Napier July 30th 1867 To His Honor Donald McLean Esq. My dear Sir, You were kind enough to desire I would send you a line of communication when I had ought to say of any interest to ourselves. I now beg to inform your Honor, that Mr. Burton has given my son a very extensive piece of country to survey, extending many miles up the river permeating the Urewera Country - It is a work which will take several months to execute and undoubtedly will be attended with very considerable personal risk, to say nothing of the discomforts attending it - My son only too anxious to obtain an honest living and to be honorably employed has readily and cheerfully undertaken the task - although lacking so many things needful for the due accomplishment of his undertaking - I have obtained from Mr. Webber an order for Mr. Burton to allow him the use of the Theodolite belonging to the P. Gt. so soon as Mr. Burton receives a new one which is expected to arrive from Canterbury immediately. Now I think in all common fairness my son ought at once to be Gazetted as a licensed surveyor - supposing any misfortune were to happen to him from the hostility of the Natives - we should not be in a position to claim for his family the compensation due for services actually rendered - He having gone through his probation and having obtained Mr. Burtons certificate of capability I do think it would be both kind and graceful if you direct Mr. Webber to obtain for him his Licence from the Lands Court - Nothing would afford my son more comfort and encouragement in his labors than the knowledge that he had obtained that Status in his Profession for which he has striven so assiduously. From the circumstances attending the first sitting of P.C. you were not able to bring forward my sons claim (or I might say more properly our claim) for compensation, therefore it has devolved on myself to make heavy advances towards supplying him with some of the many things absolutely necessary to his execution of the contract given to him. I have recd. from Mr. Webb an account of Mrs. Carr - twelve pounds ten shillings being one moiety of payment due to you for the Piano you so generously allowed her to purchase from you - Could you permit me to retain this as a portion of the sum to be paid my son on account of work done it would be a great help to us - At the same time permit me to assure your Honor that upon your non approval of this arrangement, I shall be happy at once (page torn) over the money to Miss McLean or to pay (page torn) the Bank to your acct. the moment I receive your instructions in the matter. My health has been very indifferent of late, and I find my daily work very trying - May I hope should an opportunity offer by any of the new arrangements which the General Government may effect, of obtaining for me some post suitable to my age and requirements - that your Honor will not lose sight of my interests - nor fail to urge my claims as an old and energetic settler - one who has been a friend to order and on Principle a supporter of Government in Posse - I feel that I have been an R. M. Think how many appointments have been given to new men from interest only - Wishing you well through your arduous labors I have the honor to remain dear Sir Faithfully yours G. Worgan Senr.