Wellington Decr. 23, 1862 My dear McLean I start for Masterton tomorrow to meet the Natives and purpose being at Akitio on or before the 1st Jany. I leave a note asking Kelham to come up there by the steamer - so if you can manage to meet me there I hope you will. Private and public matters can be far more easily arranged in 1/2 a hours conversation than a months correspondence. At any rate write to me at Akitio - By the way their is a cheque of yours of "£ 10--6 Makara"