Stapleton, Coromandel May 7th 1857 Dear Sir Yours of April 8th by Pita I received some time ago but have not had an opportunity of writting to you until now I am glad to hear that you are likely to pay us a visit shortly I trust you will make our place your home whilest you are in these parts I am rejoiced to hear that you have got an offer of part of Whangapoa no opportunity should be lost in purchasing the whole as it will be of the greatest importance both to this Harbour and the province in general the whole of the ranges between this harbour and that place should be purchased if possible as they contain the principal gold feild the harbour at Whangapoa is bared so that no vessall can get in there but a good cart road can be made over here which would save going round the Cape and produce could be brought from there here in a few hours I am thankful that you lent Pita the money I think that there will not be any need to make any father loan until those are paid up the natives of this harbour cannot now complain that they have been neglected lately I am thankful to be able to say that there is an apparent improvement amongst them since I came to reside here and I trust to see greater improvement should I I be spared to labour long amongst them. Mrs. Preece and family joins me in kind regards believe me to remain yours very truly James Preece To D. McLean Esqr. Auckland P. S. I should be glad of some numbers of the Karremaori I have not had any since the Decr. No. J. P.