Private Mount Herbert 1st Feby. 1868 11 p.m. Dear McLean Thanks for your attention about the mail wh. arrived here by 4 P.M. today. I have asked Burke to send me Bag regularly in future by each Coach and I shall see to its being brought from Waipawa. The English news is bad as to Wool, but I am glad to see by the later Telegrams that there had been a slight rally. With stock really unsaleable and wool fetching so low a price prospects really look gloomy where engagements and expenses are heavy and we must both retrench and improve at sametime two difficult things to reconcile. I am sorry that my illness has prevented me going up with Coy. to Taupo, but I shall be in no condition to travel till Wedy. next, and Coy. has his own Run to attend to, so he will lose no time, I know the "General" will be dancing mad and calling me all the Humbugs in the world. However, I am not going to risk my health for all Taupo with Thames given in. I feel much better today and my horses and attendant are ready to start when I am. I have signed and sent Fannin the agreemt. with Papakura valuation. I hope Park entertains reasonable ideas on the subject of land, and will be guided by the present and probable real value of land for many years to come. The Govt. ought to be satisfied to get their money back without profit, as they undoubtedly gave too much for it. How one's ideas have changed during the last 18 months. I hope you have given Park the idea that if the Block as a whole realises the outlay the Govt. will be content. Thanks for your attention about the wine account. Yrs.always H.R. Russell