Auckland July 21st, 1870 My dear Mr McLean I got your note by the last mail from the South and should have replied at once had I been made aware of the intended time of the departure of the ''Wellington'' I did however the next best thing sent a telegram via Napier the same day by the ''Heera'' answering the principal points of your letter. I cannot nor can any other of your friends be so unreasonable as to expect that you can write many notes while all your time and attention must be required upon more important matters - I am watching the proceedings of the Assembly with great attention - and think the Government have reason to be satisfied with the general temper of the ''House'' thanks to the successes over the disaffected natives - I was quite horrified to see some of my private letters to you printed amongst the papers laid before the ''House''. I do not think it is quite fair to me - not that I object to the of the communications appearing but the is hardly fitted for an official document. When I write of ''hammering'' any one you may depend it is only for the eye of a friend - You say you do not know what I require the £4,000 for - You cannot have seen my official letters on the subject when I have fully explained everything - Strange to say I have never heard of any cross purposes between Preece Mair and Hamlin from this side - What is it? Everything is quiet - and I am carrying on an extensive correspondence whith every native that writes to this office - Firth has just come down from his Matamata run, he is very pouri, he thinks something is up in ''King Country'' - I think the fact of his Landlords moving within the boundaries of the ''King'' has a good deal to do with it. I have enquired of Hetit and others but cannot hear a word of unfavorable news - Firth is to report - Hetit has promised to let me know anything that is moving - It is very strange that Matutaera did not tell Hetit anything of the Aotea affair altho' he was at his house several days after the ''muru'' on his way from Kawhia to Te Kuiti. Faithfully yours Hy.T. Clarke