Royal Hotel Decr. 2nd 1856 My dear McLean I have waited till the very last moment in the hopes of seeing you before going, and now I must write instead. I have put in the application for Titiokura having strained a point to raise the £25 for fear some one else should step in and secure the run. I have at the same time applied for another on the Ngaruroro opposite Tuke's as a foil, but as it is applied for already by Tom FitzGerald's Brother in law, I suppose I shall hot get it. I don't care however for I much prefer Titiokura for many reasons. Wakatomo, Hapuku's son, was very anxious to get the horse, and I agreed to sell him for £80 , but as the tin was not forthcoming of course the bargain is off. He is just beginning to look a little decent now. I leave him on the Island with instructions to Murray the Policeman to allow no one to ride him and to have him watered every day. The saddle and bridle are in my bedroom and the spur is hanging up by the window. I am very sorry I have not seen you as you might have some commissions or messages for Auckland, but it can't be helped --- wind and tide can't be stayed, and we are off positively this afternoon. Good bye to you old fellow --- I hope you will be able to withstand the fascinations of the lovely Miss M --- y (I don't mean Mary) Believe me Sincerely your's G. S. Cooper I am determined to get Ligar down here and Ryan too if possible. If I am made R.M. I expect Rogan will be sent to Wairarapa in which case I'll make him come this way overland, so I think if you bait a trap carefully at Titiokura you may manage to catch the old fox cunning as he is. Keep this and show it him if ever it should happen. I forgot Hapuku's message about the horse. He says you must on no account sell him, as he considers it a bargain between you that he is to be run at the races on partnership account. He'll have you hanged without benefit of clergy if you sell him to anybody.