24 July 1862 Napier My dear Donald I am happy to tell you that Alex has this day finally arranged and settled with Nairn for the sheep and run. The natives are quite agreeable to the arrangement. The boundaries now are from the Puckkie up to the two trees on the pass to the Hapuka's pa and from their to the Maraekakaho so that is a large scope of country. Alick wants me to say if you could get the money easy in Auckland that you had better bring it down with you otherwise he has made arrangements here for it. I consider it a very good bargain for all. I do believe he might have got it cheaper. Still I can see the way clear for the place being made to pay very well with care in a short time. I have told you in my former letter particulars regarding the number of sheep. However in round number, in case my other letter has been mislaid I send you a copy. 1300 wethers, 28 rams & 955 ewes two tooth and 4 tooth sheep for £2000. I also enclose you a coppy of a letter that was sent to the natives which you will understand. I came down with him yesterday to see that all would be well and when he saw the steamer coming in this morning he was for of[f] to Auckland but I advised him to write as I considered it usless expence as you I hope will be down by the Queen to arrange all matters. Mason wants to let his run and Alex told me to write him to see his terms as it might answer to take it if the way could be seen clear. I thought it was better that we should know his terms. At all events Alex is off among the natives and I leave for home with medicine for my wife who has been poorly for the last ten days but I am happy to say Douglas an[d] Catherine