Auckland 22 Dec. 1857 My dear McKay, I am quite ashamed that your own and your son's letters should remain so long unanswered, the fact is I did not receive them for months after they were written, and I was anxious to recommend him for appointment to the Government in connexion with the gold field before I should write. I expect this will soon be done now, and although the salary is small yet it may suit his purpose to accept it from being a resident not far from the diggings --- I am anxious also to get him to settle a land question at Arahura on the West coast, will you kindly tell him that I have been very much pleased with his Journal of the exploring expedition it is a very sensible and practical one. Give my kind regards to Mrs. McKay and all the clan and believe me always to remain Yours sincerely Sgd. Donald McLean I have not time to send you much news being on my way to the south so ye maun just wait a wae.