On board the "Keera" East Cape, 16th Novr. /70 (?) My dear Sir, I received your letter at Mount Albert after coming back from Kaipara. Went to the Thames on business to see Fenton to get an assessor - In the meantime Douglas came out to see me. On Monday he picked me up in Town when I was busy - Walked over to his lodgings when he told me he was authorised by you to speak to me about going out to M. A. and all that. I have just now written him a note which will probably find him ensconsed in that locality. The boat is rolling and I am not well able to write but I am anxious not to lose this opportunity of writing on the subject of Douglas Mount Albert. I sent out for Farr and had a talk with him who has a horrible down on horses for the simple reason that one horse destroys the feed of 2 cows. This you will not understand because you have larger runs, and I have 60 acres I may say of bare paddocks. Again my family is divided some at Kaipara, and others at M. A. M. A. Morgan and Farr have all they can stagger under with 10 cows and a dairy. So far so good. Now have patience with me, and do not be angry with what I am writing about, but I know you are too much a man of the world for that. You know I invited D- as a visitor which you know will be duly carried out if I had to attend to him myself, but to be there permanently is another matter. Now I am compelled to tell you that I have a little trouble with relatives. I think you also know something on that subject. Well Farr put the matter to me in this way that as to D. going out there they will be delighted to have him stop there, but I must find a man to relieve him partly and to release Mary Ann from the cow shed. I said name the lowest sum, that Mr.McL. can be accommodated for having the run of the paddock a bed room attended to, breakfast ready at 8 or 1/2 past. The Horse saddled and bridled and at the door every morning. He replied £1.0.0 a week. I said well, I'll write about it, so I am doing. Now it simply resolves itself into this - either you or I shall have to pay the pound and I think you should. Dont be vexed. I do not keep a boarding House, and I know you will not accuse me of that. You know what a quiet healthy place M.A. is. Your boy will have a comfortable bed room breakfast, and his horse properly attended to. He told me dinner and tea e would have in Town and the morning meal only at Mount A. If this letter which is disagreeable to me to write is so to you too tell me so. Under any circumstances Douglas is coming out as a visitor to Kaipara - Pray write and let me know your mind on this delicate subject. If you agree dont offer me the money or I shall be annoyed. Arrange with Farr. I think I have said enough. Yours ever, J.Rogan