Letter from Andrew Sinclair, to Donald McLean Esq. dated 22nd. November 1858 Coromandel 22nd. November 1858 My dear Mr. McLean, I have been anxiously waiting your arrival for the last ten days; and I hope by the time this reaches you, you will be ready to come. Had it not been that you were daily expected, I would, before this time, have reported to you that I had nothing to do, and requested further instructions. Since my arrival here, I attempted the Survey of a Block, which I estimated to contain 25 acres, a portion of which is occupied by a black man named Morris, but failed, on account of opposition from Pita's party. The owner, Te Arakuri, offered me £5 for the work I had done, and requested me to discontinue the survey; which I thought it advisable to do under the circumstances. But I strenously opposed his desire to compensate the Government for the work which had been done. I have also surveyed a Block containing 255 acres, and traversed the frontage of Webster's claim, which contains about 156 acres. I am now engaged with the survey of a Block which contains eight or nine acres, which will probably be finished to-morrow. Mr. Preece, the bearer of this letter, will be able to give you a correct account of the progress of Land Purchases in this district. As far as my penetration extends, there appear to be three blocks under negotiation, -- two small ones at Kikowakarere, and a very large one at Mercury Bay. But I believe the latter requires your personal investigation. The natives are anxious for you to come down. They talk of selling a great deal of land when you come. But where it lies, I am not aware, and I thought it better not to ask them, lest they might think I wanted to destroy the influence of Mr. Preece, by encroaching upon duties which properly belong to him. I have prepared two plans of the Block which I have completed, -- one on a small scale, shewing its connection with the Township hill, and the South end of the Island; and the other on a large scale, shewing the traversed lines, and giving their bearings and distances; which I shall forward on some future occasion for the information of the Government. Hoping to see you soon. Yours most sincerely (Signed) Andrew Sinclair. To:- Donald McLean Esq.