Auckland Novr.3, 1854 My Dear Sir, Some time ago I received a letter from you containing an account of the usual grievances in the shape of cattle trespass disputes &o. at Turanga, indeed my opinion from the first is not yet unchanged, that that place with such a numerous band of Natives will always be more or less subject to such annoyances, and I sincerely wish I could help you, but I fear there is not much in my power, and you must endeavour to arrange those questions, in the best way you can yourself, and I think now that you have got your worthy Archdeacon back, that matters can be more easily arranged than hitherto, I will write to Raharuhi on the subject, and although other duties have interfered with my visit to your delightful little bay, yet I am not forgetful of the necessity for my going there whenever it is in my power. It gives me much pleasure to inform you, that my young protege Edward is giving the utmost satisfaction, I have great hopes of him, and it is to me a source of more than ordinary satisfaction, that, it has been in my power to advance him so far, if we launch young men at his age into life, with good prospects them, the should feel that they must do the rest for themselves. I will not neglect your hint respecting his future prospects in anything I do for him the same feelings will influence me as if I were acting for my own son, but I shall not encourage his getting married for some years yet, how is the other youngster Henry doing? he is naturally an amiable good lad, try and get him to attend his books, it may, if I am spared, be in my power to do something for him also. What a flourishing place Auckland has become since I was here ten years ago, Mr. Rich is doing well with his sheep that he has brought from Port Philip - The land purchases from the Natives are progressing steadily, and well, immigration is pretty regular, but is chiefly directing its course towards the North, Sir George Grey has been appointed Govr. in Chief to the Cape, The New Zealand Govr. is not yet known, Sir Henry Young was talked of, but not with definite certainty. What do you think of the General Assembly, Responsible Govt. and all the new sweeping changes lately discussed at Auckland, by the great, and able political members of the South? The papers will give you market prices and all current news of importance. I am leaving here in a few days for Wellington say a week thence to Wairarapa, Castle Point, and my own pet place of all Ahuriri if I have time, you know what an affection I have for that beautiful district. The exports from Poverty Bay must be very considerable this last year. I see some reports of mine respecting the district are published in the Parliamentary Blue book, that have recently come to hand from England. I find on reference to your letter of the 7 Augt/54 that Raharuhi confirms pretty much what you say, excepting in one very material point, which is that you agreed at first to three head of cattle being given as payment. It is difficult for me at this distance to decide in the case as only one of the parties concerned have referred it to my decision. As regards the value placed by you on the potatoes, of course no one can be a better judge than yourself of what they should be, but from their present and indeed for some time very high price throughout the Colony, the sum fixed upon seems the very lowest that could be offered for the estimated quantity. Is it true that powder and shot is still being imported into your bay, you endanger your own position if you allow such things to pass unmolested. Yours truly, Donald McDean