Coromandel, June 8, 1865. Dear Sir, Pardon me for not wrighting to you when George went but every moment of my time was taken up as I was at that time engaged with the Natives Purchasing a Kauri bush at Whangapoua to erect sawmills on which we hope to have in action in a few months Alfred is the bearer of this he is on his way to Wellington Mr. Mantil wrote for him he is to join Mr. H. Brown who is Civil Commissioner for controlling Otago and Southland he will have £150 per annum and full travelling expenses he is the one that you spoke about for Dr. Featherstone he will remain in Wellington for a short time and then go on to Mr.Brown I have felt rather anxious about George as there has been so many Paimarires about the Wairoa I am thankfull to hear that you have taken such decisive steps to oppose them and hope that their reign will be but short and that Peace may again be restored to this distracted country both you and I shall not be far wrong in giving 10 years for the War I trust that your Province suffers less than this from its effects I shall beglad to hear when the General Election takes place that you are reelected for your Province as then you will have time to develop your plans as formed I think that it would be to the advantage of the Province I hope that we shall have some change in our Superintendent as at present we have a man without brains we want a man with a strong mind but except Pollen comes forward I fear we shall not get one Mr. J. Williamson will not have a chance should he offer himself except there is no other choice. You will be glad to hear that Poor Coromandel is getting on pretty well all the claims now working are getting Gold we have now about 1500 European inhabitants we have 8 sawmills in full work and 6 more being erected each of which will employ about 100 men we hope to cut at our mill from 7000 to 12000 feet per day for at least 10 or 15 years which if timber brings but a modest price will give us a good return I havelet out my land on an inspiring lease to 4 parties 350 acre farms and one 1000 acre farm and keep the house and paddocks about 35 acres which will be as much as we want the persons who have taken it are hard at work with their teams ploughing and soon we shall have a fine place the persons who have taken the place are hard working practical men with sufficient capital to work it well and they will soon get a good return. Mrs. Preece and family joins me in kind regards Alfred will call on you if he can. I remain my dear sir, Yours very truly, James Preece. D. McLean, Esqr., Napier.