Clive Grange Nov. 17, 1870 My dear McLean I requested you to write to Col.Gore Browne last year but heard from Mr Ormond that you thought it of no use doing so as his agent Mr Whitaker would have full power to deal with the property here I have applied to the agent Mr Whitaker for a reduction of rent or a long lease of 20 years and perhaps I might be able to give the present high rent of 300£ a year if the wool market looks up at all but for 3 years past I have made a heavy loss by it. Mr.Whitaker says he has referred the whole matter to Col.Browne and does not like the trouble and responsibility cast upon him in managing a distant property and he would be glad of your opinion on the matter - I refered him to you formerly, and have been expecting you up the coast some time past - If you are coming this way I wish you would oblige me by a call and pass a day here when you could form a just judgement of the value of the property, and tell Mr. Whitaker what you think it is really worth per annum and advise Gov.Browne of the same as he seems to have imbibed very erroneous and exaggerated ideas as to the value of land in this vicinity. You know the land is but a sheep walk 0/10ths of it and will never be anything else and the remainder wants draining and fencing before being of any other value - Much I have done but it wants much more done to make it pay, and if I had a 21 years lease I would try it again but not for any short term - unless at a much reduced rent - I rely on you to pay a visit and write to Col.Browne about this and advise him of the reality. Yours always J.Rhodes