27 May 1861 Maraekakaho My dear Donald We received a letter from Catherine from Otago and Canterbury stating that they could not land the sheep on the coast and had to go on to Otago with them but she says their has not been many lost this time and that the bullocks and horses landed all in good order. She says that they were going to drive them to the river. The distance is 200 miles. I hope and trust they may get them safe their. I hope that this gold field will not prove to be a disadvantage to you. I fear it will rise labour and God knows it is high enough now. We have had very bad weather here the most of this month. Heavey rains and floods. It has kept us 6 days idle with the plow. We are again commenced and I hope we will have a spale of fine weather so as to get our wheat and grass seed in. We have sowed a good pack of seed in the padock and it is coming up very well. I hope we will have the most if it under grass the Spring. I have sowen some on the hills and it is up and looking well. The Maories they say are getting somewhat troublesome among some of the settlers but they have been quite with us ever since I was speaking to them. Renitta [Renata] was here the other day wanting payment for bush but I told him we were not ...ling their now that Oliver and Ormond was getting timber from there at preasant. They went and stoped them but told me if I wanted any I could go and take it. I here that they have petitioned the Gov. to let you come down here and send more troops down. The troops will do good to the place as it will rise the price of meat. I hope and trust you will come down to see what is best to be done. Poor Catherine is very anxious to see you and I am very anxious myself for I know it would be to your advantage to come down for you could put matters to wrights among the natives as regards the plains. I mentioned in my last that they promised not to leace them to any other party before Alex returned but I fear he may be longer than he expected and they are every day wanting to know when he is coming so as to have the matter settled. You will have received the wool account and stock account long before this. I have no more news to gave you but hope I will have the pleasure of seeing you and dear little Douglas before long. Catherine joins me in love and affection. Archibald John McLean PS. I think there will be a good lambing this time. The lambs appear pretty thick and will have them in for docking next month. A J M