OConnell Street Sydney 14 Septr. 1868 Donald McLean Esqr. Wellington. Dear Sir, In the absence of my partner Mr. Joseph now in England I have perused your letter to his address under date 26 ulto. and I learn the reason why you were unable to pass through Mr. Joseph's hands the provincial loan concerning which we had had some conversation --- With respect to your Enquiry as to the terms upon which a sum of £10000 or £20000 could be raised in Sydney upon the security of freeholds in Hawkes Bay or Wellington it would be quite impossible for me to give any reply until in some measure informed of the nature of the security and the amount of rental it was producing but I do not think that capitalists generally would be disposed to make advances out of the Colony - I remain dear Sir Yours faithfully Jacob Montefiore.