Ahuahu 13 Oct./54. My dear Sir, On my arrival here I found the enclosed which I now forward to Auckland having heard that you sailed in the Joseph Fletcher. The tides moon and weather so favoured me both night and day, and my natives were so anxious to get home that we pushed on and got here by noon on Monday having left N.P. as you will remember on Thursday. The vessel arrived the same evening having left on Saturday, I am hoping to hear from Mr. Turton by this mail whether anything fresh has turned up since we left. Hone Ngapere tells me Katatori was to have a demonstration in return for the one by Te Haeana ma on Wednesday last, this as a matter of form we might expect but I think nothing would come out of it of a serious character. Mr. Barret here was anxious to see you about his land. Could you inform me whether in his particular case the land would have to be put up to auction? I should say not, as it is a gift by the Chief to Barrett's wife and children with merely a life interest in it for Barrett. A line from you on the subject would be satisfactory. I sent you a pencil scrap from Waiau by the return of the horse asking you to write me about the freight of the cart etc. I have not seen Liddell but if you have made any bargain with him I should like to know so that I may direct the natives aright. I think I acted very shabbily in not asking you to let me pay for the horses you kindly provided for me and the natives who went with them for those charges were certainly a part of the "Travelling Expenses" of the journey and should have been defrayed by myself out of the sum you kindly allowed me. However if you will let me know the amount I will send it you through Mr. Buddle. We were all disappointed that you did not come in the vessel but of course after so much delay you did right in availing yourself of the "Joseph Fletcher" by whom I trust you have by this time reaches Auckland in safety. I write in great haste and with our united respects. I am yours affec., John Whiteley.