Turanga February 14th. 1868. My dear McLean, I got your note of the 28th. January on my arrival here I also received a letter from the Colonial Secretary's office telling me that "owing to the present financial position of the Province of Auckland the Government was compelled to dispense with my services at Waiapu after the 31st. March next." I was in great hopes from what the people here told me that you would have been on board the "Cleopatra" and I am much disappointed in not seeing you. You may set your mind at rest with regard to my being behind hand with my Govt. accounts. Great delays have been occasioned by want of regular Postal communication and frequently weeks and months elapse before replies can be received, but I have always done my utmost under the circumstances. The Government appear to expect as much from a man placed at Waiapu with a Coast line of 200 miles to travel as if he were seated quietly in his office in town. However I will say nothing more about it suffice it to say that I have expected this result for some time. Could I only have seen you I should have been able to explain much of the difficulties and inconveniences of my position on the E. Coast as it is at present which it would take a long time to tell on paper. I have considered well what you say about a Native run. There is at present an opening here which offers some inducement and which I believe I could do something with. It is a small run of 4000 acres with 1400 half bred sheep which is to be disposed of by auction at Auckland on the 24th. of this month. I believe Capt. Read holds the principal claim over it and his brother tells me that he believes it will go very cheap. If Capt. Read becomes the possessor of it and would let it to me on favourable terms I think from what I hear of it that I might do well. Will you kindly if he is at Napier speak to him about it. He might be disposed to give me a favourable chance. I like this District on account of the climate and soil and also the means of communication which it affords. I have written to Mr. Stafford asking him if there is any office which he can give me but I dont expect there is. I think the Government might allow me something for all the expense I have been put to at Waiapu. It seems hard to be turned out just when I had got the place made, garden, paddocks etc. but Gods will be done. I trust that health and strangth may still be given me to work for those dear ones who are depending on me. What a selfish letter, I have actually written about nothing but myself, but you will excuse it my dear McLean under present circumstances. Remember me kindly to Ferard. ever yours J.H. Campbell. P.S. I have written two letters to my brother lately. Kindest regards to Mr. and Mrs. Hart and Miss McLean. Did Otene Karaitiana's son pay you £5 which I let him have and told him to repay to you?