Letter from Wm. B. Baker to Donald McLean Esq. dated 30th. December 1857, Auckland 30th. December 1857 My dear Sir, I enclose herewith a letter which was found among your papers when clearing up after you left. By the Gazette which came in on Sunday night, we hear that H.M.S. "Iris", is on her way to New Zealand. Mr. Rogan had intended leaving this week for Kaipara; but as it will be necessary that either he or Mr. Smith should accompany His Excellency, he had given up the idea for the present. It is my intension to leave per "Petrel" on Saturday. Hori te More was in the office yesterday, asking for the balance for the Block of land sold by Kiri, on the plea that the latter had received his full share, I am not aware as yet of any reply having been made to him. Our time is fully occupied in arranging the papers, etc., and the usual routine of office work. Mr. Friend has been recommended by Dr. Shiel to lie up for a week or two. He has, however, been as regular as usual in his attendance. Kapita has just come in to demand payment for Piako. He is very vociferous, as usual and demands a "Runanga nui", that the affair may be properly settled. Hunia also has made his appearance again, with the rest of them. I remain, my dear Sir, most respectfully yours (Signed) Wm. B. Baker. To:- Donald McLean Esq.