Auckland, Mar. 29th, 1859 My dear McLean, We are sending you a host of papers by the 'worsley' whose mail closes at 4 P.M. Your notes of the 21st and 25th are to hand - I was very glad to see the Governor here again and wish you had accompanied him but can quite understand that office work and red tape stand a poor chance as attractions when compared with 'Devonshire cream' and the other 'good things' of Taranaki - I have little to add to my former jottings which you will get by this opportunity Cooper has reported fully with reference to the Oera reserve and the papers are referred to Mr. Tancred as Minister of Crown Lands Cooper brings you in as having recognised the claims of the Nativse to a larger reserve than that marked off for them by Mr. Pelichet - He winds up with a recommendation that the reserve should be bought by the Govt, or as much of it as would get over the difficulty with respect to Mr.Curlings run. Cooper's first report of his adjudication in this question is not to be found and we suppose that you must have it. I do not know whether action will be deferred until your return which I suppose we must not look for now under a couple of months -If called on to express an opinion all I can say is that I think Mr.Cooper should have avoided deciding the question before reference to head quarters but should have heard the case, stated it fully - with his recommendation and then awaited instructions. I am sorry Richmond is running away again immediately - Mr. Sewell is very reasonable and we have had no differences of Opinion sufficient to interfere with any practical action but from being a 'tawhou' - it takes up an enormous amt. of time to explain etc. - The Governor is looking much better than I expected to see him - Rogan is back and will, I doubt not, give you all the news - You will find something to amuse yourself with on board the steamer among the papers I am sending you. You see if you run away from the N. S.O. - we must send the N.S.O.to you - Adieu - Yours truly Thos.H. Smith Kind regards to Mr.Strang when you see him -also to Nelson friends who may enquire - All goes on quietly here - Monro is laid up not at office since Saturday and not likely to be able to come this week - Friend is back - greatly enjoyed his trip and is looking much less the invalid -T.H.S. I have given directions about your private letters. There has been little affair at the Bay of Islands which has now passed over - Tirarau with a party of 700 went up to fetch a woman which had been taken away from him - for a few days there was great excitement and I hear that one man was shot. Clendon sent a hurried line which I enclose but it will not greatly enlighten you. it is all however which has yet reached us relative to the affair. T.H.S.