Auckland Mar. 10th 1860 My dear McLean Herewith I send you a copy of a mem. of the Auditor which will show you how matters stand with respect to your expenditure at Hawke's Bay. I did not like to worry you when in so weak a state of health as at the time this was written or should have referred the paper to you, and since that time I have been expecting your return by almost every opportunity. We have written to Cooper calling for detailed information on the subject -- and by the last mail he sent up a tracing showing the position of the blocks recently purchased by you and under negotiation -- The N. Ruataniwha is however the only one which appears to be complete or to have been surveyed -- At the same time he writes up to say that in the present state of land purchasing operations Mr. Locke's services are no longer required -- A committee of the Provincial Council has also summoned M. FitzGerald to be examined with reference to the conduct of surveys by him while engaged by the Genl.Govt. in connection with the Land Purchase Dept. and from his answers to the questions put it would appear that he has done little or nothing -- I can only make out that the reserves in the N. Ruataniwha have been marked off -- and he states that there are at present no surveys under his direction in an incomplete state. It would seem that none of the lands upon which moneys were paid by you have been surveyed or can be surveyed at present Cooper's report has not yet been sent, it will no doubt throw some light upon the matter meanwhile the Ahuriri people are dissatisfied -- The Superintendent writes to the Govr. protesting against the removal of the troops -- in consequence of some rumor to the effect that this was intended -- and states that the natives are snowing a disposition to repudiate former sales of land -- citing two cases, neither of which have been reported to us -- I will not spin a long yarn now, still expecting to see you by next steamer, Rogan will have given you all particulars about the Governor's visit to Taranaki -- with reference to W. Kings interruption of the survey of Te Teira's land. Your little boy was quite well when I last saw him he is with the Kingdon's at St. John's College -- Mr. Kingdon having given up his house at Remuera -- He is growing a fine boy and is very gentle and well behaved -- he spent a few days with us at Onehunga a short time since We are going on tolerably well at the office - Hoping soon to see you and that your health is fully restored -- believe me Dr. McLean, in haste faithfully yours Thos. H. Smith Donald McLean Esqr. J. P.