Ship Hotel Taranaki 12 August 1852 Sir, Having authority from his Excellency the Governor in Chief to negociate with the Natives for the possession of my Lands at the Waitera (North Bank) I beg to inform you that I have arrived here for the purpose of ascertaining the exact position of Government Proceedings with respect to the outstanding Claims. Finding that yourself and the other authorities are actively engaged in Treaty with the Chiefs of the different Tribes for the purchase of lands in the District of the Waitera, I beg to assure you that I shall abstain from all communication with the Natives likely to interfere with the success of your negociations on the distinct assurance that nothing will be done to prejudice my present position and that equal endeavours will be in due course made for obtaining possession of my Sections. Awaiting your reply, I beg to subscribe myself, Your obedient Servant Augustus B. Abraham Donald McLean Esq. J. P. Commissioner