Manawatu May 9th. 1860. Donald Maclean Esq. My dear Sir, The survey of my several pieces of land having been completed and Mr. Searancke having approved of it - I beg to enclose a tracing of the same drawn by Mr. Stewart and with Mr. Searancke's name attached to it. I should not, in the present disturbed state of the Country, have called your attention to a private matter of this kind, but you are aware that it has been pending some years and is of vital importance to my now large family of eight children, that it should be settled with as little delay as possible. I trust therefore you will be kind enough to put it in a train for a Crown Grant being issued as early as convenient in order that my children may be secured in the event of my death. I have this day by request of Mrs. Duncan (Mr. Duncan being absent in Wellington) written to Nepia and Te Hiriwanu to ascertain whether they accept the invitation of His Excellency to attend the meeting of Native Chiefs at Auckland in July next. I expect to hear from them in a few days and should Mr. Duncan not have returned, shall immediately communicate their reply. I am happy to say that the Natives generally in this part seem peaceably inclined. The only thing creating a little excitement just now is an attempt lately made at Otaki to plant the King's flag but which was opposed by a strong party with Tamehana at their head - another meeting for that object is to be held at Otaki in June next but I do not suppose that anything of importance will result from it. Tamihana is quite determined that it shall never be raised and Mr. Hadfield has brought his powerful interest to bear against it, notwithstanding the part he took in originating the late Petition to the Queen for the recall of the Governor. Mr. Searancke will no doubt have fully informed you on this matter. I remain Dear Sir, Yours very truly, Thomas M. Cook.