Letter from H.T. Kemp to Donald McLean Esq. dated 18th. March 1857. Bay of Islands 18th. March 1857. My dear McLean, By this conveyance is an explanation in reference to the sum asked for in excess. I feel very much annoyed that you yourself should have been inconvenienced by it in any way whatever. The Government may rely upon my never committing them, especially in money transactioms, without proper authority. Any Balances that remain over may always be found in the Sub-Treasurer's hands. It will always be remembered, I hope, that I have to play my cards very carefully with the natives here, so as not to encroach upon lands already sold; and that in carrying on the negotiations, these points here at the present time to be sought out and determined before finally settling. When the surveys under the new Act shall have been completed, it will be very different. Your observations with regard to the price of land, and the depression of the times, come with great force, as far as the Government is concerned; but on the other hand, don't you think that as far as the are concerned, their expectations will, generally speaking, become much more moderate? As Native Secretary, do you know anything of the I hear the Chiefs complaining that they have not received any for some time, and cannot make out the reason of their . Clendon receives it and pays it to them. It may be worth while enquiring about it, if there is no objection. I have just returned from perambulating the boundaries of the Kawa Kawa Block, and will report as early as possible. Is it not strange that the take no steps to sell any of the land already purchased here, although there have been many applications? As far as we are concerned, we seem likely to be a nice step in advance of them, at the rate they are going . Believe me faithfully yours, (Signed) H.T. Kemp. To:- Donald McLean Esq.