''Clyde'' Feby. 7th 69 Dear Sir, What with the late expedition and the arrival of the Pay master I have had no time to write before this altho. I was anxious to do so. Mr. Burton told me on his return from Napier that you had asked him to see about your sheep at 'Mohaka' - affairs there seem to have arrived at a crisis - Sim has the natives tell me removed 900 of the sheep - and they have taken possession of the remainder. I will endeavour to go over and see how things are in a few days probably with Burton and write you word - I wish to know your wishes about the long deferred Book - I hardly think it will be advisable that I should leave this for any time, until matters are more settled - more especially as Mr. Preece is ordered to 'Patea'. No stranger could possibly manage this place, and the prospect held out of Mr. Booth being R. M. with Mr. Wylie for Interpreter does not strike me as being a promising one for our District. Practically if Mr. Deighton is to be removed to Waikato - and Mr. Atkinson obtains his wish of being appointed to 'Taranga' we should he far better without an R. M. at all - My suggestion would be to create 2 Justices and a Native Commissioner for a time say 12 or 18 months I would accept the latter appointment although I should probably be a loser in a pecuniary sense by so doing - I merely mention this as an idea which has occured to me, as offering the best solution to many difficulties - and would certainly be the most economical plan - This place really does want some energy infused into it, and some through managemnt Thanks to your exertions in my behalf my position in any case is pretty secure, and if the country prospers I have every likelyhood of prospering with it - so that I cannot be charged with any motive of personal interest in the suggestion I have made - I need not add that in any and every case I shall be only too happy to obey your wishes whatever plans may be finally decided on - something however must be done to rebuild the prosperity of these districts on a surer foundation - and I can imagine no more worthy task if secured even at any personal exertion or sacrifice - I would very much like to get to Napier for a week at any rate if you think I may do so - and some decision might be arrived at. You were kind enough to permit me to write freely about all matters and I have done so - There is nothing of particular interest just now - the payments here will be nearer £ than £ the trouble has been I beg to remain, Dear Sir, Your Obedt. Servt. Geo.B. Worgan D. McLean Esqre.