Wellington 15th Octr. /59 My dear McLean, Having now given up all hopes of seeing you previous to the starting of the Lord Ashley for Nelson - I take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know of my movements. I started from Christ church on the 29th April - and reached Mawhera, West Coast on 19th May - The Natives did not assemble before the 25th July - We had a korero from that date until the 3rd August - I am sorry to say that I could not prevail on them to take the money I had at my disposal for the purchase of their lands. The Mawhera Natives were willing to sell but the Southern ones would not - I however believe that a purchase can be made for £300. It was with no very pleasant feelings I made a start for Nelson from Arahaura, on the 4th August, I was vexed that I should have lost so much time, for nothing - and would be compelled to take another journey to purchase this out of the way land - I endeavoured to travel to Nelson overland - but as we got nearly starved we had to return to Mawhera - this we arrived at on the 21 st August. The only satisfaction I had on this trip was that I discovered a good pass connecting the Grey and Upper Buller country - and by which an available road can be made to Nelson. I remained at Mawhera from the 21 st August until the 8th September, when I again made a start for Nelson, taking the coast for it - on the 14th we reached the mouth of the Buller River, where to my great joy I found the Cutter Supply at anchor - she sailed for Nelson on the 15th. We had a bad passage and arrived at Nelson on the 19th at 11 P.M. I went up to Drum duan that night - Finding that the Airedale was to sail the next day at 1 P. M. for Auckland, and as I had not time to write by her I determined on taking my passage - She got to Manakau on the 24th - I saw Mr. Smith on the 26th and explained matters to him - on the 29th I sent in my report - I believe my proceedings have given satisfaction but I have not yet received an answer, but further instructions will be sent by the next mail. It was rather lucky that I went up to Auckland as it enabled me to see Mr.Tancred about the Gold Fields, and to become thoroughly acquainted with the views of the Government about them. I have now been appointed Resident Magistrate (this is only another name for Warden) - And I have to start the machinery on the 1st Novr. - I am to hold myself in readiness to return to Arahaura about the commencement of December. I hope you will accept my warmest thanks for the interest which you have always taken in my welfare, as I feel certain that you have in a great measure been instrumental in obtaining me my present appointment - You will be aware by this time, that the province of Nelson, has lost the Wairau and Pelorua districts which now constitute the new Province of Marlborough - so I need not tell you more about it. I left Auckland on the 8th Octr. in the White Swan. I saw your son on that day (8th) at Parnell, as I was walking down the hill with Mrs. Coates (I have a boy of hers in Massacre Bay) she pointed him out to me, he was returning from school with a lot of other youths. I went up to him, and told him I should most likely see you in Wellington - I was to tell you that he was quite well - He certainly looked so, and put me in mind of a young Highlander with his kilt and sporan - I can give you no Nelson news as I was only there about twelve hours. I was happy to hear that Mrs. Gascoyne is again united with her family, but doubtless you have heard so long ere this - Believe me Yours most truly James Mackay Jr.