Ngaruawahia 15th. Augt./67 My dear McLean, In reference to Ihakara's claim on me for £90 repaid to me, I solemnly declare that I know nothing about and never received any such sum or other sum from him, there was a talk amongst them about repurchasing a portion of the Manawatu Block and I think a small sum was given into my charge certainly did not exceed £8 or 9 which was afterwards withdrawn by driblets but I do not recollect who gave it to me, but certainly not Ihakara for he had no money to spare. As regards this District we certainly are not progressing. Militiamen are selling their lands for a long and going away and large holders are steppingin/their place but they are not as yet spending much money. In fact the state of Impecuniousaty of the Waikato will be a byword. soon. The Gold Diggings at Kaueranga gave us some hopes at one time and all were ready to bolt on the receipt of a good report, but this does not appear to be case for the Diggings and a failure. The Natives are now few and far between in the Waikato and are now quite a different race to what we can remember them, they are now all lazy, sulky, idle and discontented and half starved to boot. As regards the King's party I do not apprehend at present so long as there are a few militiamen left to keep up appearances any danger from them at least in this District. As no doubt you are aware I am R.M. for the middle Waikato only, but from Mr. Mainwarings pecuniary difficulty with the Treasury, he is suspended and I have to do the duty for him keeping me as I always like to be actively employed my district now includes seven Courts involving travelling on horseback every fortnight to the extent of two hundred miles only, which as the Govt. allow for only 10/6 per diem for will soon involve me in considerable difficulties. I am afraid to say anything about it for the only answer I ever get now is a refusal and a snubbing from Richmond why I do not know but you will agree with me that it is a rather bad look out to know that the more I do and the harder I work the sooner I shall be in Mount Eden Stockade and my wife and family starving. I was very much pleased to see a letter from you again. It put me in mind of old times. You of course are attending to your important legislative duties in Wellington. It is a credit however to the old Land Purchase Department in your time that all of us the much abused unfortunates should still keep our heads above water and most of us still holding office. I am My dear McLean, Yours faithfully, Will N. Searancke.