Brackenfield Canterbury Oct. 22/66 My dear McLean, It was most kind of you to think of writing to me in the moment of your triumph and most generous of you to associate my name with your success. At the same moment that your letter reached me an article in the Press was put into my hands commenting upon your success and whilst giving you the fullest credit it curiously enough said in almost your own words that at one time you would not have expected such results from selfreliance, but if I first adopted the policy, yet where would it have been without such men as you to carry it out, and such men as Whitmore Frazer Lambert Biggs and others no less distinguished to work it. My merit was simply in having faith in such as you I have I assure you wondered at the immense pluck - patience - foresight and management which you have shewn throughout it makes me proud of the Colony - I have often wished to write and tell you so, but hardly liked, it seemed presumptuous in me - how pleased Governor Browne will be to hear of your doings - Now well and pluckily the Napier people behaved turning out like trumps. I sometimes wish that I could have carried out my views myself, and that our whole native policy had had a fair trial. Recent events in politics have I am sorry to say strengthened the feeling in favor of separation here but I still hope for N. Zd. as a united Colony - I was very sorry to hear that your annexation bill failed I am still in very weak health though on the whole I do not think that I shall go home this year but an uncertain till Clifford arrives next month. Remember me to Ormond I am glad he had a share in your success. I have written a note to Whitmore. Ever yrs very faithfully Fred. A. Weld.