Napier July 26th /66 To D. McLean Esqre. Dear Sir, I arrived here from Auckland on the 14th Instant after a long and rough passage. The horse I wrote formerly to you about was anything but a nice beast consequently I did not purchase him, but I bought a young colt got by "Matchless" for £20, he is only a twelve month old this grass but is the making of a very large horse, I did not bring him with me as the "Star of the South" came in to Tamaki very unexpectedly and would not allow time to have him taken into Auckland to be shipped - but he will come down with two draught fillies of my own next time. He is now with my brothers who will see so the shipping of him with the other two. Would you be good enough to forward me a Cheque for £20 - that I may remitt it next mail - Mr. Preece is now on the Coast buying up all the Petroleum land he bought a piece at Waiapu for £200 - paid a deposit of £50 - this is between Waiapu Hicks Bay - He came on to Turanga and bought there also paying the same deposit £50 - when he left Auckland it was said that he was going to Opotiki to buy or pick out the available land there for settlement. I emagine that he must be doing this for some firm in Auckland as he Chartered a vessell to bring him down at per Month which was rather an expensive way of travelling - The Vouchers I received from Major Fraser at Wairoa I sent on to the Hon. the Col. Treasurer - they have been approved by the Minister for Defence sent back here and Major Fraser received the money before I returned from Auck - Also the money we paid Mr. Taylor £2.10 and paid to Mr. R. Deighton £2 - these amts. I have paid to your credit in the Union Bank - Napier - the Voucher for R. Deightons salary as asst. Interpeter has also been approved and returned which has also been paid to his credit. I have nothing more to add at present I am, Dear Sir Yours truly F. E. Hamlin It appears my Brother has been refused leave of absence for Auckland by the head of Departments, which I think rather hard I did nothing in Auck. myself in consequence of his not being there -