Turanganui 23rd January 1859 My dear Sir, I arrived here yesterday afternoon to pay the interest of Wi Tamehana's and Raniera's Money and find that I shall have some bal. in my hands after the Interest due is paid, on this subject I require some explanation as to what I am to do with the bal. in hand. Kelly has presented me with the enclosed acct. against you for payment. I have however thought it better to refer it to you, your answer on the matter had better be addressed to him as I shall, before an answer can possible arrive from Auckland be out of this part of the country. I have duly received the Official respecting the Waikanae Purchase and beg mostrespectfully to state that I am very well aware of how the survey of the purchased block is to be done that it is not advice but a surveyor that I want. I am happy to hear that it is likely that you will pay Wellington a visit soon as I am getting on very unsatisfactorily to myself I have succeeded in arranging for the purchase of about 40,000 acres of the Maungaraki Block the price I have settled to pay is to the Natives very unsatisfactory, and will amount to about fourteenpence per Acre and this price tho apparently high is not much considering their increased knowledge of the value of their land's and I think if a more correct acreage of other blocks in the valley be taken into consideration with the amts paid for them that the price of 14d per acre is not in excess I am trying to get some of the difficulties of Wairarapa cleared away as my time here is but short I have been completely laid up lately having caught cold in my eyes during the time I was making a traverse of the Maungaraki Block, which has prevented my completing it. I will let you know ween the purchase is completed. and am, very truly yours, Will N. Searancke Donald McLean Esqre, AUCKLAND.