Danesfort, Paeroa

2 January 1903

Dear Partridge

Just received your last letter. It must have crossed one from me in which I enclosed to you Wilkinsons reply. As to Te Heuheu he is at Kihikihi, and there will be sure to be a difficulty in getting hold of his people. It then occured to me to write to my old friend Charlie Nelson, at Whakarewarewa and explained to him exactly what we required. I said we would stop at his place if we went to Rotorua, and we did not wish a public display or to be interfered with by Europeans. We could easily get a paddock or clear spot to take the photos at close to his place. I asked him to wire me as soon as possible. I would like to get the performers all of one tribe if possible. The Arawa ought to be pretty good as they often perform before Europeans. Grace has not replied to my letter.

Mrs Mackay is improving, and I could get away some time next week. Could run up one day and most likely come down the next. At any rate three days would do it.
As mail is closing must stop.

Yours truly

James Mackay