Auckland 18th January, 1871 My dear McLean, I arrived here yesterday by the Rangatira and regret very much to find you absent. Tomorrow there is a steamer for the Bay, and I feel myself bound, altho' the time is short, to go up and explain the cause of the delay in not seeing them before this. Under the circumstances I venture to ask for a month leave of absence. I had determined come what would not to leave the Rangitikei until I had done the best I could; and I think I have the pleasure say that the matter is now really finished. I had a hard fight for a week as to the Boundaries of the Reu Reu Reserve, Ngawaka being the principal opponent; As it was I had to give 3000 more acres, which was much below their expectations as - they claiming an to select. I was only a day in Wellington - I saw Dr. Featherstone- and Gisborne, and requested that young Carkeek who has been over the ground with me, might be allowed to go on undisturbed which Featherstone agreed to do: Alex: McDonald did everything in his power to carry out your wishes and there can be no doubt of the influence he has acquired amongst the Natives of the Dist. - As soon as Carkeek sends me a Plan of the Top Reserve, with the Traverse, I will after seeing you send in a Report. I left the Natives in good spirits, altho' I was a little afraid the Waikato news which came in fresh every other day might have disturbed our arrangements, but happily it did not. I sincerely trust you will be successful in your arrangements about the Waikato, whatever they may be. Trusting this will find you well, and with the compts. of the season. I remain, Faithfully yours, H. T. KEMP By closing up some of the survey lines wh. abutted on some of the Reserves, and which had been up to the time of your going up, an open question, The Provincial Govt. were able to bring in 20m000 acres of Land into the Market wh. is now advertized for sale.