Maketu Sept. 1st. 1856. My dear McLean, An opportunity offers for Auckland this evening which I avail myself of to drop a hasty line. I came in from Rotorua on Friday and hoped to find the "Wawata" in, but was disappointed and am now looking hourly for her. One object of my visit here was to see Mr. Chapman and ascertain whether any arrangement could be entered into for occupying a part of the Mission Station here in the event of our moving out to the coast: this I find is not practicable so that, if located here it will be necessary for me to build, and this without some assistance from the Government, it is unreasonable to expect. I have received a copy of the estimates in which I find my salary set down as before - at £175 - nor do I see any allowance whatever either for home or office rent, or travelling expenses. The circular letter enclosing the copy of the estimates is the only communication I have received from headquarters since I came down, but I hope yet to receive something more definite by way of reply to my application for an allowance for my assessors and for a constable and messenger. All is quiet here and inland. We hear that the principal part of the power stolen from the Kawau has been given up and that the Ngatipaoa are talking of outing Te Kouarehua and his party. It is said he has proposed to make Maketu his retreat, should he be compelled to leave Hauraki, but the chiefs here will not consent to this which I am very glad to hear. You will probably see Mr. Chapman in Auckland in a week or two; he purposes running up in the "Wawata" on her next return. I think His Excellency would be pleased to make his acquaintance and hope Mr. Chapman will call upon him. I write in a hurry as I was not awae until half and hour ago that the vessel which takes this is about to sail. I find that the Ngatiwhakane have written to request that the Inspector of Native Mills should be sent down immediately. The Mill at Te Ngae also has been completed some months and the Millwright is waiting for the Inspector's certificate to enable him to receive the final instalment due on the proper completion of his contract. I am sorry to say however that the mill dam has been carried away within the past month so that Mr. Boyton will not be able to set this mill ginding. The one at Ohinemutu is, as the Ngatiwhakane state in their letter, at a standstill until Mr. Bryton arrives. With sincere regards, Yours very truly, Thos. H. Smith.