Ahuriri, 7 April 1852. Donald McLean, Esq., Wellington. My dear Sir, I arrived here on the 30th. ult. all safe, but finding Mr. Curling had determined on leaving this colony, and not knowing how to act, I left the cattle near the "Pa Kowai" and proceeded to "Koponga". Mr. C. was from home and therefore waited till his return on Monday last. I find he has offered his run to Mr. Domet, but should that gentleman not desire it, i.e. the run, Mr. C. is willing to give me his right thereto - in the event of my not getting it I have directed Edward to immediately take possession of the run he made applications for in his own name in February last. I shall also forward an application for Mr. Curling's in the event of my getting the latter I shall not require the other. May I request your good offices in the matter. I brought but thirty seven head of cattle with me thus far. Some of Mr. King's cattle being disposed of on the way - all my bullocks were left at Turanga, Lazarous wishing me to leave them as he wished to purchase and have them broken in as working oxen. It is as well to foster this feeling in the Natives, I think the more they turn their attention to agricultural matters the better. Mr. Grace endeavoured to stop Mr. King's cattle from being taken away he urged the Natives to detain them till their grass was paid for. I am sorry to say this man will take advice from no one. I wrote to the Bishop about him since when he (Mr. Grace) has threatened to write to His Excellency Sir. G. Grey to inform him we were infringing the orders of the Govt. by keeping cattle on Native lands, forgetting in his wrath that the Governor and his officers have long been in possession of that fact. He says we had no right to bring cattle to Poverty Bay in the first place. The Natives of that place have now some two hundred of horned cattle. I opine they would not have had a single hoof were it not for our importing them. I leave on Saturday next for home and am in hopes of being able to make arrangements for some sheep, etc. Should you know any one wishing to procure a person to take charge of any will you say a king word for me in the matter, I am in hopes of being able to carry out all my arrangements in the meantime my stockings (to use a vulgar term) will be tightly tied up for some time. Your letters and kind present of the Land ordinances came safe to home by Mr. Rich. I was glad to hear the Doctor answered so well, he was what I told you a good horse I assure you I have missed him much. I have not yet obtained another. As I have unfortunately some rather serious complaints to make, I will colate them in a second letter in order that should you think them worthy of notice you may have them under your eye at once. I am most pleased to hear Edward most favourably spoken of by Mr. Alexander and others here as being steady, perfectly trustworthy etc. - this is to me very encouraging. I received every assistance from "Paul Riri Pu" and others in getting the cattle from "Mohaka" - in fact from the time you leave the "Waka Ki" there is a decided improvement in the conduct of the Natives. On my way from Turanga I had a demand made at "Whari Angonga" of ten shillings for payment for the cattle coming on that road and at the Boat Harbour had a further demand of one shilling a head which I refused to pay. I enclose you the note. Once more I am, Most sincerely, J.W. Harris. Enclosure: Etama pone hare te raua kokingi na te ma kari nia no ikimai kiau E nga rite Wiri kau me u tui kotahi kau ko tato here ni. Ka rui a kaukarua kere ni. Na matiri.