Government House, New Zealand Auckland Decr. 12/70 My dear McLean, Thank you for your two letters from Wanganui. We start tonight for Tauranga and the Hot Lakes - Pollen, Moule, Mair, and every one else here - all state that there is not the least danger in the Arawa country, and that the Arawas wd. be very angry if they were disappointed a second time. I have urged that the greatest possible economy should be enforced; but the Duke wants to take several of his officers with him; so a good many horses will be required. Moule has arranged all this. The Duke is in high spirits, and seems to appreciate the courtesy of the Colonial Govt, in putting the "Luna" at his disposal etc. The Governors of other Colonies and people in England inform me that he always speaks and writes in warm terms of New Zealand and its people; as do also his suite; so the trifling expense is not thrown away; - it is a good advertisement of the Colony. After our return from Tauranga, the Duke has promised to pay a short visit to Sir G. Grey at Kawau, and also to go to the Thames goldfield in the "Luna." He will take his final departure abt. Jany. 8, and shortly after, I will return to Wellington in the "Luna," touching at any places on the East.... GF Bowen