Ruhuiatai 22nd Decr. 1861 Dear MacLean, Hiriwanu will not permit the track to be made beyond Awapurua a place distant from Wairarapo 35 miles, the former place is about the boundary of Hawkes Bay, so that the line all thro' this province is agreed upon. The natives will not however allow me to explore the Bush to any distance Hiriwanu says that he only consented to the present track, which with some little changeswill be , and to this on exploration, no objection was made, also an entire deviation near Ruhuiatai the line here will go more towards the west. I have written by a native messenger to Dr. Featherston, whom I learn is getting the Road cut in an easterly direction towards the Ruahine range from Manawatu, about the 2nd January a working party can be sent to commence the track at the present entrance to the Bush West of Takapau. If an overseer acquainted some little with surveying was sent up an advantage would be gained in getting the lines so cut out that they could afterwards be surveyed and from this place a tronern survey could be checked by the Trig work on the Coast. This work would settle the position of the Track and be of great advantage to future operations. Wishing you many happy returns of the approaching district ball I am Yours truly, M. Fitzgerald Address To Him care of J. D. Canning Esq., Oakburn, Wallingford