Melford Cottage, Napier 22nd March, 60 My dear McLean, I wrote to you a few days ago per ''White Swan'' to Auckland, enclosing papers referring to the enquiry of the Select Committee appointed by the Provincial Council on the Surveys connected with our Department. Since then I have been informed that you look your departure for Taranaki previous to the sailing of the ''Swan'' from Wellington, and I now write this direct to your whereabouts. My letter conveyed the disagreeable news that I was (through party spite) dismissed the Session of the Province, I had a long correspondence with the Superintendent with regard to a charge made against me by Tiffen, and during which Tom encouraged me even let me read Tiffen's letters to himself, I believe Cooper to be at the bottom of the whole plot against both of us. Lock seems a capital fellow and well suited to the Natives. Do not let him slip thro' your finger. ''Pray forgive me if I am all about myself in this letter, I need assistance against ememies, Rhodes one of the Executive has been bitter against me because, no doubt, I would not take my wife tovisit his present wife who was once his mistress but to the point the Provincl. Council have determined that from 4 to 6 magistrates more are required in the Town of Napier. Could you do anything towards getting me made one I do not intend to leave this place if possible, I presume that you can give me some some occasional work and private surveys will come in until I get some tin from home. I think however that you should have an approved surveyor, belonging to the Dept. do you not conceive that a Surveyor under the General Govt. ought to be appointed to examine, correct and record all crown grants. I believe the work is done by one of the Provincial Surveyors at Auckland but it should be by an officer the office would suit me - Do write soon. Mrs. Fitz and the Baby send their kind remembrances and believe me always, Yours most truly and sincerely, M. Fitzgerald.