Taranaki Sept. 28, 1870 My dear McLean, A deputation has just been to wait on me, asking to have the Armed Constabulary in this Province increased. I told them that I wd. write to you; but that, in my opinion their request ought to be granted unless Taranaki should follow the example of Auckland in giving up the Provincial Police, and allowing the whole work, civil and military, to be done by the Constabulary. It is easy to see that the most likely cause of collision here will arise from disreputable Europeans stealing native horses (as has lately been done,) and the three useless Provincial constables are quite unable to prevent this, or other crime. Again it is a bad thing for the armed constabulary to be so idle as they necessarily are unless they do civil work also. I think if you strike while the iron is hot, you will get this Province to follow the precedent of Auckland. If you get the same down at Hawke's Bay even Featherston will come into the new system. I am much pleased with the state of the Barracks in New Plymouth. I start for Manukau this afternoon. Very truly yours, G. F. Bowen P. S. Parris has not yet written his full report of the meeting at Pariaka. I shd. like to read it when you get it.