Auckland, 15 Jany. /55. My Dear McLean, I have just a few minutes before the sailing of a vessel to Ahuriri to write you a line or two. Had I known last week that a vessel was going to where I expect you are I should have been better prepared towrite by her than I am and I think if Capt.Haultain had been aware of the opportunity he would have gone himself to select land. I understand she will likely take another trip by and bye when he I daresay he will go by her. We are anxiously looking out for you to arrive here very soon --- perhaps by this vessel on her return. Little comparatively in the land department has been done since you left us, and there is an increased craving for land. The Survey depart, as you know is mortifyingly slow and Ligar quite apathetic. The Provincial Authorities here are going to manage the purchase and the sale of lands themselves and then Ligar will become literally the Surveyor General of New Zealand. Major Nugent has gone to New Plymouth to enquire and report in botha Military and Civil capacity, respecting the late outbreak but in the mean time we hear that the affair has been set at rest for the season. In a few days the Col. will resign the Superintendy. and will be succeeded either by Brown or Whitaker. The canvassing goes on ardently at present. If Brown is elected he will find it impossible to get on with the Council. They are almost to a man against him. We the Officials and the better part of the Community as we flatter ourselves trust in the election of Whitaker. We have heard nothing of a new Governor, but expect by the November Mail next week to obtain some indication of the coming man. In the Provinces they are making a great Stramach against the General Government but I think like the great attack during the Meetings of the late Assembly the struggle will end in the consolidation of the General Government. In about two months the Attorney General intends to go home on leave of absence for one year, not more. When he comes-back I will go if I do not so before that time. I must not serve much longer and I am ready at a day's notice to give in but will not do so until I get a more decided cause for it than at present. We at home are all getting on exceedingly well, the Highland girls have all left us, but Molly comes now and then to assist. I must close with wishing you all the compliments of the season. Yours truly, A. Sinclair.