Napier, Hawkes Bay December 1st 1876 My Friend, During the late sittings of Parliament Major Atkinson, the head of the Government, intimated that it was my intention to retire from Ministerial work in the course of a few months; and I now write this to inform you that I have done so and that my work will in future devolve on one of my friends of the present ministry. It is upwards of seven years since I became Native Minister, and during that period I have received the most friendly assistance and co-operation from the leading chiefs and tribes of New Zealand; and I take this opportunity of returning to you and to those chiefs and tribes who so ably supported me in various ways, more especially in preserving peace and order in their several districts, my best thanks. It is to such efforts that peace and good-will now prevails throughout those districts formerly disturbed by war and conflict, and it is earnestly hoped that the friendly relations which exist between the two races, not only in those districts but throughout the country may never again be disturbed. It is the desire of the present Government to continue, the same policy towards the Maoris which has been followed in the past, and I sincerely trust that the Maori chiefs will continue to co-operate in a friendly manner with the Government and its officers, and assist, as they have hitherto done, in devising and carrying out measures for the benefit of both races. I shall always watch with interest the progress of the Natives in industrial pursuits, and of their children in acquiring a knowledge of the English language, that they may be able to avoid such misunderstandings as have often arisen between Europeans and Natives from ignorance of each others language. I remain Your sincere friend To---