59

I.—l

(F10.)

Mt deak Brissenden, — Ohaeawae, 23rd September, 1874. No news as yet of the return steamer; the gales have been too strong. Since you left I have had an awful time of it, which went nigh to drive me mad ; the pain all over my front racked me so. Dr. Dalten blistered and dosed, dosed and blistered; he did me much good, and his timely arrival. owing to your taking upon yourself to send for him, I firmly am convinced, saved me, and his fee of £5 ss. was gratefully paid. They charged him even for the few drops of oil to allay the smart of the blister in dressing it,—yes, eveu to the strip of calico sis inches wide to go round me: not content with this, they have charged me during the whole time as if I have eaten and drunk as I should had I been a strong and hungry man at the time. I have paid it though, but it is more than I can afford, with the horse hire and messengers. I hope you will be able to assist me in recovering something. It is not that lam stingy, but the last pound or extra pinch forces the toad out. lam very weak and not fit for much, and were it not there is a great deal at stake, I would run up and lay by in Auckland ; but as soon as the weather clears we go to Mangakahia. Tautoro rolls on like a ball of snow. I paid one £5 to-day, and then a £20 for good blocks attached to the main piece. Survey is to be commenced directly surveyors can be had. What a pity it is Blucher cannot be put to work ; this is waste of time. I paid £10 on the land adjoining Waitaroto, which makes that advance up to £15; it stops at that. You did not leave me any cheques, if I required more money against your return. Tell me if you have arranged that I can draw, as it is probable I will want to ; but in case I require and do not hear from you, I can get money and give an order on you for the amount. I hope to get the big block for elevenpence or one shilling an acre. Mangakahia Natives are angry at the proposal to reduce the two shillings and sixpence an acre; but I like dealing with an angry mob of Natives ; it soothes me. Wishing I were well out of this infernal, sickening, brutal hole, I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell. (F 11.) Mt deab Buissendeit, — Upton's Library, Auckland, 24th October, 1874. I have just heard that Major Green has been repeating to you some remarks I made to him, which is calculated to make mischief between us. My remarks were of the same nature as often made to you, to the effect that I have much work, and am not paid a fair rate, others being taken into consideration. I also said I had a good mind to resign, but not that I would, as I have told you. I, at the same time, remember remarking to Major Green that you were an energetic and capital fellow to work with. I also did express to him that I felt annoyed at the money not being paid to the account at the New Zealand Bank (the £20), and that Jones had cashed the cheque. Major Green then told me it must be a mistake of the Bank, as he had heard you tell them about it; so there was an end of that. I wrote at once to put things square, as so much mischief is done by repeating talk of this kind. What I have said to you in reference to other affairs, I fully intend to carry out, as time will prove; that is, unless you form other resolves. I have, &c, Thomas McDonnell. P.S.—-You can make any use of this note you think proper. (F12.) Mt beak Beissenden, — Government Buildings, Auckland, 12th January, 1875. I have been hunting for you all day. I wish to see you particularly, as Sir D. McLean wishes a report of lands North sent to him as soon as possible. I will meet you to-morrow at the stables you put up at by 10 o'clock a.m. I want to get at the sums advanced on each block. I have, &c, Thos. McDonnell. (F13.) Deae Bkissenden, — Auckland, 17th January, 1875. Watching about town looking for you is, I find, tedious. I came in at 9 a.m., and now it is past 1 p.m., and lam going home. I want to see you, so leave word with the stable man if you are coming in to-morrow, and the time, and I will be there; if not, and that it be convenient, I will take a stroll out to your place. I have, &c., Thos. McDonnell. (G.) Maungakahia, June 27th, 1874. Receited from Edwin Torrens Brissenden, Esq., agent for land purchase under " The Immigration and Public Works Act," (he sum of ten pounds sterling, being a payment on account of KairaraTotarapoka block of land, estimated to contain 15,000 acres, situated at Maungakahia, which we agree to sell to Her Majesty Queen Victoria for the sum of one shilling per acre. Ramaetjetj Whabepapa. Haee Pote. Witness—E. H. Wright. Te Weeu.