Auckland 22nd Feby. 1864 My dear McLean, I shall be very glad to find that you may be able to make some satisfastory arrangement in reference to the Ahuriri Plains, but you must take care and not set an example that will afford an inconvenient precedent elsewhere. I am aware of the pressure that there has been on this matter and I hope this will not induce you to enter hastily into an improvident arrangement. No time will be lost in taking the necessary steps for approving on the part of the General Government of a site for the Military settlers. There is no news of importance from the Front - the transport of supplies being now satisfactorily provided for I presume the General is now on the move. You will see that we have had a very satisfactory encounter with Ngatimaniapoto. Yours very truly, Fred. Whitaker Donald McLean Esq., Napier