Dec. 15 1859 My dear Sir I have just seen Aperahama who remained here last night, I gave him your letter which was at the Post Office - I was quite right about Hare and Te Kepa Aperahama says that they have no authority to treat with you about the land but that it must be done at a Committee where all are present, I think I should not mention it to them if I were you as would cause more ill feeling between them of which there is too much already. Aperahama was very much pleased whan I told him I was going out to get the Reserves laid off. I dont think my pay is much in arrear as I have drawn from Mr. Porter when I wanted money and I have not yet made up my account. I dont know whether Mr. Porter informed you were obliged to make a few presents to some of the chiefs during the time we were cutting the line amounting to probably £4 or £5. I could not exactly make out from your last letter whether the office of Interpreter at Wellington was promised or not if it is not, of course I should be very glad of it, but I will leave it entirely to you, hoping that you will do the best you can for me. I remain sir Your obt. servt. S. Deighton.