Auckland. 7th. April 1857. My dear Sir, I take advantage of a vessel, the "Ellen" which sails tomorrow for Otago, to request that you will do me the favour of employing a good man to select three Runs in your district. The best place, I hear, is at the Bluff. I want a Run for myself; one for W. J. Grahame, the principal merchant of this place; and one for Mr. Rogan, a gentleman connected with my Department, who intends, if a Run can be secured, to settle at Otago. I want the maximum quantity of what is allowed by your Provincial Regulations; as we are all prepared to stock them at once, or as soon as we can get the stock after the Runs are secured. Not being acquainted with any other person at Otago, who will take an equal interest with yourself in this matter, I trust you will not fail in transacting this matter for me, before all your good Runs are taken up. Small Runs would be, of course, no use to us; and your Government will be, no doubt, glad to have good settlers, who will add to your exports. Mr. Grahame sends you an authority to draw upon him for £100, for the expenses you may be put to in this matter. So much depends upon the selection of good Runs that I trust you will send a good man to choose them; and, if possible, I should like to have them as near to each other as possible. If the Three Runs can be selected side by side, it would be preferable. If this cannot be done, then as near to each other as possible. If you succeed in this undertaking, Mr. Grahame and I will go down to Otago to get them stocked; and if you are placed to greater expense than is now authorized, we shall be prepared, on your advising us, to pay the additional expense; besides feeling under a great obligation to yourself for the trouble. We shall be prepared to place from 1,000 to 2,000 sheep, very soon, on each of the Runs; and to add to that number as opportunity offers. Relying on your Judgement; and feeling assured of your desire to aid me in this matter; which I shall always esteem as an obligation; and with kind regards to your sister and Murdoch, I remain, etc. (Signed) Donald McLean. If there are no Runs at Bluff, Jacob's river or elsewhere will do.