Letter from H.T. Kemp, to Donald McLean Esq. dated 29th. September 1856. Bay of Islands 29th. September 1856. My dear McLean, By the accompanying Official, you will be gratified to hear that the "oruru" business has been comfortably settled. The moment I got the Instructions, I prepared to move; notwithstanding I expected opposition. This has been removed by the payment of the additional £50; and the coast is now quite clear, and satisfactory to all parties. We found some difficulty in not having the money but White and I raised it on our own responsibility, to avoid any check to the proceedings, and got the Deed duly signed; the original of which I will forward so soon as I have finished with Bateman. The balance of £42 odd, I have made up myself to £50, and finished the thing off, while we had the chance. I am exceedingly glad to find that the Government contemplate before payments. Nothing can be more satisfactory, and I hope you will continue to urge it. The expense of external lines and Reserves would not, I should think, be very great. Any qualified surveyor in the neighbourhood, might, I apprehend, be got to do the work, as soon as the negotiations are sufficiently advanced. Your hints as to economy, I will bear in mind. At the same time, it must be apparent that any undue screwing down, and they will fail in their object. I think we may put on a when it is remembered that what we invest, if done with good judment and caution, is, to a large extent, yielding a fair rate of interest, --- and in some cases, large profit. Many thanks for recommending an increase in the I need scarcely say it will be very acceptable, where there are so many bairns. I shall be very glad to know the official estimate for my own district, for the ensuing months. I will reply to your Officials without delay, and hope the Responsible people will be liberal to us all. Believe me, very truly yours (Signed) H.T. Kemp. To:--- Donald McLean Esq. Auckland.