27 May 1861 Maraekakaho My dear Donald We received a letter from Catherine from Otago and Canterbury stating that they could not land the sheep on the coast and had to go on to Otago with them but she says their has not been many lost this time and that the bullocks and horses landed all in good order. She says that they were going to drive them to the river. The distance is 200 miles. I hope and trust they may get them safe their. I hope that this gold field will not prove to be a disadvantage to you. I fear it