N.S.O. >Dec. 22.58. Dear McLean, I have just learned that the mail pr. St Kilda closes in a few minutes and drop you a hasty line. I have had a couple of awkward cases since you left --- the Orakei case of natives lugging in to town by force a European on suspicion of an intention to steal their pigs --- the party aggrieved bringing up said natives for assault --- settled by making natives pay lawyers fee and costs --- and I hope they have had a lesson which will make them more cautious in future --- the other Edgecombe's case, selling land to natives --- went into one of the cases yesterday --- am afraid it is a poor look out for the natives --- the parties were not all present to meet here again on the 27th --- A letter from the Superintendant to the Gen. Govt. callg. attention to the fact that the Prov. Govt. have only one block of land to operate upon and are likely to have a larger demand than they can meet --- has been referred for the remarks of the C. Commr. --- also a letter stating that Master Kiri has been pulling up the surveyors pegs at Omaha where they are laying out a village --- what is to be done? --- I enclose you a copy of Mackays letter as the questions he asks should be replied to immediately if he is to get his instructions before leaving Nelson. I also send you three private letters Halse's as you wished me to do --- There are many minor matters which I have not time to tell you of now --- The "Novara" frigate is in sight --- I have sent on a requisition about Hay --- I heard from Wellington via Taranaki by the Kate Kearney --- My brother accepts office under the Gen. Govt. --- Receiver of Revenue --- £350 per ann. I saw Mrs. Gascoyne --- Mrs. M.L. and Douglas yesterday all well --- No time for more --- so wishing you a pleasant Xmas a happy new year and a speedy return Am as ever Yours sincerely Thos. H. Smith