Wellington 15th. July 1858. Dear Sir, On account of the bad weather, I am still delayed here. I purposed being at Waikanae this week but it would be worse than useless to attempt doing anything on the Coast during its continuance. There are several questions which I must request you to give me some information on. 1st. Spirits Bill (enclosed) am I to pay this and charge it to the Public account, of course I mean the 1856 part of it, your orders have been handed to me and agree with the Bill. Donalds back rents. The Natives are incessantly worrying me on this head, what is to be done and how far am I to act in this matter (if at all) the whole of the run is now bought up and as the Natives are clearly entitled to rent according to the lease and as I believe only on the honest fulfillment of the terms of that Native lease, he would be entitled to his homestd. I have written to the Chief Land Commr. requesting that the survey of the Homestead be not made at present at least untill I have referred the case to you the light in which I look upon itis this; the Natives lease a piece of Land in 1848 to Messrs. Rhodes and Donald for a Cattle run, the rent paid fairly without any demur for the first five years, without any valid reason Mr. Donald then refuses to pay any more rent (His Homestead being then bought) for the run (Manaia). He now presses his claim to his Homestead. I consider that as he has not acted up to the terms of his agreement or lease with the Natives he is clearly not entitled to it, then comes the question is it open to any one else to purchase. I think the best course to adopt would be to give Mr. Donald a certain time within which by fulfilling his lease with the Natives he would be entitled to his Homestead if he does not avail himself of this time, the Land ought to be open for sale to other parties, however I will if you think it necessary address you officially on this head, or perhaps you might have some influence with Donald by writing to him. I have this day received intimation from C. L. Commr. of the disputes respecting reserves on Ruamahunga in the Puhangina Block. I shall not be able to go into this question untill my return from Manawatu. I believe old Nepia is coming round and will soon consent to the sale, I hear the great difficulty now is the jealous feeling towards the Ngatitoa Tribe, Paratene and several others consent now to the sale, who were strong in opposition when we were there. The Natives at the Head of the Wairarapa Valley have got an idea in their heads that they are entitled to some assistance from the Government to build a Mill for themselves and have addressed a letter to me to that effect. I am happy to say that I have I believe got rid of all disputes in that quarter at present Te ene is dead and Wi Kingi Tutapakihirangi very nearly so. I have the Dr. to attend him regularly and have supplied him with food etc. I do not think he can last much longer he is quite blind. I trust to hear from you by return of steamer directed to Manawatu (this time only). And am Dr. Sir, very truly yours, Will N. Searancke. Donald McLean Esq. Auckland.