Bay of Islands December 6th 1861 My dear McLean, I have only just received yours in reference to closing the accounts, having been for some time absent in the North. The Balance alluded to, I had retained for the payment of the small Taraire Block as authorized in one of your officials - I shall at once however reply to the Auditors queries and pay in the Balance to the Sub Treasury here for form's sake, to be drawn out again in a few days:- I stated some time since that it wd. be probably required for that purpose in an abstract I forwarded. There have been many changes here since the Governor's visit - New appointments - particulars of wh. you will probably have known long ere this reaches you. Many of us are surprized at old Mr. Clarke's appt. for more reasons than . On the whole we had a pleasant time with Sir George and Fox. It however remains to be seen how the new system will work. It is true that money can do much carefully handled amongst the Natives. Time will tell us how things will really turn out. I think that we shall be able to make very considerable purchases during this Summer including the Victoria Valley and from what Mr. Fox says the North is likely to receive an accession of Settlers - wh. is much wanted. Many thanks for your kind offer but we are not likely to trouble you with any Commissions in England. How long are you likely to remain away. If you will send me your address before you sail, I will endeavour to send you a line now and again and shall feel pleasure in giving you a short outline of passing events in the North - if they shd. be of any interest to you. We all join in wishing you a speedy voyage and happy reception in the Old Country. Believe me Sincerely yours H. T. Kemp