Wellington 12 January 1872 My dear McLean, I send you an Evening Post of 8th instant with what I conceive a libellous article on you personally in connexion with land transactions. I think that you should take legal advice whether you should not in your private capacity bring an action of libel - The Governor was privately speaking to me and he thought that in such a case a Minister at home would institute an action - Of course I only tell you this of the Governor's opinion quite confidentially. Should you bring an action it will not be open to the objection of a political prosecution, but it will be a private matter. Of course it is a matter altogether for your own consideration, but I think it right that you should have an opportunity of considering it. I hope you are getting on satisfactorily with your land questions - Yours truly, W. Gisborne