Napier, 3 January /61 My dear MacLean, I have just heard that you have obtained leave of absence and that you intend to go home. Not withstanding the many letters which I have written you on my own affairs I feel bound to write this to remind you that you told me to apply to yourself whenever I needed your assistance with Government. I ask you my old friend to do something - what you wish - but do it for me at once. Stafford replied to my letter to the effect that no such appointment as Commissioner (Crown Land) and Surveyor was contemplated at the Bay, and that my name would be placed on the list of candidates etc. which after all is worth about the paper on which it is written. You can assist me - I want to leave Hawkes Bay and I write to ask you as an old friend whom God knows only if I may ever see again I want some position, and this at least would not cost the Government anything. The Trials of the Native Land Purchase Ordnance are being all dismissed. I doubt now whether your particular case for which you were to have been summoned will go on - they want only one connection and then to try the case at the Supreme Court. There will not be much work for me here after next month would you recommend me to go to Auckland of course if do I will clear out here. Ever Yours very sincerely, M. Fitzgerald.