N. P. May 16/59. My dear Sir, I enclose the second part of Poharama's letter (a forgery of course) but I have not appended his name as I have not shewn it to him or said anything about it. I thoughtit better you should first see it and make any additions or alterations and put it if you like in your own dress. I beg pardon for being so long about it but you must pardon the idleness and rarurara of an old friend. You will remember when you were last at Kawhia my shewing you the Deeds of some land up the Awaroa bought by James Walker from the Natives. 13 years ago he came to me in Auckland saying he was in distress and offering me his deeds and land for £5. He signed a paper to that effect and I gave him the money with the understanding that he should have them back if he brought back the money. I saw no more of him. 5 or 6 years ago it was reported he was dead and his wife got married to another man. The Natives have for several years been toheing to have the land back and 6 months ago I wrote them saying the £5 with interest would now be £10 and if they would pay me that sum I would give up the deeds as the pakeha was dead. A fortnight ago however I received a letter from the dead man asking me to give him a little more utu for his land as he is living in poverty at Grey Town in the Wairarapa valley! And a week ago two natives from Kawhia came to me to say they had agreed to my offer and would give me £10 for the land. I said ''I made that offer supposing James Walker was dead. He turns out to be alive so I must write to him.'' And so I have written to him telling him all the particulars and saying if he sends me £10 in a month's time he shall have his deeds and land back -- if not I shall accept the natives' offer. Now I want you to tell me if I have done right and to give me such advice as shall prevent me doing wrong. The Goods paid for the land were ''valued at £16--6'' ''600 acres more or less'' ''Feby. 15 1840''. But the claim has never been in the Comp. Court and there is no Crown Grant. Mr. Parris will tell you all news so I must plead raruraru and begging you to favour me with a line in reply to the above remain, Yours truly, J. Whiteley. D. McLean Esq.