Wellington May 27/72. My dear McLean, I want to try and arrange about Major Noake with you - Fox was angry on the subject and was going to indulge in placing a long minute on record. But I have persudded him to content himself with writing that he does not agree as to Major Noakes unfitness. He stipulates however that Noakes should write a letter (to be published) clearing his character of charges made against him - and also he will agree to his removal He asks as a matter of honor that it be a real bona fide appointment - not one from which Noake is to be subsequently dismissed. Now let me ask you to consent to the matter being arranged as I have described. I express no opinion on the case, I sympathise with your claim to control your own officers, and I admire the loyalty with which Fox sticks to his friends. Look upon me as unpredjudiced and consent to the proposed arrangement. We do not want the ministry broken up about such a matter. Very sincerely yrs Julius Vogel. My dear McLean, I have read this and quite agree with it.