Copy of letter from William Fox, Esq., to His Honor the Superintendent of Nelson.

Sir,—

I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter received by Colonel Wakefield, the Principal Agent of the New Zealand Company, from the Private Secretary of the Lieutenant-Governor, intimating that His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief had given his assent to a proposition made by me on behalf of the land purchasers in this settlement, in reference to a reduction of the number of the Native reserves, proportionate to that proposed in respect of the whole settlement. The use of the word "Township" in Mr. Gisborne's letter has given rise to a doubt whether His Excellency understood that the application was intended to extend to suburban sections, which it was, and whether his assent was intended to go so far. I am not aware of any ground why they should not be included in the reduction, but I think it a matter of very little consequence, as, of course, only the worst sections would be rejected, and if it is likely to create any misunderstanding with the Natives, it had perhaps better not be done.

My object in calling your attention to it, is to request you to ascertain His Excellency's intention before he leaves Nelson.