Wellington 11th October 1858 My dear Sir, I have been here just one week awaiting the arrival of the Steamer, it being reported that the new Minister for Native affairs was coming to ellighten us on the proper way to manage the Natives also that you had resigned as you may imagine I was paralysed and unable to move under such astounding news and even had I been willing I was glad too find that both the above reports proved false that you had consigned me a surveyor Mr. S. Stewart who arrived quite safe on Saturday morning by ''White Swan,'' he starts tomorrow for the Manawatu where I purpose putting him to work at once. The Hirawanu's land I consider as purchased inasmuch as they want the money to be shown to them £5500 is the price we stuck at of course they wanted double that sum. I offerred £4000 which I do not think very much for 200,000 acres of fine timber land but the former sum I was told they would take if offerred I purpose closing the purchases at once by giving them a sum of £2000 and the bal: at not very distant dates but on all this I will inform you officially in due time. I wish to be informed particularly on one point can 8r I cannot myself; close a purchase of land and pay the money without referring to Auckland. If I cannot or am not to, I shall/fear do but little good here, If the new Natine Minister cannot trust myself and the other officers of the NLPD the sooner he gets others the better, or let him lay down a certain rule for our guide and right or wrong I for one will abide by it I very much fear that my accounts are in a very indifferent state, if you would be so good as to let Friend send me down the accounts made up in proper form so that I may know what monies for the purchase of Native Lands I have misappropriated in order that I may repay the amt to the Sub Treasurer here. Mr. Carkeek will not allow me to draw upon my Incidental expences incurred previous to July and of which the vouchers have been sent to Auckland, I am therefore placed in a very awkward position, there being actually no funds out of which I can draw for travelling expences incurred previously to July etc. etc. to repay the monies misappropriated by me for that left in Wellington for the purchase of Native Lands. Mr. Carkeek has also declined paying Mr. Grindells salary, surely the Treasury will allow me my incidental expences in Auckland without referring back here, the advances to Smith shall be repaid to the Treasury here by me tho' it really does seem rather hard that I am to advance money out of my own pocket to officers employed by Govt. pending the arrival of a proper authority. You will pardon my remarks but these accounts will I really believe drive me crazy. ever yours most faithfully, Will N. Searancke Donald McLean Esqre, AUCKLAND.