24 Novr. 1860 My dear Sir, I regret much that my absence during the last eight days with Mr. Weld in the Wairarapa, assisting him in settling some of the disputes has put it quite out of my power to answer many of the numerous officials. I did not get to Wellington untill this morning (after the steamer) my subsequent detention by Weld talking over various questions untill 3 o'clock P.M. has put it entirely out of my power to do more than tell you this so that you may not suppose that I am avoiding any difficulties. I am very glad to see a prospect of escaping with my life out of this Hornets nest and shall be ready at any time to move but certainly should prefer being allowed to remain for a short time longer to settle up the uncompleted purchases in the valley I think I have a right to demand this and I know that no one else can do so, except by spending considerable time over them, besides the immediate settlement of these questions will in my opinion do away entirely with the necessity of any Commissioner N. Dept. for some time I am quite sure of one thing that Ishall not envy my successor here. I would I solemnly declare rather give up altogether than remain here as a Govt. officer. Yours very truly, Will N. Searancke Torohanga (Rawiris case) is settled, he got £300. 150 acres of land bought at 10/- 1 ton Flour and 1/2 ton sugar and lease of the land giving up everything, Crops etc. etc. I am very much pleased with Mr. Weld, he certainly is one of the most Gentlemanly and conciliatory mannered men I have met. I only wish that there were others here slightly resembling him. D. McLean Esqre. AUCKLAND