Nelson, 13th July, 1860. My dear Sir, Since the last interesting conversation which I had with you at Wellington about Maori matters - when I was trying to procure some definite information as to Maori customs and institutions for the satisfaction of my own mind I have devoted my leisure to throwing together the results of my enquiries in something like a connected form, and drawing from them the more obvious deductions which presented themselves - hazarding, moreover, a few crude suggestions probably of very small practical importance - I send you my notes in a rough form, not having an opportunity of getting them copied. You may find them tedious and vague; but after our conversation, I thought you would like to look through them. One or two persons to whom I have read them suggest that I should print them. I do not know that they are of sufficient value for that; - but if you should think anyreal good were likely to be done - or any contribution towards a good end made by the publication, I don't know that I need object - I have tried to keep clear of anything like a question of party politics - but I should like to have the opinion of the Chief Justice that he sees nothing unjudicial in the mode of treatment or in treating the matter at all, before publishing - If you really cared about having the notes printed - you might let the Chief Justice see them and if he saw no objection, you might have them set up in type at Auckland, and the proofs sent to me by the Swan - I could correct and send back the proofs by the return trip of the Swan; as I never like anything of mine to go forth in print unless I have had a chance of correcting it - Any statement of facts or customs, not justified by your experience - you might strike out. If the notes are not worth printing - that is - if they would not be likely to do any good, printed - or if they can be made more useful un-printed - I wish you would have a copy made if you care about it and let me have the original again, as it has cost me a good deal of thought and work - Hoping the Native Meeting will go off satisfactorily and usefully, I am Very truly yours, Alexander J.Johnston. P.S. I expect to get back to Wellington about the 20th of course I do not want it to be publicly known that I have been dabbling in Maori questions - although I am free from taint of partisanship. D. McLean, Esqr.