New Plymouth, 10 Decr., 1857 My dear McLean, I told you that I would write to Cooke about the Chilman and itana business. I have just received his reply, and although the affair is long since concluded and probably out of your mind, yet as I promised to let you know the result I now copy it. "You ask me what my impression about Witana's section is - of course I can have but one opinion namely that Chilman waited until I had left in order either to do Witana out of that land or get compensation for what he never deserved. He is a rascal as all the world knows I should think, and is supported by Tom King who ought to know better, but whose moral sense has been blunted by contact with his brother in law. I am certain that chilman never would have pressed his attempt at doing the natives unless he had been assured of my being quiet in England. It is so likely that I should have taken the trouble of spending £50 or £60 in draining that swamp, making a bank and hedge, and trying to induce the natives to lay it down in grass for the benefit of Mr.Chilman. You may be very