Napier 9th Jany., 1869 My Dear Sir, I have just received a Southern Cross of the 25th Decr. containing the excellent speech which you delivered at the Mechanics Institute on the East Coast War -- I am very glad that the subject has been so well ventilated by an Auckland settler and I hope it may be the means of directing much greater attention to that very important part of the North Island. I quite agree with you that it matters very little in what Province the district is situated provided that it is properly administered. I have to thank you for the allusions you have so kindly made in reference to the exertions used by me to restore order on the East Coast. I remain, Yours very truly, (Sigd) Donald McLean