My dear Sir Many thanks for your kind letter. I had long anticipated the pleasure of a visit from you, but find myself disappointed although your letter makes up in a great measure for the loss I have sustained in not seeing you. I was glad to learn that you enjoyed your visit and formed a favourable impression of this district. It also gives me much pleasure to learn from your letter that I have been giving general satisfaction and become a favorite with the natives. It has been my constant care to act so as entirely to meet the approbation of those who are over me which obtained is, I think, an ample reward for all my endeavours, but I fear I shall never do enough to express fully the gratitude I feel for your many kindnesses. I think there is no question but I have worked hard and constantly, probably one or two hours daily more than other surveyors, although I say it myself but it is no more than I ought to have done, in order to overcome the obstacles of formidable character which I have had to contend with. I find the natives veryeasy to deal with and always most respectful. They have several times expressed a desire that I would enter into negotiations with them for the purchase of their lands, but I have always discouraged the idea, as it would be interfering with what is properly the duty of the commissioner. You ask how I speak Maori. I think, tolerably well, although I have a good number of the uncommon words to acquire. The natives say very well --- I can always make myself understood and can generally understand what is addressed to me. I have finished the survey of four blocks, in fact of six, containing in all not more than 20,000 acres. The area seems little in comparrison with the time I have been at work, but from the nature of the boundaries and the shape and situation of the blocks, I think it safe to say that they could not have been completed sooner. I hope to finish one or two more blocks within the next two months and then return to town when I shall be able to give you an account of all my adventures. I have not furnished the diary required, for the simple reason that I have neither had time nor convenience, but I shall endeavour to furnish it without further delay. With every good wish for your health and happiness believe me to be Yours Most Sincerely Andrew Sinclair Otaika 7th March /57