Canterbury Museum Christchurch Aug. 3 1870 My dear Mr. McLean It has been my intention to write to you for a long time, but as I intended to come begging, I have not had sufficient courage to do so before - Namely in our Museum Maori objects are very poorly represented, we have no carvings and other objects of similar character or weapons and also no means to obtain them by purchase. I have no doubt, that it will cost you only a few words to get some for us from the Natives and I should be very grateful to you if you would get me some, which would be highly prized - Amongst other things I should very much like to get the carved bow and stern pieces of a war canoe and some figure heads of a house and similar pieces showing the peculiar character of the native art. It is needless to say that should I be able to give you any thing in return in specimens of Natural History of this Island I should be only too glad - Your brother John has as you know without doubt come again to live in this settlement, he is full of good spirits and I have no doubt, that he will be all right again and make his way - When do you come to see us in the South? Thanks to you, the natives are quiet, so that you can now easily leave. I should be delighted to see you again after so many years - With my very best wishes believe me Very faithfully yours Julius Haast The Honble. Donald McLean Minister of Native Affairs Auckland