Otaki, Augt. 6th. 1858 Dr. Sir, After nearly three weeks of incessant worry with the Ngatiawa Tribes I have succeeded in coming to an arrangement with them for the Waikanae Block. I honestly confess that the Bargain is in my opinion (from their having retained all the best of the Land) but a very indifferent one but it is the best I could make and shall feel very much obliged if you would by return of Post directed to me at Manawatu drop me one line only with your opinion on it I shall await at Manawatu your answer before I pay any more money on acct. I have calculated all the difficulties in the settlement of this question and all the advantages and I trust that the arrangement will meet with your approval Te Ekaeka system I cannot say that I approve of unless by the wish of the Natives concerned, I am still willing to try and carry out this system but not untill all questions of sale and payment are settled and all disputes etc. I am now engaged here at Otaki negociating the purchase of the coast and back over the Hills to the Ngatikahungunu Boundary there is still a good deal of trouble in the Block to settle. The Ngatihuia's have all assembled here and are rather (from a feeling of jealousy against the Ngatiparis old Matenga and Paeraroku) inclined to give some trouble, and oppose the sale I only arrived yesterday and hardly understand what they are driving at but am inclined to give away a little to them on account of Manawatu which I have now every confidence will be purchased this summer Nepia himself has expressed the same opinion openly I shall have some little trouble perhaps about the Hirawanu's land but believe a small share of the Money will settle their claim. I am now on my way to see him, that is so soon as I have completed the work here Nepia has sent me a very civil message that I will not have any meetings untill his arrival, about the Land, I have consented to postpone them untill Monday when if has not arrived, all the Natives have agreed not to listen to him they begin to feel that he is treating them as tools and I think are fast losing all confidence in him. There is another question I wished to have your opinion on, I mean the land between Otaki and Waikanae, all the Natives wish if this Block is sold that the whole of the money should be paid at once I am rather inclined myself to acceed to this wish it not being Land in occupation or cultivation I shall be obliged by your opinion on this matter. You will oblige me by letting me hear from you by return of Post. And am, Dr. Sir Very truly your's Will N. Searancke D. McLean Esqre. Auckland. If you would be so good as to send me a draft of a Deed of Conveyance for the Lands given by the Natives for the Different half caste Children I could while on the Coast get them all settled. I have just heard that the meeting that is to take place on Monday will finally decide respecting the Sale of the Manawatu also respecting the Hiriwanus Land, I regret that I have not had an opportunity of seeing him on the subject.