Onehunga Ap.26 /59 Dear McLean, One line to say that I cannot write you fully by this opportunity but the 'Prince Alfred' is outside and will give another in a few days - Nothing very important to Report - Everything going on smoothly at the office - Sewell is now an ex minister - says there were 'one too many in the boat' so as last comer he is willing to step out - no difference with his colleagues. Sinclair has applied for 3 months leave to visit N.S.Wales - health very delicate. A demonstration at Kawhia - setting up the 'king's flag' - a failure, resident natives opposed flag all very well, but suffer no interference with the pakeha ships etc. Turton starts on circuit to day or to morrow - Coromandel, Thames, Tauranga, down to Opotiki - Rotorua Tarawera, back by Waikato - detailed instructions given him -Kiri down - tried to get an audience of the Govt. thorough the R.C.Vicar Genl. about Omaha, got a setting down at the office but is 'pakeke' still - if we take his land will sell no more etc. - but I fancy he feels his position very weak - Hemara here urging fulfilment of a promise stated to have been made by H.E. and yourself that he should receive compensation for the road passing through his land Provincial Govt. swear he shall not have anything from them - the Govr. believes a promise has been given - No more time - Mail closes at 1/2 p. 10 - Don't know where you may be last accounts say you were on the way to Whanganui a fortnight ago Adieu - Yours in haste Thos. H. Smith White of Mangonui is down here - A Mr.Trimnell of Otahuhu, M.R.C.S. has applied for the appt. of medical attendant at Mangonui and will get it. Stratford's son went down there hoping to get it but - Mr. Trimnell as a qualified man is the more eligible. Rogan is off to Whangarei shortly - to look after the Kiri a wera - did not succeed in settling the Waiuku business- We have an extra hand in the office - Heigham a relative of Symonds' - temporarily employed to get up arrears of work - classify deeds, plans,etc.