Wellington Jan. 30.71 Dear Maclean, You have heard of poor Hector death - There are already applications for his appointment Halse will write to you about them. I have had a formal application from Mr. Moore the Brother in law of Gorst - now Secy, to the Ch. Justice - If you can consistently select him I should be pleased - I know his father who is an exemplary Clergyman at Canterbury - Moore is in himself a gentleman and man of education, and has sufficient acquaintance with Maori to enable him to converse well with natives - He is one of that class of men whom I find it very desirable to encourage for the native service - Halse is in favour of Woon who he says would be of great use as a Translator - I know nothing about him but apart from this speciality I question whether he is equally well-placed for native work with Mr. Moore. I had a long conversation with Sir Wm. Martin about the Native Lands Court. He is deeply impressed with the necessity of a fundamental change. He says he has seen you so I conclude you know all which is in his mind - He seems to have come to the same conclusions as ourselves, as to the practical working of this measure. When shall you return. The subject is one about which no time should be lost. Very truly yrs. Henry Sewell