Hamilton 13th. June 1870. My dear Sir, Owing to my not having received any answer to my official letter of March 9th. addressed to the Colonial Secretary I now take the liberty of addressing you to request that if in your power you will be good enough to use your influence to get me removed to some other district or place where the Salary and expenses are in a fair proportion, for I cannot possibly by any means make my present Salary pay even my expenses in this District, all I require is sufficiency of pay to maintain my family my private means are now nearly exhausted and I do not see how I am to live if continued here unless I can get an increase of pay. I regret being compelled to trouble you but trust that the difficulty with which I am surrounded will be sufficient excuse for my urgency the following statement of my expenses for 1869 will explain more fully my pecuniary position: £78 Paid to man Servant to look after Horses. 45 Forage for Horses 40 Loss by death and wear and tear of Horses 118 Accounts paid travelling expenses 11.10 Blacksmiths bills shoing Horses 3.15 Ferries 24.0.0. Food supplied and money given to principally --- King Natives travelling 320.5.0 Salary and allowance £105.5.0. After paying necessary expenses I had for my services on which to maintain my family a trifle over £2 per week. I therefore do not hesitate to request your kind offices to get me removed or my pay increased for I cannot possibly remain here and live. I do not think that the Govt. are practically aware of the extent of this District or of the expenses that the R.M. is put to, that is if he does his duty which whether successful or not I have tried to do. Trusting that you will pardon me for troubling you with this detailed statement of my position and that you will if in your power assist me, I am very faithfully yours William N. Searancke. D. McLean Esq. Wellington.