Glenorchy June 12th 1869 My dear Sir I dare say you will think it strange that mrs McLean nore myself have not written you before this. I can only say that you are often in our. Mind and almost daily spoaken of in this house, indeed there is no one in New Zealand, that we both esteam as we do yourself out of our own emidiate relation, and nothing would gave us more pleasure than if it was possibble to spend some of our time in your company but that is I fear impossible as old age is now beginning to show itself on us as well as on yourself there is not a time I go down to your grove but ir reminds me of your cheerful beaming face and then comes the talk of your journey up here. I had a very nice letter from the very dear boy by last mail which gave me very great pleasure to see how much he is improved in his writing & diction. He now writes a good letter. I would inclose it to you only it being his first to me. I want to keep it for referance, & rememberance. His poor father has got very poor returns for all that he tried to do for his adopted country but what could be expected from such a Govt. They have fairley ruined the country with their lies and intrigue and want of judgment but please God I hope it will soon revert on themselves as such scoundrels cannot stand long this once fair Province is almost in a state of complete ruin, that will take years to bring the native mind into the beleafe that they had before the power was taken from Donald and if he does not get his proper place and leave to manage affairs again I fear that we will all have to leave the place, indeed all that can get away are leaving already. What with the stagnation in the price of wool & stock & mismanagement of natives, the country never was in so deplorable state. Had they only left D allone to manage the East Coasr it would by this time be a florishing settelment in place of costing almost a bankrupt country throwing thousands upon thousands indeed I can onley say that I hope God will change the rule of the country and let competent men and men of trust and integrity have the power to manage affairs and call on England once more, for help for as long as they employ the scume of the earth for soilders and officers the war never will come to an end, and I am sorry to say 2/3 of those employed are men not fet to do any thing ealse, to lazy to work and what they earn so that I have called them the proper name when I call them the scume of the earth. We were very much pleased with the visit of the Harts up here. I was not so happy since we had you up. I now must end with every good wish from me & mine always, yours truly Arch Jno McLean