Waimate 20 Feby., 1859 My dear McLean, I have just returned from the surveys at the Kawa Kawa or I should have replied to your officials before; I am almost afraid, that this will not find you in Auckland as I learn that the ''Iris'' has gone down; uncertain as to your whereabouts, I shall nevertheless follow you up with a line now and then. The Kawa Kawa surveys are going on nicely: I have reported officially to you to this effect. I shall keep close to it until finished: - Altho' they are a troublesome party to handle, but with a little gentle dealing, I think we shall do the thing very satisfactorily. Your request for Specimens for the Austrian Geologist shall be attended to with great pleasure. I will also try to obtain 2 or 3 other specimens which we think may be interesting and acceptable to him. I shall send them in your name as soon as I get them. Kempthorne's behaviour has not surprised me, altho' it has annoyed me. I had already been put on my guard by parties who knew him. He is a miserable old man. His want of candour has been his misfortune from the beginning of the chapter. I shall depend upon your having him removed as soon as the Summer is over. I have replied to your official about him. Sheppards Case in the ''Examiner'' you mention, has to be dealt with by . He is a litigous old man, and dreams of nothing but his Land Claims, the bounds whereof, he himself knows not. He rejoices here in the soubriquet of the , as far as the Governmt. is concerned I am on the right side, no money having yet been paid. This he does not know. He has been attacking White for many years past, is tired I suppose, and desires a new sphere of action; I shall not quarrell with him. The Native papers in reference to the Tiakiaoai, but properly speaking the Reserve you sent up, I have reported on, and marked to be sent on to you, if your Locum tenens should think right. You refer to the arrival of a Capitalist; I see no prospect of any private sales, until Bell's new Crown Grants have come out, everything and everybody is at a stand still until he clears off the claims on his hands. Thank you for your enquiries after the children. They have not been very well, but are recovering from the Influenza. Accept our kind regards, and if you see Strang, which you probably will do, present our affectionate remembrances to him. Believe me, Faithfully your's, H. T. Kemp D. McLean, Esqr.