Wellington 9 May 1868 My dear Maclean - I am going to trouble you once more about that appointment at Taupo for J. St George. It is , I don't know with what truth or want of it - that Richmond is inclined to give the appointment to man, who has bought Holts run at Taupo. If he should do so I think it will be a great shame. Jack has every way a prior claim. He has never had increase of pay or promotion (except the one of Capt. of Militia - without pay) or any reward for his conduct, which got him repeated "honorable mentions" in despatches - during the War. Of course your kindness in keeping him on pay on special service so long after the Mounted Force was disbanded. It is the harder for him, because if it had not been that he was so nearly connected with myself I would in 1863 have made him a Captain in that Force, , for which I am sure, speaking , that he was quite as well qualified as most who got that or similar rank - I think moreover Richmond as good as you and at the close of the Session when you had an interview with him, on that special subject I believe - That if So I understood from you afterwards - I think it too bad of Richmond considering how often I have lent a hand to his kith and kin - not to oblige me in this - where I really think he would be benefitting the public too. Would it be too much of you to ask you to be kind enough if you are writing to Richmond to repeat once more of the recommendations of Jack I think you have made on several occasions already? It is of great importance to Jack to get this - for he has nothing of his own to start with on the run - Owing to the fall in wool and general depression I have been unable to sell my run at Anuru and consequently to assist him in stockg the Taupo Run - as I had intended. Do like a good fellow, do me this good turn for "auld lang syne". Believe me Yours very truly Alfred Domett