Auckland 22nd. April 65. My dear McLean, On getting your letter from Scully, I pointed out to him, that I could not act officially for the following reasons, 1st. I have ceased to have any connection with the Militia. 2nd. Being Sheriff I could not allow my name to be brought before the General and Provincial Governments, as the "recruiting officer" without authority. 3rd. The Public of Auckland would take the case up, especially as the Supert. is against it, and will probably charge your Province with the passage money, for any men who enlist, whose passages from England this Province has paid for. I had a long interview with Scully, I pointed out to him, how we managed the same thing here - told him how to proceed, and what he ought and what he ought not to do (I got some men to help Scully). He took my advice and has been "very successful" - so that I did I took Capt. Harrison into my councils as he recruited men in Sydney. He is a most useful. I got Dr. Goldsboro to inspect the men, as he did so for us formerly, and will detect any men who offer, who have been rejected by us formerly. Now my dear McLean in order that I do not get into a scrape in my official capacity, I enclose an official reply to your official letter, which you may burn if you think it will melitate against me. I am much obliged to you for thinking of me. I have not got your deed from Bereridge yet, but have make arrangements to advertize the land, beginning of May. Scully is most active and is a capital man of business. I o'clock. 22nd. Scully has got about 90 men (about ten men rejected not included). I think he will get the 100 required - as it is, he will enlist about 10 more than the 100, as it always happens that do not turn up when required for embarkation on the 4th. page of this letter (kept open until the last moment of the mail); you will see the great difficulty which has "to be" overcome. Depend upon it some arrangement will be made to meet the case. This letter is written at 1 o'clock and the mail closes at 5 o'clock. If possible I will let you know. Attend to the following. Have an officer of Militia ready at Napier to go on board "on the arrival of the men" he should swear them I in before disembarking and have the following with him - 1. Militia Act, with oath to administer. 2. Bible. 3. Book to enter their names and 4. About £100 to pay them 2/6 each from the date of their enlistment, this will encourage them. (Never mind a little drunkenaess) "". 5. Take care that some place and rations is provided for them on disembarkation. (You should have tents ready in case they go up the country and also Camp Equipage.) 6. Take care to have "" ready, if you intend the Govt. to or the mento Boots and socks are the most articles required by military bodies. Yours truly, H. C. Balneavis. Memo. The Star of the South Steamer, taken up by the Napier Government for the conveyance of the Volunteers from Auckland will not be able to complete the Charter in consequence of the Marine Board having refused the certificate. The agreement on the part of the Napier Government will be at an end, this places Sergeant Major Scully in a very awkward position as nothing is so detrimental to him carrying out the scheme as delay in Shipment, either one of two courses must be taken - 1st. The Agents to be allowed to substitute the "Sir Geo. Burgoyne" steamer, allowing the present charter to stand subject to such alterations as the Napier Agent may think proper to make or 2nd. To cancel the charter for the Star of the South and advertize for fresh tenders. The adoption of the 1st. course would not only be the most advantageous but it would be the most expeditious I-shall therefore recommend that arrangements be made with the Agents if possible should they agree to carry out the contract. "The Sir Geo. Burgoyne" will if possible be despatched on Tuesday inst. the 25th. H. C. B. I post this at 3 o'clock, if any definite arrangement about the steamer "Sir Geo. Burgoyne" is made before 5 o'clock, I will write to you. If no arrangement can be made until Monday I will write again by this mail.