Auckland Oct.11, 1870 My dear McLean, Thanks for your letter of October 3d. As I could not make up my mind that you had any pressing need for the Luna, and as, sooner or later, we were bound to finish the Manukau Survey, I thought it better the work should be got through at once, and I have kept the boat here for that purpose. She might have got away South a week sooner, perhaps, had she not had to go with the Governor to Waiuku, on an expedition which he seemed bent upon making, and respecting which I have written at some length to Gisborne. I was very discontented onfinding that the Governor had arranged with the Superintendent to accompany him. It appears now, that Gillies was bent on electioneering, rather than on anything else. Even McLean, who has been here to ask me to stand for Franklin, says he was very vexed at Gillies's going on the expedition, and that he went for the purpose of receiving an invitation to stand for the district. I entirely agree with you about the Wellington application. I think we should give them just as little as possible, to keep them from opening the Gaols and shutting the Hospitals. I am glad you are going to look after the Manawatu case, because I am sure you will take care the Colony is not in any way embroiled in it. I have always held that Wellington made the purchase at its own risk, and that the Colonial Government would not be justified in making it a cause of quarrel or dispute with the Natives. I am glad to think that this is thoroughly your opinion also. I fancy that the report about Te Kooti's movements on the Waikato district was merely a , and is but the prelude to an expedition in a contrary direction, which that wretch contemplates making. Clark says that Kooti has five cultivations in the district where he is at present located. I have written to Gisborne, pressing him urgently to agree, before the next session, to nominate Edwards and Adams, of Nelson, to the Upper House. I consider that Edwards, if once he comes on our side, will be as faithful to us as he was to the other side. He is evidently anxious to enter the Council; and Luckie has written a very strong letter to me, advising his nomination as a matter of policy. Talk the matter over with Gisborne. I wish very much you could manage to arrange for a favorable answer to Tommy Macfarlane, who is very anxious to get Crawford's place here. Tom Russell has been to me about Haultain, and I have written upon the subject to Gisborne. Haultain himself called this morning. I have asked Gisborne to put him on some Commission meanwhile, unless you know of something more definite which could be given to him at once. If he went into the House again, no doubt he would be run for the Speakership; but he has told me that if he is appointed on a Commission, etc. he will not prejudice us politically in any way, but will, in fact, retire from public life. I very much hope that something will be arranged by Haultain without delay. Yrs. very truly, Julius Vogel