Airedale, Saturday My dear McLean I have only just heard from Gledhill that you were here still. I was under the impression that Charles Brown had told me last night you were back in Auckland. I am very sorry I cant go ashore to see you. I was unlucky enough to fall into the hold among the cattle as we were leaving Nelson, and got a smart shake and bruise - so that I cant get about yet. Send me a line to say what is the real state of things with the natives. As we were leaving Otago the Mangareta Roconer was a few miles off the harbour with a fair wind - You will be glad to hear this after the ill luck she met with. I meant to have crossed from the Manuherekia country, through your Run to the Wakatipu Lake - but there came on an awful souwester which covered all the ranges deep in snow - Sam Revans and I crossed the rough Ridge in a snowstorm and didnt like it. I heard however all I could about your run - some said it was very high, others that there was a good low part in it - I told Gillies all I had gathered up country, the balance being on the whole I thought rather unfavourable, but he told me he could now get £1500 or £2000 for the run, so I was glad to think you hadnt done badly by buying on the chance. Gillies will tell you more particulars when he comes up. I really dont understand what has been done about peace - and Richmond could tell me nothing positive. I left him at Dunedin, but he will be up I expect by the Corio in a few days - You will see the Native Council Bill was not decided on 26 February Yours ever J.D. Hill I hear that Patu Kakarihi and Hapurona have taken the oaths of allegiance and say that Kingi had no land on the south side - If this be true and you have any evidence about Kingi's right you might let me have it to work up for the Governor by this mail - which wd. be useful no doubt at home.