Wellington 13th May 1872 My dear Sir, I am having the Defence estimates prepared for submission to you on your return, and the usual papers printed to be laid on the table of the house. All the other ministers are now assembled here, and Mr. Brogden has arrived from the South. The men of the A. C. under Inspr. Pitt, Sub Inspr. Ferris and Ensign Maclean, have been doing their work well, and it is to be hoped, that ere long, their exertions may be rewarded by the capture of Te Kooti, who has had a long run and wonderful luck. The "Rangatira" has not yet arrived with the Auckland prisoners, but she is expected today. I have authorized Inspector Cumming to enrol Solomon Black as he wishesd to serve in the Wairoa District, and it was not advisable to bring him to Wellington, where the temptation of Public Houses might be too much for him. I will see that Col. St. John's pay is remitted regularly to his wife. The arrangement with Mr. McLean was of a private character, and in his absence was necessarily not attended to. Things continue to work smoothly in Defence and A. C. departments. I remain my dear Sir, Yours very truly, W. Moule The Hon. D. McLean, Native & Defence Minister