Auckland 13 Jany. 1868 My Dear Mr. McLean, Many thanks for your kind letter of the 25th ulto. and for the information it contains - The Arbitrators have not yet come to a decision on my case - they are now waiting for some documents from the Bay of Islands which I thought were not likely to be called for. I have every reason to expect that they will make a liberal award and be unanimous - But unless I can be allowed to select a part of what may be allotted to me out of the Confiscated lands, I fear it will be difficult to obtain any land with an exchangeable value - When I agreed to accept Scrip instead of a debenture, it was on the understanding that the confiscated lands would be disposed of under the Provincial Waste Lands Regulations as provided for in the "Confiscated Lands Act" - But the Provincial Govt. having declined to receive the Confiscated lands subject to the burdens upon them, this expectation was disappointed - Mr. Carleton has made a representation on the subject - as the promoter of the bill - And recommended that my request be granted that a piece of the Poverty Bay lands should be held in reservation for me subject to the contingency of the Assembly passing a Land Claims Arbitration Amendment Act if necessary, but I do not know what answer he has received or whether he has received any - My sons have such a high opinion of the Turanga lands for sheep that I am very desirous if possible of securing a portion of that land - thinking that I am at least as well entitled to it as the "friendly natives" who have a country of their own - and much better entitled than "the rebels who may come in" - for both of whom the Act makes provision that reserves may be made - You were kind enough to say that you would have a chat with my sons on the subject - I fear that my youngest son would have left Napier before he had the opportunity of seeing you - as he was to go to Poverty Bay on the 28th and the eldest had returned thence some time before. I did not find the officials very forward in giving me information about land - But it is probable that my son who knows Heaphy will have better success - The information contained in your note is most valuable - You are aware what Williamson's views are, as expressed in the Assembly - that my selection ought to be restricted to the "surplus lands" - So that as far as his influence extends I need not look for much furtherance of my wishes - So very few persons have taken the trouble to read any of my pamphlets that I cannot but feel grateful for such an appreciationof them as you have shewn - Whether I have a complete set I am doubtful - but I shall have great pleasure in sending you what I have - Mrs. Burley who has recently joined me here begs her kind remembrances to you and I remain Yours Truly Obliged James Busbly