Sunday 11-1-74 My dear Mr McLean I am very sorry to hear you are having so much bother with the natives I suppose the firing was bounce to make you believe they were in earnest. As for the drunkenness I have always heard that Otaki was the headquarters of drink and debauchery of every kind among the Maories. Here we are very quiet and I have no news for you having been very busy poring over deeds and getting my return ready. My part of it will be finished tomorrow -- but then commences the difficulty of charging the moneys spent. Even in the case of some of our own officers there will be a little difficulty, but in the case of Fitzherbert, I shudder at the idea.' I've been so busy at the return that I've only been able to give Mckenzie one article -- whereat he growls -- I sent you the other day a telegram of Wrays re the 500 acres Reserves on the Railway Reserve. He should have an answer to it as he proposes at once publishing what sections will be for sale -- As far as I understand what you want is to have two sections 250 acres of good land which can be leased at once and be made available -- Orderly has just come -- Believe me Yours very truly J.H.H. St. John