Wairarapa, April 3/52. Dear Mr. McLean, Your kind note of Feb. 5 duly reached the Mission Station, but being myself absent at Patea, etc. (a second time this season.) I did not get it until my return; when, there being no opportunity for Wellington, and I only at home for a few days, I brought it with me, intending to answer it during my journey hither, as I expected to meet Mr. Hadfield in the valley. As I have not any desire to become a Land holder, save for my own residence or use, and as I have not the most distant intention of ever moving farther South, and as (as you state) Scrip will not be received in exchange for land about us at Ahuriri, I must consequently give up all thoughts about obtaining any - and am really sorry that I have given you so much trouble on my account - at the same time, thanking you heartily for having so kindly interested yourself on my behalf in this matter. Your pencilled note, written (I believe) from Te Waipukurau, I also received - and, sometime in January I visited Haea. I did not go very far in, as I did not like the aspect of the country therabouts. I have also called on Mr. Park, who very kindly shewed me his map, etc., but as I neither know how, or when, the suburban land of the Ahuriri City will be offered, (nor size of allotments, nor price) and as the want of firewood in all that locality is a great drawback to a person selecting thereabouts, (unless he had some specific object in view), I am still at a loss how to act. I think it is likely, I may go upon some of the Native ground (unbought) in order to be near them, and out of the way of others. It is high time that I should do something in the matter. I have also to thank you for the Newspapers - sent and promised - and shall always welcome a note from you, whenever you may have time and inclination to write. Mrs. Colenso was well when I left - ditto, the children who often speak of you, and of your travelling together so far as Te Pokonao, and of your horse, etc. And I am very sure that Mrs. Colenso would wish me to remember her kindly to Mrs. McLean and to yourself did she know of my now writing. And Believe me, Dear Mr. McLean, Yours sincerely, William Colenso.