Ap 29th/59 2 A.M. Dear McLean, I sent you a few hasty jottings by the ''White Swan'' two days since. I think I gave you the heads of all the news. Turton started on his circuit on the 27th and Will be absent about three months. Sinclair has got three months leave and intends going to N. S. Wales for a change -his health is far from good. It is proposed and send some one to the Middle Island to look up and report on the native reserves. Rogan tells me there is some recommendation of yours extant that he should be entrusted with this mission. The Governor suggested Bell. If the matter can stand over until your return so much the better. The survey of the Kawakawa block is finished -38,000 acres. How about a township. The natives consider that the Govr. is to a certain extent pledged to form one as they were urged when asking for one to offer a large extent of country. Wi Mangamanga is going to Tauranga with his people he saw the Governor - it is arranged that Mr. Turton is to be at Tauranga when he is there to offer his mediation as a Govt. officer. Mangamanga says that the land must be given up - if he does not get the Ngaiterangi to concede this point he will return without making peace. I find the mail is closing Yours sincerely, Thos. H. Smith