Napier Decr.1st 1876 Friend During the late sitting of parliament Major Atkinson the head of the Govt. intimated that it was my intention in the course of a few months to retire from the Ministry. I write this to inform you that I have done so. It is upwards of seven years since I assumed the duties of Native Minister and during that period I have had in carrying out my duties the most friendly assistance and cooperation from all the leading Chiefs and tribes of New Zealand and I take this opportunity of returning to the chiefs and tribes who so nobly aided me in various ways more especially in preserving peace and order in their several districts, my best thanks. Peace and good will is now extended over the scenes of former conflicts and it is earnestly hoped this state of peace may always continue. It is the desire of the present Govt. to continue as far as possible the same policy towards the Maoris that has obtained for some years past, and I sincerely trust that the Maori Chiefs will continue to cooperate in a friendly manner with the Govt. and its officers and assist as they have hitherto done in carrying out and devising measures for the benefit and prosperity of both races. I need not say that I will always watch with great interest the progress of the Natives in industrial pursuits and of their children in acquiring a knowledge of the English language that they may be able to avoid the misunderstandings that have so often arisen between Europeans and Natives from ignorance of each others language. I remain Your sincere friend Donald McLean