July 8th 1859 Wellington My dear Sir, I returned from Manawatu on the 30th ult. having been there to point out to Stewart the boundaries of the Awa hou block, old Wereta still holds out and refuses to sell his claim, I have not completed the Awa hou deed yet in hopes that another trial may be more successful. I have completed the purchase of the Land about Waiui and Paekakariki for £800 and also made the surveys of it and the Whareroa blocks the surveying and marking out the boundaries of all the reserves, pointing them out to the Natives, tho I fear to but little purpose they all with but few exceptions, looking northward, the Deed, survey, report etc. are all ready for you, on your arrival. Your letter has been now placed in my hands and I congratulate you on your success at the Ahuriri. Some different method must be adopted on this West Coast, the Natives at Otaki are in a great state of agitation about the Horo, the Ngatihuia and headed by Tamehana stoutly oppose the sale. I purpose while here getting up mem of the boundaries of Lands for proclamation on your return to Auckland. I took your protege Robinson to Wainui to survey but do not believe that he ever saw either a theodolite or chain before, he was worse than useless I had to make the whole survey over again so paid him off with a month's wages at the rate of £100 per annum. at the rate of £100 per annum. Both Stewart and Fraser are in Wellington plotting their work, and will be here for I dare say another fortnight as soon as Fraser has completed his plan, the Tupurupuru block may be proclaimed, he having marked out all reserves etc. I did purpose going on myself with the survey of Waikanae, but really the damper my energies have received from what I heard at Manawatu will prevent Kiy doinc anything via bill I hear from you, I place myself in your hands in this (most unpleasant to me) affair to do me that justice that is my due. Stewart will immediately that his plan is finished go on with the Awa hou survey so that he will be on the spot to mark out any reserves that are agreed upon when te Hiriwanui's land sale takes place, when the Plan is finished, I will write to te Hiriwanui and let him know as I believe the sooner now that purchase is completed the better. I will write to you per Wonga wonga on her return from Whanganui. Everything here is frightfully dull and business at a complete standstill, one half of the mercantile interest ruined and the other on the totter and the provincial Govt. in a state of bankruptcy, all the road parties discharged and a prospect of considerable distress the next few months. I have placed £13.0.0 to your credit at the Union, which with Gawith's bill makes up £10. I am glad to hear Friend is with you and will be happy to see him in Wellington. ever Your's faithfully, Will N. Searancke D. McLean Esqre, NAPIER.