Purengu St. Becr. 3 1863 My very dear Sir I have just now sent in an application to the Native Land purchase office for some remuneration for my labours as I have not received anything since June 30 1862 since then I have completed the negotiation for Mahakirau which you paid for when I was present Augst. 17 1862 also Maumaupoki which I paid for Novr. 27 1862 acreage Makakirau 8385 Maumaupoki 10610 besides these I have negotiated for all the lands which has been surveyed amounting to 9309 acres since then about 10000 acres has been offered which Mr Bell told me to commence to negotiate for but not to bring them to a close but to keep them in hand so you will see that I have not been idle. Purchased 10610 Agreed for 9309 Offered 29919 acres I therefore leave the matter in your hands well knowing that you are my true friend. Should you be able to do anything for Alfred please to let me know I find that I was under a mistake about his age and beleive that he was 20 last June beleive me to remain Yours very truly James Preece D. McLean Esqr. J. P. Auckland