Napier April 2nd /73 Hon. D. McLean Dear Sir, I was very much disappointed, when I came thro' Wellington a short time back, at not being able to see you, thro' your absence in the North; I however hoped you would come down this Coast, on your return to Wellington, but as you did not, I had no opportunity of seeing you -- I had just returned from a short holiday to Canterbury where I was in time to bid good bye to my uncle and family prior to their departure for England. They ought to be well on their way now -- I only saw my uncle for about ten minutes as I had to leave Lyttleton the day he arrived -- I wished to see him about getting me an increase of salary, and as I had not the chance of speaking to him, I trust Sir you will excuse my now writing to you on the subject, as I hardly think I am getting my dues, and you kindly promised, if I wanted anything, to take notice of it -- I applied to Mr. Lemon sometime back for an increase, as I have only received £10 since the end of 1869 -- Mr. Lemon answered that it could not be granted, and though it would be mentioned on the next estimate, that I must not look on it, on that account, as anything like a promise -- I have been in the service nearly six years and am getting £160 -- and though I have some money of my own, I do not think that should be in any way taken into consideration -- I have no wish whatever to leave the Dept., as I like it very much, and as Napier agrees extremely well with my health, which is none of the best, I do not care about leaving it, especially as I have a very good office, and plenty of work -- I have consulted the Doctor also on this head, otherwise I should not mind a change, but as under present things and circumstances, and this being an important office, and increasing more so every day, I wish to remain here, but I do not see why that should be a hindrance (if it is) to my getting an increase -- Might I ask you Mr. McLean if you could do so, to kindly put in a word for me -- I should have much preferred seeing you for half a minute myself, if I had had an opportunity -- Mr. Lemon goes on the principal that as long as you have enough to on you must be content with that -- I like Napier more and more every day, the magnificent climate agrees with my health splendidly -- I felt the difference directly I went out of it south -- It has however been raining for the last week, but seems now to have cleared up again, and we have had a delightful day -- I am glad that precious "Commission" is over at last, for it gave us just a little too much work to do -- There does not seem to have been much result from it, however, Being a Civil Servant I'm not allowed to talk on such subjects -- I'm afraid I've offended Mr. Henry Russell very much, I'm not sure of the reason, but have a good idea, and as it was simply through doing my duty, I don't care, tho' I'm pretty sure I've made an enemy of him -- as he said to me a few days back, "Wait until our party gets in this Session, and then we'll see what will happen" -- This was on my raising his wrath against me -- for simply doing my duty -- I hope, Sir, you will excuse my troubling you on this, but as you have kindly taken an interest in my welfare, I thought you would not mind my doing so -- But I am getting rather disgusted at receiving so little pay, for what I consider is a billet worth a great deal more -- We are just starting the third wire to Auckland from here, as well as the line to Poverty Bay, I don't think the latter will be through for eight or ten months yet, We've had the office enlarged once lately, but shall need it again when all these lines are up -- I like the people here very much, as they are all so kind and sociable, and free, as a rule, from the cliques etc. wh. exist in most small places -- This however is growing at a wonderful rate, New buildings are going up in all directions, and the flat will soon be quite built over -- Hoping this will find you enjoying good health, and with thanks for the kind interest you have hitherto taken in me, wh. I will do my best to deserve also in the future. I remain Yours very sincerely John Hall Junr.