9 June 1876 Glenorchy My dear Donald Having seen by the papers that you had left the north for Wellington to commence your hard task again after I hope doing great good by your interview with the King for the good of the country's piece and prosperity. This act, so beautifully accomplished at the very time it was wanted like many more of your acts, filled my heart with joy. Your letter from Auckland I duly received but defered answering till now and having nothing of importance to say that would be of any moment I thought it better. I am pleased indeed to say that things at the station are carryed on with great interprize and vigourous energy that please me very much indeed and a stope watter making and nearley finished at very little coost at the cottage that I am certain will gave you satisfaction. I can onley say I never saw men work with more interest or spirit than all hand are doing of late. Another thing I must say is that all the grass seed was sown before the middle of April and I believe every seed will grow, in fact its all over ground now and looking well, certainly the season was good, indeed the stock and country has not looked so well in those parts for years. Abundance of feed all over the hills and the young sheep dagged and looking fine. The cattle I had nearly dead with sore feet & when you were here are are now fat and well. Kerosine on blue stone was my cure. I had a native come to me and said Hapuku was very ill, so I went to see him and he was very courteous and pleased to see me and from what I could understand from him he has turned against the great bug bear and enemy of the good and welfar of the country. Of course I gave him medicine which I hope will do him good and he said when he could ride he would come and see me and that he and his people would never signe his rights to Russel so that I am in hopes that movement is coming to an end in disgrace, in fact the country has been to long in looking after the acts of red hot revolutionists. Disgrace in the goal is not half punishment for such men. Of course I never interfear but take what I get and know you this that since your interview with the so called King it has done the natives I have come in contact with to my view very much good in their mode of thinking for they were rather queer for sometime. I can onley add that we are well and hope you and all Wellington friends are the same. Yours affectionately Archibald John McLean