19 July 1869 Glenorchy My dear D I was down at Napier and did all that we arranged about before you left for Wellington. The man you have their now is som[e]thing like a man and as far as I can see the best you ever had there. He is one of Scotland's childrin which in itself is a pleasure as they in general have some bottom to them. Some of Ir[e]land's boys are good in tongue but bad in hand and head to carry out what they are told to do. I have shifted all the fruit trees and planted them properly and they will grow now. I took down 350 good cuttings and put them in of willow and Lombard poplar which I hope will grow. Also some very good peach trees and got a few from Sturmer to make up the proper sorts and as it is likely you will have to leace the place as you I supose will be the most of your time in Wellington it will help it to leace. I hope, should you leace it, you will gave it on an improving leace and to keep it in shure repair. I find a number of the blue gum posts are perfectly rotton and I made Wishard put others in their place or allong side of them to keep cattle and horses out which will last now a long time. I now must tell you about things in general. I find that sales could be made of fat wethers at Napier to Neal & Coss. They offered 6/- cash if guerenteed [guaranteed] to go 52 lb. I told them a gaurentee could not be gaven but that they could get the number from the run as good as any in the province but the price was two low. I asked for 8/-. They then said they would gave here the first offer but would wait advice from Auckland for a fortnight longer. I told Condie of it and the chances are they may buy the 1000. I have often told you the folly of keeping Twigg on their now. You may think he is doing you a great deal of good but let me tell you it would pay you better to pay him to be away from their riding about on horsback is pritty well all he is good for again. I find them fatting 4 good pigs and killing to be used at the station when bacon if properly cured will at preasant bring 1/- per pound and those pigs cured would average I am certain over 600 lb. I made them send 4 hams of the two first down to the house in Napier and the rest of the two first pigs ought to be plenty left there. If it was me I would make them then eat sheep and sell the bacon at all events to the value of £20. I mentioned it to Condie but he said he would not sell it so if you send me word I dare say I can sell it without any trouble. Catherine is at Napier with Annabella for a few days. Poor Mrs Smith is dying. I was very much pleased with dear Douglas's letter and sent him a nice answer back. Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean