New Plymouth April 13th. 1853 Dear McLean, I received with much pleasure your note dated from Wellington and am glad to see that you have so far recovered your sad bereavement (which I most deeply deplored) as to be able to resume your correspondence. Your having obtained the consent of the absentee natives to the sale of the Waiwaikii block is a grand preliminary gained, I learn from Cooper that old Etuki is the only remaining resident of any influence who offers any obstacle to the sale of it, I hope you will pay us a visit on your return from Auckland, your presence would effect much good in getting over the difficulties in the way of land purchases. A sale of town purchases took place last week which placed £580 in the hands of the Sub Treasurer, but ou paternal Government