1 January 1866 Glenorchy My dear Donald I wish you a happy new years and many returns of the season. I certainly feel at not having the pleasure of seeing you up here. Of course I well know the great anxiety you are allways keep in regarding matters concerning the affairs of the country to allow much time to come here still a small trip up here might be accomplished without much loss of time. However as Tuke and some of the men you have so much to do with are not very far from here we may expect you as they appear not to know what to do till furthers orders. The old Scotchman Mr Sutherland stayed here till Mr Weber came on Sunday yesterday and was very communicative as regards his plans and his means. He found I was desirous to gave him as he called it good sound information about how to manage in New Zealand. That was to get hold in those times of a place in working order as to get a place up to working order. No stranger could imagine the money it would cost and that it was much better to get a place in working order than have to begin at the beginning as one could have quicker returns and less outlay. He said that if he agreed with you that he would be two late for this mail to send for the £2000 he said he had at home. That he intirely depended on McThorlan [?] in Auckland in the meantime. He appears to be an honest kind of man. Of course you know how to take care of yourself. He could not bear Major Whitmore. Mrs Stewart came up here to bid farewell with Catherine. She was very kind to her when at Napier so I am pleased the compliment is repayed. [Last page/s missing]