Taranaki. 10th. August 1852. Sir, Numerous native documents, and other official records connected with the native land purchase, and police Department, at this settlement, require to be copied, and transferred to Mr. Cooper, the Inspector of Police; and as some assistance is necessary for performing this duty, I have the honour to apply to you for the permission and authority of His Excellency, the Lieut. Governor, to employ Mr. Ritchie, a young man who is already under His Excellency's notice, as a Candidate for Government employment, at the rate of 5/- per diem, for one month. There is no one in the Police Force, who could be employed for this service, which is absolutely indispensible. Some of my books contain correspondence connected with land purchases in the Southern Province; which renders it impossible for me to leave them at Taranaki. (Signed) Donald McLean.