Napier 14 Nov. 1871. My dear McLean, I have been waiting until the session is over before writing to you and also watching the course of events more particularly as effecting this Province. The question seemed to me to be at one time whether we were to be or not to be; for without the railway this little place would have sunk into obscur ty and have been lost amongst the greater Provinces, but thanks to you and your brother Ministers for rescuing us from oblivion to which we were certainly doomed, with your Native policy and wonderful that/man Vogels Financial schemes N. Z. may have a bright future a change of ministry would have been fatal and destroyed all confidence at home. I have heard from one holding a high official appointment in England that Vogel was thought much of and did more to restore confidence between this country and the old than all despatches that have been sent home for years. My old friend Kooti is at last vanquished although not actually destroyed in person his man must be gone for ever. If I had been left at the Chathams he would never have returned. That foolish letter of the late Ministry taking the surveillance off the Prisoners and removing the guard has cost the country millions and was the cause of many a brave fellow going to his last home. I am still willing and anxious for employment I have only a small farm of 60 acres to occupy my mind, now the Public Works are going to be undertaken I hope you will not forget me as you have so often promised me employment should an opportunity occur, I don't mind much what it is provided I could get something to do and make myself a more useful member of society. Yours sincerely, Edmund Tuke.