Pakowai 19th. Decr. 1853 Dear McLean, I have just completed the sketch of the new purchases which from the causes mentioned in the "Official" took me much longer than I thought I should have been. They are very bare of timber --- I have not seen anything worth calling a "Bush" though here and there are a few scrubby trees that will do for firewood. The Government in my opinion will not be likely to realize much from the sale of this land for many years for with the exception of the small piece of the plains included in it, there is very little that would be fit for agriculture. Moananui wished to sell up to Wahaparata but Karitihau would not consent. If you liked a very hilly run you could get a very good one I think on the West Bank of the Tukituki between Komirakau and the plains. There is some very good grass on the hillsides but it would be necessary I imagine to secure all the patches of flat land in freehold to prevent others interfering with you. I am going to spend the few days between this and Christmas (before returning to prosecute the survey of the College Land) in examining the Ngaruroro districts and will write to you an account of it and the runs that may be had there on my return, so that you may make up your mind before it will be too late for the Districts now to be purchased --- for I presume you will cause the government to give the settlers here due notice of the purchases having been completed and that they will receive applications either for the purchase of land or for runs --- on and after a certain day --- for without such a notice given in sufficient time to enable edidents here to act upon it --- it would evidently be unfair to persons here if they are not allowed to have at least an equal chance with the Wellington people. I found that the Hawea stream had not been correctly laid down on the original sketch map it is in reality more than 2 miles northward of its former supposed position so that the govt. ground extends more in that direction than was thought. I trust Moananui will be able to see you before you leave for Auckland. I have paid a man named Elisha 15/- and Korouria 15/- for work done in pointing out the Boundaries as they assisted me in the Survey but to Moananui himself I have not given anything as I could not certify as to his having done any work. I suppose if Domett has not left before you get this that you will let him see the plan of the land. I have had to do all myself as Bousfield is otherwise engaged and in consequence have not time to make a copy for him as I intended but will do so in a few days and send it to him by the Salopian if he should not arrive in her next time --- please tell him this. I wish if you had time you would write me a line before you leave Wellington to say if you are likely soon to be here again or at what particular time if you have formed any plan, as it will be of some consequence to me to know if you have no particular objection to inform me. Meanwhile believe me to remain Very faithfully yours, H. Fitzgerald.