than was for some time anticipated. Indeed, the principal obstacle to its not being more extensively cultivated, arises from the want of labour. But even this is, in some degree remedied by the natives having commenced to engage themselves on reasonable terms, in felling timber; and many of the European labourers who left are now returning. The result of my enquiries amongst the natives, as to the quantity of powder possessed by them, is herewith forwarded, and I am in hopes of being able, at some future time, to furnish officially, details accurately obtained, respecting their ammunition; as I am inclined to think the Puketapus must have more than they admit; and which is probably kept by them at an almost inaccessible Pah, under the lower range of the Taranaki Mountain, where they have frequently resorted to cultivate. In the late disturbances between this tribe and those of Taranaki, they had offers of a reinforcement from natives on the West Coast, who I always supposed, as stated to His Excellency, would form part of their strength in the event of an outbreak; and it is also probable, from the intercourse of the Waitara natives with those of Wanganui, that they would receive assistance from the latter tribe, - a portion of whom, known as the Ngatimarus, 150 in number, facilitated a connection, by residing half way between the rivers; but as my communication is now enlarging with reference to parts of the country, which you can only know by report, I must save you further trouble im perusing what may be of little or no interest to you. (Signed) D. McLean. To:- A, Sinclair Esq P.S. I am glad the stationery is ready to be sent from Auckland. I hope the arms and ammunition will also come by the first opportunity. (Signed) D. McLean.