Otawhao Feby. 10--60 Dear Sir I write in much haste as the Postman is waiting to thank you for your very great kindness to Mr.Ireland during his stay at Ahuriri. Whenever you pass overland to Auckland I trust we shall have the pleasure of seeing you at my house. You will be glad to hear that Mr. Ireland only lost two sheep on the road, a ewe and the young ram you kindly gave him. Several ewes had lambs on the journey, so that in actual numbers he had more on his arrival here than when he left the Ahuriri. The young ram was bitten by a dog at Tarawera and as it was lame and they found that it could not live they killed it. The ewe was bitten before she left Ahuriri. Her shoulder became swollen, broke and discharged, but this so reduced her that she died this side of Taupo. They found plenty of food on the road and reached here in very good order, as good as when they left Napier. They swam all the rivers, including Waikato at Lake Taupo. Mr. Ireland brought them by the old road, i.e. by Waipapa. The rivers being low and many of the ewes heavy, he thought it safer than coming by the Wkamaru and, having to cross Waikato twice in canoes, at the Waimahana and Arowena, Mr.Ireland says that wether would swim at both crossings - There is plenty of food on both roads, but by Waipapa you are more independent of natives, as except in floods you can at all times ford the rivers on that road. I think however that there is more food on the Wakamaru and Waotu road. The drawback is that you cannot cross Waikato at the Waimahana and Arowena or Waotu without canoes - The sheep might swim but you would require a canoe. You can never ford at those places. I am very much obliged for your kindness in taking charge of the mare you kindly allowed Mr. Ireland to leave on your run. Please when you consider her fit for sale either to dispose of her yourself, or give her over to ''Messrs. Richardsin and Charlton'', for sale. As there is a balance due to Messrs. Richardsin and Charlton on the sale of the other horses, should you dispose of the mare yourself, please to pay over the amount to Messrs. R. and C. and they will deduct the balance due to them and remit me the remainder by Post. I remain, Dear Sir Yours truly Jno. Morgan McLean Esqr. Ahuriri