The Cliffs, Nelson 30th January, 1857 My dear McLean, I am very much annoyed that little Daniell has been so confused in his accounts relative to the Pelorus purchase. You know I have an aversion to accounts and left all to him, the little fellow is slow but I believe correct and this time I have gone over them with him and think you will find everything clear and correct. You will observe that I officially explain the transaction relative to the £1100 the receipt for which ought to have been distroyed and I have a distinct recollection of telling Daniell to do so but he kept it with the other Vouchers to be able to explain everything should he be called upon and thus it got sent to Auckland by mistake in the hurry of making up the accounts I am glad to find you are getting on so well and smoothly with the natives in the North for after all it is there anything like a disturbance will take place for in this Island the number is so insignificant that little legislation or management is required for them. I fear from what I hear that there will be some trouble with the Wellington people at the next meeting of the Houses on Native Affairs as they are bent on two points viz. the removal of the seat of Govt, and getting the management of all the Native Affairs into the bands of the Ministry - but I am strong on this point and will endeavour to stir up the Members of the Upper House to vote against it, so strong do I feel on the point that I report to no other than the Governor the handing over the Native Trust Property at Nelson to the Commissioners appointed under the new Act. You will be sorry to hear that my great ally on all these questions (Mr. Seymour) will not be at the next Session as he goes home by the "Oliver Lang" a very splendid vessel we had here the other day. I am very glad to find that there is a probability of our seeing you at Nelson again and freed from all disturbing questions about Land and Natives so that you will be able to enjoy yourself - When I see you we can talk over the policy of your going into the House at present without knowing your reasons I doubt the prudence of the step although I consider it is very necessary to have someone there to correct erroneous statements We have given up our trip to the Wairau for the present as Georgy has (without being ill) complained of a pain in her side lately and Monro thinks she should not take violent exercise or ascend steep hills, both of which she would have to encounter in a journey to the Wairau - Ligar is right Andrew has sold 1000 sheep to Mr. Robinson at the price he states, it is a great deal too low but the agreement was he was to get the same price as he gave Mr. Stafford before he left Nelson and therefore Andrew was obliged to abide by it not that he wished to get off as the Run is beginning to get full and it is better to take money when you can get it, Andrew had 3000 Lambs this year so it is time to get rid of some of the stock. I am glad to find your affairs are becoming so prosperous as to cause you to think of retiring shortly and very glad I should be if your interests rendered it advisable that you should reside at Nelson Believe me, my dear McLean, Very sincerely yours, M. RICHMOND