Wanganui 23rd. Novr. 1859. My dear Sir, I received by the ''Wonga Wonga'' a letter from Mr. Friend, requesting me to furnish you with an account of of the Surveys, and to know whether the Reserves at Waitotara are yet marked off? Since the first of September I have been wording for the Provincial Govt. in this District and the Rangitikei. Up to that period, I have cut out the native inland boundary from the Waitotara River to Otana, and, on its completion, commenced the survey of the coast. Owing to considerable jealousy between the Kai-iwi and Waitatara natives - the latter insisting on my chaming above the cliffs and the former on my chaining the beach, there was great delay in commencing this portion of the surveys; but it resulted in my being obliged to chain the beach for the entire length, from the Mowhanau to the Waitotara River. I then proceeded with the survey of the River, which has been carried for about 6 miles inland. Having received no instructions whatever regarding the Native Reserves I at this stage of the work relinquished the survey of the block. I have been extremely guarded throughout in never encouraging the Natives to talk about their reserves - always telling them that their arrangement would be left solel to you. Mr. Deighton has, I believe, adopted a similar course, so that we have but a very limited idea of what Reserves they will require. The chief demand will, I fancy, be from Aropeta's tribe for a very large block between the Kai-iwi and Okehu streams. If you are likely to be long detained in Wellington it would perhaps be well to authorize Mr. Deighton to enter into preliminary arrangements with the natives about their reserves? I am much obliged to you for recollecting the financial part of the surveys, but I still have a small balance in hand. Of course, should the survey be continued I shall require further advances. I, in common with all your Wanganui friends, am extremely grieved to hear from other sources of your late serious illness; but I earnestly trust that rest will soon set you up again. Mrs. Porter desires to be kindly remembered to you. Believe me, Yours very sincerely, D. Porter.