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English (ATL)

My dear Sir

When I arrived here I found Mr. Johnson from home. He had gone to inspect the boundaries of a block of land between the Wairua and Ruapekapekapeka, I thought it advisable in Mr. Johnson's absence to commence the Survey of the Mangapai block as it was the first in his report and the one he had expressed his wish should be done, but I was not aware of anything that might have happened during my stay in town. I find however from a note received from Mr.Johnson that I have not incurred his displeasure by commencing work without his sanction, I have not the slightest desire to interfere with his province, and I hope he will not think it unkind of me to act as I have done. I was told when I called at his place that he would not return before ten days, and I saw no reason for waiting his return.

I have now been at work one week on the Mangapai block, and I think the progress I have made is satisfactory. The quantity to be given up by the Natives is, I think, about 10,000 acres. Four Native reserves are required, in all containing about 500 acres. The weather is still changable and rain abundant, but I feel quite undaunted, and more anxious than ever to distinguish myself in the Public Service, as much I think for your sake as for my own --- I am anxious to complete the work now before me at as early a date as possible, and no exertion on my part will be spared for that purpose, but I think it necessary at the same time to make the surveys as useful as possible and for that purpose I shall have to expend much more care and labour, than would be required for merely roughly ascertaining the quantities.

I shall not neglect your wishes respecting the acquirement of a perfect knowledge of the Native language --- I hope by the time I return to town to be able satisfactorily to pass an examination. I have commenced the study of geology, and find in it much that is interesting in as much as it treats of the works of God --- "which are great: sought out of all them that take pleasure therein, I hope by a dutiful diligence and a becoming spirit in the study of the important branch of science to acquire, in time, a knowledge of all the facts and discoveries connected with it.

I am indebted to you for the expression of approbation I received from the Government I shall strive to deserve it, but I shall always consider myself under the greatest obligations for the deep interest you have taken in my welfare, I cannot overestimate your kindness, and I shall always think of you with the greatest of pleasure. It will always be my care to deserve your approbation and if I have been the cause of the slightest uneasiness to you --- I hope you will forgive me, as you know it to be unintentional.

I find Mr.Donaldson willing to do what he can, but he is scarcely active enough for a survey labourer.

I find that I can get men for five shillings a day so that it will not be necessary for me to make increase on the former rates.

I shall write to you again as the work advances Meanwhile believe me to be,

My dear Sir
Your most faithful Servant
Andrew Sinclair
Camp Paniraira
27 September 1857