Dear Whitaker, Before I left Napier I rode out with Rhodes to have a look at Colonel Brownes property that I might acquaint myself fully with what had been done. On the level flats I observed a good sward of clover and English grasses and the boundary fences as required by lease were nearly completed. I noticed the covenant in the lease which states "where practicable to be laid down in good grass". This has not been done but I hardly think that it could have been contemplated that the land was to be ploughed and laid down in grass at an expence of £3 or £4 per acre Mr. Rhodes says he could not afford to do this and what he has done has been to surface sow on different parts of the run. Rhodes will lease the land for any term of years that may be agreed upon and give up the place during the term should it be required for one of Colonel Brownes sons but he will not take it at all with the covenant to lay down in grass and I fear it would be difficult at present to get another tenant who could be depended upon for the rent I should be inclinded if the place were mine to lease it to Rhodes for 5 or 7 years at £300 a year, or until required by Colonel Brownes son. The property is a good one and will be of considerable eventual value but at present it is not easy to get good tenants and to subdivide it until the Tukituki river is bridged would not be advisable. Rhodes should pay all notes taxes and keep in repair all fences. I will write separately about the property in Napier a part of which has been sold conditionally but I hear the person who purchased does not desire to conclude the bargain. I remain Yours very truly, Donald McLean, August 9 1871.