Auckland Decr. 15 1858 My dear Domett I do not know what you have done, or what you are going to do about your run --- but I am still open to make any fair terms you propose respecting it, as I find that giving it up, after the expence I have been placed to, in the expectation of keeping it, will occasion me much loss and trouble in obtaining another place and I am satisfied your interests will not be better attended to by any other person, than by my brother. If you choose to let Curling and Alexander arrange the terms, or any other friend of yours, the run might be carried on very much to your advantage without incurring much risk to yourself. My brother says, he understood when Curling gave him charge over the run, that he would be sure of it, subject of course to your approval for a term of years, and he has been making his plans and purchases of sheep, on the strength of this understanding. The proximity of the run to mine, renders its supervision and management, much easier to me than to any one else, who would undertake it, and from the care I am taking in selecting rams and improving the breed of sheep you would find yourself at the expiration of any given term in the possession of as good a breed of sheep as any in the Colony --- Strang has just returned having enjoyed a few weeks leave of absence with his grandson. The Hawke's Bay electoral division is now published and I dare say that you will look with great interest to the manner the Hawke's Bay boys will exercise their newly acquired powers of self govt. I do not know who is to be superintendant, I have been asked to accept the office how would it suit you? or do you feel too much wedded to Nelson and the numerous old friends you have got there. I have great hopes that the govt. of Hawke's Bay will be carried on with economy and prudence they have not the means and I do not suppose they desire any ostentatious display, it will have the advantage of benefitting by the failures of its elders in this respect. I remain, My dear Domett Yours faithfully (Signed) Donald Maclean