The Cliffs, Nelson, 16th Octr., 1856. My dear McLean, I have had conversations both with Stafford and his temporary Successor (the Speaker of the Provincial Council) about the Surveys in Mapaere Bay and as it has resolved itself into a question of expense the Acting Supt. does not like to sanction it as it is clearly a liability of the General Govt. I have therefore written officially to the Colonial Secretary and suggested that the General Govt. should write to the Supt. to give Instructions for the Survey and that they will hold themselves liable for the expense, so I am in hopes this important service will soon be performed I have forwarded the translation of one of the letters I have received on the subject from Mapaere Bay in line to the Col.Secty. to shew how urgent they are upon the matter --- so you can see my namesake about it. We are in a great mess about the election for a Supt. the day of nomination was last Monday, Dr.Monro Mr. Travers and a working man Wm. Robinson appeared on the Hustings as Candidates. Mr. Travers has since retired and you will scarcely believe it that we fear Monro will be defeated. What a mess the whole affair is. I see by the Papers that you are about in the same mess in Auckland --- what a constitution it is!!! I have never had so gloomy a view of the politics of the Colony before. I dare say after some years it will right itself but immense injury will be done before --- I am glad the Gun powder plot business with the Natives is about settled and that the culprits have been made to suffer. The Governor has told me all the arrangements he has made with the Ministry about the management of Native Affairs and I think they will do very well if carried out in good faith by the Ministers but still I would rather see the whole and entire management of Native Affairs rest with the Governor and him alone --- I have had the office of Comr. of Crown Lands offered me by Stafford in a very handsome and flattering way but which I have declined and Domett is appointed I have sent a copy of the correspondence officially for the Governors information so I think it will be gratifying to him to read it I have just retired in time as I fear poor Domett in the new state of affairs will either be sent to the right about or receive so low a salary as to make the place not worth his acceptance. We shall soon be very like America in this Colony. No man of any standing will take office. Believe me, My dear McLean, Very sincerely yours, M. Richmond.