16 October 1860 Maraekakaho My dear brother I am glad to tell you the land is all bought at the upset price 5684 a. Their was 5800 put up but Tiffen said the complement was not on the run. That does not matter. All the land is secure. I do believe their was no oposition and the amount paid is £1276. Braithwaite told me to draw upon him for the amount which I did and got a rec[e]ipt for the money which put a end to all anxiety as far as the land is concerned. You are wishing me to shear earley this year which I am preparing to do in November if weather permits. Things are going on all right but some of neighbours are troublesome. Our sheep or their sheep are allways mixing with ours. We must fence. I am afraid the lambing will not be so good this year. The winter and spring has been so severe we have not cut the spring lambs as yet. The horses and mares are doing well. Old Salute has a good filly foall. The Maid of Islay is near the foaling. We have four foals and we have a good number of calfes from the Poverty Bay cattle. I hope you will be abble to come hear at shearing or before if it was only for three days. How about the natives for the payment for the grass. They bother me much at times. Do not buy aney furniture for the Moananui as I have got him what he wanted. Big John is going to leave and he wants his money. I cannot keep him much longer. He is a good man in his way but I cannot put up with him. My accounts is increasing dayley, true not much for the work done which you shall se when you come hear. I must have some money on hand to pay men. I have to put up with a great deal for want of money to pay men of when they don't do their work. I do not owe aney one much or barely aney as I cleared out at the time. I sold Rich the wethers but I shall want £146 to pay John and other things before shearing and let me have as soon as convenient as you must know I shall lay it out to the good. We are bussy planting potatoes and corn. The bussiest time of the year except[t] shearing. Some of the wheat is so rank that I have to cut for the horses. Hopeing that you and Douglas is well, Your affectionate brother Alexander McLean. I hope you will not delay in writing me. In haste. Alexander.